Department of Environmental ToxicologyChemical Counter Measures and Advanced Materials Laboratory

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, USA, May 28, 2026)—Children specific toxic chemical decontamination product and procedure developed.

First Line Technology [FLT] recently announced a dry wipe technology procedure for wiping away toxic chemicals and particles from the skin and body of children helping with the safety of infants and children. This can be achieved using a skin friendly three-layered nonwoven wipe which is now a recognized dry wipe technology.

A new field of pediatrics decontamination is emerging with the proven nonwoven wipe technology that lends itself to different fibers with activated carbon for instantaneous bulk removal of agents and fine particles like opioids. This dry wipe is also part of Hybrid Decontamination procedure.

Dr. Jayanthi Parthasarathy, Department of Radiology at Columbus, USA-based Nationwide Children’s Hospital, clearly explained the need for pediatrics decontamination. Dr. Parthasarathy stated, “As with all medical devices adult sizes cannot be simply scaled down to their needs as seen in my personal experience treating both adult and pediatric population. In children in emergency scenarios, three things need additional consideration: 1) significantly larger skin surface area exposure, 2) high respiratory rate, and 3) proximity of the vital organs to the surface. Also, infants’ skin is much thinner than adults and chemicals permeate faster.”

 

Dry Wipe for Pediatrics Decontamination [Courtesy: First Line Technology]

Hybrid Decontamination has become a default process for effective decontamination. “This is the process that has been used countless times by emergency agencies to decontaminate small fentanyl releases after overdoses, clean police cars, police and EMS equipment, hospital rooms, etc.,” stated Corey Collings, Director of Technical and Training at FLT.

Paul Shaw of First Line Technology and a former U. S. Army medic of 27 years highlighted the importance of dry decon and introduced it as viable and effective pediatric decontamination tool.

It is important to come up with pediatric decontamination method for young people as children have high mortality risks. Toxic exposure at adult levels leads to worse outcomes in children due to different anatomical characteristics. “Children’s skin is not well developed and has more surface area to body mass, which necessitates quick decon,” stated Paul Shaw. Water decontamination increases the absorption of toxins, which may be problematic. Dry decon can effectively remove 80-95% of toxin in one minute and the process is about four times quicker than wet process which can take 15-20 minutes.

“A dry decon approach using materials such as FiberTect provides a rapid, low-logistics, low-runoff solution that can reduce exposure, limit secondary contamination, and improve survivability while minimizing additional stress on the child. In many cases, speed matters more than perfection in the first few minutes of exposure,” added Paul Shaw.

“Children are also not capable of effective self-decontamination and families being in a highly anxious mental status, additional effective support from them may not be forthcoming. All the above factors cumulatively lead to faster penetration of toxic material from the skin and reach the vital organs faster than adults demanding the care giver in the emergent situation seek quick and effective decontamination,” pointed Dr. Jayanthi Parthasarathy. These factors demand effective children friendly decontamination process and products.

FLT has developed Personal Decontamination Kits [PDK] which has FiberTect nonwoven dry wipe as a key component. These kits can be conveniently used for wiping toxins from infants to adults and are field deployable.

“Numerous agencies are using the First Line PDK as a standard response for dealing with Fentanyl contamination on surfaces. This PDK kit is issued to every police officer in many jurisdictions,” stated Corey Collings.

FLT also offers training courses for first responders, law enforcement, and hospital responders in adopting hybrid decontamination techniques.

FiberTect is a patented invention from the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University. First Line Technology has effectively translated the technology to many sectors saving lives including that of children when exposed to chemical toxins.

By: Professor Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University

(Lubbock, USA, May 15, 2026)-Flexible and holistic educational approaches in schools to colleges help with career success.

There has been a shift since the 1990s towards professional courses such as engineering and medicine in countries like India. This has however enabled many thousand youngsters to have opportunities in the United States, Europe and elsewhere. This has been the case with yours truly as well.

In India, the new education policy of Honorable Narendra Modi’s government realizing global needs has been framed to help next generation to nurture their talents, while acquiring marketable skills. Ancient system of India recognized music, arts, sports as part of broader learning recognizing about sixty-four types of educational arts.

When I moved to the United States in December of 1998, I started realizing the value of comprehensive university system. I did not have this opportunity having educated in a competitive technical higher education institution in India.

Situation is slowly changing and the current job market is changing with the advent of AI, global economy, rising nationalism, and other factors. Team approaches, understanding of the world, economic analysis and communication skills are being recognized as value adding tools to one’s core competencies.

Music and sports do have value in building one’s collaborative and individual spirits. American school systems still follow this approach enabling students to choose their extracurricular activities in schools which give credit based on their interest.

With the school year ending, on May 14, 2026, I witnessed the year ending orchestra recital at Lubbock High School, where my son Aditya Ramkumar, freshman at the high school played Violin-I in the Chamber Orchestra. I could witness the passion in young minds as well as in Mr. Alejos Anaya, Orchestra Director of the school. Many students in the orchestra are high achievers in STEM disciplines participating in National Science Olympiads. This shows encouragement and support by teachers and parents for extracurricular activities that enable students’ success.

Music provides academic and mental discipline and enriches academic success. I am delighted to see American Universities evaluate students with a comprehensive approach giving opportunities for students based not only on academic performance, but also in areas such as leadership, volunteering, and extracurriculars. Flexibility, which helps

students to chase their dreams as well as providing chances if first attempt in one’s career is unsuccessful has been the basis of American education system.

“Flexible education system and holistic approach help with success,” stated Dr. Manickavasagam Sundaram, a successful physician in Toronto, Canada, who has benefited with the flexible approach in medical admissions without sacrificing academic rigor in North America.

Overall development and flexible educational approach are needed to bring up future leaders who can take countries forward.

Technology and arts need to have symbiotic relationship for economic and social improvements.

What a joy to listen to the Lubbock High School’s Orchestra playing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygog5JGxWqc

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, USA, May 05, 2026)---Investments in technology and modernization are the ways forward for the textiles sector.

Textile industry in developed economies like the United State are reinventing themselves by focusing of advanced products, textiles that can be used in personnel and environmental protection.

Textiles industry in India and other major manufacturing countries has been upgrading to remain competitive with China with government initiatives such as Technology Upgradation Fund, National Technical Textiles Mission, etc.

Modernization and technology adaptation are seen as positive routes for survivability and growth.

There is some uneasiness among manufacturing sectors that AI may bring dent in employment, which is important for countries like India. Technology development over the years enables productivity and increases per capita income, stated Senator Phil Gramm who was the Chairman of Banking Committee in the United States Senate. Senator Gramm was the author of President Reagan’s budget enabling tax cuts providing cash for discretionary spending.

On May 04, 2026, speaking in Lubbock at his book signing event, “The Triumph of Economic Freedom,” Senator Gramm briefed that technology revolutions such as industrial revolution increased productivity and per capita income. Citing AI revolution, he said while it may wipe out some present-day jobs, it will lead to more and better jobs as was the case during 1840s in England and early 1900s in the United States.

Textile industry in export-oriented countries should now focus on support for research and development, new product development, interaction with academia and training workforce. The recent trade war issues have revealed that situations can be volatile anytime which will affect the industry. Research pays-offs may not be immediate, but it is time for the industry to orient themselves towards boosting research, importantly applied and translational. In countries like India, such efforts will help the sector to improve its product basket and strengthen its presence in advanced textiles. Industry should also focus on domestic consumption and export and interactions with academia, and research organizations. Those countries that have competitiveness in cost and have broad product basket not only in commodity segments will have edge both in domestic and international markets. Additionally, research and interaction with industry associations by participating in research and trade events will help the researcher, entrepreneur, and industry.


Photo Caption: Ramkumar with Senator Phil Gramm (center) and Carey Hobbs (right)

I am witness to positive effects of investments in research and boosting innovation. United States’ Department of Defense supported my research in the 2000s, which led to the patented invention, “FiberTect.” Industry associations play a part in connecting the stakeholders as was the case for me. I presented my wipe technology at a needlepunch conference organized by the INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry in early 2000s in Savannah, USA, where Larry Hobbs, son of Carey Hobbs, founder of Waco, USA-based Hobbs Bonded Fibers, a leading needlepunching industry heard my technology presentation which led to transfer of technology.


Carey Hobbs and Larry Hobbs believed in our work and licensed FiberTect from Texas Tech University. The product through technology expositions like those organized by Booz Allen Hamilton brought Fredericksburg-based First line Technology, which does business in defense and emergency sectors to connect with manufacturer, Hobbs Bonded Fibers. This collaboration took FiberTect wipe from manufacturing stage to commercialization.
 

Carey Hobbs believed in my invention back in early 2000s when he licensed my FiberTect invention and started manufacturing the wipe. Today, First Line Technology has taken FiberTect to many sectors including decontaminating opioids.


Carey Hobbs is 90 years young now and will be receiving INDA’s Lifetime Technical Achievement Award. I had an opportunity to visit Carey Hobbs on May 04, 2026, at the book signing event. Maintaining connections not only helps professionally but also personally as is the case with many like me.


Free trade has been an enabler and raised standards of living. Open trade requires products and services which are needed at competitive prices and hence constant innovation helps.
Research, outreach and collaboration enable products from laboratory to market space. Technology is an enabler and should be handled properly for the benefit of industry and public.

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, March 02, 2026)—Cotton advanced nonwoven product research gains recognition in science competition. On February 27, 2026, elementary, middle, and high school students from many counties in South Plains participated in the South Plains Regional Science & Engineering Fair held in Lubbock. Projects ranging from robotics to AI in medicine, microplastics to advanced cotton textiles conducted by students were part of the competition. Aditya R, a 9th grade student at Lubbock High School is conducting research in the Nonwovens & Advanced Cotton Laboratory at Texas Tech University on proving the superiority of untreated cotton against synthetic wipes in absorbing oil. The goal of the project is to establish the sustainability attributes of cotton in environmental clean-up.

 
Photo Caption: Aditya with Cotton Research Poster at the Science Fair

Aditya’s project on “Raw Cotton in Absorbing Nonpolar Molecules,” received Blue Ribbon
First Place in the 9th grade in physical sciences category. It also advanced to “Trophy” stage
and won a place to proceed to Texas State Science and Engineering Fair in March 2026.
Cotton being the backbone of the economy in Texas, it is pleasing to know that a cotton
project that highlights cotton’s applications in saving lives and protecting the environment
has advanced to the State level. Aditya also acknowledged earlier value-added cotton
research conducted at the Advanced Cotton Laboratory, TTU emphasizing the need to take
cotton beyond commodity marketplace.

“It is about discovery and learning. It is not about competition,” stated Professor Sung-Won
Lee, Chairperson of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, TTU, during the award
ceremony. Many organizations encouraged students by presenting Special Awards, which
is noteworthy.

Advanced application of cotton has gained a spot in the larger science space where a wide
range of projects in general science, water filtration, psychology, engineering, and
biomedical sciences are competing.

Agriculture related projects conducted by high school students at The Center for Advancing
Sustainable and Distributed Fertilizer Production, TTU such as electrolytic separation of
hydrogen from ammonia, and water purification using electromagnetic methods were
discussed by students at the science fair.

Based on the number of agriculture related projects presented, it is evident that
stakeholders like commodity groups should encourage more students to participate in
broad-based science fairs to bring visibility to sustainable agriculture and its value in
society.

It is important to note that the recent science fair is the 70th annual edition, which
highlights the importance of cultivating science and engineering interest among school
students.

 

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, USA, February 02, 2026)---Two major democracies come to an agreement on
trade.

United States and India have announced a trade pact which will provide win-win
opportunities for both nations.

The announcement of the trade agreement came after President Donald Trump and Prime
Minister spoke on February 2nd, 2026. Prior to this agreement, Indian exports to the United
States were tariffed at 50% that included 25% penalty for Russian oil imports by India.

Announcing on February 2nd (late evening IST), via social media post, President Trump
recognizing the importance of India in trade, population and geopolitical scenario has
lowered the tariff to 18%.

*In my column on November 21, 2025, “India-United States Textile Trade Collaboration,” I
predicted that the tariff range will be between 15 to 20%, which fortuitously has occurred.*
While it took time to get an agreement, given the size of the economies and complicated
issues to be managed such as agriculture, it is a sign of relief to Indian exporters and the
United States’ consumers that there is a clear picture on the bilateral trade.

Ambassador Sergio Gor in an interview with a major Indian media outlet clarified that
eighteen percent tariff rate will be final tariff rate.

In his social media statement Prime Minister Modi stated, “When two large economies and
the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense
opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.”

Both leaders have expressed their warm friendships and have recognized India-USA
relationship in their posts.

It is a diplomatic and trade victory for Prime Minister Modi who handled the situation well
without any immediate retaliation or reciprocal tariffs. It is clear that a lot of back-room
discussions and negotiations would have occurred to come to this agreement.

While details are yet to be known, it is a positive sign that a certainty has been reached.
The cumulative tariff for imports into the United States will be 18%, which will bring India
into a competitive position with other major exporters.

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, USA, February 02, 2026)—Engagement and outreach, policy support, and new
market creation will push cotton consumption upward.

Producer organizations, textile associations, and brands in two leading cotton producing
nations, India and United States are engaged in good outreach to consumers and more
importantly to Gen Z populations to create awareness on the uniqueness and advantages
of cotton. The Nonwovens & Advanced Materials at Texas Tech University is outreaching to
school students to create interest in cotton and showcasing unique advantages of cotton.

If knowledge on cotton is created in the minds of young people at school level, not only will
it help with increasing market share over few years, research interest in cotton as a
sustainable and advanced fiber can be nurtured.

For three years, the laboratory has been involved in showcasing the high-tech application
of cotton to school children using hands-on and eye-catching demonstrations.

On January 30th 2026, amidst chilly weather, school children, parents, and academics
assembled at the Ramirez Elementary School in Lubbock for STEM Night.

Why cotton and what new applications can be evolved were the themes of the show and
tell by the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University.

Oil absorption by cotton, which protects the environment was explained by a 9th grade
student Aditya R of Lubbock High School with the support of Mirza Khyum, a graduate
student in the laboratory. The aim of the presentation was to educate the audience in a
simple way about cotton and take cotton beyond its established status as a commodity
fiber.

Professionals like librarians who are not in the field of cotton, elementary school children,
cotton researchers, and senior citizens participated in the engagement as the interaction
was assisted with live demonstrations.

Tom Rohrig, librarian at Texas Tech University with 40-years of experience engaged in the
live discussion along with Jenny Harland, Co-Chair of the Organizing Committee of STEM
Night at Ramirez Elementary School.

It was such a relish to have Arsheen Suhayla, a second-grade student at Ramirez
Elementary who was able to connect cotton with her father, Dr. Md. Abu Sayeed, who has
done research in cotton. Arsheen interacted with Aditya to know how the product was
made and was astonished to see the instantaneous absorption of oil by raw cotton.

It will help the cotton industry to take cotton to school students using demonstrations
which will not only attract young minds but also public, who are important consumers.
Cathrine Prenot, the Chair of the Organizing Committee of STEM Night stopped for the live
demonstration and was quick to point out that such applications are good for local crops,
like cotton. It is clear from our years of engagement using demonstrations that it is easy to
reach new consumers using touch and feel or demonstrations.
Education and marketing outreach should also focus young minds, and the industry must
strategize to take cotton into advanced applications such as in the fields of medicine,
environmental protection and industrial applications.
A three-minute demonstration and engagement with audience is available in the YouTube
link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkKkVGlBWgg

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(December 24, 2025)—Color coded nonwoven adsorbent-absorbent wipe is part of
Responder Decon Kit [RDK].

A three-layered wipe with high surface area core is part of Hybrid Decon and has become a
default technology to clean up toxins and wipe away micro sized particles.

A recent U.S. Army report showed that dry wipe functions effectively in sub-zero
temperatures and the technology has been field tested in Alaska.

Fredericksburg-based First Line Technology [FLT] has the RDK in the market which can be
used stand alone or with chemical formulation depending upon the situation and needs.
Results have shown that where skin decontamination of toxic chemicals and micro sized
particles are needed, dry decontamination is a viable method.


Photo: Responder Decon Kit with Three Color Coded Wipes [Source FLT] 

Years of research, field evaluation and marketing have led the nonwoven wipe technology to find applications in defense, emergency response, and medical markets. 

In laboratory experiments, the three-layered FiberTect wipe showed decontamination efficiency between 78% to 95%. In cold temperatures as low as 50 F, toxin removal (or reduction) efficiency was as high as 94% even at high concentration of 10 g/m2. 

RDK has three wipes which are color coded enabling user-friendly environment. Red coded wipes are to be used during the start of decontamination, yellow coded wipes are to be used to clean face and neck, and final decon should be conducted with a larger wipe coded in green. This kit can be used in mass casualty scenarios and is safe on skin. 

Dry wipe offers advantages such as skin friendliness and long shelf life as high as 15 years. 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, emergency management agencies are preparing well for combating mass casualties, and hybrid decontamination with dry wipe as an integral component has a vital role to play.  

FiberTect is a model for translating laboratory research to save lives and enabling applications in emergency management and protecting people in huge gatherings such as world cup games.

By: Seshadri Ramkumar, Professor, Texas Tech University, USA

(Lubbock, USA, December 17, 2025)—Modernized decontamination procedure emphasizes dry decontamination procedure involving dry nonwoven textile wipes.

Skin friendly adsorbent-absorbent nonwoven wipe, FiberTect is a part of default dry decontamination procedure recommended in guidelines such as Primary Response Incident Scene Management (PRISM). In the field of textile materials, to have a technology recognized in such influential reports is a translational milestone.

On December 16, 2025, about 155 people representing defense, national security, emergency preparedness, and medical response, attended a presentation by Corey Collings, Director, Technical and Training at First Line Technology (FLT), LLC on dry decontamination. Dry decontamination is receiving much attention as this field is in the modernization phase.

The presentation revealed information in the field of decontamination which was not widely known, and the talk provided status of the field. Highlighting the lack of substantial developments in decontamination for 100 years from 1918 to 2018, efforts that led to improvement in decontamination have brought dry decon as a priority protocol for personnel and sensitive equipment decontamination. FLT is advocating “Hybrid Decon,” which has dry wipe and a chemical formulation. Improvised dry decontamination is the default if the contaminant is non-caustic liquid according to the PRISM guidelines (Volume 2), which came out of a project funded by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, BARDA, USA with technical contributions from Public Health England and other institutions.
FiberTect wipe also finds applications in the medical field during decontamination in the case of mass casualty situations. Results from a U.S. Army laboratory shows that FiberTect dry wipe can wipe away ultrafine particles like fentanyl from skin and other contaminated surface. The dry wipe is found to be more effective than vacuum process, proving the multifunctionality of layered nonwoven wipe.

“FiberTect represents the state-of-the art in dry decontamination technology, with its unique ability to remove, trap, absorb, and adsorb all types of contamination, whether it be powder, liquid, or gas,” stated Corey Collings.

Dry wipe FiberTect is an important component of the improvised decontamination process, which was developed at the Nonwovens and Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University. Originally developed as a toxic chemical countermeasure’s technology funded by the United States’ Department of Defense, it is a platform technology that finds applications in oil spill clean-up, emergency, and medical response.

FiberTect invention is backed by peer-reviewed science and is a model for translation research from lab to reality, saving lives, protecting the environment, and contributing to national security.

Commenting on breakthroughs in science in a recent meeting, Dr. Sudip Parikh, CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science stated that breakthrough research reflects work of decades in science and technology. FiberTect invention fits this view as it involved years of work since its invention. Since its public launch in 2005, it has taken two decades to be recognized as a default dry decon for contaminants as guided by the PRISM report.

FiberTect technology exhibits collaboration between academia and industry, which is important to take lab inventions to real world applications.

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