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K-State Today

February 14, 2017

Science on Tap: Using nanotechnology to add functionality to fibers for protective and biomedical products

Submitted by Michi Tobler

Held in a relaxed setting on the third Wednesday of the month — January through April — Science on Tap features a brief, informal presentation by a K-State scientist followed by lively conversation. The goal is to build our community's enthusiasm for science in a fun and unique way. Science on Tap is organized through a partnership with the Graduate School, the Center for Engagement and Community Development, Sunset Zoo and Tallgrass Tap House.

The free, interactive program begins 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, at Tallgrass Tap House, 320 Poyntz Ave. Be sure to let the Tap House staff know you are there for Science on Tap.

Yue Yuan began working with functional clothing at Wuhan Textile University where she received a bachelor's degree in engineering. Yuan continued this work when she joined Kansas State University's apparel and textile graduate program in spring 2015 where she received her master's degree in summer 2016. Yuan's research focused on using nanotechnology to add functionality to the surface of fibers. Yuan is now pursuing her doctorate in the same program but taking what she has learned and researching uses of functionalized nanofibers on biomedical applications.

Fibers can be found easily around us. They form yarns for fabric, can be used for aesthetic purposes, and can serve protective functions. The rise of nanotechnology over the past decades has allowed for the fabrication of extremely-thin fibers allowing us to develop advanced fibrous materials. In Yuan's work, she uses electric force to create functional fibers and chemical methods to modify their surface for use in protective and biomedical products. Join us at Science on Tap to explore with Yuan how researchers are using this technique to enhance our well-being, from outside to inside of our body.

Other upcoming dates

  • March 15
  • April 19

Note that each Science on Tap will feature different topics so community members will learn something new each time they attend.

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