Avoni A. R. Gharde

Doctoral Candidate - College of Textiles, NC State University

About me

I'm currently enrolled as a Ph.D. student in Textiles Technology Management (TTM), with a co-major in Fiber Polymer Science (FPS), at NC State University. My dissertation focuses on Carpet Recycled polymers, specifically Polyester. I am an avid traveler and a trained Indian classical dancer. On days when I am not attending school or completing my labwork, I will be found hiking, playing video games, completing D.I.Y. projects, baking and reading crime novels!

What I’ve done

I hold a Bachelor of Technology degree in Fibres and Textiles Processing Technology from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai (India). I have completed projects in the field of nonwovens, resins and softeners and production of nano-fibres as well. I am certified in Nonwoven Science & Technology. I also conducted a literature survey on the applications of Nanotechnology in Medical Textiles. I have worked on several machines and equipments such as the TGA/DSC, SEM, FTIR, MVR, Printing & Coating, Melt Spinning, etc.

What I do

Currently, I work with Dr. Behnam Pourdeyhimi and The Nonwovens Institute (NWI) on polymers, with a specialization in sustainability and recycling of Polyester. I am the Vice President for Materials Research Society - NC State University Chapter. I was honoured to be the President of the Textile Association of Graduate Students at the Wilson College of Textiles, NC State University, for which I won the L.E.A.D. award as the Outstanding Student Organization Officer in 2017! I also held the position of Chair for the Teaching Effectiveness Committee.

Work Experience: Summer Intern

At DyStar LP, located in Charlotte NC, I worked as a Textile Auxiliaries R&D Intern. The projects highlighted the improvement of the DyStar product for water repellency and evaluation of various DyStar products for low formaldehyde-containing resin. As the Textiles Auxiliaries R&D intern, it was my responsibility to carry out applications, and fabric testing for easy-care resin finish and water repellency finish.
You may read about my experience here:

Internship Ex

Dissertation: Carpet Recycled Polyester - Characterization, Fiber Formation & Applications

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) is one of the most commonly used and recycled thermoplastic polymer in the industry. The use of recycled PET in place of virgin resin helps reduce energy consumption, lower manufacturing cost, and reduce environmental impact. However, there are certain challenges with the recovery of PET such as low viscosity, high impurities and poor melt strength. Characterization studies like thermal analysis and rheology testings can help determine their thermal properties and processing range, which will help optimize fiber forming parameters.

Influence of Factors on Clothing Sales and its Future Trend

This paper is a study conducted on clothing store sales with data of previous 20 years. Variables such as GDP, GDP per capita, population, marriage rates and their effect on clothing store sales were studied. Regression analysis, ARIMA model for time series analysis with JMP software were used to forecast sales for the next 20 and 50 years.

Comparison Study of PP, PU, PET

This involved a characterization as well as a performance study of meltblown PET, PP, PU and needlepunched PET. Performance study included air permeability, tensile strength, filtration efficiency and porosity.

Optimisation and Production of Electro-spun Silk Fibroin Nanofibres

The parameters chosen to optimize the procedure included time, temperature, dissolution solvents, purity of silk fibroin obtained after degumming, electrospinning parameters etc. The morphology of the obtained silk fibroin nanofibres were characterized by SEM and FTIR and molecular weight was studied by SDS PAGE.

Report on Applications of Nanotechnology in Medical Textiles

This involved an extensive literature survey on various applications in the field of medical textiles including surgery, bio-sensors, imaging etc. It also encompassed the processes to obtain nanoparticles.