Research

Research at its Best

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA International) was founded in 1946. It is the leading trade association for professionals engaged in cleaning and restoration of interior environments.

Associate members include fiber companies, textile and carpet mills, and equipment and chemical suppliers. RIA's mission is to advance professionalism and scientific knowledge within the cleaning, restoration and allied industries.

This is accomplished, in part, by providing up-to-date, technically advanced, unbiased information. RIA International is at the forefront of education and research related to all aspects of cleaning science with information on performance, cleaning and restoration of the interior environment (fibers, carpet, rugs, upholstery, draperies, wall coverings and HVAC systems).

The Technical Department at RIA International has more than 30 years of combined experience. The primary objective of its research is to uncover specific information about a product or a process that may benefit the project sponsor as well as RIA members and the industry.

Research projects can be sponsored by anyone wishing to scientifically and unbiasedly evaluate equipment, products or services. After receiving requests for research projects, general aims are established. The Technical Department prepares a draft proposal and a workable program and timetable are agreed upon. After a project is completed, a report is prepared and submitted to the sponsor. The report, and all findings, are kept confidential unless otherwise specified. If the sponsor grants permission, the results of the project may be reported to the membership or otherwise published.

Other Advantages

RIA International has conducted research projects with the University of Maryland at College Park, including participation by graduate students and access to university research facilities. Our staff consults on problems of mutual interest with other textile and fiber related trade associations such as the Carpet and Rug Institute, American Fiber Manufacturers Association, National Association of Furniture Manufacturers and International Fabricare Institute.

Research Projects

Highlights of some past research studies:

• Development of consumer care and maintenance brochures, customized professional guidelines for cleaning methods, and overall maintenance protocols.

• Evaluation of stain blocking and stain releasing properties of nylon (fourth and fifth generation) and other carpet fibers.

• Performance evaluation of various carpet assemblies in terms of appearance retention, color retention and durability.

• Comparative analysis of the efficacy of different carpet cleaning methods.

• In-depth analysis of carpet resoiling and its relationship to detergent properties.

• Kawasaki Syndrome (KS) and its alleged relationship to carpet cleaning.

• Stain removal projects designed to assess the cleaning and specialty stain removal response of commercial and residential carpets and upholstery.

• Research to determine quality and performance attributes of on-location carpet redyeing.

• Evaluation of performance and maintenance requirements for hospital carpets and upholstery.

• Toxicity and waste disposal concerns related to the cleaning and maintenance of textiles.

• Staining and stain removal on upholstery fabrics and health care specialty fabrics, including performance evaluation following commercial laundering and on-location cleaning.

About Our Researchers

Dr. Steven M. Spivak, RIA's technical advisor for fibers, textiles and standards, is also Professor Emeritus and immediate past Chair with the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland. He is a noted authority on the performance, fire safety and standards for textiles, carpet and furnishings, and has over thirty years experience in fiber, textile and carpet research. Dr. Spivak is a past president of the Fiber Society, a Fellow of The Textile Institute and Fellow of the Standards Engineering Society, and served four terms on the Board of Directors of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). He is the author of over 80 scientific papers and journal articles, and coauthor of two seminal books on standards and standardization. These include the recently published book Standardization Essentials: Principles and Practice, by Marcel Dekker [www.dekker.com]. His education includes B.S.-M.S. degrees in textile engineering and a Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science from the University of Manchester (UK). Since the late 1970's he's written over 200 "Technical Topics" articles for RIA's Cleaning and Restoration magazine (see the 'Technical Library' section of RIA's web site). For members only technical services he can be reached by Email, ss60@eng.umd.edu.

Research Clients*

• American Cyanamid Company
  
• BASF Fibers
  
• Burlington Industries/Lees Commercial Carpet
  
• DesignTex Fabrics, Inc.
  
• Eastman Chemical Products
  
• Hercules, Inc.
  
• Hoechst Celanese Corporation
  
• Monsanto Chemical Company
  
• Phillips Fibers Corporation
  

* Partial list due to confidentiality agreements

Focus on Excellence

We support the time and effort required for successful product development and research endeavors. Our dedicated research staff and efforts have provided sponsors with valuable information. We are proud of the unbiased, scientific nature of our work. You can be assured of the highest quality research, produced at competitive cost, in a timely and confidential manner.