2010 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) The objective of this research is to study fundamental issues on the requirements to achieve and maintain American Society for Testing and Materials/International Organization for Standards (ASTM/ISO) specified conditions for textile testing laboratories. A component of the objective is to examine the ways to monitor laboratory environmental conditions in order to determine when specified conditions have been achieved. Additionally, the best practices for the maintenance of the environmental conditions must be studied. The results from this research will provide guidelines for textile testing laboratories which will help standardize practices and reduce sources of error between laboratories. Consistent practices in the conditioning and testing of textile samples will benefit the global marketing and consumption of cotton. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) The approach for this project will combine a look at the Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control theory at play in an environmentally controlled test lab with experimental work to determine proper approaches for “out of condition” events in the laboratory. HVAC control theory will be examined to provide guidance on sensor placement for both control and monitoring of laboratory conditions. Experimental work will be performed in a conditioning room to replicate real-world “out of condition” events and to monitor the effect of various responses to laboratory testing. 3.Progress Report Cotton fiber properties, particularly those used in the marketing and classification of cotton, are known to be affected by environmental conditions, particularly relative humidity. This research is to determine best practices to help cotton testing laboratories achieve and maintain the required temperature and relative humidity. Increasing international trade and rising energy costs mean that laboratories need to control environmental conditions tighter than ever before in order to eliminate variation in test results, while doing so as energy efficient as possible. Surveys have been conducted to determine current practices at laboratories around the world. Testing has been performed to determine the effect of various conditioning approaches on cotton properties. A set of basic guidelines and best practices has been produced to assist laboratories in meeting the demands of the current marketplace for both achieving and then maintaining desired conditions. Site visits have been scheduled for cooperating laboratories to gather more real world data on environmental conditioning. Additional work is planned to develop appropriate responses to the loss of standard conditions and when to resume testing after conditions have been restored. The methods used to monitor activities for this agreement were annual reports, technical visits/e-mails/interactions, presentations at scientific and industry meetings, and publications.