Current research is focused in color perception and measurement and dyestuff design, synthesis and application.

1.  Color Perception and Measurement
Research is on-going to improve the correlation between color perception of, for instance, the magnitude of color differences, whiteness and staining of dyes onto materials, with the spectrophotometric measurement of color.  This research is sponsored by the National Textile Center.

2. Novel approaches to fiber treatments

Near critical and super critical fluid (SCF) carbon dioxide is currently receiving a great deal of attention in textile research as an environmentally benign medium for textile processing. A new program is underway investigating the chemical modification of cellulosic fibers in a medium of pressurized carbon dioxide. The goal in this research include the development of nonaqeuous, effluent-free processes for durable finishes such as water repellency, flame retardency, and crease resistance. Other research areas involving SCF technology include novel synthetic routes to azo dyes in SCFs and the design and synthesis of fiber reactive dyes for use in nonaqueous media.

3. Dyestuff and pigment design and synthesis

Many existing commercial colorants are under threat due to occupational and environmental problems associated with their production and use. Hence, new approaches for the design and synthesis of new nongenotoxic colorants are required, as well as new processes for their application that are more environmentally responsible than existing technology. One focus in the College of Textiles has been towards the design of nongenotoxic colorants and intermediates.

4. Modeling of dyes and dye-fiber interactions

Computational chemistry is currently being employed as an approach to the design of novel dyes and dyeing systems.

Ph.D

The University of Leeds, U.K., 1989-1993

Cationic Reactive Dyes for Cellulosic Fibres

Sponsored by Imperial Chemical Industries, plc.

Investigated vinylsulfone fiber reactive dyes carrying cationic charges to a) exhibit high substantivity towards cellulosic fibers in the absence of electrolyte, and b) exhibit enhanced substantivity for polyamide fibers under neutral or alkaline conditions.  Fundamental to the research was the design and synthesis of two series of fiber reactive dyes of differing formal electronic charge.  The effect of charge on the dyeing and fastness properties of a vinylsulfone, azo-based fiber reactive dye was determined on cotton and nylon 6:6.  Also, a series of analogous nonreactive dyes based on ethylsulfone was synthesized and the role of the reactive group on dyeing and fastness properties examined.  In addition to conventional analytical techniques, a novel analytical method based on capillary electrophoresis was developed to determine the purity of the dyes. 

B.Sc. (Honors) Colour Chemistry

The University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K., 1986-1989

Born and raised in Derby, England, Dr. Hinks attended Spondon School, and later worked for Courtaulds Research from 1984 to 1989. Courtaulds (now Acordis) is a major synthetic fiber and film producer, predominantly cellulose acetate, acrylic and regenerated cellulose such as the new fiber, Tencelý. Work involved research into novel dyeing and finishing applications as well as an appointment in a dyeing and finishing production facility. Dr. Hinks attended the University of Leeds and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in 1989. Between 1989 and 1993, he studied for a Ph..D. sponsored by ICI investigating the synthesis and application of fiber reactive dyes for cotton and polyamide fibers.

In 1993, Dr. Hinks moved to NC State College of Textiles as a Research Associate and later Visiting Assistant Professor investigating the genotoxicity of dyes and pigments via synthesis, testing and molecular modeling. Following a short stint back at the University of Leeds in the summer of 1996, Dr. Hinks moved to Spartanburg, SC, working for Milliken & Co. as an R&D Chemist. In the fall of 1998, he returned to NC State as Assistant Professor in Color Science in the College of Textiles.  In 2003 he was promoted to Associate Professor, and became the Program Director for the new Polymer and Color Chemistry Program in the fall of '03.