Professor Chris Carr

Chris Carr graduated in Chemistry from University College Cardiff (University of Wales) in 1980 and obtained his PhD, also from the University College Cardiff in 1983. He then spent two years at CSIRO, Division of Protein Chemistry, Melbourne, Australia, and a subsequent year at the US Department of Agriculture, Eastern Regional Laboratory, Philadelphia, USA, before joining the Scottish College of Textiles. In 1992 he joined UMIST, Department of Textiles, as a Lecturer and was subsequently was promoted to Senior Lecturer in 1994. In 2004 he obtained a Personal Chair in Textile Science and Technology, and is currently Deputy Head of School Of Materials, responsible for Textiles & Paper. His main interests are in the modification of fibrous materials in order to improve performance and the complementary associated analysis of the material, in particular the surface chemistry (XPS & ToF-SIMS). Research projects encompass fibre degradation mechanisms (historical materials), hair performance and chemistry, biotechnological modification of textiles and performance properties of textiles. Research collaborations involve both UK and European Institutes and companies.

• Investigation into the enzymic modification of protein materials
• Monitoring of the damage in historical tapestries
• Investigation into the surface chemistry and modification of hair
• Characterisation of the combustion of textile materials
• Investigation into the enzymic modification of textile fibres
• Scouring processes for wool
• Development of protective strategies for historical textiles
• Development of novel performance finishes for textiles
• Development of novel application techniques and materials for textiles

• Surface Analysis of Softened Paper by ToF-SIMS and the Kawabata Evaluation System. J. Materials Science, 2003, 38, 2171. M Parfitt, J C Vickerman, C M Carr, N Ince and P Knight.
• Surface Analysis of Dyed Tencel Treated with a Cationic Fixing Agent, Matexil FC-ER. J. Materials Science, 2003, 38, 2179. S Rosunee, C M Carr, S Hibbert and C Jones.
• Surface Analysis of BTCA Modified Cotton. J. Materials Science, 2003, 38, 2945. S Shekarriz, C M Carr, C Jones and R Mitchell.
• Surface Analysis of Metal Threads in Historical Tapestries. J. Materials Science, 2003, 38, 3307. M Hacke, C M Carr, D Howell and A Brown
• Investigation into the Recycling of Process Water using Pressure Filtration and New Filter Media, Filtration, 2003, 3, 4 (Oct.), 194. S Volooj, C Carr and R Lydon.
• ToF-SIMS Analysis of the Application of a Cationic Conditioner to 'Clean' Hair. J. Cosmetic Science, 2004, in press. A Harvey, C M Carr and A Pereira.
• Surface Chemical Investigation into the Cleaning of Ancient Tapestry Materials. Part1. J. Materials Science, 2004, 39, 1-9. C M Carr, R Mitchell and D Howell.