In recognition of his outstanding service to the Association, AATCC has named Adi B. Chehna as the 2016 recipient of the Harold C. Chapin Award for his service and contributions in the area of test method research and development.

Chehna joined AATCC in 1977, and joined the AATCC New England Section in 1978. He has served, and currently serves, on many AATCC Test Method, Technology, and Administrative Committees.

Chehna was instrumental in AATCC’s reactivation of the Interaction of Dyes and Finishes Test Methods Committee, when some elastomeric consumer goods exhibited staining problems during storage. He is very involved with ASTM D13 Textiles, in which AATCC is also involved. AATCC and ASTM D13 share responsibilities for the US Technical Advisory Group (TAG) for ISO/TC38-Textiles. Chehna has provided expert input to ISO/TC38/SC2-Cleansing, Finishing, and Water Resistance Test Methods since 1999, and currently serves as an expert for SC2/WG9-Industrial Washing and Finishing Procedures. He also has served as vice-chair of the TAG.

In 2009, Chehna received the inaugural Technical Committee on Research Award. He has also published and been a reviewer of papers and articles for AATCC Review.

Since 2000, Chehna has chaired the AATCC Technical Manual Editorial Review Committee and, in this capacity, is an ex-officio member of all AATCC test method committees. Chehna’s responsibility as chair of the Technical Manual Editorial Review Committee requires thorough and systematic reviews of every AATCC test method to ensure each is accurately documented and uniformly reported in the AATCC Technical Manual each year.

Throughout his career, Chehna has been recognized for his knowledge and experience in textile testing; product development; engineering design; and analysis, troubleshooting, and problem solving of textile defects.

The Chapin Award

The Chapin Award was established in 1958 in honor of Harold C. Chapin, professor of chemistry at Lowell Textile School, who served as national secretary of AATCC for nearly 25 years. The Association will present the Chapin Scroll at the AATCC International Conference during the Awards Luncheon at noon on Thursday, March 30, 2017, in Wilmington, NC, USA.