Research that protects the people who protect us.
NexGenPPT is an interdisciplinary research group at Iowa State University. We measure the hazards that firefighters, first responders, and workers face, and we design, test, and model the protective equipment that reduces them.
What we study
Four research areas with one goal: protective equipment that works in the field.
Fire Smoke and Firefighter Exposure
We generate and characterize smoke from wildland–urban interface, structural, and lithium-ion battery fires, measure how toxic particles and chemicals reach firefighters and their gear, and test how well cleaning removes them.
AI SAFEHAND: Glove Sizing and Fit
We combine 3D hand scanning, photographs, and machine learning to measure firefighters’ hands and match them to gloves that fit. Better fit improves dexterity and protection and supports new sizing standards.
Thermal Protection and Comfort
We model how heat and cold move between the body, clothing, and the environment, and we test gloves, hoods, and garments under heat, flame, and cold–wet conditions to predict protection and comfort.
Functional Textiles and Healthcare PPE
We develop antimicrobial nanofibers, self-decontaminating fabrics, and respiratory protection for healthcare workers and pandemic response, with partners at UC Davis and the University of Cincinnati.
Recent research
Peer-reviewed articles published in 2026, newest first.
Journal of Hazardous Materials · October 2026
Comparative evaluation of passive sampling materials under controlled fire smoke exposure: uptake of PAHs and battery-derived metals
Compares passive sampler materials for capturing PAHs and battery-derived metals from fire smoke, a step toward low-cost personal exposure monitoring.
Textile Research Journal · September 2026
Protective textiles in cold–wet extreme environments: a narrative review of materials, testing, and glove performance in commercial fishing
Reviews materials and test methods for gloves that must stay protective when they are cold and wet.
Journal of Hazardous Materials · July 2026
Multilayer firefighter PPE as a reservoir for PAH contaminants after controlled pine–polystyrene smoke exposure
Shows how PAHs from smoke build up in each layer of turnout gear after controlled exposure.
Journal of Hazardous Materials · March 2026
An emerging risk: hazardous ultrafine particles and their metal–PAH enriched emissions from lithium-ion battery fires
Finds that lithium-ion battery fires release ultrafine particles enriched with metals and PAHs, and that a higher state of charge makes the fire and the emissions worse.
Frontiers in Public Health · March 2026
Wildland–urban interface co-combustion of biomass, synthetic polymeric materials, and lithium-ion batteries generates a new class of ultrafine soot–metal–PAH hybrid particles
When vegetation, plastics, and batteries burn together, the smoke contains a new type of hybrid particle that carries soot, metals, and PAHs at once.
Fire · March 2026
Characterization of smoke emissions from wood and plastic combustion under controlled conditions
Measures the particles and gases released when wood and common plastics burn under controlled laboratory conditions.
NexGenPPT leads a statewide program with the University of Iowa and Iowa fire service partners to reduce firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens. The program has five pillars: fireground exposure reduction, PPE contamination documentation, exposure monitoring, clinical screening guidance, and navigation and continuous improvement. The steering committee met for the first time in July 2026, and the program was covered by the ISU News Service and the Iowa Capital Dispatch in September 2026.
Latest news
Upcoming Presentation: ATA Emerging Technologies Conference
October 7, 2026
Dr. Guowen Song and Dr. Rui Li present “Engineering Anti-Smoke Textiles: Insights from Controlled WUI and Battery Fire Simulations” at the Advanced Textiles Expo in Orlando on November 2.
NexGenPPT Featured in Iowa Capital Dispatch
September 21, 2026
An Iowa Capital Dispatch article highlights how our hazard simulation and PPE contamination research is shaping Iowa’s statewide strategy to protect firefighters from harmful exposures.
ISU News Service Showcases NexGenPPT’s Work to Reduce Firefighter Cancer Risk
September 9, 2026
The ISU News Service highlights the statewide Iowa Firefighter Cancer Prevention and Exposure Reduction Program and the role of our laboratory in measuring the contaminants that remain on gear.
Work with us
Participate in a study
Firefighters, PPE purchasing managers, and commercial fishermen can join our surveys, focus groups, and glove fit studies.
Request testing
Our laboratories test thermal protection, flame resistance, comfort, and material performance for manufacturers and agencies.
Partner with us
We work with universities, fire departments, manufacturers, and federal agencies on funded research and product development.
Research facilities
Six laboratories support this work, from flame and heat testing to clothing comfort and nanoscale thermal measurement.
