American Association Of Textile Chemists And Colorists Research Articles

Effect of mordants on colour variation in alpaca fibre dyed with dye extracted from the tankar stem (Berberis boliviana L.)

AbstractThe objective of the research was to evaluate the effect of mordants on colour variation, textile characteristics, colour fastness, and Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) bands in alpaca fibre dyed with tankar stem extract. The white alpaca fibre was obtained from the company Inka Tops S.A. The mordants used were: alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) at 20% and iron(II) sulphate (FeSO4) at 3%. Prior to dyeing, a pre‐mordanting process was carried out (86°C for 30 min), and dyeing was performed through thermal treatment at 70 and 86°C (30 and 60 min). The CIELab [L*, a*, b*, chroma (C*) and hue (h°)] coordinates and reflectance were evaluated using a spectrometer; textile characteristics were assessed with OFDA (optical fibre diameter analyser) 2000; chemical bands were analysed with an FTIR‐attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectrophotometer, and colour fastness (light, washing, and rubbing) was evaluated using international American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standards. The results showed that luminosity (L*) significantly decreased after dyeing and pre‐mordanting with KAl(SO4)2·12H2O (81.47) and FeSO4 (70.47). Additionally, the b* value and C* value significantly increased at higher temperature and longer dyeing time, resulting in slightly different shades and hues in each treatment. The coefficient of variation (CV) and curvature index (CU) presented significant differences, with CU increasing at 86°C/60 min with FeSO4. Colour fastness to washing and rubbing showed acceptable values on the greyscale. In conclusion, the mordants used had a significant effect on colour variation, textile characteristics, colour fastness, and FTIR spectrum. The most intense shades were observed in fibres pre‐mordanted with FeSO4 (dull yellow‐green) and in dyeing without mordant (yellow).

Development of a Device for Dynamic Simulation of the Breathing System to Evaluate a Functional Nonwoven Fabric Coated with Cu Film

One of the challenges to evaluate the performance of functional materials for face masks is to look for a dynamic interaction with biological samples. A device for dynamic simulation of breathing system is constructed and dynamic and static responses of a polypropylene (C3H6)n nonwoven fabric coated with Cu film by magnetron‐sputtering process, against Escherichia coli, are analyzed. The use of scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and the 3‐4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) indirect method using the L929 mouse fibroblasts, and the procedure of Antibacterial Activity of Textile Materials: Parallel Streak (TM147) from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) using E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus strains, allows to evaluate the morphological, physicochemical, and biological static performance of the obtained composite. No leaching of the deposited Cu film in the substrate is observed after using the device for dynamic simulation of breathing system. The permeability coefficient of the nonwoven fabric is obtained, equivalent to 71.4 Pa cm−2. By the dynamic response against E. coli bacteria, the best bactericidal activity is observed for S960 with the maximum Cu concentration, presenting a high potential for application as a functional layer in facial masks.

Antibacterial cotton from novel phytic acid-based multilayer nanocoating

In an effort to impart antimicrobial behavior to cotton using renewable and environmentally benign components, fabric was treated using layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Alternating layers of phytic acid (PA) and chitosan (CH) were deposited from water. Cotton coated with four and eight bilayers (BLs) of anionic PA and cationic CH, with and without adding copper (II) sulfate (CuSO4) into the CH solution, was evaluated in accordance with the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) TM 100-2019 test method. Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae were used to determine whether the addition of copper salt into a CH network improves antibacterial efficacy. The copper ions were successfully incorporated into the CH network formed using LbL assembly onto cotton fibers. The location of deposited copper ions was determined with electron microscopy. Just four BLs of PA/CH–copper (II) sulfate kill 100% of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and add only 5.2 wt% to the fabric. This nanocoating provides a unique opportunity to impart antibacterial behavior to textiles without harming the environment.

Application of zinc oxide nano particles using polymeric binders on cotton fabric

Purpose The durability of antimicrobial agents and its effectiveness is the most important factor for consumer usage. One important class of antimicrobial agents are inorganic metals and their metal oxides which can be prepared into nanoparticles and can be imparted to enhance the antimicrobial properties. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of three different polymeric binders during the application of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on the antimicrobial and performance properties of the finished fabric. Design/methodology/approach In this study, ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a wet chemical method. The nano-particles size distributions was determined using Nanoplus Dynamic Light Scattering particle size distribution analyzer and concentration of nano ZnO 0.1% (w/v) was applied with 2% (w/v) polymeric binders, namely, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane (PU) and butyl acrylic (BA) on cotton fabric by pad dry cure method. The treated samples were tested for physical properties such as tearing strength, tensile strength, crease recovery and air permeability and antimicrobial properties using test method American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) 100. Further, the content of zinc in the treated samples was determined by the atomic absorption method. The treated fabric was analyzed using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic and also tested for cytotoxicity as per International Organization for Standardization 10993. Findings The results indicated that the type of polymeric binders did not show any influence on the uptake of the zinc content. All treated samples showed positive results >99% with regard to antibacterial property. However, the polymeric treated samples showed a difference in physical properties. The ZnO nano-finish reduced the tensile strength and tearing strength of the fabrics. The difference in crease recovery for samples ZnO/PVA and ZnO/PU was not much except for ZnO/BA where it increased by 38%. The air permeability decreased after application for all treated samples, the lowest among treated samples was in ZnO/PU fabric. Further, ZnO/PVA finished fabric was found to retain antibacterial property up to 50 washes and was effective against MS2 Bacteriophage as a surrogate virus when analyzed as per AATCC 100–2012 test method, and therefore can be potentially used as health-care apparel such as doctors coat and scrub suits. Originality/value The outcome of this research is in its contribution to the field of reusable textiles. It highlights the use of nanotechnology to design and develop cotton fabrics for antimicrobial properties which has the potential of preventing the growth of harmful bacteria. The study brings forth the use of ZnO nanoparticles mixed with PVA binder on 100% cotton fabrics which exhibits antibacterial and antiviral properties with adequate wash durability. Currently, there is a high demand of effective durable textiles with barrier properties and the present study provides a promising solution to provide reusable textiles with a greater level of protection.

Preface

The 2020 Sustainability Innovation & Fashion Technology International Conference (SIFTIC 2020) was successfully held in Shanghai University of Engineering Science, China on October 15-17, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 prevention and control and travel restrictions, the conference also provided the form of online conference via online collaboration tool Zoom. SIFTIC 2020 aimed to provide a flexible platform for experts and scholars in the field of Textile Engineering, Textile Chemistry and Dyeing and Finishing Engineering, Fashion Engineering, Fashion Marketing Management, Fashion Art Design to disseminate the latest research achievements and advanced technologies, as well as to promote the cooperation between each other.SIFTIC 2020 is hosted by China Textile Engineering Society (CTES) and Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES), organized by Sino-British Joint Lab for Smart Sportswear of SUES and Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Textile Chemistry and Cleaner Production, co-organized by Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), Shanghai International Fashion Innovation Center (SIFIC), Industry-Education Alliance of Fashion Sustainability (IEAFS), Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts (SIVA).On October 16, the opening ceremony of the conference was presided over by Prof. Jiping Wang, director of the academic committee of the School of Textiles and Fashion, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, China. Afterwards, Ms. Kerry M. King, President of American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), Mr. Ruizhe Sun, Board chairman of China Textile Engineering Society (CTES) and Prof. Jianyong Yu, Academician, Chinese Academy of Engineering (ACE), President of Donghua University made opening speeches for the conference. Andthen, Prof. Yao Xiuping, vice president of Shanghai University of Engineering Science, announced the formal opening of the conference. During the conference, the conference model was divided into three sessions, including keynote speeches, oral presentations and online Q&A discussion.List of Conference Committees are available in this pdf.

Aggregation kinetics of diesel soot nanoparticles in artificial and human sweat solutions: Effects of sweat constituents, pH, and temperature

Soot nanoparticles (SNPs) are airborne contaminants that could potentially penetrate skin, but their aggregation after contact with sweat may lower their health risks. This study investigated SNP aggregation kinetics in 4 artificial sweat standards and 21 human sweat samples. Effects of sweat inorganic (NaCl, Na2HPO4, and NaH2PO4) and organic (L-histidine, lactic acid, and urea) constituents, pH, temperature, and concentrations were examined. Results showed that SNP aggregation rates in 4 standards followed American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) > British Standard (EN) > International Standard Organization (ISO) pH 5.5 > ISO pH 8.0, and could be described by the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory. The aggregation rates increased with concentrations of SNPs, inorganic salts, L-histidine, and lactic acid, decreased with increasing pH and concentration of urea, and were weakly influenced by temperature. Systematic characterizations revealed SNP adsorption for organic sweat constituents. SNPs aggregated rapidly to ∼1000 nm in AATCC, but remained stable in ISO pH 8.0 and > 14/21 human sweat fluids over 20 min. The SNP aggregation rates correlated negatively with pH (r = -0.531*) and |ζ potential| (r = -0.464*) of human sweat samples. Sweat evaporation could promote aggregation of SNPs, hence lowering their potential harm via dermal exposure.

Measurement of sensory deficiency in fine touch after stroke during textile fabric stimulation by electroencephalography (EEG)

ObjectiveSensory deficiency of fine touch limits the restoration of motor functions after stroke, and its evaluation was seldom investigated from a neurological perspective. In this study, we investigated the cortical response measured by electroencephalography (EEG) on the fine touch sensory impairment during textile fabric stimulation after stroke.ApproachBoth participants with chronic stroke (n = 12, stroke group) and those unimpaired (n = 15, control group) were recruited. To investigate fine touch during textile fabric stimulations, full brain EEG recordings (64-channel) were used, as well as the touch sensation questionnaires based on the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Evaluation Procedure 5. During the EEG measurement, relative spectral power (RSP) and EEG topography were used to evaluate the neural responses toward the fabric stimuli. In the subjective questionnaire, the fine touch for fabric stimuli was rated and represented by 13 different sensation parameters. The correlation between the fine touch evaluated by the EEG and the questionnaire was also investigated.Main resultsThe neural responses of individuals with fine touch impairments after stroke were characterized by a shifted power spectrum to a higher frequency band, enlarged sensory cortical areas and higher RSP intensity (P < 0.05). Asymmetric neural responses were obtained when stimulating different upper limbs for both unimpaired participants and stroke participants (P < 0.05). The fine touch sensation of the stroke participants was impaired even in the unaffected limb. However, as a result of different neural processes, the correlation between the EEG and the questionnaire was weak (r < 0.2).SignificanceEEG RSP was able to capture the varied cortical responses induced by textile fabric fine touch stimulations related to the fine touch sensory impairment after stroke.

Nanocellulose as drug delivery system for honey as antimicrobial wound dressing

Honey is a naturally occurring sweetener which had been conventionally used for wound healing purpose due to its exceptional physicochemical properties. In this study, we aimed to determine the potential use of nanocellulose as an antimicrobial drug delivery system for the development of wound dressing. Initially, cellulose nanocrystals were synthesized from medical grade cotton through acid-base hydrolysis and sonication followed by characterization with a transmission electron microscope (TEM). A nanocellulose film coated with honey was developed using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a binder. The film was evaluated in vitro for the honey released kinetic and antimicrobial efficacy following the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard. TEM micrograph found rod-like rigid nanocrystals with average length and width of 171 nm and 3 nm, respectively. The honey incorporated nanocellulose film was uniform, slightly opaque and yellowish in color. Kinetics study refers that honey releasing from the film was intended to follow first-order kinetics, a process of constant drug release from the drug delivery system. It also indicates that concentration was slowly increased and remained constant after 48 h suggesting a sustained release of the maximum amount of active ingredients. The nanocellulose film also exhibited significant antimicrobial activity on both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. In conclusion, in vitro release kinetic as well as significant antimicrobial efficacy against the test microbes primarily offering the nanocellulose film to be acted as a good wound dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds. However, further investigations should be conducted to characterize the film in vivo prior to application as a suitable wound dressing.

Optimization Model on the Effect of Clove Oil, Formaldehyde, and Chitosan Added to Batik Fabric Colored with Gambier (&lt;i&gt;Uncaria gambir&lt;/i&gt; Roxb): Antifungal Properties and Stability

Triggered by the concept of sustainability, the use of natural dyes in batik fabric processing has increased recently. To inhibit fungus growth on batik fabric colored with natural dyes, either clove oil or formaldehyde was added as an antifungal agent. To increase the stability of the interaction between the antifungal agent and the batik fabric, chitosan was used as a crosslinker. A modified version of the standard tests American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) 30 and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was applied as the characterization method. The results showed that the growth percentage of fungi in Batik treated with either clove oil or formaldehyde was much lower than that in the control sample. Growth of Aspergillus niger could be prevented by about 32% using clove oil and 94% using formaldehyde. The optimal condition was obtained with 1% chitosan as a crosslinking reagent, 15.91 ppm of formaldehyde, and 60-min immersion time, with absorbance intensity of formaldehyde crosslinking solution and fungus growth areas being 0.159 and 2.47%, respectively.

English

Functional finishes are agents that are applied to fabrics to make them suitable for specific uses and contribute a specific attribute to a fabric without altering its appearance.&nbsp; In this context, the present study reveals the importance of dyed fabrics with Datura stramonium plant leaf extracts to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which have been a threat to human health and posed noticeable challenges confronted with medical physicians in the treatment of many infectious diseases. More still, the importance of using natural dye is not limited to its antimicrobial and other medicine values but also to its wide range of advantages via elimination of environmental pollution due to the usage of synthetic dyes. 100% plain woven, desized, scoured and bleached cotton fabric samples and 100% degummed and bleached hand knitted silk fabric samples were dyed with aqueous extracts from D. stramonium plant leaves in combination with Alum and Iron Sulphate as mordants using post-mordanting method and then tested against two strains of Staphylococus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram-negative bacteria) using Agar diffusion method as per SN195920-1992 standard. The fastness properties (wash fastness, light fastness and rubbing fastness) of the dyed fabrics were assessed following guidelines from The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) and International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) testing methods. Spectrophotometric experiments were employed to evaluate the colour strength (K/S) of the dyed samples. The antimicrobial activity results showed that for both cotton and silk dyed fabric samples; there was an interruption of the microbial growth beneath the fabric and a clear zone of inhibition around the fabric. Dye ability and fastness results showed that dyed fabric samples with D. stramonium extracts using mordants had relatively high colour strength (K/S) values as compared to the control fabrics which were dyed without a mordant and their colorant was more stable to light, rubbing and washing, respectively. &nbsp; Key words: Antimicrobial activity, silk fabric, cotton fabric, Datura stramonium extract, mordants.

Development of functional wool fabric by treatment with aqueous and alkaline extracts of Cinnamomum camphora plant leaves

ABSTRACTThis work is carried out in search of natural alternatives to synthetic dyes capable of imparting functional properties. Natural dye from camphor plant (Cinnamomum camphora) was extracted under two extraction mediums: aqueous and alkaline. The obtained extract was converted into powder and applied on wool fabric using exhaust method of dyeing for evaluation of their dyeing and functional properties. Color strength of each dyed material was measured in terms of the K/S and CIELAB values, while the color fastness to light, washing, and crocking was investigated using standard test methods. The ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial properties were measured using American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard test methods. The K/S values, ultraviolet protection factor, and antimicrobial property of samples dyed with alkaline extract were higher as compared to those dyed with aqueous extract. Fastness towards washing and rubbing was found to be excellent, but the light fastness was poor which can be improved by mordanting in future work. Moreover, a slight decrease in washing fastness was observed with increase in shade depth.

Eucalyptus Essential Oil‐Doped Alginate Fibers as a Potent Antibacterial Wound Dressing

ABSTRACTEucalyptus essential oil (EEO) mainly consists of a natural organic compound named eucalyptol (1,8 cineole). It is a potential anti‐inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial substance owing to its germicidal properties. Wound Dressing based on alginate fibers are also well known for caring of moderate‐ to highly exuding chronic and acute wounds. So, it was intended to load alginate with cineole to obtain a natural antibacterial fiber. EEO was loaded to a spinning dope of alginate. EEO‐doped alginate fibers were fabricated by wet spinning method, and then as‐spun fibers were consolidated in coagulation baths containing divalent cations. The cineol content of EEO, as its most active antibacterial agent, was measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and their tensile mechanical properties were determined by a Shirley's strength tester. Antibacterial efficiency of samples was studied by measuring their zone of inhibition against a gram‐positive organism (Staphylococcus aureus) in accordance with American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATTC) test method 147. The cross section of EEO‐loaded alginate fibers was rounder and their tensile mechanical properties didn't decline significantly in comparison with unloaded alginate fibers. The presence of antibacterial activity observed for loaded samples and improved by increasing the EEO content of fibers. To consider the produced antibacterial activity and intrinsic properties of alginate, EEO‐loaded alginate fibers are proposed for occlusive or semiocclusive Wound Dressing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Technol 2014, 33, 21408; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/adv.21408

Dynamic measurement of fabric wrinkle recovery angle by video sequence processing

Wrinkle recovery is a dynamic process in which a folded fabric specimen continues to be unfolded by itself, and is often evaluated by angle changes between two folded fabric wings. Inspired by the advantages of video sequence in dynamic measurement, we developed a video capturing and processing system for dynamic measurements of fabric wrinkle recovery angle. In the experiment stage, a wrinkled specimen is first compressed by a pneumatic presser for a certain duration, and then videoed using a charge-couple device camera during its entire recovery process. Each image frame in the video sequence is processed to detect the free wing of the wrinkled specimen. To calculate the recovery angle accurately, image-processing algorithms, such as binarization, thinning operation and Hough transform, are implemented subsequently. Finally, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test is carried out to evaluate the difference between the data measured using the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) 66-2008 method and this proposed method. Experimental results indicate that the data calculated by our proposed method are consistent with those ones measured by the AATCC 66-2008 method. Compared with the existing fabric wrinkle recovery measurement devices, such as the SDL-M003 wrinkle recovery tester, the developed measurement system has made three important contributions: (1) it automates the entire testing procedure so that human interference is eliminated; (2) it records the complete change of the wrinkle angle so that the recovery property can be analyzed dynamically; and (3) it uses video sequence analysis to calculate recovery angles so that the measurement is more accurate and efficient.

Preparation of Hydroxypropyl Chitosan Nanoparticles and their Application in Antheraea Pernyi Silk Treatment

In this work, a water soluble chitosan derivative, hydroxypropyl chitosan (HCS) of low molecular weigh was synthesized with chitosan and epoxypropane under the alkaline condition by the heterogeneous reaction. HCS nanoparticles was further prepared through ion-gel technologies. The particles were characterized in terms of size and surface charge measurement, and both analysis showed nanoparticles of mean hydrodynamic diameter around 40 nm and positive zeta potential value +41.7 mV. When the HCS nanoparticles were applied toAntheraea pernyi(A. perny) silk fabric treatment in the presence of 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid and sodium hypophosphite by a conventional pad-dry-cure process, the antibacterial properties of treated fabrics were evaluated against test bacteriaS. aureusandE . coliaccording to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) method. The results indicated that the HCS nanoparticles treated fabric showed over 95% bacterial reduction before laundering and over 90% bacterial reduction even after 20 and 50 launderings againstS. aureusandE. coli. The treatment ofA. pernyisilk fabric with HCS nanoparticles also strengthened the wrinkle resistant property. Moreover, the treatedA. pernyisilk fabric was also given durable wrinkle resistant property even after 20 and 50 launderings. The whiteness of the silk fabric changed a little.

One-step synthesis and characterization of anisotropic silver nanoparticles: application for enhanced antibacterial activity of natural fabric

A simple one-step chemical reduction method was employed for the synthesis of truncated triangular silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs). The reduction of Ag ions by sodium borohydride was performed in the presence of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) as a stabilizing agent. The synthesized Ag-NPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, FT-Raman spectrometer and X-ray diffraction in order to study optical, morphological, compositional, and structural properties. The UV–Vis spectrum showed three plasmon peaks located at 340, 412, and 700 nm, confirmed the anisotropic Ag-NPs. The average edge length of 22 ± 5 nm was observed from TEM images for truncated triangular Ag-NPs. From XRD pattern it was confirmed that the Ag-NPs were polycrystalline in nature, with preferential orientation along (111) lattice plane. The antibacterial susceptibility of Ag-NPs-treated fabrics were tested by Kirby–Bauer disk-diffusion test and American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) test method 100-2004 against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The Ag-NPs treated fabrics showed more pronounced antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria than that of Gram-positive bacteria.

Multi-functional military textile: Plasma-induced graft polymerization of a C6 fluorocarbon for repellent treatment on nylon–cotton blend fabric

This paper reports preparation of a dual functional 50/50 nylon/cotton blend fabric (NyCo) with an anti-bacterial bulk and repellent front surface using atmospheric pressure glow discharge plasma. In this report, a C6 fluorocarbon monomer, 2-(perfluorohexyl)ethyl acrylate was graft polymerized using plasma on the front surface of a nylon–cotton fabric which was already grafted with polyDADMAC for anti-bacterial properties. The surface was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The presence of fluorine on the surface was mapped and confirmed by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy (TOF-SIMS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a uniform layer of fluorocarbon polymer on the fiber surface. High water contact angle of 144° was obtained on the surface. The surface also achieved a high American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) Test Method 193 rating of 8 and AATCC Test Method 118 rating of 5 indicating that the surface could repel a fluid with surface tension as low as 25dyn/cm.

The effect of perspiration on photo-induced chemical reaction of azo dyes and the determination of aromatic amine products

In order to investigate the impact of perspiration on photo-induced chemical reaction of azo dyes and the carcinogenic aromatic amine products produced from the reaction, we have carried out experimental studies on the photochemical reaction of C.I. Reactive Red 2 mixed with American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists（AATCC）standard artificial perspiration. UV–vis spectroscopic technique was employed to monitor the reaction processes, and the reaction products were analyzed by hollow fiber protected liquid-liquid-liquid phase micro-extraction with capillary electrophoresis（HF-LLLME-CE). The results showed that perspiration had remarkable influence on the photochemical reaction of azo dyes. Aromtic amines formed during the photochemical process as a result of reduction of azo dyes by organic components in perspiration. The HF-LLLME-CE methodology was validated in analyzing aromatic amines produced from the photochemical degradation of azo dye C.I. Reactive Red 2 and C.I. Acid Red 35 mixed with artificial perspiration.

Antibacterial activity of capsaicin-coated wool fabric

Fabrics made from natural fibers, such as wool and cotton, are susceptible to attacks from micro-organisms, which may damage the fabrics and harm the human body. Antimicrobial finishing of natural textile products may involve harmful and non-environmentally friendly chemicals. In this study, a natural antibacterial agent, capsaicin, was coated on the surface of wool fabrics by a sol-gel process. The antibacterial properties of coated fabrics were evaluated against test bacteria Escherichia coli according to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) method and standard American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E2149-01. Compared with the control group (sol-gel coated fabric without capsaicin), the capsaicin-coated fabric inhibited bacterial growth markedly after 24 hours incubation at 37°C. The antibacterial efficiency after laundry washes was also investigated. Good durability to washing of capsaicin on fabric was achieved by the sol-gel coating technique.

Water-repellent improvement of polyester fiber via radio frequency plasma treatment with argon/hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) at atmospheric pressure

This work reports the formation of water-repellent surface on polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) fiber via plasma polymerization at atmospheric pressure. PET fiber was treated by employing a radio frequency (RF) plasma in a mixture of argon gas and gas-phase hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The surface morphologies and the chemical functional groups of plasma-treated fibers were characterized by a scanning electron microscopy, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and an energy dispersive spectrometer. The water repellency was also characterized by comparing with American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard spray test chart.

Preliminary validation of a fabric smoothness assessment system

A fabric's tendency to wrinkle is vitally important to the textile industry as it impacts the visual appeal of apparel. Current methods of grading this characteristic, called fabric smoothness, are very subjective and inadequate. As such, a quantitative method for assessing fabric smoothness is of the utmost importance to the textile community. To that end, we propose a laser-based surface-profiling system that utilizes a smart camera to sense the 3-D topography of fabric specimens. The system incorporates methods based on anisotropic diffusion and the facet model for characterizing edge information that ultimately relate to a specimen's degree of wrinkling. We detail the initial steps in a large-scale validation of this system. Using histograms of the extracted features, we compare the output of the system between two studies that total more than 200 fabric specimens. The results show that with the features used so far, this system is at least as good as the current American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) smoothness grading system.