Cloth Research Articles

Effect of Blend Ratio and Fabric Structure on Thermal Comfort Properties of Organic Cotton/Microdenier Polyester Knitted Fabrics

Abstract By enhancing the knitted materials’ thermal comfort behavior, fabric comfort is produced. In this study, the thermal comfort properties of organic cotton and microdenier polyester blended in ratios of 100:0, 50:50, and 0:100 in four different structures (single jersey, cross tuck, cross miss, and twill) and at two different loop lengths (0.32 cm and 0.35 cm) were examined. The thermal comfort characteristics of several knitted fabrics were examined by objective fabric testing. The findings evidently showed that knitted fabrics comprising 100 % microdenier polyester exhibit excellent thermal comfort qualities and feature a commendable level of comfort, making them suitable for active sporting textiles. The fabric’s structure and the size of its loops have a great impact on the fabric’s thermal property. The knitted fabric manufactured from 100 % microdenier polyester with a cross-miss structure on a loop length of 0.35 cm exhibits a superior thermal comfort characteristic in comparison with the other samples.

Enzymatic textile fiber separation for sustainable waste processing

Enzymatic textile fiber separation for sustainable waste processing

Recycling polyester fiber with bio-based alginate fiber into fire-safety composite

Depleting fossil reserve and recycling troublesome synthetic fiber waste has become a global crisis when the indecomposable fibers prevail in every aspect of daily life. This work developed an economical and environmentally friendly opening-combing-needle punching technique that recycled polyester waste fibers with intrinsic nonflammable bio-based alginate fibers into a composite up to 50% of its weight. It had a > 26 flame retardancy index and a UL94 V-2 rating, in line with cone calorimeter test that had peak of heat release rate of 27.63 kW/m2, 38% less than similar alginate fiber/recycled textile fiber composites. Also, the composite generated 27% less smoke in burning than PET fiber felt. Its fire proof mechanism was explored as the dominant charring effect that dense CaCO3 residue prevented the felt from burning and exchanging heat/radicals at all stages. It also received support from inert gas dilution of H2O evaporated from calcium alginate fiber and easily generated CO2, as well as the homogeneous structure of the composite, while the increased CO/CO2 ratio ruled out the possibility of chemical quenching of active radicals. Taken together, this research recycled synthetic waste fiber into an outstanding fire-proofing composite by a cost-effective and eco-friendly method, which could be a potential filler and construction materials.

Optimization of Dry-Jet Wet Spinning of Regenerated Cellulose Fibers Using [mTBDH][OAc] as a Solvent.

Superbase-based ionic liquids (ILs) have demonstrated excellent dissolution capability for cellulose, and employing the dry-jet wet spinning process, high-tenacity regenerated textile fibers have been made. Among a range of superbase-based ILs, [mTBDH][OAc] exhibited not only good spinnability but also exceptional recyclability, making it highly suitable for a closed-loop production of regenerated cellulose fibers. To further optimize the spinning process, we investigated the influence of the cellulosic raw materials and the IL with residual water on spinnability and fiber properties. In addition, single-filament spinning and multifilament spinning using spinnerets with different hole densities were investigated to reveal the upscaling challenges of the dry-jet wet spinning process. The air gap conditions, for example, temperature and moisture concentration were simulated using COMSOL multiphysics. The results indicate that the presence of a small amount of water (3 wt%) in the IL has a positive effect on spinnability, while the mechanical properties of the fibers remain unchanged.

Application of NAA and BA to Calotropis gigantea (L.) W.T. Aiton in vitro

Crown flower (Calotropis gigantea (L.)) is a weed plant potentially to be used as raw material for textile fibers yet the utilization is not optimal. Efforts to optimize the utilization of C. gigantea are needed. This research aimed to determine the appropriate concentration of plant growth regulators, including NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) and BA (Benzyl Adenine) to stimulate optimal growth of C. gigantea to be used as the basis for in vitro propagation of C. gigantea. The research was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Explants were planted on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with various concentrations of NAA (0; 0.5; 1; 1.5; and 2 ppm) and BA (0; 1; 2; 3; and 4 ppm). Based on the research result, the addition of 3 ppm BA followed by increasing the concentration of NAA to 1.5 ppm could increase the number of C. gigantea shoots, and giving 1 ppm BA followed by adding 1.5 to 2 ppm NAA increased shoot height. The best plantlet response was found in media with 0 ppm NAA and 4 ppm BA, which could produce an optimal shoot height of 5.9 cm and a large number of shoots of 5.67 shoots. Increasing NAA concentration retarded root formation and reduced the root length and number of leaves, while the medium without NAA gave the earliest root emergence of 11 days after planting, the number of leaves of 20 strands, and the longest root of 10.9 cm. Applying a single substance BA did not accelerate all the variables observed.

First Proof-of-Principle of PolyJet 3D Printing on Textile Fabrics.

Possibilities of direct 3D printing on textile fabrics have been investigated with increasing intensity during the last decade, leading to composites which can combine the positive properties of both parts, i.e., the fast production and lateral strength of textile fabrics with the flexural strength and point-wise definable properties of 3D printed parts. These experiments, however, were mostly performed using fused deposition modeling (FDM), which is an inexpensive and broadly available technique, but which suffers from the high viscosity of the molten polymers, often impeding a form-locking connection between polymer and textile fibers. One study reported stereolithography (SLA) to be usable for direct printing on textile fabrics, but this technique suffers from the problem that the textile material is completely soaked in resin during 3D printing. Combining the advantages of FDM (material application only at defined positions) and SLA (low-viscous resin which can easily flow into a textile fabric) is possible with PolyJet modeling (PJM) printing. Here, we report the first proof-of-principle of PolyJet printing on textile fabrics. We show that PJM printing with a common resin on different textile fabrics leads to adhesion forces according to DIN 53530 in the range of 30-35 N, which is comparable with the best adhesion forces yet reported for fused deposition modeling (FDM) printing with rigid polymers on textile fabrics.

Assessment of UV Protection for Children's Summer Clothing.

Excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure during childhood poses a particular long-term risk of developing skin cancer later in life however recent studies have called attention to the absorption of chemical sunscreen ingredients into the bloodstream with unclear significance.This has led to recommendations to consider sun protection in the form of clothing to reduce the need for sunscreen products. Ten brands of routine summer clothing not labeled as sun protective from five distributors marketed for children were identified with varying price ranges.Summer clothing items consisting of T-shirts and tops were evaluated for fiber composition, cost, and UPF testing was performed to determine UVA and UVB transmittance. Results: Around 88.2% of blended textile compositions compared to 60% of 100% cotton textiles offered adequate UV protection with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) greater than 15. 58% of blended fabrics compared to 50% of cotton textiles offered a UPF greater than 30. There was no correlation between brand and cost with UPF values. Conclusions: In the absence of regulations for testing and labeling of all children's garments for UV protection, guidelines for the pediatric population for choosing clothing for the summer should reflect the information available to consumers that is easy to understand and more likely to result in higher UPF values.Based on fiber composition, blended textiles are more likely to have adequate UV protection compared to 100% cotton or 100% polyester.

Comparison of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Integration into Non-Woven Fabrics Using Different Functionalisation Methods for Prospective Application as Active Facemasks.

The development of advanced facemasks stands out as a paramount priority in enhancing healthcare preparedness. In this work, different polypropylene non-woven fabrics (NWF) were characterised regarding their structural, physicochemical and comfort-related properties. The selected NWF for the intermediate layer was functionalised with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) 0.3 and 1.2wt% using three different methods: electrospinning, dip-pad-dry and exhaustion. After the confirmation of ZnO NP content and distribution within the textile fibres by morphological and chemical analysis, the samples were evaluated regarding their antimicrobial properties. The functionalised fabrics obtained via dip-pad-dry unveiled the most promising data, with 0.017 ± 0.013wt% ZnO NPs being mostly located at the fibre's surface and capable of total eradication of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli colonies within the tested 24 h (ISO 22196 standard), as well as significantly contributing (**** p < 0.0001) to the growth inhibition of the bacteriophage MS2, a surrogate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (ISO 18184 standard). A three-layered structure was assembled and thermoformed to obtain facemasks combining the previously chosen NWF, and its resulting antimicrobial capacity, filtration efficiency and breathability (NP EN ISO 149) were assessed. The developed three-layered and multiscaled fibrous structures with antimicrobial capacities hold immense potential as active individual protection facemasks.

Extraction and characterization of a newly developed cellulose enriched sustainable natural fiber from the epidermis of Mikania micrantha

Riding on the journey of a sustainable world it is very crucial to extend the usage of natural cellulosic fiber from renewable sources. Due to their numerous applications and eco-friendly behavior, natural cellulosic fibers are in greater demand every day. In this article a new natural fiber extracted from the creepers of Mikania micrantha with the help of 5% NaOH retting process. Previously no research work have been done with this fiber. The fiber was characterized by following ASTM D1909, ASTM D 2654, ASTM D1445, TAPPI standard for determination of moisture regain and content, bundle fiber strength and chemical composition respectively. XRD, SEM, FTIR and TGA analysis were also done for the identification of crystallinity, fiber morphology, functional group and thermal behavior. The tests results showed that it is a cellulose enriched textile fiber having 56.42% cellulose. The average moisture regain and content % were 9.17% and 8.4% respectively analyzed from the five samples. The average tenacity was determined 38.6 gm/tex with 1.8% elongation and the crystallinity of the tested fiber was 72%. The maximum degradation temperature for this fiber was 477 °C. The application of this noble fiber can be for making fiber reinforced composites, cellulose nanomaterials, biomaterials etc.

Biomimetic Silk Architectures Outperform Animal Horns in Strength and Toughness.

Structural biomimicry is an intelligent approach for developing lightweight, strong, and tough materials (LSTMs). Current fabrication technologies, such as 3D printing and two-photon lithography often face challenges in constructing complex interlaced structures, such as the sinusoidal crossed herringbone structure that contributes to the ultrahigh strength and fracture toughness of the dactyl club of peacock mantis shrimps. Herein, bioinspired LSTMs with laminated or herringbone structures is reported, by combining textile processing and silk fiber "welding" techniques. The resulting biomimetic silk LSTMs (BS-LSTMs) exhibit a remarkable combination of lightweight with a density of 0.6-0.9g cm-3 , while also being 1.5 times stronger and 16 times more durable than animal horns. These findings demonstrate that BS-LSTMs are among the toughest natural materials made from silk proteins. Finite element simulations further reveal that the fortification and hardening of BS-LSTMs arise primarily from the hierarchical organization of silk fibers and mechanically transferable meso-interfaces. This study highlights the rational, cost-effective, controllable mesostructure, and transferable strategy of integrating textile processing and fiber "welding" techniques for the fabrication of BS-LSTMs with advantageous structural and mechanical properties. These findings have significant implications for a wide range of applications in biomedicine, mechanical engineering, intelligent textiles, aerospace industries, and beyond.

Fully bio-based coating for nylon/cotton blend fabrics with improved flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties

With the increasing requirements of eco-friendly flame retardant fabrics, fully bio-based flame retardants have attracted more and more attention. In this work, a fully bio-based flame retardant coating (PALC) was prepared by combining phytic acid and L-cysteine through ion exchange, which was then applied to nylon-cotton blends. The water contact angle (WCA) test indicates that the hydrophilicity of treated blend fabrics is significantly increased. The treated blend fabrics also exhibited excellent antibacterial property against E. coli and S. aureus. Besides, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the treated blend fabric is increased to 27.2 % from 19.3 %, and the damage length is reduced to 5 cm from 30 cm. The analysis of cone calorimetry test results demonstrates that the total heat release (THR) and peak heat release rate (pHRR) values of the treated blend fabric are reduced by 62.6 % and 65.4 %, respectively, relative to CO/NY. At the same time, the PALC coating can also endow the blend fabric with smoke suppression properties. The total smoke production (TSP) and smoke production rate (SPR) values are reduced by 64.5 % and 67.6 %, respectively. The combination analysis of TG-FTIR, SEM and XPS proves that the phytic acid promotes the dense char layers forming, and L-cysteine generates non-combustible gases. This work provides an eco-friendly and organic solvent-free method for producing flame-retardant nylon/cotton blends with reduced smoke release.

Research methods for heritage cotton fibres: case studies from archaeological and historical finds in a Finnish context

Cotton (Gossypium species) was used as textile fibre already in the early Indus culture, and since then it has been cultivated in Tropical and Subtropical regions around the whole planet. The species G. hirsutum is nowadays the dominant cotton crop with more than 90% of the world market, while G. barbadense, G. herbaceum and G. arboreum combined, the other cultivated species of Gossypium genus total a minor part of world’s cotton production. Even in places where cotton was not cultivated, it could be an important trade item and income source for local textile centres, with the imported raw cotton lint being spun, woven and for some part exported from such sites around the globe. This all occurred far away from Finland, until changes brought by the development of long-distance trade and the Industrial Revolution. Based on archaeological finds, cotton as a textile material reached Finland relatively late, in the early Middle Ages. The article focuses on the problematic nature of identifying these cotton finds: whereas modern cotton fibres are easy to identify, the archaeological finds can at first sight be confused with bast or un-degummed silk fibres. This issue will be approached through reviewing recent Finnish cotton finds in heritage textiles. Additionally, the article examines whether the four cultivated cotton species could be differentiated using both classical and newly developed fibre identification methods, such as optical microscopy methods, a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) or Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering (WAXS).

First evidence of fractionation on stable organic carbon isotopes in ancient Egyptian linen textile fibers during degradation

The study of the fractionation of the stable carbon isotopes 13C and 12C through the δ13C value finds applications in various fields of science, from quality control in agribusiness to the study of the geographical origin of materials. At the plant level, this information is useful to prove which photosynthetic cycle a particular plant belongs to: C3, C4 or Crassulacean Acid Metabolism. In this work, the Isotopic Ratio Mass Spectrometry technique was used to shed light and investigate about the degradation due to aging of an ancient linen textile of Egyptian origins, in order to see whether degradation phenomena change the content of stable carbon isotopes, over time. For this purpose, the δ13C values of the ancient sample were compared with contemporary Egyptian and French flax fibers samples. For the first time, it was observed that, contrary to what might have been expected, material degradation due to natural aging contributes to the phenomenon of the isotopic fractionation, due to the increasing in measured δ13C values from contemporary to ancient samples.

Elicitation enhances the production of friedelin and epifriedelanol in hairy root cultures of Cannabis sativa L.

Cannabis sativa L. (hemp) has a global distribution and social impact, and it is widely used as a medicinal plant, food ingredient, and textile fiber. Its roots have received less attention than other parts, especially the inflorescence, leaves, and shoots. Triterpenoids, including friedelin and epifriedelanol, have been found in hemp roots, and their anti-inflammatory effects have been reported. In this study, the potential enhancement of triterpenoid accumulation in the roots of C. sativa by elicitation was examined. Hairy roots were successfully established, and they contained 2.02-fold higher triterpenoid levels than natural roots. Furthermore, hairy roots treated with 75 μM salicylic acid had 1.95-fold higher friedelin levels (0.963 mg/g DW) and 1.4-fold higher epifriedelanol levels (0.685 mg/g DW) than untreated hairy roots. These results suggested that the elucidation of hairy root cultures using an optimized elicitor could represent an alternative strategy to produce the valuable triterpenoids friedelin and epifriedelanol.

Bond behaviour of light and heavy carbon fibre TRM to masonry interfaces

We present the results of an experimental campaign on the bond behaviour between carbon fibre textile reinforced mortars and masonry substrate. The campaign involved 54 single lap direct shear tests on masonry wallettes reinforced with a single TRM layer. The key investigated parameters were the type of the textile fibre material (light carbon and heavy carbon), the coating of the textile reinforcement with epoxy resin, and the bond length (100, 150, 200, and 250 mm). The results highlight the beneficial effect of the epoxy resin coating that practically doubles the maximum attained loads. This increase is shown to be associated to a consistent shift of the failure mode from textile slippage to detachment at the matrix to matrix interface. In the uncoated specimens, the maximum load is practically identical for heavy and light carbon. Conversely, in the coated specimens the maximum load attained by the heavy carbon fibre textiles is 65% higher than that of the light carbon coated fibre textiles. However, both coated textiles demonstrate the same exploitation ratio. Cost-wise, this renders light carbon an appealing choice in practical applications. The experimental observations are further examined in view of analytical modelling.

Cellulosic and microplastic fibers in the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus and Sub-Antarctic Harpagifer bispinis

Human settlements within the Antarctic continent have caused significant coastal pollution by littering plastic. The present study assessed the potential presence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of the Antarctic fish Harpagifer antarcticus, endemic to the polar region, and in the sub-Antarctic fish Harpagifer bispinis. H. antarcticus. A total of 358 microfibers of multiple colors were found in 89 % of H. antarcticus and 73 % of H. bispinis gastrointestinal track. A Micro-FTIR analysis characterized a sub-group (n = 42) of microfibers. It revealed that most of the fibers were cellulose (69 %). Manmade fibers such as microplastics polyethylene terephtalate, acrylics, and semisynthetic/natural cellulosic fibers were present in the fish samples. All the microfibers extracted were textile fibers of blue, black, red, green, and violet color. Our results suggest that laundry greywater discharges of human settlements near coastal waters in Antarctica are a major source of these pollutants in the Antarctic fish.

Occurrence Characteristics of Microplastics in Baiyangdian Lake Water and Sediments

In order to explore the occurrence characteristics of microplastics in the freshwater environment of Baiyangdian Lake in China, ten overlying water samples and ten sediment samples were collected in Baiyangdian Lake of Hebei Province in October 2021, and the abundance distribution, shape, particle size, and polymer type of microplastics in the samples were identified using laboratory pretreatment, microscope observation, and laser infrared spectroscopy. The sedimentation law of microplastics at the overlying water-sediment interface was studied using the Stokes sedimentation formula, and their pollution characteristics and potential sources were analyzed. The abundances of microplastics in the overlying water and sediments in Baiyangdian Lake ranged from 474-19382 n·m-3 and 95.3-29542.5 n·kg-1, respectively, with an average value of 6255.4 n·m-3 and 11088 n·kg-1. The main polymer of the microplastics in the overlying water was polyethylene terephthalate[PET, (17.20±0.26)%], and the microplastics in the sediments were mainly chlorinated polyethylene[CPE, (46.11±1.30)%]. The sedimentation velocities of microplastics in the sedimentation zone ranged from 0.0793-111.7547 mm·s-1. The particles with larger particle size had higher sedimentation velocity and easily settled and remained in the sediments. The main sources of microplastic pollution in the study area were the discharge of textile fibers from washing wastewater and the wear and tear of ship paint, ship rubber, and building materials.

Application of Residual Fibers of Polyethylene Terephthalate - PET in Structural Composites: A Systematic Review

Fiberglass is the most commonly used material in the manufacturing process of wind turbine components, as it meets the basic requirements of the final product. However, as the market for wind turbines expands, industries must keep up with the demands of increasing blade efficiency at a reduced cost. As a replacement for fiberglass, poly (ethylene terephthalate) - PET textile fiber is an option, which has better tensile strength, elongation rate, and low density. However, it has low wettability and poor interfacial bonding with resin matrices. This study aims to perform a literature review of existing scientific studies using PET fiber from the tire industry or not applied as reinforcement in structural composites.

Marine sponges as bioindicators of pollution by synthetic microfibers in Antarctica

Different marine sponge species from Tethys Bay, Antarctica, were analyzed for contamination by polyester and polyamide microplastics (MPs). The PISA (Polymer Identification and Specific Analysis) procedure was adopted as it provides, through depolymerization and HPLC analysis, highly sensitive mass-based quantitative data. The study focused on three analytes resulting from the hydrolytic depolymerization of polyesters and polyamides: terephthalic acid (TPA), 6-aminohexanoic acid (AHA), and 1–6-hexanediamine (HMDA). TPA is a comonomer found in the polyesters poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and poly(butylene adipate co terephthalate) (PBAT), and in polyamides such as poly(1,4-p-phenylene terephthalamide) (Kevlar™ and Twaron™ fibers) and poly(hexamethylene terephthalamide) (nylon 6 T). AHA is the monomer of nylon 6. HMDA is a comonomer of the aliphatic nylon 6,6 (HMDA-co-adipic acid) and of semi-aromatic polyamides such as, again, nylon 6 T (HMDA-co-TPA). Except for the biodegradable PBAT, these polymers exhibit high to extreme mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance. Indeed, they are used as technofibers in protective clothing able to withstand extreme conditions as those typical of Antarctica. Of the two amine monomers, only HMDA was found above the limit of quantification, and only in specimens of Haliclona (Rhizoniera) scotti, at a concentration equivalent to 27 μg/kg of nylon 6,6 in the fresh sponge. Comparatively higher concentrations, corresponding to 2.5–4.1 mg/kg of either PBAT or PPTA, were calculated from the concentration of TPA detected in all sponge species. Unexpectedly, TPA did not originate from PET (the most common textile fiber) as it was detected in the acid hydrolysate, whereas the PISA procedure results in effective PET depolymerization only under alkaline conditions. The obtained results showed that sponges, by capturing and concentrating MPs from large volumes of filtered marine waters, may be considered as effective indicators of the level and type of pollution by MPs and provide early warnings of increasing levels of pollution even in remote areas.

Textile industry as a major source of microplastics in the environment

This review brings together data on the impact of (micro)plastics, on the environment. Critically evaluates studies on the use of various techniques for recycling textile plastic, which is a major polluter of the environment. In this review, let’s focus a bit more on industrial waste in the textile industry since it would be easiest possible to capture and recycle it again. We also discuss LCA studies, bottlenecks, and future perspectives, for a lower impact on the environment. The main challenges which make further recycling progress difficult are discussed, such as the lamination of textile fibers with metal, new textile fibers that appear as a result of rapid development, the difference in the density of textile fibers, low recycling efficiency, etc. Finally, the possible uses of more environmentally friendly polymers are shown, which can be an alternative to the current synthetic polymers. The results of the literature review showed that for the development of a sustainable textile industry, which would mitigate the impact of microplastics on the environment, from a long-term perspective, the integration of more intensive, complex decisions into the business models of manufacturing companies is necessary. The environmental consequences will be even more intense due to the massive releases of textile microfibers into the environment and excessive accumulation, therefore, in order to achieve the specific goals of sustainable development, a reduction in the production of microplastics is first required, which is only possible with a global partnership of all countries to achieve a specific goal on a global level.