Cotton Blend Research Articles

Održivost tekstilnog otpada u Makedoniji

In Macedonia, as a country with a developed apparel industry, a significant amount of pre-consumer textile waste is generated, more precisely apparel cutting waste. The aim of this paper is to make an accurate estimate of its quantity, as well as the characterization based on the raw material composition as a prerequisite for its further handling. Before any recycling initiative for textile waste, an analysis should be made of whether its quantity and quality can ensure the continuity of the recycling process. The analysis shows that the amount of apparel cutting waste is a fairly constant value (in the period from 2009 to 2014 an average of 3,377 tons of apparel cutting waste was generated annually). The waste from cotton and cotton blends is most common. Despite the constant annual amount of apparel cutting waste and numerous reasons for its recycling, almost all this waste ends in landfills.

Analyzing the Effect of Spinning Process Variables on Draw Frame Blended Cotton Mélange Yarn Quality

An investigation has been made to study the effect of important spinning process variables namely shade depth, ring frame spindle speed and yarn twist multiplier (TM) on various yarn quality parameters like unevenness, strength, imperfection, elongation at break and hairiness index of draw frame blended cotton melange yarn. Three factors Box and Behnken design of experiment has been used to conduct the study. The quadratic regression model is used to device the statistical inferences about sensitivity of the yarn quality parameters to the different process variables. The response surfaces are constructed for depicting the geometric representation of yarn quality parameters plotted as a function of process variables. Analysis of the results show that yarn strength of draw frame blended cotton melange yarn is significantly affected by shade depth and TM. Yarn unevenness is affected by shade depth and ring frame spindle speed. Yarn imperfection level is mainly influenced by the shade depth and spindle speed. The shade depth and yarn TM have shown significant impact on yarn hairiness index.

Effects of the Laundering Process on Dimensional and Physical Properties of Plain and Lacoste Fabrics Made from Modal/combed Cotton Blended Yarns

In this study, dimensional and some physical properties of plain (single jersey) and lacoste knitted fabrics made from 50/50 modal/combed cotton blended yarns (tex 21 and 15) were investigated. Twelve weft knitted fabrics were produced with two different structures and three different densities (loose, medium, tight). For physical properties, the fabric weight per unit area, fabric thickness, bursting strength, air permeability and dimensional stability were evaluated. We focused on the dimensional stability properties of outwear knitted fabrics. The total dimensional change of the fabric’s dimensions and structural properties were measured and evaluated after ten washing cycles and then flat dried. The results show that the weight per unit area, thickness, air permeability and dimensional stability values are independent of the yarn linear density, fabric structure and fabric density. Statistically evaluated using Design Expert Analysis of variance (ANOVA) software 6.06., test results show that dimensional stability is mostly effective for the bursting strength, air permeability and fabric weight per unit area.

Research on Knitted Fabric Properties of Yak Cashmere and Cotton Blend Yarns

As a natural fibre, yak cashmere has attracted more and more attentions in textile processing due to its excellent properties, environmentally friendly characteristics and inexpensive prices. However, the direct processing of yak cashmere, especially pure yarn spinning, is difficult since the dispersion of the fibre length is large. Therefore, in this paper, yak cashmere and cotton blend yarns were spun. Compact Sirospun yarns with three different kinds of blending ratios; 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70, were spun, and corresponding spun yarn qualities: hairiness, breaking strength and evenness were tested. It is shown that with an increasing content of cotton, for the same yarn count spun, all properties tested were improved. Then the properties of corresponding knitted fabric, including the permeability, thickness, static voltage, warmth retention, whiteness, water permeability, bursting strength, elastic recovery, tensile properties, drape, wear resistance, pilling, anti-ultraviolet resistance and bending stiffness were measured and comparatively analysed. It is shown that with an increasing content of Yak cashmere, the fabric is lighter and thinner, and the air permeability, warmth retention, wear resistance and pilling were all improved, while the strength and elongation properties as well as water permeability were worsened. Meanwhile the average weight distribution of yak cashmere and cotton in the yarn is beneficial for the fabric elastic recovery property and drape.

Partitioning of PCBs from air to clothing materials in a Danish apartment

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination of buildings continues to pose an exposure threat, even decades after their application in the form of calks and other building materials. In this research, we investigate the ability of clothing to sorb PCBs from contaminated air and thereby influence exposure. The equilibrium concentration of PCB-28 and PCB-52 was quantified for nine used clothing fabrics exposed for 56days to air in a Danish apartment contaminated with PCBs. Fabric materials included pure materials such as cotton and polyester, or blends of polyester, cotton, viscose/rayon, and/or elastane. Air concentrations were fairly stable over the experimental period, with PCB-28 ranging from 350 to 430ng/m3 and PCB-52 ranging from 460 to 550ng/m3 . Mass accumulated in fabric ranged from below detection limits to 4.5mg/g of fabric. Cotton or materials containing elastane sorbed more than polyester materials on a mass basis. Mass-normalized partition coefficients above detection limits ranged from 105.7 to 107.0 L/kg. Clothing acts as a reservoir for PCBs that extends dermal exposure, even when outside or in uncontaminated buildings.

Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Hypophosphorous Acid-Modified Chitosan Based Coating for Flame-Retardant Polyester–Cotton Blends

Hypophosphorous acid-modified chitosan (PCS), as a novel phosphorus-containing chitosan derivative, was first successfully synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Subsequently, thin films of the ecofriendly PCS and branched polyethylenimine were deposited on polyester–cotton (PTCO) blends by the layer-by-layer assembly technique, in an effort to enhance their thermal properties and fire resistance properties. Thermogravimetric analysis, thermogravimetric analysis–Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, and horizontal flame test (HFT) were used to investigate the quality of the coatings as well as their fire resistance performance. The thermal and thermal oxidation stabilities at high temperature were enhanced for all coated PTCO blends. During the HFT, the afterglow phenomenon was eliminated for all coated blends, and self-extinguishing was achieved for the PCS2-20BL sample. It was found that the enhancem...

Calorific value, flash point and cetane number of biodiesel from cotton, jatropha and neem binary and multi-blends with diesel

ABSTRACTThe calorific value, flash point and cetane number were investigated for binary and multi-blends of biodiesel from cotton, jatropha and neem with diesel. A binary blend is a fuel mixture comprising biodiesel from one feedstock and diesel, while a multi-blend consists of biodiesel from two or more feedstocks and diesel fuel. Blends were made of B5, B10, B15, B20, B25 and B30 for binary blends of each biodiesel, and a replication of those blend levels for the mixed blends of cotton, neem and jatropha with fossil diesel. The calorific value of the biodiesel/diesel samples was measured using a bomb calorimeter, the flash point was determined by the ASTMD93 method using a Pensky–Martens closed cup tester and the cetane number was determined using a portable cetane/octane meter. It was established that most of the fuel samples have heating values above the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) minimum and close to that of petro-diesel. All 28 fuel samples are consistent with the ASTM standards for flash point and cetane number, they are devoid of carbon deposits and inferior cooking in the CI engines, and they have the shortest ignition delay when burned in the CI engines; hence, they are suitable for use in CI engine operations. Statistical analyses of the experimental data carried out using SPSS software indicate that the data contributed equally in each category to all of the properties, and there are no significant differences between the experimental values.

Preparation and characterization of PHMB-based multifunctional microcapsules

Insects and microbes can cause disease and corrode materiel deployed in humid environments. Materials with multifunctional properties are highly desirable to the Army to create textile products that would inherently mitigate these issues and decrease Soldier load. Microcapsules (MCs) that encapsulate active compounds such as insect repellents are a potential platform to accomplish this. MCs that exhibit antibacterial and antifungal properties were prepared using an antimicrobial polymer, PHMB, as the shell, and the encapsulation of an insect repellent, picaridin, is reported. MCs are spherical, uniform, and demonstrate a positive zeta potential. FTIR analysis confirms the presence of both active components. MCs were studied for storage stability and their ability to impart functionality to a military relevant textile. Microscopy images demonstrate that MCs remain stable when stored in diH2O for at least six months. Antibacterial activity is observed for MC concentrations across two orders of magnitude in solution. MCs were adsorbed onto a 50:50 nylon:cotton blend (NyCo) as a model for functionalized materiel. GC data indicates that picaridin loading levels are more than ten times the required dose for deterring mosquitoes and both antibacterial and antifungal properties are exhibited. Treated fabric is resistant to fungal growth throughout a four week culture period. A four week storage study demonstrates no discernible loss in picaridin content, and NyCo swatches sustain at least a three log reduction in bacteria growth for all time points. The findings detailed in the following report suggest that these PHMB-based MCs could be used to functionalize materials against microbial organisms and mosquitoes, and are robust enough to endure storage in their crude form and as a coating.

Thermal Comfort Properties of Clothing Fabrics Woven with Polyester/Cotton Blend Yarns

AbstractIn this research, thermal and water vapor resistance, components of thermal comfort of 65/35 and 33/67% polyester/ cotton (PES/CO) blend fabrics woven with 2/2 twill, matt twill, cellular and diced weaves, which are commonly used for clothing, were determined. The results indicate that both the fabric construction and the constituent fiber properties affect thermal comfort properties of clothing woven fabrics. Cellular weave, which is derivative of sateen weave and diced weave, which is compound weave, has the highest thermal resistance appropriating for cold climatic conditions. On the other hand, the 2/2 twill weave and matt twill weave, which is derivative of sateen weave, depicted the lowest water vapor thermal resistance, making it convenient for hot climatic conditions. Besides, fabrics woven with 65/35% PES/CO blend yarns have higher thermal resistance, so they are suitable for cold climatic conditions. Fabrics woven with 33/67% PES/CO blend yarns have lower water vapor resistance, so they are convenient for hot climatic conditions.

Degradation patterns of natural and synthetic textiles on a soil surface during summer and winter seasons studied using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy

Textiles are a valuable source of forensic evidence and the nature and condition of textiles collected from a crime scene can assist investigators in determining the nature of the death and aid in the identification of the victim. Until now, much of the knowledge of textile degradation in forensic contexts has been based on the visual inspection of material collected from soil environments. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential of a more quantitative approach to the understanding of forensic textile degradation through the application of infrared spectroscopy. Degradation patterns of natural and synthetic textile materials as they were subjected to a natural outdoor environment in Australia were investigated. Cotton, polyester and polyester – cotton blend textiles were placed on a soil surface during the summer and winter seasons and were analysed over periods 1 and 1.5years, respectively, and examined using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) spectroscopy. Statistical analysis of the spectral data obtained for the cotton material correlated with visual degradation and a difference in the onset of degradation between the summer and winter season was revealed. The synthetic material did not show any signs of degradation either visually or statistically throughout the experimental period and highlighted the importance of material type in terms of preservation. The cotton section from the polyester – cotton blend samples was found to behave in a similar manner to that of the 100% cotton samples, however principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the degradation patterns were less distinct in both the summer and winter trial for the blend samples. These findings indicated that the presence of the synthetic material may have inhibited the degradation of the natural material. The use of statistics to analyse the spectral data obtained for textiles of forensic interest provides a better foundation for the interpretation of the data obtained using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and has provided insight into textile degradation processes relevant to a soil environment.

Coloration of Apocynum venetum/cotton blends with an acid dye through combined pretreatment using cationic nanoparticles

Cationic copolymer nanoparticles were used to modify Apocynum venetum/cotton blended fabrics. The modified blends were then dyed using CI Acid Red 14. In order to enhance the colour performance, the effects of combined pretreatment using nanoparticles and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) or plasma were investigated. The results show that combined pretreatment with NaOH and nanoparticles improved the dyeing effect. The optimum concentrations of NaOH and nanoparticles were 100 and 2 g l−1 respectively. In addition, using CMC to pretreat the fabrics could also improve the acid dyeing performance. However, the combination of plasma pretreatment and cationic nanoparticle modification produced the best colour performance for acid‐dyed A. venetum/cotton blends. The dye exhaustion rate is highest (up to 95%) with plasma pretreatment. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that combined treatment with plasma and nanoparticles resulted in a far greater number of nanoparticles being deposited on the fibre surface. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the pretreatments with different procedures significantly changed the chemical components of the fibre surfaces. The aromatic rings of acid dye molecules covered the fibre surfaces after plasma and nanoparticle pretreatment and acid dyeing.

Open-End Yarn Properties Prediction Using HVI Fibre Properties and Process Parameters

Abstract This article provides three models to predict rotor spun yarn characteristics which are breaking strength, breaking elongation and unevenness. These models used noncorrelated raw material characteristics and some processing parameters. For this purpose, five different cotton blends were processed into rotor spun yarns having different metric numbers (Nm10, Nm15, Nm18, Nm22, Nm30 and Nm37). Each count was spun at different twist levels. Response surface method was used to estimate yarn quality characteristics and to study variable effects on these characteristics. In this study, predicting models are given by the analysis of response surface after many iterations in which nonsignificant terms are excluded for more accuracy and precision. It was shown that yarn count, twist and sliver properties had considerable effects on the open-end rotor spun yarn properties. This study can help industrial application since it allows a quality management-prediction based on input variables such as fibre characteristics and process parameters.

Wool and cotton blends for the high-end apparel sector

Branded blends of wool and cotton for high-end apparel fabrics were established in Britain and later exported to many English-speaking countries during the 19th century (e.g. woven fabrics Viyella™, 55% wool, 45% cotton; Clydella™, 81% cotton, 19% wool). During the late 20th century, cotton and wool blend yarns for high-end apparel applications were developed in Australia (Colana®, 70% cotton, 30% wool). None of these branded blends of wool and cotton has a current market presence, yet there is evidence of relevance and interest in such blends for the high-end apparel market. How can we account for this disappearance and for the renewed interest?

Imparting Flame-Retardant and Antistatic Properties to Two- Layer Knitted Fabrics

Imparting Flame-Retardant and Antistatic Properties to Two-Layer Knitted Fabrics A technology of multi-functional two-layer knitted fabrics with barrier properties was developed on the basis of design works within the scope of both material-structural and technical-technological parameters. The barrier properties of knitted fabrics were imparted to them by using the following yarns to make their top layers: • Yarns of 100% metaaramide fibers and blended (metaaramide + viscose FR) fibers imparting protective properties against hot thermal conditions, • Yarns of blended metaaramide and antistatic fibers imparting to the knitted fabrics protective properties against hot thermal factors and static electricity, while for the bottom layers the following were used: Blended cotton and wool yarns with the addition of viscose FR fibers or modacryl Protex fibers, imparting to the knitted fabrics protective properties against hot thermal conditions and beneficial physiological properties. The comprehensive tests carried out to determine structural, physico-mechanical, chemical and functional barrier properties as well as physiological comfort of the knitted fabrics allowed us: • To design fabric structures in two-layer and plating system, • To choose optimal knitted fabrics for the technology development of multi-functional protective fabrics on the basis of knitting and finishing processes, • To work out design and structural assumptions and to make protective fabrics on the basis of the analysis and properties of the fabrics. The knitted fabrics designed can find their use as individual protective measures for workers exposed to work conditions such as: hot thermal conditions and static electricity.

Interpolymer Complexes as Modifying Compounds for Reducing Cotton Blended Fabric Flammability

Interpolymer Complexes as Modifying Compounds for Reducing Cotton Blended Fabric Flammability

Bacterial contamination of nurses' white coats after first and second shift.

Microbial load of nurses' white coats in a hospital was determined on polyester cotton blend and polyester fabric after the first and second work shift. Contamination on the blend fabric was significantly higher (P < .05) than on polyester. After the second shift, bacterial colonies on polyester and blend fabrics increased by ~98% and ~70%, respectively. Among the isolates detected on polyester after the second shift, Escherichia coli was the most abundant (47.8%), followed by staphylococci (19.1%).

Effect of Di-Tertiary Butyl Peroxide on the performance, combustion and emission characteristics of ethanol blended cotton seed methyl ester fuelled automotive diesel engine

An experimental study is carried out to examine and analyze the influence of Di-Tertiary Butyl Peroxide in bioethanol diesel blends on the performance, combustion and emission characteristics in a single cylinder, 4-stroke, naturally aspirated, automotive diesel engine for variable speed at full load conditions. Esterified cotton seed oil of 5% by volume is emulsified with 95% pure diesel to get the base fuel (BE0) for the experiments. Bioethanol diesel blends are produced from base fuel by adding 5% and 10% pure ethanol on a volumetric basis to obtain BE5 and BE10 respectively. The bioethanol fuels are low in Cetane number and hence Di-Tertiary Butyl Peroxide a Cetane enhancer is added by 0.4% by volume to produce BE5CN0.4% and BE10CN0.4% emulsions respectively. It is found from the experiments carried out, that an inverse trend exists between brake thermal efficiency and percentage of ethanol in base fuel. This is due to the lower calorific value of ethanol and an improvement in brake thermal efficiency is observed with ignition improver added blends. The presence of Cetane improver significantly reduced oxides of nitrogen and unburned hydro carbon emissions for overall engine speed and carbon monoxide emissions for low to medium speed range.

Heat Release Property and Fire Performance of the Nomex/Cotton Blend Fabric Treated with a Nonformaldehyde Organophosphorus System.

Blending Nomex® with cotton improves its affordability and serviceability. Because cotton is a highly flammable fiber, Nomex®/cotton blend fabrics containing more than 20% cotton require flame-retardant treatment. In this research, combination of a hydroxyl functional organophosphorus oligmer (HFPO) and 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) was used for flame retardant finishing of the 65/35 Nomex®/cotton blend woven fabric. The system contains HFPO as a flame retardant, BTCA as a bonding agent, and triethenolamine (TEA) as a reactive additive used to enhance the performance of HFPO/BTCA. Addition of TEA improves the hydrolysis resistance of the HFPO/BTCA crosslinked polymeric network on the blend fabric. Additionally, TEA enhances HFPO’s flame retardant performance by reducing formation of calcium salts and also by providing synergistic nitrogen to the treated blend fabric. The Nomex®/cotton blend fabric treated with the HFPO/BTCA/TEA system shows high flame resistance and high laundering durability at a relatively low HFPO concentration of 8% (w/w). The heat release properties of the treated Nomex®/cotton blend fabric were measured using microscale combustion calorimetry. The functions of BTCA; HFPO and TEA on the Nomex®/cotton blend fabric were elucidated based on the heat release properties, char formation, and fire performance of the treated blend fabric.

Microscopic study of the surface morphology of CO2 laser-treated cotton and cotton/polyester blended fabric

This paper presents how the morphology of fibers is affected by CO2 laser treatment. The change in morphology of fibers induced by a laser affects the physical and mechanical properties of the fabric, such as water absorption, dye uptake, resistance to wrinkles and adhesion to other materials, etc. The morphology of laser-treated fibers was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Samples of cotton twill fabric, cotton/polyester blended twill fabric and cotton knitted fabrics with different yarn counts were studied before and after laser treatment. SEM images reveal different sizes of pores and cracks on the surface of cotton fibers. In the case of cotton/polyester blended twill fabric, the two types of fibers responded differently to laser treatment; the change in cotton fibers was slightly different from the SEM images of 100% cotton twill fabric. The number of pores and cracks on the fiber surface of cotton/polyester fabric was lower than that found in 100% cotton twill fabric. Polyester fibers melt and flow while cotton fibers are encased in resolidified polyester. For 100% cotton knitted fabrics, the thickest yarn with the lowest yarn twist exhibited the largest change when compared with fabrics knitted with lower yarn counts. The degree of change of fiber surface modification was enhanced with an increase of laser processing variables.

The thermal decomposition and heat release properties of the nylon/cotton, polyester/cotton and Nomex/cotton blend fabrics

Cotton blends are very important and widely used in our lives. In this research, the heat release properties and the flammability of the nylon/cotton, the polyester/cotton and the Nomex/cotton blends are investigated. By comparing with the heat release rate (HRR) and other thermal parameters calculated from their individual components, it is found that both the nylon and the polyester have interaction when they are blended with cotton during the decomposition process. For the nylon/cotton fabrics, the blend has lower total heat release (THR) and much higher percent char yield than the arithmetic sum of those of cotton and nylon as single fibers. The char yield of the nylon/cotton blends decreases when the blend contained less cellulose. But for the polyester/cotton fabrics, the blend has higher THR than the arithmetic sum of cotton and polyester as single fibers with a bit increase in the percent char yield, and its char yield increases as the cotton ratio in the blend decreases. It is illustrated that the interaction that occurs between nylon and cotton is different from that between polyester and cotton. In the case of Nomex/cotton blends, the actual HRR curve matches well with the simulated curve, and the THR and percent char yield are almost the same as the calculated data. There is nearly no interaction between Nomex and cotton components during the degradation of the blend. Overall, the results show that the decomposition process of blended fabrics is not simply the addition of the decomposition process of the component single fibers, but is in fact more complicated.