Cotton Towel Research Articles

Mechanical properties of waste cotton and their changes during early pyrolysis

Waste cotton is a textile material with high mechanical properties. Understanding the mechanical properties of waste cotton and their changes at an early pyrolysis stage is important for its thermochemical recovery. In this study, a universal testing machine equipped with a heating furnace was adopted to study the mechanical properties of a cotton towel in the temperature range of 25–250 °C under N2 atmosphere. The devolatilization behaviors of the cotton towel in the same temperature range were investigated using thermogravimetric-Fourier transform infrared (TG-FTIR) analysis. A reactive force field molecular dynamics (ReaxFF MD) model was employed to reveal the tensile deformation mechanism. Results showed that the cotton yarn tensile displacement increased with increasing temperature within 25–250 °C. Cotton degradation was onset at 150 °C, while at 200 °C, initiation of rapid CO2 emission was observed; sharp reductions in the mechanical strength observed at approximately 150 °C and 200 °C were mainly due to the degradation of hemicellulose and amorphous cellulose, respectively. CO2 was the primary volatile compound and its concentration correlated well with the mechanical strength. The ReaxFF MD simulation results indicated that the breaking strength of the cotton yarn depended mainly on the mechanical strength of the amorphous cellulose; the non-bonded interactions contributed more to the mechanical strength of the amorphous cellulose than the bonded interactions. The correlations between the mechanical strengths of the yarn bundle and towel, as well as the number of yarns they contained, have been proposed.

Effect of yarn structure variables on comfort properties for cotton towels

The main purpose of this research is to study the effects of yarn structure variables as key factors influencing the comfort characteristics of cotton towel fabrics. Results of this work can help the producers or manufacturer to create desired quality towel fabric using optimum yarn parameters. The heaviest Grams per Square Meter (GSM) and the highest water vapor permeability were recorded by the Egyptian variety (Giza 90) while the maximum water absorption and air permeability were recorded by the Sudan variety (Acala). It is shown that the mean values of all comfort properties except air permeability decreased when the yarn count and twist multiplier increased. It is obvious that most interaction effects among the yarn parameters (cotton materials, yarn count and twist multiplier) were no significant for all towel comfort properties. It is found negatively and highly significant correlation coefficient between air permeability and each one of the other towel comfort properties. On the other hand, it is indicated that the heavier and thicker towel had more ability to water absorption and water vapor permeability. Also, there was positive and highly significant relation between water absorption and water vapor permeability. Results indicated that there were positively and highly significant associations between yarn hairiness and all towel comfort properties except air permeability. On the contrary, negatively and highly significant associations were obtained between yarn properties being number of neps, thin and thick places and evenness CV % from one side and all towel comfort properties except air permeability from the other side. It is clear that the yarn elongation and yarn tenacity had weak and ineffective effects on the towel comfort properties.

Biotemplate preparation of multilayered TiC nanoflakes for high performance symmetric supercapacitor

Designing and developing efficient electrode materials with high performance for application in energy storage systems remain a challenge. Recently, transition metal carbide materials have attracted significant attention as a component of next-generation energy storage device. In this study, TiC nanoflakes were successfully prepared by a simple and highly effective biotemplate method using a cotton towel as a carbon source and a sacrificial template. The phases and structures of the as-obtained samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Raman analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results demonstrated that layered TiC nanoflakes were significantly influenced by the sintering time at high temperatures. Our work is the first report, to the best of our knowledge, on the application of the biotemplate method for TiC nanoflakes.The TiC nanoflakes electrode showed the highest specific capacitance of 276.1 Fg-1 at 5 mVs-1 and capacitance retention of 94% over 1000 cycles at the current density of 10 Ag-1. Furthermore, symmetric supercapacitors based on TiC nanoflakes electrodes (276.1 Fg-1) were fabricated, and their electrochemical properties were investigated. The prepared symmetric TiC//TiC supercapacitor exhibited a maximum specific capacitance of 194.5 Fg-1 and a capacitance retention of 80.5% after 20,000 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest capacitance reported for TiC-based symmetric supercapacitors. Moreover, the TiC//TiC symmetric supercapacitor in series having a high energy density (41 Whkg-1) and power density (2.3 kWkg-1 ) with outstanding cycling stability illuminated a white light-emitting diode (LED) indicator for 10 min, highlighting the promising potential of TiC for next generation energy storage system.

Chemical analysis and origin of the smell of line-dried laundry

Environmental contextThe fresh pleasant smell of laundry dried outside in sunlight is recognised by most people, but despite decades of speculation the origin of the smell has not been demonstrated. We show that the smell of line-dried laundry is due to the unique combination of traces of atmospheric hydrocarbons, sunlight and a wet fabric surface. This surface photochemistry is likely to be widespread in the environment on surfaces of natural materials. AbstractIn this study, we find that the drying method is the key element in generating the well-known fresh scent of line-dried laundry, which we argue demonstrates that it is the result of physical and chemical processes occurring on the surface of the fabric. Cotton towels were rinsed with Milli-Q water and dried outdoors, indoors, and outdoors but not exposed to sunlight. The dried towels were placed in sealed Tedlar bags, and the emitted compounds were analysed by using thermal desorption-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD-GC/MS) to yield qualitative gas chromatograms and mass spectra. We observed a variety of C5 to C9 oxidised carbon compounds (e.g. aldehydes such as pentanal, hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal) when the towels were dried outside. These compounds are not observed in the other conditions. Many of these compounds have smells that are subjectively found to be pleasant. The experiments indicate that both UV light and the presence of liquid water are necessary to generate the products. The polar nature of the oxidised compounds may explain why the smell of fresh laundry is relatively long-lasting because hydrogen bonds can form between these compounds and cotton fibres. We therefore propose that oxidative photochemistry on the surface of the drying laundry is responsible for the production of the fresh smell.

Entering its Fourth Year of Publication

Entering its Fourth Year of Publication

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory complaints in Hajj pilgrims wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram.

ObjectiveHajj is an important component of Islam. This study aimed to determine the effect of wearing a cotton towel or plain cotton ihram on the onset of respiratory symptoms and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in Hajj pilgrims.MethodsOne hundred male nonsmoking subjects (age: 20–60 years) without a previous clinical history of respiratory illnesses were included. Fifty subjects were dressed in a cotton towel ihram and 50 wore a plain cotton ihram (control group). Respiratory symptoms and FeNO levels were recorded on the day before leaving for Hajj, when ihrams were removed, and when the pilgrims had returned home.ResultsPilgrims who wore cotton towel ihrams showed significantly higher rates of respiratory symptoms, including being generally ill, coughing, a sore throat, and a runny nose, than those who wore plain ihrams. FeNO levels also tended to be higher in pilgrims who wore a cotton towel ihram compared with those with a plain cotton ihram during and after Hajj.ConclusionsHajj pilgrims who wear cotton towel ihrams may have a risk of respiratory symptoms, including a cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Therefore, a plain cotton ihram is advisable while performing Hajj to minimize respiratory illness.

Electronic cigarette chemicals transfer from a vape shop to a nearby business in a multiple-tenant retail building

BackgroundElectronic cigarettes (ECs) are nicotine delivery devices that produce aerosol without combustion of tobacco; therefore, they do not produce sidestream smoke. Nevertheless, many users exhale large clouds of aerosol that...

Evaluation of the risk of incisional infection in horses following application of protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of colic.

OBJECTIVE To assess incidence of incisional infection in horses following management with 1 of 3 protective dressings after exploratory celiotomy for treatment of acute signs of abdominal pain (ie, colic) and determine the risk of complications associated with each wound management approach. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, controlled study. ANIMALS 85 horses. PROCEDURES Horses were assigned to 3 groups. After standardized abdominal closure, a sterile cotton towel (group 1) or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressing (group 2) was secured over the incision site with 4 or 5 cruciate sutures of nonabsorbable monofilament, or sterile gauze was placed over the site and secured with an iodine-impregnated adhesive drape (group 3). Demographic and clinicopathologic data, intraoperative and postoperative variables, and development of complications were recorded and compared among groups by statistical methods. Follow-up information was collected 30 and 90 days after surgery. Incidence and odds of incisional complications were calculated. RESULTS 75 horses completed the study. Group 3 typically had dressing displacement necessitating removal during anesthetic recovery; dressings were in place for a mean of 44 and 31 hours for groups 1 and 2, respectively. Purulent or persistent serosanguinous incisional discharge (ie, infection) was detected in 11 of 75 (15%) horses (2/24, 0/26, and 9/25 from groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Odds of incisional complications were significantly greater for group 3 than for groups 1 or 2. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that risk of infection after celiotomy for treatment of colic is lower for incisions covered with sterile towels or polyhexamethylene biguanide-impregnated dressings secured with sutures than for incisions covered with gauze secured with iodine-impregnated adhesive drapes.

Low-Cost and High-Efficiency Solar-Driven Vapor Generation Using a 3D Dyed Cotton Towel.

Solar‐driven vapor generation is a promising method to mitigate freshwater shortage and water contamination. However, most of the current highly efficient solar evaporators suffer from low robustness, tedious preparation procedures, and high cost. In this study, an easy‐to‐manufacture, low‐cost, and high‐reliability solar‐driven evaporator is designed using a black cotton towel with a hollow conical shape. The reactive dye molecules diffuse into the cotton and form strong covalent bonds with the fiber after dyeing, which firmly fixes light‐absorbing materials on the substrate. The looped pile structure of towels and hierarchical structure of yarns enable the evaporator enlarged surface area. The hollow conical shape of the cotton towel can effectively suppress the heat loss to the environment without compromising light absorption. The 3D vapor generator exhibits an evaporation rate of 1.40 and 1.27 kg m−2 h−1 for pure water and saline water, respectively. Meanwhile, this towel‐based solar‐driven evaporator exhibits a promising antifouling property as well as superior reusability and provides a reliable pathway in dealing with realistic waters, such as seawater and dyeing sewage. Therefore, the low‐cost, solar‐driven water evaporation system offers a complementary approach for high‐efficiency vapor generation and water purification in practical application.

Thermal injury to common operating room materials by fiber optic light sources and endoscopes.

To determine the thermal energy damage potential by heat sources, such as endoscopes and fiber optic light cables, in contact with materials commonly placed around an operating room (OR) table. Injury by xenon and halogen light sources were tested by direct and indirect contact using fiber optic light bundle cables and scopes at light intensities between ranging from Standby to 100%. The scopes had diameters ranging from 2.7 mm to 10 mm and were set at varying angles. The materials tested were surgical drapes, cotton towels, child shirts, child pants, lap sponges, X-ray detectable sponges, and Mayo covers. The damage potential was determined qualitatively by presence of smoking or smell of burning. Permutations involving direct contact were able to cause thermal injury, while permutations involving indirect contact, endoscopes, or halogen lamp were not. The xenon light source with the fiber optic light cable created thermal injury at light intensities of 50%, 75%, and 100%. Time to injury increased as light intensity was decreased. Only the surgical drape, child shorts, and cotton towel showed evidence of burn injury. This report supports the potential for thermal injury to the patient secondary to fiber optic light sources, although this potential may be limited in extent. The injury risk can be reduced by avoiding direct contact to materials overlying the patient, confirming standby mode or 25% light intensity, and maintaining the endoscope connected to the fiber optic cable at all times.

Intusussception Secondary to Gastrointestinal Foreign Body in an Eleven Month old Juvenile African Lion (Panthera Leo) Case Report

Abstract An eleven month old male, juvenile lion brought for rehabilitation at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) Wildlife Park was diagnosed with gastrointestinal foreign body and intussusception based on the history of persistent vomiting following ingestion of a cotton towel, and radiographic findings of a radiopaque gastric foreign body extending from the fundus to the pylorus and a cylindrical soft tissue mid-abdominal mass. The lion was premedicated with an intramuscular injections of ketamine (5 mg.kg−1) and midazolam (0.25 mg.kg−1), while anaesthesia was induced with an intravenous injection of propofol (2 mg.kg−1). A celiotomy followed by gastrotomy and subsequent intestinal resection and anastomosis was performed to remove the gastrointestinal foreign bodies and correct the intussus ception. The lion recovered well without any complication and was gradually introduced back into the group housing three weeks later following successful alimentation process. This report is probably the first case of intussusception in a lion that was associated with a gastrointestinal foreign body.

Effect of wearing cotton towel Ihram and plain Ihram on lung function among Hajj Pilgrims

Objectives:Hajj is the world’s largest gathering to Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Wearing cotton made Ihram is a basic and an essential component of Hajj. The aim of this study was to investigate the lung functions among Hajj pilgrims who were wearing cotton towel ihram (ihram with fibers) compared to those who were wearing plain cotton ihram (ihram without fibers).Methods:Ninety male, non-smoker, Hajj pilgrim volunteers with age ranged 20-60 years were selected. Forty five of them wore cotton towel ihram and 45 wore plain ihram. A day before leaving for Hajj and wearing ihram (6th Dhu-al-Hijjah) lung function base line parameters of Hajj pilgrims were determined. Hajj Pilgrims continuously wear ihram from 7-10th Dhu-al-Hijjah. In the afternoon of 10th Dhu-al-Hijjah, after removal of ihram, all parameters were repeated and at the completion of Hajj when all pilgrims return to their homes at Riyadh, all parameters were recorded again.Results:Before wearing Ihram, anthropometric and lung function baseline parameters were recorded, no significant difference was found between the study population. After wearing Ihram on the 7th Dhu-al-Hijjah and its removal on the 10th Dhu-al-Hijjah significant decline in the lung function test parameters was observed among Hajj pilgrims who were wearing cotton towel ihram. Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) 4.30±1.18 vs. 5.03±1.41 (p=0.01); Forced Expiratory Flow 25% (FEF-25%) 4.39±1.94 vs. 5.69±2.84 (p=0.03); Forced Expiratory Flow-50% (FEF-50%) 2.93±1.65 vs. 4.07±2.08 (p=0.01); Forced Expiratory Flow-75% (FEF-75%) 1.02±0.70 vs. 1.66±0.94 (p=0.002) compared to those who were wearing plain ihram.Conclusions:Lung function test parameters were decreased among the Hajj pilgrims who were wearing cotton towel ihram compared to those who were wearing plain cotton ihram. The pattern of impairment of lung function shows an obstructive peripheral airway lung involvement. It is suggested to conduct further large sample size studies to confirm the present study observations and reach at better conclusions.

Identification and quantification of electronic cigarette exhaled aerosol residue chemicals in field sites

BackgroundElectronic cigarette (EC) users may exhale large clouds of aerosol that can settle on indoor surfaces forming ECEAR (EC exhaled aerosol residue). Little is known about the chemical composition or buildup of this residue. ObjectiveOur objective was to identify and quantify ECEAR chemicals in two field sites: an EC user's living room and a multi-user EC vape shop. MethodsWe examined the buildup of ECEAR in commonly used materials (cotton, polyester, or terrycloth towel) placed inside the field sites. Materials were subjected to different lengths of exposure. Nicotine, nicotine alkaloids, and tobacco-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs) were identified and quantified in unexposed controls and field site samples using analytical chemical techniques. ResultsNicotine and nicotine alkaloids were detected in materials inside the EC user's living room. Concentrations of ECEAR chemicals remained relatively constant over the first 5 months, suggesting some removal of the chemicals by air flow in the room approximating a steady state. ECEAR chemicals were detected in materials inside the vape shop after 6 h of exposure and levels continually increased over a month. By 1 month, the nicotine in the vape shop was 60 times higher than in the EC user's living room. ECEAR chemical concentrations varied in different locations in the vape shop. Control fabrics had either no detectable or very low concentrations of chemicals. ConclusionsIn both field sites, chemicals from exhaled EC aerosols were deposited on indoor surfaces and accumulated over time forming ECEAR. Non-smokers, EC users, and employees of vape shops should be aware of this potential environmental hazard.

Comparing the Influence of the Drop Fill and Overflow Rinsing On the Reactive Dyeing Process in a Textile Dye House

Drop/fill rinsing method was used for reducing the high water consumption of overflow rinsing process in textile dye house. However, it is not known whether this drop/fill method has adverse effects on the final fabric properties or not. In this study, the effects of using drop/fill method instead of overflow rinsing process on colorimetric and fastness properties of 100% cotton towel fabrics are investigated. It is found that, skipping to the drop fill rinsing method from the over flow rinsing process and obtained fresh water saving has no negative effect on colorimetric and color fastness values of the processed fabric samples and can be used conveniently in the industrial sized production.

English

As a result of the literature review, it was observed that previous studies concentrated mainly on investigating the water absorption properties of towel fabrics, but limited studies analyzed air permeability properties of towel fabrics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the air permeability of bamboo / cotton and cotton towels produced with different pile heights and to analyze the effect and importance level of pile fiber type and pile height in these two types of towel fabrics. The paper presents an investigation of the air permeability ability of towel fabrics with respect to pile height and pile fiber type. Towel fabrics were produced under industrial conditions. 100% bamboo and 100% cotton yarns were used as pile yarns, while 100% cotton yarn was used as weft and ground warp yarn. The effect of pile fiber type and pile height on the air permeability properties of fabrics was compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Design Expert 6.01 program was used for statistical analyses. It was found that air permeability of bamboo/cotton towel fabrics was higher than 100% cotton towel fabrics and the air permeability of both types of towels decreased as pile height increased. Key words: Bamboo, cotton, terry towel, air permeability, pile height.

A pilot study: The effects of repeat washing and fabric type on the detection of seminal fluid and spermatozoa

In sexual assault cases and more specifically those involving childhood sexual abuse (CSA), victims may have had their potentially semen-stained clothing washed multiple times before a criminal investigation commences. Although it has been previously demonstrated that spermatozoa persist on cotton clothing following a single wash cycle, items of clothing washed multiple times are not routinely examined in these cases because of the assumption that the laundering process would have removed all seminal fluid and spermatozoa. The aim of this study was to examine the persistence of seminal fluid and spermatozoa on a range of fabric types including cotton, nylon, terry towel (100% cotton), polyester fleece, satin and lace which were laundered up to six times. Three techniques were used for the detection of seminal fluid and spermatozoa: an alternative light source, acid phosphatase test and microscopy. The study demonstrated that spermatozoa persisted on cotton and terry towel following six wash cycles. This data emphasises the need to recover and examine items of clothing and bedding of victims for semen, even if the item has been washed multiple times.

Quantitative study about the role of environmental conditions in the survival capability of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) are of global concern and hospital textiles can contribute to their transmission. MDRB are able to survive on textiles for more than enough time to spread in the environment. Some studies summarized the effect of environmental factors on the duration of bacterial survival, but it remained an open question how these factors influence the quantity of surviving bacteria in a period of a few days, which is relevant from the perspective of HAIs. Investigating this effect can contribute to better understand the spread of MDRB and the emergence of hospital outbreaks. We investigated quantitatively the survival capability of 15 vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), 15 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), 15 multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MACI) and 15 multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MRKP) in five environmental conditions using the plate count method. We examined the role of nutrients, textile types, temperature and level of relative humidity on bacterial survival after 1-7days of incubation. Each bacterial group showed higher survival capability on 100% cotton towel than on 100% cotton sheet (P<0.01). MRSAs and VREs showed higher (P<0.01), MACIs showed lower (P=0.02) CFU/swatch values on 100% polyester sheet than on cotton sheet. The survival capability of MRKPs and MRSAs was higher inoculated in nutrient broth than in saline solution (P<0.01). Each bacterial group showed lower survival capability (P<0.01) at body condition (T=35°C, Rh=83%) than at control (T=25°C, Rh=52%). Towels proved to be excellent conditions for each bacteria to survive, however chemical composition of the textiles affected differently the survival of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. These findings could be useful in searching for the source of outbreaks. Organic contamination of the textiles can increase the survival of desiccation-sensitive bacteria, therefore nutrient-rich inoculating medium is recommended in survival studies.

Examining school-based hygiene facilities: a quantitative assessment in a Ghanaian municipality

BackgroundThe crucial role of adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in influencing children’s handwashing behaviour is widely reported. Report from UNICEF indicates a dearth of adequate data on WASH facilities in schools, especially in the developing world. This study sought to contribute to building the evidence-base on school hygiene facilities in Ghana. The study further explored for possible associations and differences between key variables within the context of school water, sanitation and hygiene.MethodsData was collected from 37 junior high schools using an observational checklist. Methods of data analysis included a Scalogram model, Fisher’s exact test, and a Student’s t-test.ResultsResults of the study showed a facility deficiency in many schools: 33% of schools had students washing their hands in a shared receptacle (bowl), 24% had students using a single cotton towel to dry hands after handwashing, and only 16% of schools had a functional water facility. Furthermore, results of a proportion test indicated that 83% of schools which had functional water facilities also had functional handwashing stations. On the other hand, only 3% of schools which had functional water facilities also had a functional handwashing stations. A test of difference in the proportions of the two sets of schools showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001).In addition, 40% of schools which had financial provisions for water supply also had functional handwashing stations. On the other hand, only 7% of schools which had financial provisions for water supply also had functional handwashing stations. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportions of the two sets of schools (p = 0.02).ConclusionWe conclude that it is essential to have a financial provision for water supply in schools as this can potentially influence the existence of a handwashing station in a school. An intervention by government, educational authorities and civil society organisations towards enabling schools in low resource areas to have a sustainable budgetary allocation for WASH facilities would be timely.

Mathematical Simulation of Drying Process of Fibrous Material

The article describes mathematical simulation of flowing air through porous zone and water vaporisation from mentioned porous area which actually represents dried fibrous material - cotton towel. Simulation is based on finite volume method. Wet towel is placed in pipe and hot air flow through the towel. Water from towel is evaporated. Simulation of airflow through porous element is described first. Eulerian multiphase model is then used for simulation of water vaporisation from porous medium. Results of simulation are compared with experiment. Ansys Fluent 13.0 was used for calculation.

Repeated-batch fermentation by immobilization of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 in a fibrous bed bioreactor for ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) production

In this study, a fibrous bed bioreactor (FBB) system was used to produce ABE (acetone-butanol-ethanol) by immobilized cells of Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052. To obtain the maximum ABE productivity and yield and maintain the stability of a repeated-batch fermentation process in the FBB system, the optimal dilution rate (0.17 min−1) and initial glucose concentration (18 g/l) in the bioreactor were determined. When the repeated-batch fermentation was maintained at 11 cycles under the optimal conditions, an average of 4.9 g/l butanol (maximum 5.3 g/l) was achieved with an average solvent productivity of 1.0 g/l/h and a yield of 0.41 g/g (maxima of 1.1 g/l/h and 0.43 g/g, respectively). However, the solvent productivity and yield in batch fermentation of free cells were just 0.29 g/l/h and 0.36 g/g, respectively. In addition, scanning electron micrographs demonstrated that C. beijerinckii cells can be adsorbed onto a cotton towel and they exhibited a significantly different morphology compared to immobilized Clostridium acetobutylicum.