Blend Fibers Research Articles

Flammability and Thermoregulation Performance of Multilayer Protective Clothing Incorporated with Phase Change Materials

Firefighters need personal protection equipment and protective clothing to be safe and protected when responding to fire incidents. At present, firefighters’ suits are developed by using inherently thermal-resistant fibers but pose serious problems related to comfort. In the present research, multilayered fire-fighting fabrics were developed with different fiber blends. Multilayer fire retardant (FR) fabrics with phase change materials (PCMs) inserts were developed and compared with reference multilayer fabrics without PCM. In this context, four fabric samples were chosen to fabricate the multilayer FR fabrics. Properties of multilayer fabrics were investigated, which include physical, thermo–physiological comfort, and flame-resistant performance. The heating process of the clothing was examined using infrared (IR) thermography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal protective testing (TPP), and steady-state (Convective and Radiant) heat resistance tests. Areal density and thickness were measured as physical parameters, and air permeability (AP), overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), and thermal conductivity were measured as thermo–physiological comfort characteristics. The inclusion of PCM improved the thermal protection as well as flame resistance significantly. Sample S1 (Nomex + PTFE + Nomex with PCM) demonstrated superior fire resistance, air permeability, and thermal protection, with a 37.3% increase in air permeability as compared to the control sample (SC) by maintaining comfort while offering high thermal resilience. The inclusion of PCM enhanced its thermal regulation, moderating heat transfer. Flame resistance tests confirmed its excellent performance, while thermo–physiological assessments highlighted a well-balanced combination of thermal conductivity and air permeability. This study will help to improve the performance of firefighter protective fabrics and provide guidelines in terms of balancing comfort and performance while designing firefighter protective clothing for different climatic conditions.

Analysis and Optimization of the Noise Reduction Performance of Sound-Absorbing Materials in Complex Environments

The acoustic performance of sound barrier absorption materials utilized in substations is subject to variations due to factors such as sandstorms, corrosion, and rainfall. In this study, a model of the absorbing material was developed based on the Delany–Bazley model using COMSOL simulation software, version 5.6. The influence of porosity and material thickness on the absorption coefficient was analyzed, and the patterns of change were summarized. The results indicated that porosity significantly affected the entire analysis frequency range, while material thickness had a more pronounced impact in the low-frequency range. Building upon these findings, a blended fiber absorption material was formulated through research efforts. Experimental results demonstrated that the aluminum fiber diameter measured 30 microns, while the aramid fiber diameter was 12 microns; additionally, their mass ratio was established at 3:1. The material thickness was determined to be 10 cm with a face density of 2500 g/m2, resulting in optimal absorption performance. Durability tests revealed that this material could sustain effective acoustic performance across various complex environments. Finally, simulations and analyses regarding noise reduction effects were conducted within actual application scenarios; it was found that the noise reduction capability of the blended fiber sound barrier absorption material exceeded that of glass wool by 4.78 dB.

Mechanical properties and vibration characteristics of multiaxial carbon/glass hybrid fiber composites

AbstractIn this paper, the mechanical properties and vibration characteristics of Carbon‐Glass Hybrid Fiber Composites (CGHFC) are experimentally investigated with varying axial directions and blending ratios. The experimental results demonstrate a significant increase in the tensile strength of the CGHFC with an increasing content of carbon fibers. The biaxially CGHFC exhibits a maximum static tensile strength of 413.27 MPa in the 0° direction and 466.33 MPa in the 90° direction, surpassing both the quadratic and uniaxial directions. Notably, compared to biaxially oriented glass fiber material, the tensile strength of CGHFC is enhanced by 44.36%, thereby significantly improving its overall performance, making them particularly suitable for blade structures subjected to simultaneous tensile and vibratory loads. By optimizing the fiber orientation and blend ratio, the CGHFC provides good vibration control and fatigue resistance while ensuring high strength, thus maximizing the overall performance and service life of the blades. The results of this paper provide important data and theoretical support for the selection and design of wind turbine blade materials and help to promote the development of composite materials in wind turbine blade structure and design.Highlights CGHFCs show enhanced tensile strength with more carbon fibers. Biaxial CGHFCs have max tensile strength at 0° and 90° directions. CGHFCs' strength improves by 44.36% over glass fiber materials. Optimized CGHFCs offer superior vibration control and fatigue resistance. Research supports wind turbine blade material innovation.

Matching combination of amorphous ionic hydrogel with elastic fabric enables integrated properties for wearable sensing

The combination of hydrogels and fabrics opens up significant opportunities for flexible materials, particularly in biomedicine and wearable technology. However, the weak interface caused by insufficient interactions between the different phases and the substantial modulus mismatch limit their broader application. In this research, flexible and amorphous polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels were integrated with polar and elastic fabrics to create multifunctional composites via in-situ freeze-thawing technology. First, by incorporating antifreeze inorganic salts into the precursor solution, we effectively suppressed ice crystal growth during the cooling process, promoting a uniform and loosely aligned PVA chain structure. This led to the formation of an amorphous crosslinked network while simultaneously releasing free hydroxyl groups. These hydroxyl groups facilitate the formation of robust interfaces within the composite. In addition, an elastic fabric composed of a polyester-polyurethane fiber blend was selected. The polyester fibers, rich in carbonyl groups along their polymer chains, form strong hydrogen bonds with the free hydroxyl groups from the PVA hydrogel, creating a highly resilient interface. The polyurethane fibers contribute to a lower Young's modulus, as well as excellent elasticity and ductility, reducing the fabric's inherent stiffness and mitigating fiber pull-out failure. Further, the incorporation of CaCl2 not only created an environment rich in free ions, but also provided the amorphous structure with increasing spacing between adjacent polymer chains, facilitating the transportation of ions. Therefore, the composite exhibits adept sensing capabilities for intricate human body movements, fostering auspicious prospects in smart sensor applications.

Mechanical properties of basalt/jute fiber composites to improve the phenomenon of drawing delamination

AbstractIn recent years, natural fibers have been commonly used to reinforce various polymers, resulting in composites with excellent mechanical properties. To address the challenge of delamination and significant fiber pull‐out in inter‐laminar hybrid composites during stretching, this study focused on preparing intra‐laminar hybrid textile composites using basalt fibers (BFs) and jute fibers (JFs) as raw materials. Moreover, the mechanical properties of BF/JF intra‐layer blended fabric composites were investigated. The prepared composites underwent tensile, flexural, impact, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The results indicated that intra‐laminar blended composites demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to inter‐laminar blended fabric composites. The DMA results revealed that the intra‐laminar blended composites featured a high peak loss factor. Morphological analysis indicated enhanced stress transfer from fiber‐to‐fiber and fiber‐to‐matrix in the intra‐laminar blended composites.Highlights Fiber blending can expand the application areas of natural fibers. Fiber blending can reduce interlayer damage. Intra‐layer blending differs from interlayer hybrid composites. Strong bonding between fibers facilitates effective stress transfer. “Green” composites exhibit exceptional mechanical properties.

Istraživanje utjecaja zelenih hibridnih vlakana na žilavost i mehanička svojstva betona od pijeska željezne jalovine

To improve the brittleness and susceptibility to cracking of iron tailings sand concrete, fibre blending was employed to toughen and resist cracking in the material. In this study, two inexpensive and environmentally friendly fibre materials were used: recycled tire steel fibre (RTSF) and coconut fibre (CF). The two fibre materials were blended and the resulting mixture was subjected to a series of performance tests, including compressive, tensile, flexural, impact, and bending tests. The effects of the fibre doping method and amount on the toughness and mechanical properties of iron tailings sand concrete were investigated in terms of the law of effect of the blended fibre admixture on the toughness and mechanical properties of iron tailings sand concrete. The results show that adding two types of fibres can effectively improve the toughness and mechanical properties of the specimen, and the hybrid fibre has a more obvious effect. Compared with the blank control group (Non), the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, and bending peak load of the concrete with 0.75 % RTSF and 0.2 % CF increased by 20.8 %, 42.9 %, 40.4 %, 92.4 %, and 37.5 %, respectively. Combined with the theory and fracture surface morphology analysis, it was shown that recycled tire steel fibres play a major role in cracking resistance, while coconut fibres play a toughening role.

Fiber-Reinforced Flexible Self-Healing Strain Sensor with Failure-Improving Sensitivity Recovery.

In this work, we address the inherent limitations of porous, flexible, fibrous, and self-healing strain sensors. Specifically, we tackle issues such as the fatigue failure of carbon-fibrous materials and the long-term flow and low mechanical stability of self-healing materials. We achieve this by combining self-healing carbon/PBS blends with fibrous materials, creating a fiber-reinforced self-healing composite. The self-healing carbon/PBS blends provide strain sensitivity and the ability to recover after fatigue and impact failure, while the fibers prevent the long-term flow of material and the scattering of pieces during impact and fatigue failure within the elastic deformation regime, enabling shape recovery. We fabricated composite wearable strain sensors with a viscoelastic functional layer composed of two continuous phases: (i) a self-healing polymer-carbon blend and (ii) long electrospun fibers of commercial polyurethane. This setup also eliminates the other drawbacks of bulk materials, such as nonlinearity of volt-ampere characteristics, irreversibility of deformation, and a low working factor, and allows improvement of the working factor after failure and healing. Most importantly, we discovered that hindered self-healing, like in the case of the MWCNT/PBS system, enables improvement of sensor sensitivity after large strains and failure, which is due to partial failure of the network formed by conductive particles.

Effects of a diverse prebiotic fibre blend on inflammation, the gut microbiota and affective symptoms in metabolic syndrome: a pilot open-label randomised controlled trial.

Emerging evidence suggests that low-grade systemic inflammation plays a key role in altering brain activity, behaviour and affect. Modulation of the gut microbiota using prebiotic fibre offers a potential therapeutic tool to regulate inflammation, mediated via the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). However, the impact of prebiotic consumption on affective symptoms and the possible contribution from inflammation, gut symptoms and the gut microbiome are currently underexamined. In this 12-week study, the effects of a diverse prebiotic blend on inflammation, gut microbiota profiles and affective symptoms in a population with metabolic syndrome (MetS) were examined. Sixty males and females with MetS meeting the criteria for MetS were randomised into a treatment group (n 40), receiving 10 g per day of a diverse prebiotic blend and healthy eating advice, and a control group (n 20), receiving healthy eating advice only. Our results showed a significant reduction in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the treatment (-0·58 [-9·96 to-2·63]) compared with control (0·37 [-3·64 to-3·32]), alongside significant improvements in self-reported affective scores in the treatment compared with the control group. While there were no differences in relative abundance between groups at week 12, there was a significant increase from baseline to week 12 in fecal Bifidobacterium and Parabacteroides in the treatment group, both of which are recognised as SCFA producers. Multivariate regression analyses further revealed an association between gastrointestinal symptoms and hs-CRP with affective scores. Together, this study provides preliminary support for a diverse prebiotic blend for mood, stress and anxiety.

A Comparative Analysis of Denim Fabric Performances from Cotton/Polyester Blended Rigid and Stretched Yarns

Cotton and polyester fiber blends are commonly used to improve the aesthetic features of finished items. The denim industry’s growing need for polyester fiber aids in analyzing the performance of denim fabrics woven from rigid and stretched weft yarn combined with cotton and polyester. This study evaluates the weight, dimensional changes, stiffness, tensile and tearing strength, stretch, and comfort properties of denim fabric woven from cotton and polyester in various blended ratios. Here, Ne 14/1 (42 tex) 100% cotton warp yarn and Ne 18/1 (33 tex) weft yarns, consisting of 100% cotton, 75/25, 50/50, and 25/75 cotton/polyester (CO/PES) blends, as well as 100% polyester, were used to produce 3/1 Z twill denim fabric. The weft yarns were categorized into three groups: rigid, core-spun, and dual-core-spun yarns. Experimental results showed a higher polyester content in weft yarn, and denim fabrics’ tensile and tearing strength was improved, whereas fabrics’ weight loss, dimensional changes, and stretch properties were reduced. Furthermore, different statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the type of weft yarn and blending ratio interaction and correlation with fabric properties. Additionally, a regression model was developed with the weft yarn type and blending ratio as independent variables to predict the fabric properties.

An Approach Toward Assessing Linear Low-Density Polyethylene/Alkali-Treated Peanut Shell Fiber Blends for Rotational Molding

In order to improve the mechanical properties of polymer composites, natural fibers are being employed more and more as reinforcements. However, incorporating natural fibers can be difficult in rotational molding, a process used to make hollow plastic objects like kayaks and fuel tanks. Bi-axial rotation is a procedure that can result in fiber aggregation and is challenging to regulate. The optimal combination of NaOH-treated peanut shell powder (TPSP) and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) for rotational molding was examined in our research reported in the manuscript. Processability was assessed using a variety of testing techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), particle size distribution, bulk density, melt flow index (MFI), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Significant peaks with TPSP concentrations in LLDPE ranging from 10 to 22% were shown by the FTIR. Blends of TPSP with LLDPE containing more than 18% TPSP were not acceptable for rotational molding due to poor flowability, as shown by particle size and bulk density investigations and supported by MFI data. According to our study, a 16% TPSP blend was the best formulation for rotational molding since it improved the thermal stability and increased the crystallinity by around 10%.

Pretreatment and dyeability analysis of cotton and novel Bauhinia vahlii fiber

The textile industry is witnessing a paradigm shift towards sustainable materials, prompting the exploration of novel natural fibers as alternatives to synthetic fibers to meet environmental standards and address the growing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Different natural fibers possess varied properties and are suitable for numerous applications in conventional and technical textiles. The coloration of these textile materials is an important aspect of conventional textiles, which starts with the pretreatment of the material. This study introduces a novel blend of cotton and Bauhinia vahlii fiber, a lesser-known natural cellulosic fiber with promising textile properties, and evaluates its pretreatment outcomes and dyeability characteristics. The study employs a systematic approach to pretreat the cotton and Bauhinia vahlii fiber blend (cotton: Bauhinia vahlii fiber 70:30) in a single bath using a conventional combined scouring bleaching process. The pretreatment process is carried out two times with varied sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentrations for different processing times at 90 °C to assess the component fibers’ whiteness index, union bleaching balance, and weight loss percentage under diverse pretreatment conditions. Each time, 50% of the chemicals were used and continued for half of the processing time. The dyeability of the treated fibers is analyzed by dyeing the same in a single bath using amron bright red HF2R bifunctional reactive dye in varied shade depths (1%, 3%, and 5%) and fiber blend ratios (cotton: Bauhinia vahlii fiber 100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 0:100) to assess the color strength, union dyeing balance, and fastness properties. The maximum whiteness was achieved with 6 g per liter (gpl) of NaOH and H2O2 and at a processing time of 150 min with a whiteness index of 80.46 and 54.34 of cotton and Bauhinia vahlii fiber, respectively, with a union bleaching balance of 1.48. The dyed fibers’ colorimetric results confirm that Bauhinia vahlii fiber gives higher color strength than cotton fiber, irrespective of shade depth and blend ratio. The union dyeing balance of 1.2 was achieved at 5% shade depth with a 70:30 cotton Bauhinia vahlii fiber blend. This research contributes to the conventional textile field by introducing a sustainable fiber blend that reduces reliance on synthetic fiber and opens new avenues for utilizing Bauhinia vahlii fiber in conventional textile manufacturing.

Impact of photochemical aging on high‐performance fabrics used in firefighters' protective clothing

AbstractHigh‐performance fabrics used in the outer shell of firefighters' protective clothing protect the wearer from severe conditions. These fabrics are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation during service and storage, which may eventually reduce their performance. This study explored the effect of accelerated photochemical aging on three fabrics used in the outer shell of firefighters' protective clothing; they corresponded to aramid copolymer/polybenzoxazole, para‐aramid/meta‐aramid, and para‐aramid/polybenzimidazole fiber blends. The fabric specimens were subjected to irradiances between 0.35 and 1.35 W/m2 at temperatures between 40°C and 80°C for up to 600 hours. They were tested for breaking force and apparent water contact angle. Complementary microscopy, chemical, and physicochemical analysis were also performed. The UV‐aged para‐aramid/polybenzimidazole fabric demonstrated a better breaking force retention compared to the aramid copolymer/polybenzoxazole and para‐aramid/meta‐aramid fabrics. The considerable reduction in strength observed in the two latter fabrics was associated with fiber breakage. Furthermore, the apparent water contact angle significantly decreased following UV exposure, indicating the potential degradation of the fabric surface finish. On the other hand, no significant changes in the crystallinity index were detected whereas potential decreases in the peak intensity of some chemical functional groups were observed after photochemical aging. These results highlight the significance of material selection in enhancing the long‐term performance of fire‐protective fabrics and offer insightful information on the photochemical aging of high‐performance fabrics.

Investigating the Impact of Air Permeability and Thermal Properties on Rib Knit Structures

Factors influencing the comfort and performance of knitted fabrics can be investigated to enhance the understanding and development of functional accessories. Issues related to the thermal regulation and moisture management of these materials are systematically explored in this research. Additionally, the effects of fibre type, yarn properties, fabric variables, and finishing methods are examined through the evaluation of physical properties relevant to the comfort of rib knit structures, particularly in sportswear design. 1x1 Rib knit 1structures were created using polyester spun, cotton spun, polyester filament, and viscose filament yarns with varying linear densities employing a KH-323N computerized flatbed knitting machine. Evaluations of physical properties, thermal characteristics, air permeability, antibacterial efficiency, and hydrophilic finish were conducted following ASTM standards and specific testing methods to thoroughly assess the quality and performance of the fabric. Significant insights into the physical and comfort properties of the fabrics were provided by the results. Varying thermal and air permeability characteristics were demonstrated by polyester-cotton and viscose-cotton fabrics. Thermal resistance and conductivity are influenced by filament denier, loop length, and knit structure, while these same factors affect air permeability. Air permeability is also impacted by finishing treatments, thereby highlighting the complex interplay between fabric properties and comfort. Advanced finishing techniques and novel fibre blends could be explored in future research to further optimize fabric comfort properties.

Textile color formulation methods: A literature review

AbstractColor has become an essential element in our communication and our judgment on products. In textile, the formulation of any color is an essential process to ensure color continuity from the master standard to all subsequent production batches. Indeed, the objective is to normalize its reproduction all along the color reproduction procedure. In the literature, researches concerning textile color formulation are important, so this review focuses on these different techniques and methods of color matching for dye mixtures and precolored fiber blends. This step involves determining the dyes or fibers to use (alone or in mixtures) and their appropriate proportions to reproduce the wanted colors. The main techniques used for dye mixtures are based on colorimetric, spectrophotometric, and artificial intelligence techniques. While for precolored fiber mixtures the used techniques are dived into theoretical and experimental models. In addition to the review of these different techniques, a quantitative analysis was carried out.

Development and characterization of air jet vortex yarn with novel fiber blends

AbstractAir jet vortex spinning has become more popular due to its higher productivity, improved yarn quality, and recent technological advancements. This research explores the interplay between fiber composition, spinning techniques, and yarn properties, comparing them to traditional ring‐spun yarns. Air jet vortex spinning is typically used for fibers like viscose and polyester, with limited exploration of new fibers. This study uses novel fibers to create air jet vortex yarns, examining their spin ability, properties, and structure. Both air jet vortex and ring‐spun yarns were produced using blends of new and conventional fibers, such as Tencel A100, eco‐friendly viscose, recycled polyester, acrylic, combed cotton, and polyester, all with a linear density of 18 Ne. Compositions included acrylic/environmental viscose/combed cotton, polyester/viscose, and recycled polyester/Tencel A100 (80/20). From the analysis of mechanical properties, results revealed that air jet vortex yarns exhibited superior properties to ring‐spun yarns, except for evenness. A/R/C, T/TA100, and TR air jet vortex yarns exhibited a good tensile strength of 383.67, 702.8, and 656.4 cN, respectively, which are higher than ring spun yarns. Air jet vortex yarns showed 90% less hairiness compared with ring‐spun yarns. Moreover, the internal structure of both air jet vortex and ring‐spun yarn was thoroughly examined using scanning electron microscopy. This study also highlights the innovative potential and sustainability of air jet vortex yarns in the textile industry.Highlights Investigating the relationship between fiber composition, spinning techniques, and yarn properties, comparing them to traditional ring‐spun yarns. Utilizing novel fibers to create air jet vortex yarns and analyzing their spin ability, properties, and structure. Producing blends of new and conventional fibers, including Tencel A100, eco‐friendly viscose, recycled polyester, acrylic, combed cotton, and polyester, all with a linear density of 18 Ne. Demonstrating superior mechanical properties of air jet vortex yarns compared with ring‐spun yarns, except for evenness, underscoring their innovative potential, and sustainability in the textile industry.

Optimizing Peat and Wood Fiber Blends: Impacts of Liming and Fertilization on Growth of Petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm.) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

This study investigated the effects of substrates composed of various ratios of wood fiber and peat (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% peat (v/v)) mixed with different amounts of lime (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g L−1) and start fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g L−1 Multimix) on the growth and biomass accumulation of petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm ‘Finity F1 Purple’) and basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ‘Marian’) in an ebb-and-flow greenhouse system. Growth parameters included plant height, weight, canopy diameter, and chlorosis symptoms for petunia, along with substrate pH and EC measurements. Petunia showed optimal growth in substrates with higher peat content, while basil produced satisfactory biomass across a pH range of 5–7 regardless of substrate type. Optimal petunia cultivation in 100% wood fiber required a significant dose of start fertilizer without lime. Monitoring pH and EC using pour-through and press methods revealed a pH decrease in substrates with added start fertilizer, while substrates with higher wood fiber content were less acidic. Substrates with over 50% (v/v) wood fiber without lime showed a rapid pH increase over five weeks. The pour-through method generally underestimated EC values compared to the press method. These findings contribute to optimizing the wood fiber/peat blends for sustainable horticulture.

Consumption of a Sourdough-Leavened Croissant Enriched with a Blend of Fibers Influences Fasting Blood Glucose in a Randomized Controlled Trial in Healthy Subjects

BackgroundAn incorrect lifestyle, including diet, is responsible for the worldwide dramatic increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increasing dietary fiber consumption may lead to health benefits, and reformulation of bakery products may be a strategy to globally improve the diet. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the impact of a 2-wk breakfast consumption with a sourdough-leavened croissant containing a blend of dietary fiber from 10 sources (4.8 g/100 g, croissant enriched with dietary fibers [FIBCRO]), compared with a control croissant (dietary fibers 1.3 g/100 g, CONCRO) on daily energy intake, appetite, metabolic variables, and the gut microbiome. MethodsThirty-two healthy participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups consuming FIBCRO or CONCRO. Participants self-recorded their diet and appetite through 7-d weighted food diaries and visual analog scales every day over the 2 wk. At baseline and after the intervention, fasting blood and urine samples, and fecal samples were collected beside blood pressure, anthropometry, and body composition. Serum glucose, lipids, C-reactive protein, and insulin according to the official methods and serum dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPPIV) activity by photometric method were measured. Polyphenols and urolithins in urines were analyzed by Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS), whereas gut microbiome in feces by shotgun metagenomics. ResultsFIBCRO consumption improved fasting blood glucose compared with CONCRO (mean changes from baseline −2.0 mg/dL in FIBCRO compared with +3.1 mg/dL in CONCRO, P = 0.022), also reducing serum DPPIV activity by 1.7 IU/L (P = 0.01) and increasing urinary excretion of urolithin A-sulfate by 6.9 ng/mg creatinine (P = 0.04) compared with baseline. No further changes in any of the monitored variables or in the gut microbiome were detected. ConclusionsResults suggested that a 2-wk consumption of a sourdough croissant claimed as “source of dietary fiber” improved fasting glycemia compared with a conventional sourdough croissant in healthy subjects. The reduced serum DPPIV activity and increased bioavailability of urolithin likely contributed to determine that effect independently from gut microbiome changes.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04999280.

Degradation of Biodegradable Nonwoven Mulches in the Winter Period.

An open field experiment from November 2022 to May 2023 in Croatia, which is characterized by a continental humid climate, evaluated nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, and hemp fibres blended with PLA fibres. The blends of viscose and jute fibres (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 ratios) were produced using mechanical web formation on cards with needle punching for bonding webs. Additionally, hemp fibres were blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 80:20. Winter conditions caused significant structural changes in the mulches, including shrinkage, increased mass per unit area, thickness, and reduced air permeability. The amount of PLA fibre in the nonwoven mulch blends significantly affected nonwoven fabric structure change during exposure to winter conditions. After 180 days, the breaking force of all mulches increased by 30% to 277%. The soil beneath jute and hemp mulches maintained higher temperatures and moisture levels compared to viscose mulches. Soil organic carbon content varied with fibre type and was higher under jute and hemp mulches. K2O content was significantly higher in soils covered by mulches. All mulches effectively suppressed weeds. The experiment results showed that the newly produced nonwoven mulches could replace the conventional agro foil. Results also suggest that choosing biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from fibres obtained from natural and renewable sources can influence soil fertility and the availability of nutrients, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity.

The Effect of Spinning Parameters and Fiber Blending Ratio on the Physical Properties of Pineapple Leaf Fiber (PALF)-Cotton Yarns

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) is known as pineapple residue and has potential as a textile material. Typical yarn manufacturing adopts ring spinning technique, yet it is challenging for course fibers, including PALF. PALF has been used in clothing and paper production using textile thread. It has the highest modulus among leaf fibers, comparable to synthetic fibers such as aramid and glass, and possesses the greatest tensile strength among leaf fibers. PALF has high fineness index makes it ideal for industrial yarn and woven fabric applications. Using natural fibers offers benefits such as being environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and lightweight yet sturdy. This study evaluates the physical properties of PALF-cotton yarn at three twist speeds, two total drafts, and three PALF-cotton blending ratios. The methodology of this study involves carding, drawing, and ring spinning of the PALF-cotton fibers. The process starts with cutting and opening PALF before blending it with cotton fiber using a carding machine. The finding shows that the average diameter and fineness values range from 205 μm to 458 μm and 31.2 to 67.0 tex, respectively. The study also reported that twist speed, total draft, and blending ratio affect the diameter and fineness of the yarns. In contrast, the increment of twist speed and total draft decreases the fineness and diameter of PALF-cotton yarns. Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) shows great potential in the apparel industry. Three regression models were presented to predict the future ring-spinning process, and pineapple waste can be repurposed into valuable products, reducing overall waste.

Comparative degradation behavior of polybutylene succinate (PBS), used PBS, and PBS/Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) blend fibers in compost and marine–sediment interfaces

Amid increasing concerns over microplastic pollution and the persistence of nonbiodegradable polymers in the ocean, this study evaluates the biodegradability of polybutylene succinate (PBS)-based fishing gear under different conditions: pristine PBS fibers, PBS fibers utilized in fishing (PBS_used), and PBS fibers blended with 10% polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). By simulating compost and marine–sediment interface environments with reference to ISO 14855 and ISO 19679 standards, respectively, we aimed not only to assess the degradation performance of these fibers but also to examine the physical and chemical property changes pre and postdegradation. PBS, PBS_used, and PBS/PHA (9:1) fibers exhibited degradation rates of 31.9%, 35.5%, and 39.5% in compost environments, and 20.3%, 22.1%, and 25.9% at the seawater–sediment interface, respectively. Through comprehensive physicochemical analyses involving molecular weight measurement, field emission–scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile property evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis, the degradation behavior of PBS-based fibers depending on the degradation environment was compared. This study suggests that PBS-based fishing gear can biodegrade under various conditions encountered in the actual fishing sector, thereby preventing ghost fishing and mitigating the issue of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.