Blend Fibers Research Articles

Dyeing of cotton/acrylic blend fabric in a single‐bath‐single‐stage method using indigo dye

AbstractIn this study, an attempt has been made to dye cotton/acrylic blend fabrics in a single‐bath‐single‐stage method considering today's growing market for such blended products. Yarn‐blend cotton/acrylic fabric was produced and dyed at 3% shade using indigo dye in the exhaust method to optimise the dyeing conditions by varying the amount of reducing agent, pH, and dyebath temperature. The colour yield of both the acrylic part and cotton components of the blend was influenced by pH levels. Meanwhile, the temperature played a notable role in determining the colour yield of the acrylic portion. Optimised dyeing conditions were obtained at pH 6 and 120°C for the acrylic part, whereas pH 11 and 90°C temperature were obtained for the cotton part. These conditions involved the use of sodium dithionite (15 g/L) as a reducing agent and sodium hydroxide as an alkali. While the yarn‐blend fabrics exhibited a unique shadow dyeing effect, solid dyeing results were achieved with fibre‐blend fabrics, underscoring the versatility of this single‐bath‐single‐stage method. To assess the overall dyeing performance, comprehensive evaluations including bursting strength measurements, assessments of fastness to washing, perspiration, and rubbing were conducted, all of which provided valuable insights into the durability and colour retention of the yarn‐blend fabrics. This research not only addresses the demand for cotton/acrylic blend fabrics in today's market but also demonstrates an efficient and innovative single‐bath‐single‐stage dyeing approach using indigo dye, which holds promise for the textile industry's future sustainability and product diversity.

PSVIII-10 An Experimental Weight Management Food Supports Metabolism and Allows for Less Calorie Restriction for Weight Loss in Both Dogs and Cats: a Retrospective Analysis

Abstract Obesity is a growing health concern in dogs and cats. Furthermore, decreased maintenance energy requirements after body weight loss has been linked to rebound weight gain in dogs and cats. Previous research completed by our group has demonstrated that feeding a targeted weight management food to dogs and cats during both the maintenance and weight loss phases results in body weight loss and improved body condition despite increases in caloric intake during the weight maintenance phase. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding two different weight management foods on weight loss on a per Kcal basis in dogs and cats. Obese adult dogs (n = 39) and cats (n = 38) were subjected to a 36-d maintenance phase and then a 112-d weight loss phase in which they were fed either a standard weight management food (control) or a weight management food that included a blend of specific fibers, immuno-modulators, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory botanicals, and lipotropes (test). During the maintenance phase, pets were fed an adjusted amount of calories needed to maintain weight. Diets were adjusted throughout the weight loss phase to achieve a 1 to 2% reduction in BW per week. Intake was collected daily, and body weight (BW) was recorded every 7 d. To calculate the calorie deficit needed to achieve one unit of weight loss, metabolizable energy estimated from modified Atwater equations and food intake were used and the delta of energy intake between maintenance and body weight loss phases was divided by the delta of the BW change during weight loss. Delta energy/delta weight was reduced (P = 0.020) in cats fed the test food when compared with pets fed the control food such that cats fed the weight loss food required a deficit of 56.5 kcal/d and cats fed the control food required a deficit of 82.8 kcal/d to achieve 1 kg of BW loss. Similarly, delta energy/delta weight was reduced (P = 0.045) in dogs fed the test food when compared with dogs fed the control food such that dogs fed the weight loss food required a deficit of 57.2 kcal/d and dogs fed the control food required a deficit of 95.0 kcal/d to achieve 1 kg of BW loss. Overall, feeding the targeted weight management test food resulted in body weight loss with less of a calorie deficit when compared with feeding the control food, suggesting that the metabolism of dogs and cats is altered by the test food. These data suggest that feeding a food that requires less calorie deficit to lose body weight allows pets to consume more food, contributing to improved satiety, without negating their weight loss process. Future research may support a benefit against rebound weight gain.

Mechanical Propertes of Composite Based on Nowoven Fabric from Blend of Fibers with Different Diameters

Mechanical Propertes of Composite Based on Nowoven Fabric from Blend of Fibers with Different Diameters

Modified Needle-Punched Nonwoven Based on Blend of Polymer Fibers

Modified Needle-Punched Nonwoven Based on Blend of Polymer Fibers

An eco-friendly approach: effect of fixation time on colour and comfort properties of digital printed fabric

This study will examine how digital printing affects clothing comfort on knitted fabrics from different raw materials. Garments significantly affect the heat exchange between the human body and the environment. Therefore, consumers prefer thermally balanced and effective moisture-controlled products in the selection of clothing. Air permeability is also important in explaining the comfort performance of the product in the textile industry. On the other hand, digital printing machines have become the centre of attention of consumers as a print type on which the desired pattern can be printed on the chosen fabric and more ecological, faster, and economical. However different printing processes can change the comfort characteristics of the garments. In this study, single jersey knitted fabrics 100% Ne 12/1 cotton, 100% Ne 30/1 cotton, and Ne 12/1 70% cotton + 30% Hemp were produced. Raw materials were bleached and singed, then coloured with digital printing. After that, air permeability, bursting strength, stiffness, ironing fastness, and SEM analyses were applied to samples when the results were determined, it was seen that heavier fabric will have higher stiffness. Also, thicker yarns have higher bursting strength. It follows that the cotton-hemp blended fibres (PK) have high unevenness, and the bursting strength of the fabrics produced from this raw material is lower than cotton fabrics (P12). Similarly, since the thin-thick place values of cotton-hemp blended yarns are high, porosity is one of the most important factors affecting air permeability in fabrics. This porous structure also increased the air permeability of the fabric.

Effect of Polybutylene Succinate Additive in Polylactic Acid Blend Fibers via a Melt-Blown Process.

This work aimed to study the influence of the polybutylene succinate (PBS) content on the physical, thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of the obtained polylactic acid (PLA)/PBS composite fibers. PLA/PBS blend fibers were prepared by a simple melt-blown process capable of yielding nanofibers. Morphological analysis revealed that the fiber size was irregular and discontinuous in length. Including PBS affected the fiber size distribution, and the fibers had a smoother surface with increased amounts of added PBS. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) revealed that the crystallization temperature of the PLA sheet (105.8 °C) was decreased with increasing PBS addition levels down to 91.7 °C at 10 wt.% PBS. This suggests that the addition of PBS may affect PLA crystallization, which is consistent with the X-ray diffraction analysis that revealed that the crystallinity of PLA (19.2%) was increased with increasing PBS addition up to 28.1% at 10 wt% PBS. Moreover, adding PBS increased the tensile properties while the % elongation at break was significantly decreased.

Textile waste – an opportunity as well as a threat

Clothing and textiles are very challenging to recycle due to the fact that they are nearly always a blend of fibres from different types of polymers. There are some promising early indications that new green solvents including CyreneTM and TMO as well as some simple ionic liquids can be used to aid recycling of complex fabrics by selective dissolution of one of the component polymers. A viable process for the future valorisation of many waste fabrics should be designed to maximise the creation of valuable product streams while also minimising any waste.

A Novel Prebiotic Fibre Blend Supports the Gastrointestinal Health of Senior Dogs.

Senior pets can suffer from a wide range of age-related diseases that can impact the quality of life for the pet and the relationship between a pet and their owner. Dietary fibre plays a key role in shaping the gastrointestinal health in mammalian species. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose on the health of senior dogs when fed on top of a background commercial dry diet. Thirty-two dogs aged >8 years received the prebiotic fibre blend as a dietary topper for 21 days on top of a nutritionally complete diet using a cross-over study design. The prebiotic fibre blend improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs as measured through improved faecal quality scores, a reduction in faecal pH, changes to the taxonomic composition of the gut, and a reduction in faecal branched-chain fatty acids, which are markers for proteolytic degradation. Broader systemic measures, such as changes to serum cytokines, were not impacted by the prebiotic fibre blend. In conclusion, a novel prebiotic fibre blend containing sugar beet pulp, galacto-oligosaccharides, and cellulose improved the gastrointestinal health of senior dogs and could have a range of potential future dietary applications.

Assessing compatibility, tansesterification, and disintegration of PET/PLA fiber blend in composting conditions

To recycle a blend of PET and PLA, understanding the challenging issues and crucial parameters that affect the properties and morphology of the blend is key to successful recycling. So, the main focus of this study was to investigate the parameters that influence the processability, compatibility, morphology, properties, and disintegration of PET/PLA blend fibers. Using surface tension measurements, acceptable adhesion between the two components was observed. SEM results showed that the PET/PLA blend fibers have a microfibrillar morphology. Based on 1H NMR analysis, the exchange reaction resulted in a block copolymer. The crystallization process in the fibers became more difficult as the PLA content increased due to the formation of copolymers through transesterification. The presence of oriented crystals in the melt-spun fiber blend was confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns. As the PLA content increased, the tensile strength of the blends decreased gradually. Furthermore, the sample containing 20 wt% PLA exhibited the highest dimensional stability. The disintegration process in composting conditions for PET was improved by PLA.

Performance evaluation of asphalt mixture reinforced by lignin and ceramic fiber

A single-adding fiber technology only plays a role in improving one performance of asphalt mixture such as high temperature or low temperature or water damage performance. Although double-adding fiber-reinforced asphalt mixtures are expected to improve overall road performance, existing research still only focuses on the analysis of a single performance. In this study, two representative fibers including lignin fiber (LF) and ceramic fiber (CF) were selected including to investigate the role of double-adding fibers in asphalt mixtures. The effect of different fiber proportions on the overall road performance of stone matrix asphalt (SMA-13) mixtures was analyzed via wheel tracking tests, low temperature bending test, moisture susceptibility test and fatigue test, etc. The results revealed that the combined addition of LF and CF exhibited superior improvements in mechanical strength, anti-rutting performance, moisture susceptibility, and fatigue life as compared to that of using either fiber alone. Specifically, compared to that of SMA mixtures using LF, the SMA mixtures using both two fibers improved in 11% dynamic stability, 8.6 % low-temperature bending stress, 2.1 % moisture susceptibility and 20 % fatigue life, respectively. And compared to that of SMA mixtures using CF, the mixtures using both two fibers increased in 11 % low-temperature bending strain and 8 % fatigue life, while improving slightly in dynamic stability, low-temperature bending stress, and moisture susceptibility respectively. Based on the results of efficiency coefficient method, the recommended ratio of LF to CF in the asphalt mixture is 1:2, providing a more balanced and comprehensive enhancement of road performances. This study provides a theoretical reference for the engineering application of improving the road performance of asphalt mixture through composite fiber blending, which can effectively enhance the service life of asphalt pavement.

Influence of Blending Method and Blending Ratio on Ring-spun Yarn Quality – a MANOVA Approach

Cotton-polyester is a common and popular fibre blend in the textile industry nowadays. Its main advantage is that it improves the functional properties of clothing and textile products. In this study, fibre-blended, sliver-blended and roving-blended yarns with a fineness of 23 tex were manufactured using a ring spinning system, with blend ratios of cotton and polyester fibres of 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30. The quality parameters of the produced yarn, such as mass variations, imperfections, hairiness and bundle yarn strength, were studied. The end breakage rate of the ring frame machine was also studied during the manufacturing of the yarns. The results were analysed using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) to determine the significance of the impact of the blending method and blending ratio on yarn quality and the end breakage rate of the ring frame machine. The profile plots were analysed from statistical and technical points of view. Among the three blended yarns, fibre-blended yarn demonstrated the best results in terms of mass variations and imperfections due to better blending homogeneity, while roving-blended yarn demonstrated better results in terms of hairiness. Among the blended yarn, fibre-blended yarn demonstrated the highest bundle yarn strength value, while the corresponding end breakage rate of the ring frame machine recorded the lowest value. The yarn quality was improved in terms of mass variations, imperfections, hairiness and bundle yarn strength by increasing the polyester fibre percentage in the blend ratio.

“Well-Dressed” in Suits of Australian Wool: The Global Fiber Wars and Masculine Material Literacy, 1950–1965

The global explosion of synthetic fibers in the mid-twentieth century challenged Australia’s wool industry, demanding new ways of marketing the natural fiber to compete with these so-called modern miracles. The menswear market changed profoundly with the convenience of synthetic fabrics and the excitement that surrounded the power of science embodied in these clothes. Some Australian men turned to the “Your Clothes” feature in Man: The Australian Magazine for Men to understand what being “well-dressed” meant across these years of rapid change. A suit was a key component. Though pure wool had long been the cloth of choice, those made from new synthetics or a blend of wool and artificial fibers proliferated at the time. This article explores the efforts of Man’s fashion columnists to help their readers navigate the changes taking place to textiles across 1950–1965 by developing their material literacy. It further captures how the mid-century fiber wars played out across the pages of the magazine, contributing a distinctly Australian perspective to the global competition for consumers that was shaped by the nation’s pride in its fine wool and its intensifying efforts to combine the fiber’s natural advantages with those of “modern science.”

Developed woven structures for denim materials

Denim is a cotton or cotton-blend twill textile material that is very popular to use for manufacturing different fashionable clothing items, such as jeans, jackets, skirts, shirts, and caps, and it is worn by most people across all age groups. Unfortunately, this material causes damage to the environment and human health through the large quantities of water required to grow the cotton plant, the toxic substances needed to dye the textile, the process of sandblasting to give denim an old, worn look and the large amounts of waste that result from its vast usage. This research aimed to develop advanced denim materials based on a blend of high-tech fibres, eco-friendly fibres with silver ions (Ag) and cotton fibres. The main purposes of developing these materials were to improve the mechanical potential under the repeated stresses of traction, friction, and tearing and to improve the psychosensory comfort by optimally combining the fabric pattern, the fibrous composition and the component yarn structure. By prolonging the life of these materials so that people can wear them longer, denim textile manufacturers can contribute to the global effort to become more sustainable. The textile structures were designed using the logical design scheme of a woven structure. The preparation of yarns for weaving and the weaving process was performed on equipment from the Experimental Station of the National Research and Development Institute for Textiles and Leather (INCDTP). Finally, the physio- mechanical characteristics of the fabric were examined, and the performances were validated.

Incorporation of thermally induced shaped and phases of manganese oxide nanoparticles into zein/PVA fiber blends

Incorporation of nanomaterials into polymers and their blend provide additional advantages to their use and structural support. Metals such as Ag, Cu, Ti, and Fe are often reported in their metallic or their oxide forms for applications in microbiological, water treatment, and biomedical fields. The integration of metal oxide nanoparticles into polymer fiber blends overcomes the mechanical instability and compatibility challenges of nanomaterials. Manganese-based oxides provide good stability and optical properties in their nanoscale useful in polymeric composite or fiber materials enhancement. MnO2 and Mn2O3 nanoparticles were synthesized at different calcination temperatures using the co-precipitation method and characterized a microscopic technique TEM, and TGA. TEM images and the XRD patterns confirmed that the manganese oxide nanoparticle were spheres and rod-shaped with corresponding cryptomelane and orthorhombic crystalline phases. Mn2O3 nanoparticles were successfully integrated into zein/PVA (80/20) fiber blends. SEM images confirmed that the inclusion of the nanoparticles into zein/PVA solutions increased the conductivity of the solutions which led to an improved morphology and increased surface area to volume ratio. XRD patterns and TGA showed that the incorporated nanoparticles were below the detection limit, therefore there was no significant change observed. Therefore, all characterization techniques illustrated that the effect of concentration significantly enhanced the morphology of the fiber blends.

Insight into the highly-selective separation of Fe(III) with cinnamon-like blended fiber

The separation and recovery of Fe(III) in heavy metal mixtures is a great challenge due to its strong ion exchange property. In this study, we developed a novel cinnamon-like blended fiber (PAN/PEG) using electrostatic spinning and dissolution post-treatment, which exhibited highly selective separation properties and satisfactory adsorption capacity for Fe(III). Owing to the preferential coordination of Fe(III) with both cyanide and hydroxyl groups, PAN/PEG possessed such excellent adsorption capacity as 1.12 mmol/g. Notably, the infinite selective separation coefficient between Fe(III) and other heavy metal ions (HMIs) achieved even from the octa-mixed metal systems. Furthermore, PAN/PEG demonstrated good anti-interference ability against coexisting inorganic salts. In addition, PAN/PEG was highly effective in removing lower concentration Fe(III) from complex PTA wastewater with super-high selectivity, which enabled the subsequent purification of Co(II) and Mn(II). Overall, PAN/PEG could be prepared and recovered facilely, and had great potential in the exclusive separation of Fe(III).

Kenaf Fiber and Hemp Fiber Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube Filler-Reinforced Epoxy-Based Hybrid Composites for Biomedical Applications: Morphological and Mechanical Characterization

This study used a hybrid combination of kenaf and hemp fibers and the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforcements in the matrix phase to synthesize the composites. A kenaf/hemp fiber blend with MWCNTs in epoxy was used for the specific concentration. The procedure used three composite materials chosen from pilot trials. The ratio of MWCNT filler particles was altered up to the agglomeration limit based on initial trials. Two specimens (2 and 3) were supplemented with MWCNTs in a concentration range of 0.5 wt. % to 1 wt. %, with the fiber concentration being maintained in equilibrium with the epoxy resin, all of the materials were tested under the same conditions. The hybrid nanocomposite was characterized for its morphological and mechanical properties; the tensile properties were higher for 1% MWCNTs concentration (specimen 2), while the flexural properties were higher for 0.5% MWCNTs, with values of 43.24 MPa and 55.63 MPa, correspondingly. Once the MWCNT concentration was increased to 1 wt. %, the maximum impact strength was achieved (specimen 3). In the limits of the Shore-D scale, the kenaf fiber and hemp fiber matrix composite (specimen 1) gained a hardness index of 84. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to analyze the morphological features of the fractured samples and to assess the adhesion between the fiber, matrix, and surface. Among the various fillers tested, the kenaf fiber/hemp/MWCNT composite (specimen 3) demonstrated superior binding and reduced the incidence of fiber pull-out, breakage, and voids. In addition to the comparative analysis, the addition of 0.5 wt. % MWCNTs resulted in better mechanical properties compared to the other two combinations.

Analysis of ductility of hybrid fiber ultra-high performance concrete based on improved GA-BP neural network

Abstract Ultra-high-performance concrete is a cement-based material with ultra-high strength, outstanding toughness, and excellent durability, which enables structures to achieve larger spans and lighter dimensions. In this paper, an improved GA-BP neural network model is constructed based on BP neural network, which is optimized and improved by the GA algorithm. Then, the experimental data were input into the improved GA-BP neural network model by designing experiments with different types and volume doping of blended fiber UHPC, and the ductility of blended fiber UHPC was analyzed in terms of compressive strength and tensile strength. In terms of compressive strength, the compressive strengths of each group of PE fibers with 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% volume doping were from PD/S<PD/H<PA/S<PA/H. In terms of tensile strength, the 1.0% volume doping of short straight type S and 1.5% volume doping of end hook type H had the best effect, and the tensile strength reached 12.44 MPa. GA-BP neural network can effectively analyze the factors influencing the ductility of blended fiber ultra-high performance concrete.

Development of an asymmetric composite PPS-based bag-filter material through membrane laminating and superfine fiber blending: Lab test, field application and development of numerical models

Dedusting is crucial for air pollution control, and nonwoven needle felt (NWNF) bag-filters are widely applied for this purpose. Surface treatment of the filter materials can enhance NWNF’s performance, but the large discrepancy in pore size between the surface and NWNF layers causes interface effects, impairing reverse cleaning and shortening service life. In this study, a novel PTFE membrane-laminated asymmetrical composite bag-filter was developed, by blending superfine polyphenylene sulfide fiber (PPS) in the original NWNF structure. Image analysis shows a gradual increase in pore size from the surface to the downstream layer. In standard lab-scale tests, the novel M-PPSF-S filter showed moderately higher resistance, significantly longer service life, higher dedusting efficiencies and better cleaning performance, compared to filters without surface laminating and/or superfine fiber blending. Numerical modelling was performed, and the flow fields and pressure distribution in these filter materials were visualized, confirming that M-PPSF-S′ unique structure facilitated the alleviation of interface effect and non-steady flow. M-PPSF-S was further scaled up to treat real flue gas from a coal-fired power plant, where constant good performance was observed over 5 months. This study offers a novel and practical way to develop low-cost, high-performance filter materials for high temperature flue gas treatment.

Experimental analysis of localized hybridization by means of adding woven polyester strip

Abstract Natural fiber-reinforced composites must be hybridized with synthetic fibers to enhance their mechanical strength. They are appropriate for structural applications after hybridizing with more than 40 % of synthetic fibers. The hybrid composite becomes a partly biodegradable material due to the blend of natural fibers. The localized hybridization approach has been used to minimize the quantity of synthetic fiber used in hybridization. The region around the drilled hole of a composite has been identified as stress concentrated region. In that stress-concentrated region, a polyester strip of different widths is deployed to reinforce it to reduce the delamination occurrence. The present work deals with Jute Fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester resin with local hybridization of woven polyester made up of Perma Core T-18 polyester fiber strands. The interfacial shear and tensile strengths are evaluated for the proposed composite. The results revealed that the yield strength of the proposed composite increased from 18.32 MPa to 29.62 MPa due to local hybridization. The increment of 69.24 % in yield strength is more significant for structural applications.

Mechanical and fracture characteristics of ultra-high performance concretes reinforced with hybridization of steel and glass fibers

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) provides exceptional mechanical and durability properties, but it is highly prone to cracking. Despite short steel fibers have been introduced to UHPC mixtures to mitigate brittleness and improve ductility, its effect on the tensile strength and fracture toughness becomes rather limited. This experimental study addresses hybridization of micro steel and glass fibers, and long hooked steel fibers to improve mechanical and fracture properties of ultra-high-performance concretes (UHPCs). Totally, 22 concrete mixtures were cast using mono and binary combinations of micro steel fiber (MSF), long hooked steel fiber (HSF) and micro glass fiber (GF) at 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5, and 2% by total fiber volume. The UHPCs were tested for compression, splitting, flexure, load-deflection diagram, fracture toughness, and characteristic length. Combined use of fibers suggested the performance order of MSF + HSF, MSF + GF, and HSF + GF on the effects tested. Using hooked steel fibers (HSF) in the hybrid blends seems remarkably promising as it has provided much higher ductility and discernible strain hardening. Using mono-GF did not improve ductility, even showed brittle failure.