Functional Textiles Research Articles

Robust, breathable and antibacterial superamphiphobic cotton fabrics prepared by layer-by-layer dip coating

Superamphiphobic fabrics with both antibacterial and breathable properties are essential for medical applications i.e. stain protection, while challengeable in preparation. In this work, a novel multifunctional superamphiphobic fabric is freshly prepared using a simple layer-by-layer dip-coating strategy. The polydopamine (PDA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), branched poly (ethylenimine) (bPEI), silicon dioxide (SiO2), octadecylamine (ODA), poly (vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (FAS) are successfully grafted on cotton fabrics. Attributed to the hierarchical micro-nano structure and low surface energy of the coating, the prepared breathable superamphiphobic fabric (B-SAF) exhibits super-repellency and stain resistance against water and oily liquids, even the liquid surface tension is as low as 27.5 mN/m. Moreover, high breathability, good moisture resistance, excellent self-cleaning property were obtained, and good durability were maintained after varied mechanical and chemical damage, high temperatures, and continuous light exposure. More importantly, benefiting from the superamphiphobicity and the presence of amines, B-SAF demonstrates excellent resistance to blood staining and antibacterial activity, which exhibits strong application potentials in the fields of advanced functional textiles, protective clothing, antifouling and chemical engineering.

A large-area less-wires stretchable robot electronic skin

Nowadays more and more intelligent robots are being used in scenarios that closely interact with humans, such as collaboration, healthcare, services, etc. This requires robots to have the ability to interact with human safely. Electronic skin is one of the important means for robots to achieve this goal. However, the robot electronic skin still faces serious challenges in large-area applications. We proposed a novel large-area less-wires stretchable textile-based robot electronic skin that can detect the contact position and force in real-time. Benefit by the smartly design of the double-faced effect functional conductive textile, the robot electronic skin has a simple four-layer structure and five external wires. In addition, the stretchability of the robot electronics skin enables it to cover the complex surface of various robots in large area. Finally, the potential applications of the robot electronic skin used for human–machine safe collision avoidance are demonstrated. This study shows that the robot electronic skin has great potential in the fields of robot interaction control.

Exploring the decolorization efficiency and biodegradation mechanisms of different functional textile azo dyes by Streptomyces albidoflavus 3MGH

Efficiently mitigating and managing environmental pollution caused by the improper disposal of dyes and effluents from the textile industry is of great importance. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Streptomyces albidoflavus 3MGH in decolorizing and degrading three different azo dyes, namely Reactive Orange 122 (RO 122), Direct Blue 15 (DB 15), and Direct Black 38 (DB 38). Various analytical techniques, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) were used to analyze the degraded byproducts of the dyes. S. albidoflavus 3MGH demonstrated a strong capability to decolorize RO 122, DB 15, and DB 38, achieving up to 60.74%, 61.38%, and 53.43% decolorization within 5 days at a concentration of 0.3 g/L, respectively. The optimal conditions for the maximum decolorization of these azo dyes were found to be a temperature of 35 °C, a pH of 6, sucrose as a carbon source, and beef extract as a nitrogen source. Additionally, after optimization of the decolorization process, treatment with S. albidoflavus 3MGH resulted in significant reductions of 94.4%, 86.3%, and 68.2% in the total organic carbon of RO 122, DB 15, and DB 38, respectively. After the treatment process, we found the specific activity of the laccase enzyme, one of the mediating enzymes of the degradation mechanism, to be 5.96 U/mg. FT-IR spectroscopy analysis of the degraded metabolites showed specific changes and shifts in peaks compared to the control samples. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of metabolites such as benzene, biphenyl, and naphthalene derivatives. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of S. albidoflavus 3MGH for the effective decolorization and degradation of different azo dyes. The findings were validated through various analytical techniques, shedding light on the biodegradation mechanism employed by this strain.

Revival of cultural textile arts: creation of innovative weaving technology for fabricating traditional Chinese non-fixed four-warp leno

China is hailed as a country with a long history of producing silk and is known for the development and evolution of various weaving structures. The non-fixed four-warp leno is an ancient textile that is well-known for its soft, thin, airy texture and high quality. Unfortunately, the production method and apparatus have been lost. This research thus focuses on the development of a novel weaving technology and system to produce the non-fixed four-warp leno. Its major mechanism involves (1) an innovative synchronized vertical and horizontal lifting system to alter the current rigid one that can only produce a simple fixed leno; (2) an effective distance control technology to achieve flexible yet accurate placement of warps for leno formation without limitations on leno pattern and structures; and (3) an alternative method for securing the clearance of the shed to eliminate undesirable twine. It will thus contribute to a breakthrough in weaving technology, functional textiles and aesthetic design. The development of mechanized weaving can enable mass production and mass coverage, eventually contributing to the transmission of special techniques and the sustainable development of high value-added textile products.

Bioinspired green fabricating design of ultra-breathable and moisture wicking fabric via a sustainable route

Functional textiles with breathability, thermal conductivity and moisture wicking performance are critical to achieving human comfort and reducing energy consumption. However, conventional finishing processes used for fabricating moisture wicking fabrics are usually highly polluting and exhibit poor durability as well as low recyclability, which may be detrimental to environmental sustainability. Inspired by the shorebird's beak with a conical-shaped liquid pathway for transporting liquid drops, a novel biomimetic porous fabric is proposed by using natural cotton fibers through industrial and eco-friendly knitting technology, featuring ultra-breathability, thermal conductivity and moisture wicking properties. Moreover, the effects of the pore size and arrangement on the thermal conductivity and air resistance are investigated. Obvious linearities can be obtained (R2 = 0.99). In addition, the synergistic effects of basic pore and biomimetic pore can create surface energy gradients, which result in the asymmetric pressure and water transport. As a result, when the biomimetic pore distances are 3 mm and 5 mm, respectively, high linearities of 0.99 between biomimetic pore diameter and the wicking height can be found. More importantly, the resultant biomimetic pore fabric exhibits good water absorption rate of 350%, an outstanding water vapor transmission (>10000 g/m2/24 h) and high recyclability. The green fabricating design of biomimetic porous fabric opens up a pathway to develop air, thermal, moisture regulating fabric through a sustainable route for more diverse applications, e.g., athletic apparel, industrial workwear and medical garments.

Children’s Functional Clothing: Design Challenges and Opportunities

Functional textiles and clothing designed for children should provide a safe and supportive environment, encompassing comfort, safety, health, wellbeing, and cognitive development, as well as fostering interaction and exploration. This study explores the multifaceted nature of functional textiles and clothing for children. It emphasises the importance of comprehensive knowledge about the user and an interdisciplinary approach in the design process. The integration of expertise from diverse fields contributes to a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in creating clothing that satisfies aesthetic demands and promotes the wellbeing of children. Through a study of existing research in functional textiles and a market analysis of children’s clothing, this research underscores the importance of practical application of studied materials and technologies in children’s fashion, creating innovative and purposeful solutions. This collaborative effort involves working with multidisciplinary teams and applying designers’ updated knowledge of functional materials throughout all stages of the design process. The study emphasises the designer’s responsibility in articulating the essential knowledge needed to integrate functionality from the beginning of the design process, ensuring that practical considerations are integral to the core attributes of the clothing. The study also proposes a framework that represents the design process for functional children’s clothing.

Natural polysaccharide-dominated synthesis of MnO2 nanoparticles as textile coating for efficiently removing indoor bacteria and air pollutants

Nowadays, new demands for improving living standards have posed novel challenges to traditional home textiles, and the development ofnano-engineered functional textiles for improving indoor environmental quality has garnered considerable interest. However, the potential toxicity and poor fastness of nanoparticles have significantly impeded their applications in textiles. Herein, a facile strategy for synthesizing manganese dioxide (MnO2) was presented through a hydrothermal method by using natural polysaccharides such as inulin, chitosan oligosaccharide, and alginate as reductants. The ‘one-stone-three-birds’ behaviors of natural polysaccharides were thoroughly explored, including reducing permanganate into MnO2, directing the assembly of nanoparticles, and ensuring their stability in aqueous solutions. Notably, inulin can efficiently regulate the synthesis of MnO2 particles, and as-prepared MnO2 exhibited distinct flower-like morphologies with higher crystallinity, rich surface adsorbed oxygen species, and encouraging ability of formaldehyde (HCHO) removal and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, without supplemental binder or catalyst, the multifunctional textile of C-MnO2 was readily fabricated by simply immersing cotton fabric into MnO2-Inu solution, and the obtained textile demonstrated satisfactory antibacterial performance under both dark and light irradiation conditions. Moreover, the obtained HCHO removal and UV-blocking properties were also encouraging. This inulin-dominated reduction and template synthesis of MnO2 particles was first reported, and the presented technique of regulating particle synthesis and textile decoration paves the way for the application fields in multifunctional and sustainable home textiles.

Dual‐Cooling Textile Enables Vertical Heat Dissipation and Sweat Evaporation For Thermal and Moisture Regulation

AbstractPersonal thermal management textiles have garnered a lot of attention because they can efficiently preserve the body's thermal and moisture comfort while saving energy consumption. Nonetheless, conduction cooling‐based textile research is scarce and frequently encounters obstacles like overlooking through‐plane heat conduction, moisture management, and durability assurance. Here, a dual‐cooling textile (DCT) that combines high‐efficiency heat dissipation and sweat evaporation with a 3D thermal conductive network and Janus wetting structure is demonstrated. The DCT achieves notable in‐plane and through‐plane thermal conductivity (8.57 and 0.70 W m−1 K−1), along with practical mechanical qualities (tensile fracture strength of 65 MPa), under the influence of the 3D multistage thermal conduction network. Additionally, the DCT benefits from its Janus wetting structure, exhibiting unidirectional moisture‐wicking capability (transport index of 1081%) and fast water evaporation performance (0.34 g h−1). Rapid heat dissipation and sweat evaporation are advantageous features for the cooling of the human body in both static and dynamic situations. Compared to cotton fabric, DCT can lower the temperature by up to 3.7 °C. This strategy provides a fresh perspective on the development of advanced functional textiles for personalized cooling and energy savings in buildings.

The Fastest Capillary Flow in Root-like Networks under Gravity.

Capillary flow has garnered significant attention due to its unique dynamic characteristics that require no external force. Creating a quantitative analytical model to evaluate capillary flow behaviors in root-like networks is essential for enhancing fluid control properties in functional textiles. In this study, we explore the capillary dynamics within root-like networks under the influence of gravity and derive the most rapid capillary flow via structural optimization. The flow time in a capillary is dominated by the capillary pressure, viscous pressure loss, and gravity, each of which exhibits diverse sensitivities to the structures of root-like networks. We scrutinize various structural parameters to understand their impact on capillary flow in root-like networks. Subsequently, optimal structural parameters (namely, the mother tube diameter and diameter ratio) are identified to minimize capillary flow time. Moreover, we discovered that the correlation between flow time and distance for capillary flow in root-like networks does not obey the classical Lucas-Washburn equation. These results affirm that root-like networks can enhance capillary flow, providing critical insights for numerous capillary-flow-dependent engineering applications.

A Scalable and Robust Personal Health Management Textile with Multiple Desired Thermal Functions and Electromagnetic Shielding.

The development of functional textiles combining conventional apparel with advanced technologies for personal health management (PHM) has garnered widespread attention. However, the current PHM textiles often achieve multifunctionality by stacking functional modules, leading to poor durability and scalability. Herein, a scalable and robust PHM textile is designed by integrating electrical, radiative, and solar heating, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and piezoresistive sensing performance onto cotton fabric. This is achieved through an uncomplicated screen-printing process using silver paste. The conductivity of the PHM textile is ≈1.6 × 104Sm-1, ensuring an electric heating temperature of ≈134°C with a low voltage of 1.7V, as well as an EMI shielding effectiveness of ≈56 dB, and human motion monitoring performance. Surprisingly, the radiative/solar heating capability of the PHM textile surpasses that of traditional warm leather. Even after undergoing rigorous physical and chemical treatments, the PHM textile maintains terrific durability. Additionally, the PHM textile possesses maneuverable scalability and comfortable wearability. This innovative work opens up new avenues for the strategic design of PHM textiles and provides an advantageous guarantee of mass production.

Radiative cooling cellulose-based fabric with hierarchical structure for outdoor personal thermal management

Personal thermal management is significant in alleviating the heat stress of pedestrians and outdoor workers. There is a need to develop a wearable fabric to further improve the comfort and cooling efficiency of outdoor personnel. Herein, we report an eco-friendly hierarchical cellulose-based fabric with excellent passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) performance. The obtained radiative cooling cellulose-based fabric (RCCF) possesses high solar reflectivity of 90.2 % in the solar spectrum (0.3–2.5 μm) and high emissivity of 98.1 % in the atmospheric window (8.0–13.0 μm). Under a solar radiation of 728 W·m−2, the simulated skin temperature covered with RCCF was 6.5 °C lower than that of original cotton. Moreover, the RCCF provides desirable wearability performance, and can be further applied in large-scale production due to simple and low-cost coating processes. The excellent cooling performance of this hierarchical cellulose-based fabric is promising to bring new insights into the design of next-generation functional textiles.

Hygroscopic cooling (h-cool) fabric with highly efficient sweat evaporation and heat dissipation for personal thermo-moisture management

Moisture evaporation plays a crucial role in thermal management of human body, particularly in perspiration process. However, current fabrics aim for sweat removal and takes little account of basic thermo-regulation of sweat, resulted in their limited evaporation capacity and heat dissipation at moderate/intense scenarios. In this study, a hygroscopic cooling (h-cool) fabric based on multi-functional design, for personal perspiration management, was described. By using economic and effective weaving technology, directional moisture transport routes and heat conductive pathways were incorporated in the construct. The resultant fabric showed 10 times greater one-way transport index higher than cotton, Dri-FIT and Coolswitch fabrics, which contributed to highly enhanced evaporation ability (∼4.5 times than cotton), not merely liquid diffusion. As a result, h-cool fabric performed 2.1–4.2 °C cooling efficacy with significantly reduced sweat consuming than cotton, Dri-FIT and Coolswitch fabrics in the artificial sweating skin. Finally, the practical applications by actually wearing h-cool fabric showed great evaporative-cooling efficacy during different physical activities. Owing to the excellent thermo-moisture management ability, we expect the novel concept and construct of h-cool fabric can provide promising strategy for developing functional textiles with great “cool” and comfortable “dry” tactile sensation at various daily scenarios.

An investigation into the electromechanical performance of textile fabrics with conductive yarn elements for data transfer capabilities

This paper investigates the electromechanical performance of textile fabric with conductive yarn elements for data transmission capabilities. Electromechanical experiments were conducted to evaluate the electrical response of copper yarn elements stitched axially to the textile fabric, while assessing the mechanical response of the system during tensile tests under axial loading. The results indicated that the yarn element exhibited low electricomechanical coupling below 1.5% strain, making it suitable for consistent electrical performance during low mechanical strain conditions. Computational models were also developed and correlated with the experimental results of the conductive yarn. The computational model was then expanded to investigate the effect of the braiding angle in the braiding system, providing insights into how these parameters influence the system’s performance. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the electromechanical behavior of textile fabric with conductive yarn elements, and presents a framework for optimizing data transfer capabilities in e-textiles and smart textile applications. The findings open opportunities for further advancements in the design and engineering of functional textiles for a wide range of applications.

Nanotransfer Printing of Functional Nanomaterials on Electrospun Fibers for Wearable Healthcare Applications

AbstractWith the advancement of functional textile technology, there is a growing demand for functional enhancements in textiles from both industrial and societal perspectives. Recently, nanopattern transfer technology has emerged as a potential approach for fabricating functional textiles. However, conventional transfer methods have some limitations such as transfer difficulties on curved fiber surfaces, polymer residues, and delamination of transferred nanopatterns. In this study, an advanced nanopattern transfer method based on surface modification and thermoforming principles is applied to microscale electrospun fibers. This transfer method utilizes covalent bonding and mechanical interlocking between nanopatterns and the fibers without requiring extra adhesives. Various nanopatterns transferred electrospun fibers possess significant potential for diverse wearable healthcare applications. This work introduces two specific application scenarios in the field of wearable healthcare, both of which leverage the light: diagnostics and antimicrobials. Versatile textile with silver nanogap‐pattern detects glucose in sweat, diagnosing hypoglycemia and diabetes by shifting Raman peaks from 1071.0 to 1075.4 cm−1 for 0 to 150 µm glucose. Additionally, a bactericidal mask using visible light to induce the photocatalytic degradation effect of titanium dioxide and silver nanopatterns is developed. Bactericidal efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus is 99.9% due to photolysis from visible light irradiation.

Developed Photocatalytic Cotton Fabric with Agricultural By-Products Tea Saponins for Accelerating Aqueous Chromium(VI) Reductive Removal

ABSTRACT In order to achieve the goal of preparing functional textiles using tea saponin, in this work, carboxymethylated tea saponin (CTS) was used to modify cotton fabrics by an industrial rolling and baking process, and then functional textiles could be obtained after coordination with Fe3+, which could remove Cr species from water by photocatalytic reduction and adsorption processes. High CTS concentrations and higher treatment temperatures led to an increase in the carboxyl group content (QCOOH) and Fe content (QFe) of the obtained Fe-CTS-Cotton. The increase in the QFe value of the functional textiles favored the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI). Fe-CTS-Cotton with high QCOOH values showed excellent adsorption performance for the generated Cr(III) ions during the adsorption process. Therefore, the high photocatalytic reduction efficiency and strong Cr(III) ion trapping ability were the reasons for the recycling of Fe-CTS-cotton as a hybrid photocatalyst for enhanced removal of Cr(VI).

Atmospheric plasma technology for sustainable wet processing of textiles

Nowadays, the preservation of the environment is one of the top priorities of scientists and researchers which drives them to innovate and develop eco-friendly methods and processes. The textile industry is considered one of the most water consumption industries due to the water they need for preparation and finishing operations. The wet processing of textiles is a complex and resource-intensive stage in the textile supply chain. While it allows for the creation of vibrant and functional textiles, it has associated environmental challenges, such as water pollution, chemical usage, and high energy consumption. In response to these challenges, sustainable alternatives like atmospheric plasma technology are being explored to reduce the environmental impact of wet processing in the textile industry. For textile fields of application, fundamentally only 'cold plasma' and in particular the corona and glow discharge are of interest. Plasma treatment generally takes place in dry conditions; thus, the fibres are not swollen. The changes in properties induced by plasma treatment are therefore restricted to the surface only.This review aims to highlight the effects of plasma treatment technology on textiles and the potentiality of considering it as an alternative to conventional wet processing (desizing, bleaching, etc.). Types of plasma, techniques, applications, advantages, and disadvantages are mentioned. The water consumption and the environmental impact are discussed.Plasma modification of textiles saves large quantities of water, chemicals, and electrical energy, which is made possible since the plasma process does not produce large volumes of waste or toxic by-products.

Synthesis, Characterization and Chemical Attachment of Fragrance Releasing Microcapsules on Cotton

The review provides an overview of research findings on microencapsulation for functional textile coatings. The Essential Oils of Clove oil, Sandalwood Oil and Cinnamon Oil is widely used as a raw material for fragrances with volatile active compounds at room temperature. It is easily affected by environmental changes and this problem can be solved by microencapsulation using coacervation methods to protect active compounds. The Essential Oils was encapsulated as coating material with 1,3,5-trichlorotriazine as the crosslinking agent. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the composition of polymers and the mass of Essential oils on encapsulation characteristics. The resulting microcapsules were analysed using, fragrance loaded microcapsules, Anti-Bacterial Activity and digital microscope of SEM encapsulation efficiency. The result showed that microcapsules have an irregular shape with a textured surface.

Advancements in Cotton Textile Design: Addressing Temperature and Moisture Challenges

The primary objective of this study is to alleviate discomfort arising from fluctuations in heat and humidity due to environmental and personal factors, aiming to develop functional textiles capable of effectively responding to these changes. To achieve this, systematic pattern designs were implemented on 100% cotton woven fabrics, incorporating hydrophobic characteristics through the application of a water-repellent agent to specific areas. The resulting compatibility of these hydrophobic features with hydrophilic elements endowed the fabrics with moisture management properties. Furthermore, the introduction of a phase-changing material agent to these fabrics imparted heat management capabilities. The rotation printing technique was employed to seamlessly transfer these agents onto the fabric. In assessing the durability of woven fabrics featuring distinct functionalities, a comprehensive examination was conducted, subjecting them to 30 repeated wash cycles within a single process step. The morphological structures of the fabrics produced were meticulously analyzed using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), SEM–EDX (energy-dispersive X-ray analysis) while their chemical compositions were scrutinized through FTIR–ATR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy–attenuated total reflectance). Additionally, a battery of tests, including physical, chemical, liquid absorption, liquid transfer assessments, and DSC (differential scanning calorimetry) analyses, were conducted in accordance with relevant standards. The outcomes of this study demonstrated that the fabrics not only met the criteria of the TS 866 standard, particularly with regard to a rapid response time of less than 10 s, but also exhibited resilience to repeated washings, affirming the enduring efficacy of the incorporated functionalities. According to tearing strength results, slight increase was also observed in treated cotton fabrics.

Characteristics and Quality of Flame-Retarded Ramie Fabrics for the Development of Functional Textiles.

Cellulose fabric testing for flame-retardant studies is frequently necessary in various textile applications. Natural cellulose material from ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is being promoted as an alternative raw material for the development of fire-resistant fabrics. This research aims to optimize the coating process of ramie fabric using a phosphorus-based flame retardant (FR) to enhance its flame-retardant characteristics. The FR treatment involves bleaching the fabric with H2O2; followed by fabric finishing using a formula comprising 3% (v/v) hydroxymethyl resin; phosphoric acid (2%); and two formulations of the flammable agent Flamatic DM-3072N: 40% (v/v) and 50% (v/v), applied using the pad-dry-cure method. The flame-retardant properties of the treated fabric are evaluated through flammability testing based on the ASTM D6413-08 standard, limiting oxygen index (LOI) analysis, and micrograph surface structure analysis with SEM. The results indicate that ramie fabric treated with the FR-50% material exhibits superior fire resistance, preventing fire spread on the fabric with a char length of 15-30 mm and a LOI value of 29. These findings highlight the potential of FR-treated ramie fabrics for various industries, including the automotive and protective clothing industries.

Green Method for the Preparation of Durable Superhydrophobic Antimicrobial Polyester Fabrics with Micro-Pleated Structures.

To produce functional protective textiles with minimal environmental footprints, we developed durable superhydrophobic antimicrobial textiles. These textiles are characterized by a micro-pleated structure on polyester fiber surfaces, achieved through a novel plasma impregnation crosslinking process. This process involved the use of water as the dispersion medium, water-soluble nanosilver monomers for antimicrobial efficacy, fluorine-free polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for hydrophobicity, and polyester (PET) fabric as the base material. The altered surface properties of these fabrics were extensively analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. The antimicrobial performance of the strains was evaluated using Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. After treatment, the fabrics exhibited enhanced hydrophobic and antimicrobial properties, which was attributed to the presence of a micro-pleated structure and nanosilver. The modified textiles demonstrated a static WCA of approximately 154° and an impressive 99.99% inhibition rate against both test microbes. Notably, the WCA remained above 140° even after 500 washing cycles or 3000 friction cycles.