Grey Cotton Fabric Research Articles

A sustainable low temperature combined pretreatment process for cotton assisted by ultraviolet-C radiation

The textile sector stands out as one of the largest consumers of water. Its significant usage of natural resources, energy, and water - particularly in wet processing - has deleterious effects on the environment. To mitigate the industry's ecological footprint, this investigation delves into the viability of pretreating cotton grey fabrics utilizing Ultraviolet-C radiation. An efficient Ultraviolet-C-assisted single-step process has been developed, combining desizing, scouring, and bleaching. The grey cotton fabric is padded with a bleaching solution and exposed under Ultraviolet-C followed by a low-temperature washing. The process parameters like time of exposure under Ultraviolet-C, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, pH of the bleaching solution, and the temperature and duration of washing are optimized. The pretreated fabric is characterized by absorbency time, whiteness, strength, FTIR, WAXD, and SEM. The analysis of fabric structure using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Wide-angle X-ray diffraction indicates no significant alterations in the parent structure of the fabric. The combined process saves 71% water, 73% time, and 70% energy from the conventional technique without compromising the quality of the fabric. The dyeability test reveals that the combined pretreatment can have a 42% higher dye uptake than the control. The life cycle analysis of the innovative one-step combined pretreatment reveals that it can potentially reduce over 60% of the environmental impacts associated with conventional processes, thereby promoting sustainability. Furthermore, since minimal modifications to existing setups are necessary, implementing this process within the textile industry is highly feasible.

Carnival and the Theme of Migration

Carnival and the Theme of Migration

Antibacterial and qualitative phytochemical analysis of Giloy extract for application of herbal finish on cotton fabric

The current study was planned to prepare antibacterial finish for grey cotton fabric using Giloy stem extract for healthcare applications. The selected grey cotton fabric was pretreated prior to application of the extract. For the extraction of the herb, maceration process was employed and the solution prepared was further subjected to soxhlet extraction to congeal the extract. Giloy extract was assessed for its phytochemical and antibacterial properties, to find out the bioactive components responsible for such activity. The application of the extract was carried out on pretreated cotton fabric using exhaust and pad dry cure methods (5 g/L). The treated fabric was assessed for its efficacy against the selected bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) using AATCC-100 Test method employing Agar well diffusion method. It is discernible from the results of the study that there was good antibacterial activity of Giloy stem extract treated fabric against Pseudomonas aeruginosa which was determined on the basis of zone of inhibition. It was also found that the finish nearly retained upto ten wash cycles and can be used for medical purposes.

Water-free dewaxing of grey cotton fabric using supercritical carbon dioxide

Grey cotton shows low water wettability owing to contamination of the fibre surface with hydrophobic non-cellulosic impurities, such as waxes. This study investigated the efficiency of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) water-free treatment for dewaxing grey cotton pile fabric to improve its hydrophilicity. The wettability of the virgin grey fabric was initially 14,400 s, and this value increased to 10,800 s upon treatment in pure scCO2 compared to 1200 in scCO2 containing acetone. The addition of polyoxyethylene lauryl ether to scCO2 containing acetone dramatically enhanced the water wettability to 6 s. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis of the change in the surface chemical composition of the fabric suggested the removal of wax by treatment in scCO2 containing acetone and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether. The study revealed that scCO2 is an alternative waterless method for improving the wettability of grey cotton fabrics.

Extraction of amylase from the microorganism isolated from textile mill effluent vis a vis desizing of cotton

Amylase is one of the most popular enzymes in industrial biotechnology and is used widely in different industries such as food, detergent, textile, biofuel, and alcohol production. In textile wet processing, amylase is utilized for a preparatory process called desizing where it helps in the removal of starch from the grey cotton fabric. Even though a wide variety of products based on amylase are available in the market, the extraction of amylase from the novel source which can meet the requirements of desizing remains the quest of research. In the present work, textile mill effluent was utilized as a novel source for the isolation of fungus (Aspergillus), which can produce extracellular thermostable amylase. Temperature and pH optimization of amylase activity was studied, which reveals the broad range temperature stability of the extracted amylase. Zymogram analysis of this enzyme has shown the one isoform of amylase of approximately 55 kDa. The partially purified enzyme was applied on fabric and the treated fabric was analyzed for the efficiency of desizing. The extracted amylase displayed a good level of activity under the broad range of temperature and pH which can be considered as the ideal case for enzymatic desizing. The grey fabric was efficiently desized using the extracted amylase which was confirmed through TEGEWA ratings and absorbency of the desized fabric.

Plasma treatment on cotton fabrics to enhance the adhesion of Reduced Graphene Oxide for electro-conductive properties

In this study, eco-friendly plasma pretreatment is introduced on grey cotton fabrics to enhance the surface properties and adhesion of Graphene Oxide (GO). The important plasma parameters such as power and working pressure are kept constant with various treatment times (5, 10, 20, and 60 min). The plasma-treated cotton fabrics are optimized by AFM, SEM, XPS and drop test. The XPS studies reveal that plasma treatment increases the oxygen functional groups on the grey cotton fabrics. The surface morphology (SEM and AFM) of the plasma-treated cotton fabrics reveals that increase in surface roughness which helps to improve the adhesion of GO. GO has been prepared by using modified Hummer's method. The structure and morphological studies of prepared GO are characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The SEM image shows sheet-like structure. Raman analysis reveals that GO contains D band and G band. The optimized plasma treated cotton fabrics are functionalized by GO solution using a dip dry cure method and then plasma pretreated GO coated fabric (PGO) is chemically converted by vapor reduction method using hydrazine hydrate to get Plasma pretreated Reduced Graphene Oxide (PRGO) for the restoration of a high electrical conductivity at the fabric surface. The morphology, phase purity and crystallinity of the raw PGO and PRGO coated cotton fabrics are analyzed by Raman studies, SEM, XRD, ATR-FTIR and I-V studies. Our results provide a way to develop PRGO based devices in biomedical applications, wearable healthcare electronics, defense, and fashion technology etc.

Low-Temperature Bleaching of Cotton Cellulose using an Ultrasound-assisted Tetraacetylethylenediamine/ Hydrogen Peroxide/Triethanolamine System

This work investigated the efficiency of a tetraacetylethylenediamine/ hydrogen peroxide/triethanolamine (TAED/H2O2/TEA) system for low-temperature bleaching of cotton fabric, with and without ultrasonic assistance. The low-temperature bleaching results were compared to those obtained from a conventional H2O2 bleaching system. The application of TAED/H2O2/TEA without ultrasonic assistance to grey cotton fabric with a whiteness index (WI) of 28 and tenacity of 40 CN/Tex resulted in full bleaching of the cotton fabric at 70 °C within 60 min. This low-temperature bleaching system produced a bleached cotton fabric with a WI of 69 and tenacity of 38 CN/Tex, while the conventional H2O2 bleaching system gave a bleached cotton fabric WI of 73 and tenacity of 32 CN/Tex. The application of ultrasound to a low-temperature bleaching system showed a reduction in the duration required for full bleaching to 30 min rather than 60 min and gave bleached fabrics of the same physiochemical properties.

The effect of intermediate targets on the spread of pellets from shotguns

The distribution pattern of pellets due to shotguns is an important criterion for the determination of shooting distance. Many factors affect the distribution range, such as characteristics of the gun, the presence and type of intermediate targets, factors related to distance, and the physical variables of the environment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of different intermediate targets on the distribution range of pellets from a shotgun. Glass, mica auto glass, tempered auto glass, fibreboard, flat iron, aluminium, and grey cotton fabric were used as intermediate targets. The intermediate target was placed one metre away from the main target and shotgun. The spread of pellets was evaluated on the main target with seven shots by using either cartridge numbers 0 or 9. The spread of pellets was significantly larger in the presence of all intermediate targets tested with cartridge number 9 (p < 0.05) but not in the presence of grey cotton fabric (p = 0.33) with cartridge number 0. The distribution range of pellets increased in the presence of intermediate targets. This difference was more pronounced in higher density intermediates. In crime scene investigations, the presence and/or type of intermediate target should be taken into account to make information more accurate.

Using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment for treating grey cotton fabric

Conventional wet treatment, desizing, scouring and bleaching, for grey cotton fabric involves the use of high water, chemical and energy consumption which may not be considered as a clean process. This study aims to investigate the efficiency of the atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment on treating grey cotton fabric when compared with the conventional wet treatment. Grey cotton fabrics were treated with different combinations of plasma parameters with helium and oxygen gases and also through conventional desizing, scouring and bleaching processes in order to obtain comparable results. The results obtained from wicking and water drop tests showed that wettability of grey cotton fabrics was greatly improved after plasma treatment and yielded better results than conventional desizing and scouring. The weight reduction of plasma treated grey cotton fabrics revealed that plasma treatment can help remove sizing materials and impurities. Chemical and morphological changes in plasma treated samples were analysed by FTIR and SEM, respectively. Finally, dyeability of the plasma treated and conventional wet treated grey cotton fabrics was compared and the results showed that similar dyeing results were obtained. This can prove that plasma treatment would be another choice for treating grey cotton fabrics.

Low-temperature acidic amylases from Aspergillus for desizing of cotton fabrics

Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus with strong starch degrading amylase activity were isolated and screened for the production of α-amylases. Production of amylases from both the Aspergillus species was maximum on the fourth day (A. niger – 1780 U/mL/min, A. flavus – 1550 U/mL/min) after inoculation in the basal medium, using submerged fermentation. Higher enzyme activities up to 4000 and 2500 U/mL/min were obtained for A. niger and A. flavus, respectively, with wheat starch as the carbon source compared to the levels obtained in the cases of corn, rice and soluble starches. Maximum amylase activity was observed at 40°C, at pH 5 for A. niger and pH 4.5 for A. flavus. The study revealed that mixed amylases obtained from these sources exhibit higher desizing efficiency of grey cotton fabrics (A. niger – 96%, A. flavus – 90%) with significant improvement in the absorbency, extractable impurities and amylases obtained from these sources, which could be a better alternative for the existing range of desizing agents.

Desizing of Starch Containing Cotton Fabrics Using Near Atmospheric Pressure, Cold DC Plasma Treatment

An attempt has been made to desize the starch containing grey cotton fabrics using the DC plasma with oxygen as the gaseous medium. Process conditions of the plasma reactor were optimized in terms of distance between the plates (3.2 cm), applied voltage (600 V) and applied pressure (0.01 bar) to obtain maximum desizing efficiency. No discolouration was observed in the hot water extracts of the desized sample in presence of iodine though relatively higher solvent extractable impurities (4.53 %) were observed in the plasma desized samples compared to acid desized samples (3.38 %). Also, significant weight loss, improvements in plasma desized samples were observed than that of grey fabrics in terms of drop absorbency.

A study of physical modification on grey cotton by laser irradiation

The surface morphology of the CO2 laser treated grey cotton fabrics was studied which showed a characteristics sponge-like structure on cotton fibres after treating with CO2 laser irradiation. The laser treatment parameters ranging from 100 to 150 pixel time and 40 to 70 dot per inch (dpi) were irradiated on the grey cotton fabrics directly and the degree of physical modifications, such as surface morphology, wettability and fabric strength, were changed accordingly with various laser treatment parameters. The surface morphology, wettability and tensile strength of cotton fibre treating with laser were evaluated using different instruments, such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), contact angle meter and tensile strength machine. In spite of creating a sponge-like structure on fibre surface after treating with laser, the wettability of the samples was highly improved but the tensile strength was decreased.

Modelling Air Permeability of Woven Fabrics by Artificial Neural Networks

The objective of this paper is to investigate the predictability of air permeability of cotton woven fabrics from their construction variables by using a feed-forward back-propagation network in an artificial neural network (ANN) system. In order to achieve this objective, a number of grey cotton fabrics meant for shirting end use are desized, scoured, and relaxed. The fabrics are then conditioned and tested for constructional particulars and air permeability. A multiple linear regression based approach for modelling is attempted and the prediction issues are briefly summarized. For neural network modelling, a three layer feed-forward network is formed and trained by using the Broyden– Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) quasi-Newton algorithm. The predictive ability of the neural model is examined by comparing their results with experimental data. From the results, it is seen that high correlation exists between the actual and predicted values of the neural network model. The overall predictability of the mo...

Non-thermal plasma treatment for hydrophilicity improvement of grey cotton fabrics

Abstract In this paper the hydrophilic improvement of the grey cotton fabric by low pressure dc glow discharge air plasma is investigated. The fabrics were treated for different exposure times, discharge potentials and pressure levels. Effect of plasma treatment on the wettability of the fabric was studied by measuring contact angle and dynamic wicking rate. The surface energy values have been estimated using contact angle measurements and effective mean pore radius of the plasma-treated fabrics were estimated by modified Washburn equation via dynamic wicking technique. Degradation and dyeability of the fabrics were determined by weight loss percentage and computer colour matching procedure. Characterization of the functional changes due to the plasma treatment has been carried out by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR–ATR). The surface morphology of the untreated and plasma-treated fabrics were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Study on the application possibilities of an atmospheric pressure glow discharge with liquid electrolyte cathode for the modification of polymer materials

We investigated the action of an atmospheric pressure air glow discharge (APGD) with aqueous electrolyte cathode onto the surface of polypropylene films and grey cotton fabric. Aqueous solutions of KCl, KBr and KI were utilized as a cathode. The surface properties of PP were characterized by contact angle measurement followed by surface free energy calculation, Fourier Transform Infrared by Attenuated Total Reflectance (FT-IR/ATR) analysis and height of water capillary rise for fabric. After treating PP surface, we observed OH-groups, C=O groups in ester, ketone and carboxyl groups, C=O groups in unsaturated ketones and aldehydes. Modification processes were able to improve the wettability of fabric as well as to accomplish the immobilization of some porphyrins onto PP surface.

Study on ozone bleaching of cotton fabric – process optimisation, dyeing and finishing properties

In this work the role played by the presence of moisture and pH during ozone bleaching of grey cotton fabric and the design features of the ozone application chamber are reported. The results are explained with the help of a simplified model. The dyeing and resin finishing properties of ozone‐bleached fabric are compared with those of hydrogen peroxide‐bleached fabric.

A study on the advanced oxidation of a cotton fabric by ozone

So‐called sdvanced oxidation involves the generation of free radical hydroxy species. Ozone, a highly unstable compound, liberates such radicals, which can be used for bleaching. In this work grey cotton fabric was bleached with an ozone/oxygen gas mixture, and the effects of ozone concentration and treatment time on the properties of the bleached fabric were studied. The properties evaluated were whiteness index, strength, elongation, extent of impurities (size and wax) removed, degree of chemical modification (carboxyl and aldehyde groups) and reactive dye take‐up. These properties were compared to those from conventionally bleached materials (acid desize‐scour‐peroxide/calcium hypochlorite bleach). The results show that an acceptable degree of whiteness (ready for dyeing) can be obtained by ozone bleaching in a very short time. This process is environmentally acceptable because it is does not use harmful chemicals, it requires a very low quantity of water, and bleaching is achieved in a very short time at room temperature.

Pakistan’s Textiles and Anti-Dumping Laws

Textile is one of the most heavily protected sector in developed countries. This paper addresses the issue of anti-dumping measures, a new form of trade restriction. Protectionism is still common place in textiles, tariffs remain high and progress in eliminating import quotas has been slow. In fact, protectionism is on the rise in a new guise: anti-dumping cases against Asian countries are multiplying in the US, EU and around the world. Pakistani textiles (yarn, unbleached grey cotton fabric and bed-linen) exports are being increasingly subjected to the initiation of anti-dumping investigations, which creates uncertainty and depresses business sentiment. Investigation periods are quite lengthy and the legal costs of defending against these cases are enormous. These result in a great loss of time that could be better spent in a productive manner. This phenomenon is a matter of great concern because it has created a damaging impact on the normal growth of trade. In fact, by merely initiating an anti-dumping case against exporting country's manufacturers, or even just threatening to do so, developed countries producers can cause extensive disruption to the market for an extended period of time. At the end of the day, whether dumping and injury are proven may no longer matter for some Asian manufacturers, who could be driven out of the market simply as a result of the case being initiated.

The Alkali Desizing of Woven Cotton Fabrics

The alkali metal hydroxides LiOH, NaOH and KOH have been studied in the desizing of woven cotton fabrics under different treatment conditions. The % fabric weight loss, the TEGEVA rating on the desized fabric, the effect of desizing bath pH and the molarity of the alkalis to the desizing results, and the starch removal rate of the treatments was studied. It was found that the removal of starch size from the warp yams of the woven cotton fabric is not only bath pH dependent, but also depending on the nature of the alkali that used, in that NaOH has the best desizing ability among the others. In addition, the temperature of the desizing bath is the most important in order to obtain a good desizing result. Although alkali desizing can improve the water absorption and the whiteness of the grey cotton fabric, it is not good enough for use in subsequent coloration processes.

Microwave Processes for the Combined Desizing, Scouring, and Bleaching of Grey Cotton Fabrics

(1996). Microwave Processes for the Combined Desizing, Scouring, and Bleaching of Grey Cotton Fabrics. The Journal of The Textile Institute: Vol. 87, Issue 3, Parts 1 and 3, pp. 602-608.