Textile Applications Research Articles

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.

Potential of bacterial cellulose for sustainable fashion and textile applications: A review

AbstractThe fashion and textile manufacturing sectors are increasingly focusing on innovative raw materials that are renewable and biodegradable. Such materials not only mitigate environmental impacts but also prevent resource depletion. Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a prime candidate, derivable from a variety of natural ingredients such as tea and coffee in addition to a sugar source in presence of the bacterial microorganisms. Numerous studies have established the potential of BC in future fashion, and some brands have already started to utilise BC as a sustainable raw material. The applications of BC ranges from basic clothing and accessories to wearable electronics. This paper discusses the scope of BC in fashion and textiles, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to conventional materials. We present a comprehensive scoping review, covering the unique properties of BC, the factors influencing its production, and its applications in textile, clothing, and footwear over the past decade. The advantages of BC in fashion are manifold: zero-waste manufacturing, reliance on renewable sources, diminished environmental pollution, and biodegradability. Furthermore, the use of BC aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6, 7, 12, 13 and 15. However, there exist challenges pertaining to production costs, scalability, and quality, in addition to the imperative of harnessing food waste streams instead of contending for human food resources. Addressing these challenges is vital to cement BC’s position as a pivotal sustainable material in future fashion.

ADVANCEMENTS IN NANOTECHNOLOGY: REVOLUTIONIZING UZBEKISTAN'S TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Nanotechnology has emerged as a pivotal force in revolutionizing various industries, with its application in textiles being particularly noteworthy. Uzbekistan, endowed with a rich textile heritage, has embraced nanotechnology to enhance the quality, functionality, and sustainability of its textile products. This article explores the current state of nanotechnology adoption in Uzbekistan's textile industry, highlighting its key applications, benefits, challenges, and future prospects. Through a comprehensive analysis of ongoing research and development initiatives, Uzbekistan's trajectory in leveraging nanotechnology for textile innovation is elucidated, underscoring its potential to propel the nation's textile sector towards unprecedented heights.

Surface modification of polyester fabrics using choline hydroxide-catalysed glycolysis

This study explores the surface modification of polyethene terephthalate (PET) fabric via glycolysis, employing choline hydroxide as an eco-friendly catalyst. A range of chemicals was evaluated for catalysing the glycolysis reaction. Among them, choline hydroxide demonstrated notable enhancements in surface hydrophilicity, moisture regain, wicking properties, and water contact angle, surpassing other catalysts. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a marked increase in surface roughness and irregularities following glycolysis in the presence of this ionic liquid. The surface modification technique employed in this investigation resulted in a decrease of less than 20% in the breaking force of the fabric. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and the methylene blue staining method confirmed the emergence of free hydroxyl groups on the modified fabric's surface. These findings suggest that glycolysis catalysed by choline hydroxide is a promising approach for enhancing the surface characteristics of polyester fabrics, which may lead to improved functional properties in textile applications.

Laser applications for smart textiles

AbstractTextiles are not only used for clothing but have also found application in many other areas. They do not have to have electronic components to be considered smart textiles. For example, they can be combined with biomedical substances to detect germs and bacteria, or light can be guided along a fiber and emitted in areas where the surface has laser‐induced defects. However, the most common combination is with electronic components.

Novel MXene/PVDF nanocomposite ultrafiltration membranes for optimized Eriochrome black T (azo dye) removal

In the context of recycling and reusing textile wastewater, the quest for a membrane possessing superior efficiency has garnered considerable attention. This research endeavors to advance this objective by introducing a novel asymmetric ultrafiltration membrane constructed from PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) modified with MXene through bulk modification, thereby augmenting its resistance to fouling for textile wastewater treatment applications. The investigation employed a comprehensive array of characterization techniques. The proposed interaction mechanism between the contents of PVDF/MXene and the interaction mechanism of composite membrane with water molecules were also presented. Comparative analysis with pure membranes revealed that the incorporation of MXene resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity and porosity, concurrently reducing its surface roughness when compared to a pristine membrane. The lowest water contact angle about 38.5 (⁰) was observed in the mixed matrix membrane containing 0.5 wt% MXene. The developed membranes exhibited a maximum pure water flux of 538 LMH and a flux of 467.8 LMH for EBT dye solution. Furthermore, optimization of the nanocomposite membrane composition led to nearly complete rejection of Eriochrome black T (EBT). A continuous improvement in the flux recovery ratio (FRR%) culminating in a peak value of 85.6% for the MMMs prepared from 0.5 wt% MXene.

THE STATE OF PLAY: SYMBIOTIC CULTURE OF BACTERIA AND YEASTS (SCOBY) IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

The fermentation of Kombucha tea produces SCOBY, or Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast, as a result of the interaction between bacteria and yeast. In order to fully explore the potential of employing this cellulose as a viable raw material in many applications of industry, numerous studies on the Kombucha SCOBY are now being done. According to studies, Zygosaccharomyces and Acetobacter xylinum are the most frequent bacteria found throughout the SCOBY fermentation process. At the air-liquid interface, these microorganisms help produce cellulose fibrils extracellularly, resulting in a biofilm. An overview of the favourable conditions for SCOBY manufacture is provided in more specific, as well as the aspects that may influence the product, and its suitability for textile and fashion sector applications is appraised. The advantages of this biofilm are being explored, including in several industries especially in textile and fashion industry. The microbial consortium's tea fermentation process was able to demonstrate an increase in specific biological activities that had previously been researched. However, there are some limitations in the applications of SCOBY in the textile that need to be highlighted. Thus, this review focuses on the SCOBY properties, challenges and potential available to make it feasible in textile industries.

Waterborne polyurethane polymer dispersions using castor oil and curcumin as bioresources: Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial textile applications

AbstractThe main goal of this study is to make new waterborne polyurethane polymers (WPUCs) using bioresources like curcumin as a chain extender and castor oil as a polyol. We explored different mole ratios of curcumin during the synthesis of WPUC polymers. The WPUC dispersions were well‐defined and had nanoparticle sizes that ranged from 80.1 to 48.2 nm. Their zeta potentials were between −61.7 and − 52.2 mV, which showed that they were more stable. The absence of a phenolic hydroxyl band in the synthesized WPUC's IR spectrum indicated the insertion of curcumin into the PU chain. The coating of WPUCs on polyester/cotton (PE/C) blend fabric showed an improvement in colorfastness properties and reduced air permeability. The enhanced bending modulus (enhanced stiffness), improved abrasion resistance, and higher tensile strength were also observed. Furthermore, the WPUC‐coated fabric samples showed a bacterial inhibition percentage of 83.12%–99.9999% (p < 0.001) compared with blank fabric against bacterias' because of the inherent nature of curcumin. Inserting a higher amount of curcumin in the polymer chain of WPUC improved the antibacterial effects. Overall, our findings provide valuable insights for the possible antibacterial textile applications of synthesized WPUCs.

Self-assembly of modified cellulose nanocrystals on flexible fabric via hydrophobic force induction for versatile applications

Over the years, there has been a proliferation of superhydrophobic fabrics constructed by self-assembly techniques. However, most of these suffer from poor mechanical durability and chemical stability, while the complexity of the process severely limits their practical application in textiles with special functionalities. In this study, We have built a self-assembly coating with many advantages such as large specific surface area, ultra-fast, high particle utilization, and dense and homogeneous alignment of particles. We modified cellulose nanocrystals (m-CNCs) using a variety of hydrophobic monomers, and the modified cellulose nanocrystals were suspended in a solution of isopropanol-containing end-hydroxy polysiloxane (MSDS) and hydrogen-containing polysiloxane (PHMS). The silicone system was used to treat a cotton fabric to obtain a superhydrophobic fabric by hydrophobically inducing modified cellulose nanocrystals to self-assemble on the fibre surface. Unlike many previous studies, owing to the m-CNC particles being chemically bonded between the multilayer nanostructure and the fabric, the coating had excellent mechanical durability and remained superhydrophobic after abrasion by sandpaper or peeling with tape. In addition, the nanostructure of the coating surface trapped air in the surface pores, preventing the penetration of H+, Na+, Cl−, and OH− in liquids; thus, the fabric remained hydrophobic both under extreme solution conditions and after soaping cycle tests, showing excellent stability and cycling ability. At the same time, the breaking strength of the fabric is improved after finishing, and the wearability is almost unchanged. Coated fabrics have good potential in the fields of self-cleaning, anti-staining, oil absorption, and oil–water separation.

Extraction and Characterization of Dracaena fragrans Leaf Fibre

Textile industries have recently become prevalent environmental pollutants as a result of natural inconsistencies and resource scarcity. As a remedy, using natural fibres for textile production is strongly encouraged. Dracaena fragrans is an Ethiopian plant with lingo-cellulosic fibres that can be used for textile applications. This study focuses on the extraction and characterization of Ethiopian Dracaena fragrans leaf fibre and evaluates its application in the textile industry. For fibre extraction, water, 10% NaOH, 1% H2O2, EDTA di (with 1.5% and 1%, respectively), 0.2% pectinase (presoak), 0.05% alpha-amylase (for 24 hours, 18 hours, and 12 hours retting), and 5% gel retting methods were utilized. Subsequently, the properties of extracted fibre, mainly fibre length, fineness, tenacity, elongation at break, and degree of whiteness, were evaluated. Longer fibres (46 ± 0.74 cm) were obtained by pectinase retting. Comparatively, finer (11.22 ± 0.64 dtex) fibres were obtained by the water retting method. Fibre with the best tenacity (54.51 ± 0.61, 53.54 ± 0.60, and 52.53 ± 0.61) was obtained by EDTA di (1%), 5% gel retting and water retting methods respectively. On the other hand, higher elongation at break (7.28 ± 0.78%) was obtained by 0.05% alpha-amylase retting with a retting time of 24 hours. And finally, the best fibre whiteness (w* = 71) was obtained by 1% H2O2 retting. Long fibres obtained by the pectinase retting method can be used for the production of packaging sacks and hessians. Fibres obtained by the water retting method can be used for the production of linen fabrics such as lace and sheeting. On the other hand, high-tenacity fibres extracted using (1%) EDTA di retting and 5% gel retting methods can be used for the production of cloths, bags, and shoes. Finally, a highly extensible fibre extracted using α-amylase (24 hours retting) can be used for the production of sports clothes.

Naturally colored cotton for wearable applications.

Naturally colored cotton (NCC) offers an environmentally friendly fiber for textile applications. Processing white cotton fiber into textiles requires extensive energy, water, and chemicals, whereas processing of NCC skips the most polluting activity, scouring-bleaching and dyeing; therefore, NCC provides an avenue to minimize the harmful impacts of textile production. NCC varieties are suitable for organic agriculture since they are naturally insect and disease-resistant, salt and drought-tolerant. Various fiber shades, ranging from light green to tan and brown, are available in the cultivated NCC (Gossypium hirsutum L.) species. The pigments responsible for the color of brown cotton fiber are proanthocyanidins or their derivatives synthesized by the flavonoid pathway. Due to pigments, the NCC has excellent ultraviolet protection properties. Some brown cotton varieties exhibited superior thermal resistance of fiber that can be used to make fabrics with enhanced flame retardancy. Here, we review molecular mechanisms involved in the pigment production of brown cotton and challenges in breeding NCC varieties with a wide range of colors but without penalty in fiber quality. Also, we discuss opportunities for NCC with flame-retarding properties in textile applications.

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.

A multifunctional cellulose paper with excellent flame retardancy, hydrophobicity and oil/water-separation performance via reaction with ammonium phytate and poly(methylhydrosiloxane)

Paper-based materials have become increasingly prevalent in the packaging and daily life. However, paper is flammable and hydrophilic, hindering its widespread application. Here, a novel reactive flame retardant of m-xylylenediamine phytate ammonium (MPAP) was prepared. Cellulose paper with superior flame-retardant and hydrophobic properties was successfully prepared by surface spraying technology and impregnation process, through the reaction of flame retardant and poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) with cellulose fibers. The water contact angle (WCA) of the modified paper was 122.6°, while the limit oxygen index (LOI) value reached 41 %, which had significant self-extinguishing performance. The total heat release rate of the modified paper was reduced from 12.8 kJ/g to 0.6 kJ/g. The modified paper also exhibited excellent performance for oil/water separation. Furthermore, this effective and simple strategy can also be applied to other cellulose-contained substrates for the application in construction, textiles, furniture and other fields.

Transformations in Properties of Indian Barnyard Millet Starch as Induced by Ultra‐Sonication and Gamma Irradiation

AbstractThis study aims to assess the effect of physical modification techniques on the properties of millet starch. The starch isolated from barnyard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) is subjected to ultrasonication (20 kHz; 30 and 60 min) and gamma irradiation (5 and 10 kGy). The protein content decreases slightly (by 2.5–3.8%) with gamma irradiation and significantly (by 5.7–6.9%) with ultrasonication. As compared to the native starch (20.56%), the amylose content of ultrasonicated starch is significantly higher (21.42% and 21.88%), while it is significantly lower (19.73% and 19.18%) for gamma‐irradiated starch. The swelling power of the native starch (13.57%) increases significantly with ultrasonication (14.21% and 14.33%) treatment; while it decreases significantly with gamma irradiation (13.17% and 12.25%) treatment. The solubility increases to 11.23%, 11.19%, 12.09%, and 13.31% from 10.45%, with both modifications. The peak viscosity of modified starches decreases significantly (2872 and 2700 cP) as compared to the native starch (3832 cP). The starches exhibit a greater value for storage modulus (G′) as compared to loss modulus (G″), reflecting their elastic nature. These transformations in the microstructure, gelatinization, and physicochemical properties of native starch can further be explored for food and textile industrial applications.

Electrochemical and semiconducting properties of multifunctional smart conductive fabrics based on polypyrrole

AbstractWe have fabricated multifunctional conductive fabrics composed of polypyrrole/BaTiO3/poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐methylacrylate) (PPy/BaTiO3/P(AN‐co‐MA)(PBA) utilizing a simple process including dip coating and in situ chemical polymerization of pyrrole, which oxidized both ammonium persulfate (APS) and ammonium persulfate + iron (III) chloride (APS + FeCl3) for flexible and wearable textile applications. The influence of the oxidant nature, PPy content, and BaTiO3 on the surface structures, electrochemical, and semiconducting characteristics of the fabrics was examined using scanning electrochemical microscopy (SEM), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the Mott–Schottky (M–S) studies. The study revealed that the size of the polymer nanostructures on fabric has an impact on the electrochemical impedance properties. Specifically, a decrease in diameter (when FeCl3 + APS is used) or the formation of more compact swelling surface structures (when only APS is used) is associated with changes in the conductivity of the coated fabric. Based on the EIS tests, the composite coating (S0.1, S0.2, and S0.3) with FeCl3 has a higher electrical conductivity compared to the coating with APS (PBA). The M–S tests indicate that the semiconducting characteristics of coated fabrics are dependent upon the kind of oxidant, the amount of PPy, and the presence of BaTiO3.

One-step aerosol synthesis of iron nanoparticles coated single-walled carbon nanotubes (Fe@SWCNT) for multifunctional composite textiles with electromagnetic interference shielding properties

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) based nanocomposites demonstrate remarkable electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding potential. However, the efficient and rapid fabrication of SWCNT-based nanocomposite remains a technical challenge. This study successfully one-step synthesizes iron (Fe) nanoparticle-enriched SWCNTs (Fe@SWCNT) using the floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) method in the aerosol phase. The aerosol-synthesized Fe@SWCNTs were directly integrated with carbon cloth (CC) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to develop a compelling nanocomposite film for multifunctional EMI shielding. The composite film exhibits exceptional shielding effectiveness of 50.2 dB in the X-band (8.2–12.4 GHz) with absolute shielding effectiveness (SSEt) of 3279.3 dB cm²/g. Notably, the film also displays rapid and uniform electrical heating at low voltages, reaching a temperature of 110.4 °C under a 1.0 V. Overall, this study reveals the potential applications of multifunctional textiles in fields such as EMI shielding, hydrophobicity, and thermal management.

Highly reliable and stretchable OLEDs based on facile patterning method: toward stretchable organic optoelectronic devices

Stretchable displays attract significant attention because of their potential applications in wearable electronics, smart textiles, and human-conformable devices. This paper introduces an electrically stable, mechanically ultra-robust, and water-resistant stretchable OLED display (SOLED) mounted on a stress-relief pillar platform. The SOLED is fabricated on a thin, transparent polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film using conventional vacuum evaporation, organic-inorganic hybrid thin film encapsulation (TFE), and a nonselective laser patterning process. This simple and efficient process yields an OLED display with exceptional stretchability, reaching up to 95% strain and outstanding durability, enduring 100,000 stretch-release cycles at 50% strain. Operational lifetime and water-resistant storage lifetime measurements confirm that the TFE provides effective protection even after the nonselective laser patterning process. A 3 × 3 array SOLED display module mounted on a stress-relief pillar platform is successfully implemented, marking the first case of water-resistant display array operation in the field of SOLEDs. This work aims to develop practical stretchable displays by offering a reliable fabrication method and device design for creating mechanically robust and adaptable displays, potentially paving the way for future advances in human-conformable electronics and other innovative applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Functionalized Starch by Grafting Pyridine for Use in Antimicrobial Applications

AbstractThe urgent need for new, efficient solutions to antibiotic resistance is a serious worldwide healthcare concern. Recently, new classes of antimicrobials known as antimicrobial polymers have played a significant role in tackling multidrug‐resistant bacteria. To achieve this purpose, antimicrobial biodegradable materials made from affordable renewable resources, including polysaccharides, are extensively applied. Here, this study presents a simple one‐pot method for generating powerful antimicrobial polymer using soluble starch and an easily accessible chemical pyridine. The quaternary pyridine‐grafted starch (St‐QP) is prepared and characterized using structural and thermal techniques. To assess the antimicrobial capabilities of the St‐QP for textile application, antimicrobial activities of the St‐QP, antimicrobial activity of the St‐QP‐coated fabric, cytotoxicity, durability of the St‐QP coated fabric, surface morphology of St‐QP coated fabric and antimicrobial activity after washing cycles are also examined. According to the findings, St‐QP and its modified materials have shown good antimicrobial activity against three bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the fungus Candida albicans. The St‐QP displays low toxicity to human fibroblasts, and after being coated on fabrics, it shows good durability and antimicrobial activity. The St‐QP coated fabric material shows 80% inhibition for all four microorganisms even after 25 washing cycles.

A New Sight of Ozone Usage in Textile: Improving Flame Retardant Properties.

Ozone, widely recognized as an environmentally friendly gas, is extensively used in various textile industry applications. These include pre-treatment processes like bleaching and desizing, as well as creating pattern and vintage effects, wastewater clarification, and surface modification. This study focuses on ozone as a novel solution to a specific challenge: addressing the reduction in flame retardancy properties experienced by flame-retardant (FR) polyester fabrics during post-treatment processes in the production line. Experimentation involved subjecting the fabrics to ozonation and exploring different combinations of ozone flow rates and treatment durations. Mechanical and functional properties of the fabrics were examined, with flammability tested according to International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards. Notably, treatment with a 5 L/min ozone flow rate, a 7.01 g/h ozone concentration ratio, and a duration of 10 min showed significant improvements in IMO values, ensuring compliance with required standards. Furthermore, treated samples underwent comprehensive tests for fastness and strength, yielding results within acceptable ranges. Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements were conducted to evaluate the impact of ozonation. FT-IR results indicated that the presence of C-H groups associated with dyestuff contributed to decreased flame retardancy in the original fabric post-dyeing. However, these groups were effectively eliminated through ozonation, thereby enhancing the fabric's flame retardancy.

Valorization of Bread Waste to Fungal-Based Products for Medical Textile and Food Applications

Valorization of Bread Waste to Fungal-Based Products for Medical Textile and Food Applications