Textile Finishing Research Articles

Simple and facile fabrication of carboxymethylated cellulose nanofibrils one-side-coated cotton non-woven fabrics for beauty facial mask sheets

In this study, we developed eco-friendly beauty facial mask sheets with improved absorbency and performance using a simple textile finishing process. Carboxymethyl cellulose nanofibrils (c-CNFs) were bar-coated onto cotton non-woven fabrics (COFs), transforming them into sheet-shaped structures. The resulting sheets exhibited enhanced tensile strength, water absorption, and durability. The weight of the sheets increased proportionally with the amount of coated c-CNFs, while their thickness decreased due to compression during the process. The addition of c-CNFs improved absorption capabilities, despite the formation of a non-porous structure. Furthermore, the sheets demonstrated longer drying times, reduced friction coefficients, and improved mechanical properties. Cytotoxicity evaluation confirmed the biocompatibility of the sheets. This study highlights the feasibility of producing eco-friendly beauty facial mask sheets with enhanced performance through a simplified textile finishing process using c-CNFs, offering potential applications in the cosmetics industry.

Construction of efficient and environmentally friendly bio-based flame retardant cotton fabric through layer by layer self-assembly of alkylammonium functional silsesquioxane/phosphorylated sodium alginate

As an important source of green cleaning flame retardants, bio-based materials have been widely studied by researchers. However, the development of efficient biobased flame retardants and convenient finishing methods was of great significance for the functional finishing of materials. Herein, a convenient and efficient flame retardant cotton fabric was prepared via layer by layer self-assembly (LbL) by alternating precipitation of a novel bio-based flame retardant phosphorylated sodium alginate (PSA) and alkylammonium functionalized siloxane (A-POSS). The effect of coating number on flame retardancy and thermal properties of coated cotton fabric was systematically studied. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results showed that residual char contents of AP/PS-15BL under air and N2 atmospheres increased by 252.0% and 225.2%, respectively, compared with control cotton. In vertical flammability tests, both the AP/PS-10BL and AP/PS-15BL showed self-extinguishing behavior and successfully passed the UL-94 V-0 rating. More importantly, the LOI value of AP/PS-15BL was significantly increased to 35.0% from 20.0% of pure cotton fabric. Additionally, coated samples showed good mechanical properties and washable resistance. In CONE test, the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release rate (THR) of AP/PS-15BL decreased by 89.3% and 49.3% respectively, compared with control cotton. Therefore, this green and convenient flame-retardant finishing method has great application potential in the multi-functional finishing of cotton fabrics.

Textile finishing for bacterial cellulose modification: organic acid-catalyzed cellulosic acetylation

Bacterial Cellulose (BC) is an originally sustainable material for the textile and leather industries. However, dehydrated BC faces challenges: excessive stiffness, low density, surface defects, high roughness, etc. That reduces appeal in applicability. To address these issues, this study introduces a textile finishing method involving cellulose acetylation catalyzed by organic acids, namely Citric Acid and Succinic Acid. The acetylation-finished BC samples, catalyzed by Citric Acid (BC/AA/CA) and Succinic Acid (BC/AA/SA), exhibit improved softness with bending modulus of 62.65 ± 5.87 and 99.82 ± 25.25 MPa, respectively, as compared to untreated BC (1956.51 ± 426.12 MPa), tensile strength of 15.10 ± 1.42 MPa for BC/AA/CA and 15.02 ± 0.74 MPa for BC/AA/SA, porosity, and significant alterations in thermal stability. The study explores a novel “self-patterning” mechanism during BC acetylation finishing. Consequently, this study addresses the limitations of BC in its dehydrated state and promises practical and valuable scientific contributions toward long-term sustainability.

Enhanced bactericidal performance of textiles through compound antimicrobial agents.

This study aims to explore the essential functional requirements associated with controlling the proliferation of microbes in the domain of textiles used in public health areas. Herein, three antimicrobial agents, specifically iodopropylbutylcarbamate (IPBC), 1-hydroxypyridine-2-thioketone zinc (ZPT), and 2-octyl-3-isothiazolinone (OIT), were chosen for fabric finishing based on their notable effectiveness, minimal toxicity, cost-efficiency, and chemical stability. Utilizing Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) as representative bacterial strains, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC50) of individual and combined antimicrobial agents was measured, and their antimicrobial effectiveness was rigorously evaluated. Concurrently, the antimicrobial effectiveness, whiteness, and mechanical durability of the fabric following antimicrobial treatment were thoroughly examined. The results demonstrate that some combinations of the three antimicrobial agents elicit additive effects on both S. aureus and E. coli. Notably, at an equivalent ratio of IPBC, ZPT, and OIT and a total concentration of 0.2 wt. %, the inhibition rates against both bacterial strains surpass 99%. Upon application to nylon fabric, the treated material demonstrates significant antimicrobial properties, with minimal reduction observed in the whiteness and tensile strength of the treated nylon. This study provides practicable strategies relevant to the production of textiles endowed with antimicrobial properties.

One step synthesis of durable slippery, oil/water selective, corrosion-resistant silicone coatings with grafted flexible sidechains

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPSs) based on polymer matrices impregnated with liquid lubricants are multifunctional and provide a wide range of useful properties such as low adhesion of water and other liquids, selectivity, high corrosion resistance, etc. However, these properties vanish quickly due to the gradual depletion of lubricant from the matrix. This issue could be resolved by attaching lubricant molecules to the matrix as flexible, liquid-like sidechains. In the present work, thin silicone films with grafted sidechains are fabricated. The uniform coatings are obtained in “eco-friendly” pressurized (subcritical) CO2 on smooth silicon wafers as well as on rough porous substrates such as carbon aerogels. The possibility of applying films by the traditional dip-coating method is also demonstrated on titanium slides. The coatings demonstrate low sliding angles for water and water/alcohol solution droplets. Coated aerogels preserve high porosity. It is demonstrated that initially hydrophilic aerogels become highly hydrophobic after coating and selectively absorb oil from water/oil mixtures. The tests of obtained coatings on titanium substrates demonstrate a significant increase in corrosion resistance. The proposed technique has a wide range of potential applications where such slippery coatings should be applied on complex rough substrates: from filtration materials production to textile finishing.

Cotton fabric surface treatment by plasma-deposited hexamethyldisilazane thin films

In the realm of fabric finishing, achieving the best wettability in cotton fabric is often a desired outcome. To accomplish this, a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) system was used to deposit Hexamethyldisilazane (HMDSN) thin films onto cotton fabric for two different durations: 15 and 30 minutes. Various fabric properties were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the treatment, including wettability, surface morphology, chemical structure, the effect of deposition on fabric stiffness, and the film fastness on the abrasion and washing. These properties were assessed using SEM, FTIR, and Martindale tester. Results indicated that both treatment durations improved the fabric's wicking ability. However, the film did not have a good fastness on abrasion and washing.

Textile Finishing Using Triazole Derivatives and Selenium Nanoparticles as an Anti-mosquito

Textile Finishing Using Triazole Derivatives and Selenium Nanoparticles as an Anti-mosquito

Effect of Liquid Ammonia on the Structure and Properties of Superfine Wool Fibers

Superfine wool fiber has a soft and luxurious texture, excellent moisture absorption and is warmer and more comfortable than ordinary wool. Liquid ammonia, which has exceptional permeability, exerts a certain modification effect on the surface scales of wool in the finishing and processing of wool fabric, thereby enhancing its wear performance. However, limited research has been conducted on the impact of liquid ammonia on valuable wool fibers such as superfine wool and cashmere. In this article, superfine wool tops were treated with continuous liquid ammonia finishing equipment and the effects of liquid ammonia on the microstructure and surface morphology of superfine wool fiber were investigated. In addition, the changes in length, fineness, anti-felting, and dyeing properties of superfine wool fiber after liquid ammonia treatment were examined. The results demonstrated that the interstitial integrity of intercellular substance of superfine wool was compromised following treatment with liquid ammonia, which had a greater tendency to infiltrate cortical cells and induce alterations in wool structure and performance. Furthermore, the surface scales of superfine wool were damaged after treatment with liquid ammonia, leading to improved anti-felting and dyeing properties.

Superhydrophobic finishing of cotton fabric via nonsolvent-induced phase separation of polystyrene–perfluoropolyether block copolymer

This paper reports synthesis of polystyrene–perfluoropolyether block copolymer@cotton fabric (PS–PFPE@CF) with a rough structure through nonsolvent-induced phase separation. The factors affecting the hydrophobicity of the coating, such as solvent quality, the molecular weight of the PS segments, and the volume ratio of tetrahydrofuran/1,3-di(trifluoromethyl)benzene (THF/DTFMB) and THF–MeOH, were all investigated, and the relation between the coating structure and hydrophobicity was also analyzed. In the THF–DTFMB system, PS–PFPE@CF (4 h, 80 mg/mL) appeared as a secondary structure with the superposition of small spheres on large spheres. For this structure, the water-contact angle reached 156.2° ± 0.5° and the sliding angle was 9.5° ± 1.5°. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed that PS–PFPE coated the cotton fabric. Finally, application tests were performed to assess the application prospects of PS–PFPE@CF. Oil-water separation, self-cleaning, and antifouling applications were studied, and the experimental results showed that the separation efficiency of the superhydrophobic fabric was nearly constant, from 99.4 % to 98.3 % after 10 oil-water separation tests. PS–PFPE@CF exhibited excellent self-cleaning properties and performed well in the sandpaper abrasion and tape peeling tests. This research thus used a degradable PFPE block copolymer to produce cotton fabrics with excellent hydrophobicity, self-cleaning, and wear resistance.

Enhancing Antibacterial and Water-Repellent Properties for the Production of High-Performance Fabrics in Home Textiles

In this research, we aimed to enhance the antibacterial activity and water repellency functionalities of single-layer 100% cotton fabrics on both the face and back sides, utilizing conventional methods. Unlike conventional approaches that often rely on lamination or coating techniques to imbue fabric surfaces with distinct properties, our study pursued a cost-effective strategy using traditional textile finishing methods. By integrating double functionality into cotton fabric, we aimed to circumvent the need for additional equipment and high initial costs associated with other techniques. To achieve this, we improved the antibacterial activity of the fabrics through the incorporation of silver ions in the pad-dry process. Simultaneously, water repellency functionality was introduced through a printing application, where the printing paste, devoid of dyestuff, was combined with functional agents and applied using rotary printing to the fabric’s backside. Following these finishing applications, we conducted comprehensive tests encompassing washing durability, antibacterial efficacy, water repellency, mechanical strength, and fastness properties of the multifunctional fabrics. Characterization tests, including Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscope analyses (SEM-EDX), were performed. The outcome of our study showcased the successful enhancement of double-functional cotton fabric, featuring water repellency and antibacterial efficiency on distinct sides. Furthermore, the results indicated that these functionalities endured up to 20 washing cycles, with fastness and performance tests consistently achieving peak levels.

Clean dyeing of cotton fabrics by cross-linking reactive dyes with fiber macromolecular chains

Increasing dye utilization, shortening the process and reducing the discharge of colored wastewater are the keys to clean dyeing and finishing of fabrics. In this study, we report a clean dyeing process. The process improved the dye utilization and achieved wrinkle-finishing and dyeing in the same bath by enhancing cross-linking of dyes with fiber macromolecular chains. It was observed by SEM that the cross-section of the dyed fibers showed round or oval shape, and the mid-cavities were reduced or even disappeared. The swelling rate of the fibers and cellulase degradation experiments showed that the dyes formed stable cross-linking structures with the macromolecular chains. Furthermore, differences in the structure of reactive dyes affected the optimal reaction conditions between the dyes and the fibers. Compared to conventional processes, the K/S, color fixation rate, and wrinkle recovery angle of dyed fabrics with different dyes were significantly improved. This illustrated the superiority of this process and the applicability of different structural dyes. Compared to traditional processes, the process saved 29.6 % of dyes and 16.7 % of alkalis. Importantly, the process could save 200 % of water, 9.5 kW h of energy consumption and 61.6 m3 of saturated steam. Ultimately, this process could save 7.22 $ of the cost of dyeing 1 kg of fabric. The concentration of dyes in the dyeing wastewater was significantly reduced. In summary, the clean process has good economic and environmental benefits.

Study on the Effect of Terminalia chebula Softening Treatment on Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Banana Fabric

ABSTRACT The demand for environmentally friendly clothing and fabrics continues to increase globally. Banana fiber is a sustainable fiber known for its high tensile strength. It can be effectively blended with cotton and various synthetic fibers to develop versatile fabrics. The fiber’s abrasive texture is a major problem, making it difficult to wear and limiting its application in the apparel industry. The study focuses on the utilization of Terminalia chebula, an organic material, as a softening agent to address these concerns and maintain the environmentally friendly nature of the banana fabric. The experiment involved treating the banana fabric with different concentrations (20%, 40%, and 60%) of Terminalia chebula solution. The physical, comfort, and mechanical properties of the treated fabric are evaluated and compared to those of the untreated fabric. The results demonstrate that Terminalia chebula treated fabric has better comfort (both bending rigidity and stiffness) Notably, the treated fabric shows a substantial improvement in crease recovery and drapability. However, no effective improvement was found in tensile and seam strength. In addition, the study explores the potential of T. chebula as a multifunctional textile finish, making a valuable contribution to the growth of sustainable and eco-friendly textile finishing methods.

Synthesis and Characterization of Nonionic Waterborne Polyurethane and Application to Wool Fabric Finishing

Synthesis and Characterization of Nonionic Waterborne Polyurethane and Application to Wool Fabric Finishing

Synthesis and application of silicone-modified polyurethane as a slip-elastic finishing agent for polyamide fabrics

Despite the wide application of polyamide in clothing and home textiles, its inherent stiffness hardly meets consumers' preference for a smooth and elastic hand feel. In this study, a new hydroxyl silane coupling agent (KHS), 1-(4-(4-(4-(trimethoxysilyl)butyl)piperazin-1-yl)-3-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propoxy) propan-2-ol, was synthesized and used to prepare a series of silicone-modified polyurethane (KHS-PU). KHS-PU then was finished onto the polyamide fabric via a pad-dry-cure procedure. The finishing process was optimized using the Minitab software. The morphology and elemental distribution of KHS-PU finished polyamide fabric were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS), respectively. The hand evaluation tests demonstrated that KHS-PU not only significantly enhanced the fabric's smooth and elastic properties, specifically evidenced by a 23 % reduction in surface friction coefficient, a 13 % decrease in bending average stiffness, a 10 % reduction in compression work, and a 40 % increase in compression recovery rate, but also exhibited good wash durability. In addition, the thermal and mechanical properties of KHS-PU finished fabric were further investigated. This work provides a valuable contribution to the field of surface science and textile engineering, offering insights into advanced fabric finishing techniques.

Impact of research and development expenses on the profitability of assets: The case of textile and clothing industry in Portugal

The study aims to examine the financial efficiency of the textile and clothing industries in Portugal using official statistical data. The main objective is to assess the relationship between spending on research and development and return on assets. The study analyzes the performance of various subsectors of the textile and clothing industries, presenting the relationship between investments in research and development and the operating return on assets over various economic periods. The study adopted data envelopment analysis, classifying decision-making units based on average efficiency levels. The results highlight sectors of manufacture of textiles for technical and industrial use, manufacture of other textiles, production of outerwear, and manufacture of workwear as the most efficient. In contrast, sectors of manufacture of clothing and accessories, manufacture of knitwear, and leather clothing show lower levels of efficiency. From 2003 to 2022, the textile industry exhibited the highest levels of financial efficiency, with an above-average ratio between spending on research and development and return on assets. However, sectors of knitwear manufacturing and textile finishing have maintained a more or less constant level of financial efficiency. The analysis highlights the need for targeted interventions to increase the financial efficiency of different subsectors within the textile and clothing industries. It is evident that there are varying levels of financial efficiency across these sectors, and the need for benchmarking periods can help identify areas for improvement and set achievable goals. AcknowledgmentThis article is financed by Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal [Polytechnic Institute of Setúbal].

Liquidlike, Low-Friction Polymer Brushes for Microfibre Release Prevention from Textiles.

During synthetic textile washing, rubbing between fibres or against the washing machine, exacerbated by the elevated temperature, initiates the release of millions of microplastic fibres into the environment. A general tribological strategy is reported that practically eliminates the release of microplastic fibres from laundered apparel. The two-layer fabric finishes combine low-friction, liquidlike polymer brushes with "molecular primers", that is, molecules that durably bond the low-friction layers to the surface of the polyester or nylon fabrics. It is shown that when the coefficient of friction is below a threshold of 0.25, microplastic fibre release is substantially reduced, by up to 96%. The fabric finishes can be water-wicking or water-repellent, and their comfort properties are retained after coating, indicating a tunable and practical strategy toward a sustainable textile industry and plastic-free oceans and marine foodstuffs.

Hydrophobic finishing and properties of cotton fabric with different surface structures

For this study samples of cotton fabric with different relief weaves were selected to study the effect of polymer-based hydrophobising composition on hydrophobicity and performance properties of monochrome fabric of different surface structure. The processing of the fabric was carried out using the plius method. The fabric samples were treated with hydrophobising compositions based on Tubiguard SCS-F, based on EcoperlActive and hydrophobising emulsion. During the experiment it was observed that the fabric pieces soaked with EcoperlActive based hydrophobiser lost their water resistant properties and therefore could not be used. High values of hydrophobicity were observed in samples with relief surface, treated with hydrophobising emulsion as well as with fluorine dispersion. The stability of water repellency is achieved by heat treatment of plated samples at 150-160°C for 6-7 min. It should be noted that the hygienic and colour characteristics of cotton samples are not significantly affected by treatment with all three hydrophobic compositions. The results of the research contribute to the expansion of the range of fabrics with hydrophobic property for household and technical purposes by regulating the composition of hydrophobising composition and the mode of treatment, as well as the choice of fabrics with different surface structure.

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.

Eco-Friendly Antimicrobial and UV Protection Functional Finishing of Cotton and Bamboo Fabric using Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Eco-Friendly Antimicrobial and UV Protection Functional Finishing of Cotton and Bamboo Fabric using Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)

Numerical Simulation of the Passive Radiative Cooling Fabric Based on Fiber‐Yarn‐Texture‐Doping Particle 3D Model

AbstractDeveloping passive radiative cooling fabrics could effectively prevent the harmful consequences of global warming, including heat stress and other related illnesses. By enhancing the material compositions and optimizing the structural parameters of conventional fabrics, the creation of radiative cooling fabric that offers both comfort and durability holds great potential. However, the researched simulation models are over‐simplistic, rendering it challenging to precisely portray the fine fabric's structure with the low accuracy of optical properties prediction. In this work, a high‐fidelity model is developed for fabric structure, which allows for precise control of structural parameters of fiber, yarn, texture, and doping particles. Subsequently, by utilizing the FDTD Solutions software, the optical performance of the fabric model is successfully addressed. Furthermore, the coupled heat transfer equation is employed to determine the actual cooling effect of the fabric. It is observed that doping 1% TiO2 nanoparticles and increasing the number of fibers significantly enhances the solar reflectivity, resulting in a cooling effect of approximately 2 °C. To maintain the skin temperature of 34°C, the additional cooling energy required would be reduced by 36 W m−2. These findings are expected to provide crucial guidance and predictions for the development of passive radiative cooling fabrics.