Washability Properties Research Articles

Scalable and Ultra-Sensitive Nanofibers Coaxial Yarn-Woven Triboelectric Nanogenerator Textile Sensors for Real-Time Gait Analysis.

Yarn-woven triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have greatly advanced wearable sensor technology, but their limited sensitivity and stability hinder broad adoption. To address these limitations, Poly(VDF-TrFE) and P(olyadiohexylenediamine (PA66)-based nanofibers coaxial yarns (NCYs) combining coaxial conjugated electrospinning and online conductive adhesive coating are developed. The integration of these NCYs led to enhanced TENGs (NCY-TENGs), notable for their flexibility, stretchability, and improved sensitivity, which is ideal for capturing body motion signals. One significant application of this technology is the fabrication of smart insoles from NCY-TENG plain-woven fabrics. These insoles are highly sensitive and possess antibacterial, breathable, and washable properties, making them ideal for real-time gait monitoring in patients with diabetic foot conditions. The NCY-TENGs and their derivatives show immense potential for a variety of wearable electronic devices, representing a considerable advancement in the field of wearable sensors.

Breathable and washable MXene@gallic acid cross-linked textile assisted by borax for personal multi-protection wearables

Achieving multifunctional integration with comfortability and durability comparable to conventional textiles is one of the ultimate pursuits of personal protective wearables. Herein, a multi-protective textile with breathable, moisture-permeable and washable properties is reported, which is realized by cross-linking of electroactive MXene@gallic acid (MG) with the cationized cotton. Cationic modification reduces the charge repulsion between MG and cotton fibers, and promotes the deposition of conductive media on textile surface. After borax (STB) cross-linking, the obtained textile exhibits superior service stability and can be subjected to conventional washing, exhibiting antioxidant stability during natural storage. Importantly, the cross-linked textile inherits the properties of good breathability, softness and bendability as the original fabric. With the outstanding conductivity (260 mS/cm) and high absorptivity of the solar spectrum (0.920), the textile was used for Joule heating and solar heating, demonstrating their potential in the field of thermal management. Meanwhile, the textile demonstrates excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, and maintained satisfactory antibacterial effect (>90 %) even after ten washing cycles. This facile strategy for fabricating personal protective textiles, based on cross-linking cotton fiber with electroactive mediators offers favorable durability, comfortability and multifunctionality, providing a scalable and sustainable approach for manufacturing multi-protective wearables.

Improving Adhesion of Graphene Nanoplatelets to Cotton-Based Knitted Fabrics Using Plasma Treatment

This work aims to analyse the effect of plasma and alkaline pre-treatment to improve the adsorption of GNPs onto 100% cotton knits. For this purpose, in one approach, 2% GNPs were dispersed in an aqueous/ethyl-based solution, in another approach the same concentration of said nanoparticles were dispersed in different % of PEG (10%, 30% and 50%, w/ v). The functionalised samples with and without plasma pre-treatment were characterized by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Contact Angle, Ground State Diffuse Reflectance (GSDR), and Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Electrical and washability properties until 10th wash cycles were also evaluated. The dopped samples obtained semiconductor values, and the ones that received the plasma treatment became hydrophilic, which contributed to excellent absorption bands. However, it is necessary to carry out more in-depth studies that contribute not only to better adsorption, as well as an adequate anchoring of nanoparticles in textile substrates.

Flexible superhydrophobic ZnO coating harvesting antibacterial and washable properties

The problem of bacterial proliferation on medical or food processing devices has been a challenge for decades. A facile and environmental-friendly fabrication of superhydrophobic coating has been reported. Modified ZnO nano particles can self-assemble on the water surface and construct into a membrane, which is subsequently “print” on a tape, significantly simplify the preparation process and time. The fabricated coating showed excellent superhydrophobicity and water drop impact resistance. Moreover, the coating had long-time underwater stability and strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Importantly, its flexibility and self-cleaning property make the coating can be applied to various complex shapes, satisfying actual health care needs on a large scale.

Opacity and Washability Properties of Emulsion Paint with Natural Rubber Latex/Polyvinyl Acetate Blend Binder

Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) has long been known as a binder material to improve the washability, opacity (hiding power), and viscosity of commercial emulsion paints. This study aims to study the properties of opacity (hiding power), washability resistance, and viscosity of emulsion paint added with a binder from a mixture of natural rubber latex (NRL) and PVAc. Emulsion paint samples were made with a binder content of 4, 6, and 8% w/w. The binder was made from a mixture of NRL and PVAc with various NRL levels of 0%, 15%, 25%, 35%, 50%, and 100% w/w. Testing of paint samples includes washability using a digital BGD 526 Wet Abrasion Scrub Tester and viscosity testing using a HAAKE 6R digital viscometer. At the same time, the opacity test uses the Indonesian Standard (SNI 3564:2009). The results showed that the opacity met the standard emulsion paint for all binder levels, except for the composition of NRL 100% w/w at all binder levels. The higher the NRL content in the binder causes the washability resistance and paint viscosity to decrease and become unstable. The best washability resistance and viscosity properties were obtained at NRL in a binder of 15% w/w and a binder content of 8% w/w, with washability resistance properties of 50 times and a viscosity of 3300 cp.

A fully integrated wearable electronic device with breathable and washable properties for long-term health monitoring

The fully integrated wearable electronics have recently found widespread applications in long-term health monitoring, where one major challenge is to develop substrate materials with excellent breathability and washability. In this work, we developed a fully integrated wearable electronic device with breathable and washable properties through a facile and scalable paradigm. We directly mixed hydrophilic graphene oxide with hydrophilic cellulose fibers to ensure that graphene nanosheets uniformly spread all over the paper matrix. Then laser reduction was applied to fabricate a graphene-cellulose temperature sensor (LRG-TS), and thermal reduction to make a graphene-cellulose pressure sensor (TRG-PS), both of which were then connected with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to form a fully integrated wearable electronic device with results readable by a mobile phone through Bluetooth. The excellent breathability, attributed to the unique 3D hierarchical porous structure of the e-paper, lays a solid foundation for long-term monitoring as demonstrated in rabbit skin in vitro. Besides, it can endure long-term soaking in water and multiple washing-drying cycles without compromising structural integrity and functional performance, as shown by sensing of body temperature and human motion. The developed device with these two unparalleled properties holds great promise for versatile wearable electronics applications in personal healthcare monitoring.

A simple and efficient process for small-scale cleaning of poorly liberated, difficult-to-wash low-rank coal

ABSTRACT Low rank coals are often characterized by high amounts of ash forming and sulfur-bearing minerals, poor liberation characteristics, and difficult washability properties. Low-rank coal of Punjab (Pakistan) inherits all these attributes. In this study, the run-of-mine coal sample was crushed down to 9 mm and sieved into six fractions. Coarser fractions were characterized by float-sink test and ultrafine fraction (−0.25 mm) by release analysis. Laboratory-scale shaking table tests were performed on the coarser fractions to evaluate the effects of table tilt and water flowrate on clean coal yield, ash, and sulfur. Likewise, batch flotation tests were conducted on −0.25 mm size fraction to assess the effects of collector dosage, impeller speed, and frother dosage on the same product-quality parameters. Based on the results of these tests and coal-production rate, a low-capacity processing flowsheet was proposed which can generate concentrate and tailing products suitable for cement and brick industry respectively, thus eliminating the requirements of waste disposal. Economic calculations indicate that the mining industry can earn a profit of approximately 60.9 million rupees by processing coal based on the suggested flowsheet.

Scalable Production of Graphene Inks via Wet‐Jet Milling Exfoliation for Screen‐Printed Micro‐Supercapacitors

AbstractThe miniaturization of energy storage units is pivotal for the development of next‐generation portable electronic devices. Micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs) hold great potential to work as on‐chip micro‐power sources and energy storage units complementing batteries and energy harvester systems. Scalable production of supercapacitor materials with cost‐effective and high‐throughput processing methods is crucial for the widespread application of MSCs. Here, wet‐jet milling exfoliation of graphite is reported to scale up the production of graphene as a supercapacitor material. The formulation of aqueous/alcohol‐based graphene inks allows metal‐free, flexible MSCs to be screen‐printed. These MSCs exhibit areal capacitance (Careal) values up to 1.324 mF cm−2 (5.296 mF cm−2 for a single electrode), corresponding to an outstanding volumetric capacitance (Cvol) of 0.490 F cm−3 (1.961 F cm−3 for a single electrode). The screen‐printed MSCs can operate up to a power density above 20 mW cm−2 at an energy density of 0.064 µWh cm−2. The devices exhibit excellent cycling stability over charge–discharge cycling (10 000 cycles), bending cycling (100 cycles at a bending radius of 1 cm) and folding (up to angles of 180°). Moreover, ethylene vinyl acetate‐encapsulated MSCs retain their electrochemical properties after a home‐laundry cycle, providing waterproof and washable properties for prospective application in wearable electronics.

Highly flexible, breathable, tailorable and washable power generation fabrics for wearable electronics

Wearable energy supply devices are indispensable corner stone for emerging wearable electronics. Current energy supply devices are based on materials that are rigid, bulky and heavy, making them difficult to wear. Here, we introduce advances to the scalable fabrication of flexible and breathable power generation fabrics with satisfactory tailorable and washable properties. The fabricated fabrics can harvest versatile biomechanical energy from human motions and convert them effectively into steady electricity. With an effective area of 16 cm2, this textile could deliver a power density of 80 mW/m2 at a load of 50 MΩ. The design has been proven to be a promising and reliable strategy to sustainably drive wearable electronics in a clean, safe and efficient manner. Besides the function of energy harvesting, these smart fabrics can also be integrated with daily-wearing clothes to sense the amplitude of human motions, serving as a highly sensitive sensor of human movements and postures. All these merits of the power generation fabrics are promising to widely benefit the development of smart textiles and next-generation wearable electronics.

An Assessment of Malatya-Arguvan Lignite and Southeastern Anatolia Region Lignites (Turkey)

Turkish lignites are usually low in heating value and burning characteristic with high sulfur and ash content. They are unable to conform to air protection regulation requirements if burned as mined. Generally, they are used in power plants causing environmental problems. In this study, assessment possibilities of Malatya-Arguvan lignite are investigated and washability properties of Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia region lignites are discussed. For this purpose, experimental studies were performed with lignite samples taken from a lignite field in Malatya-Arguvan, Turkey. First, proximate analysis of lignite samples was made. Afterwards, washability properties of lignite samples were determined. Assessment of the washability properties was made by calculating some of the popular indices, such as index of washability, washability number, and near gravity material index, and the obtained results were presented.

Evaluation of Mayer curve validity on feed blending at the Zarand coal washery plant

The coal processing methods used at the Zarand coal washery plant are the heavy medium bath, jigs, and flotation. The coal-containing materials that are fed to the plant are acquired from different mines, and they have different washability properties. In this paper, the validity of Mayer curve (M-curve), the conventional method for determining coal washability, was evaluated on blending of raw coals that are fed to the plant. Washability curves were prepared for the hand-blended samples and compared with the washability predicted by the Mayer curves. Different samples from different seams and mines were blended by hand in 50:50 ratios, and sink and float tests were performed; the resulting washability curves were in good agreement with the washability curves predicted using the Mayer method for the same blending ratio. This work resulted in the preparation of the optimum plant feed that can be achieved from the blending of different coal samples to produce the best plant yield at a given ash content.

An Investigation of Evaluation Possibilities of Muş-Elmakaya Lignite

Lignite is the most important source of energy in Turkey. Turkish lignite is usually low in heating value and burning characteristic with high sulfur and ash content. They are unable to conform to air protection regulation requirements if burned as mined. Generally, they are used in power plants causing environmental problems. In this study, evaluation possibilities of Muş-Elmakaya lignite are investigated. For this purpose, experimental studies were performed with lignite samples taken from a lignite field in Muş-Elmakaya, Turkey. First, petrographic analysis, major element analysis, and proximate analysis of lignite samples were done. Afterwards, washability properties of lignite samples were determined. Evaluation of the washability properties was done by using washability number, calorific value, and sulfur content of the clean coal obtained from float-sink tests and the obtained results were presented.

Drug Release and Washability of Mucoadhesive Gels Based on Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose and Polyacrylic Acid

ABSTRACTThis study investigated the relationship of the washability of gels based on two mucoadhesive polymers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose [NaCMC] and polyacrylic acid [PAA]) and their mixtures to their physical properties such as consistency and hydration/dissolution. The mucoadhesive properties of the two polymers and the effect of mucus-polymer interaction on gel washability at the mucoadhesive interface were also investigated using mixtures of PAA and NaCMC gels with increasing mucin amounts. Release and wash-away properties of the gels were assessed by means of a simultaneous release and wash-away test, whereas the consistency and hydration/dissolution properties of the gels were investigated by rheological analysis (viscosity and dynamic viscoelastic tests) and liquid uptake measurements, respectively. The results showed that PAA was characterized by lower release and wash-away properties than those of NaCMC. Mixing of two gels at different ratios allowed modulation of the release and wash-away properties. A relationship between washability and hydration/dissolution properties was found. Gel consistency by itself did not always provide a complete explanation of the wash-away process. The two polymers investigated showed different rheological interaction properties with mucin. Depending on the extent of such interaction, gel-mucin mixture had hydration/dissolution and washability properties that were quite different with respect to the initial gel.

98/01863 A novel dense medium separator for coarse coal cleaning : Yildirim, I. et al. Proc. Int. Miner. Process. Congr., 19th, 1995, 2, 143–146

A new coarse cleaning device, the Stripa, has been developed for processing of coal in the size range of {minus}100 + 10 mm. The Stripa is an autogenous heavy medium separator originally developed for processing of iron ores. Although it has been employed in concentrating ores such as chromite, it has not been applied in coal cleaning. In this study, a pilot plant scale modified Stripa and its counterpart alternative, a diaphragm jig, are compared using subbituminous and lignitic coals. The separation performance of the Stripa and the diaphragm jig has been established in the light of washability properties of the coal samples. Comparison of the performance of the Stripa with that of the jig indicates that the Stripe can be used in coal preparation circuits as an alternative to jigs in the size range of {minus}100 + 10 mm. Simplicity, low initial investment, and low operating and maintenance costs make the Stripa a plausible candidate for coarse coal cleaning. More importantly, Stripa due to its short residence time, has a superior capacity over jig.