Wool Fabric Surface Research Articles

A facile approach to developing multifunctional archaeological wool fabric surface with self-cleaning, and UV protection properties using nano-coating

In most Egyptian museums and storage facilities, archaeological textiles face several difficulties, including liquid stains, light effects, and the effects of air pollution. The majority of them are the consequence of human intervention, inappropriate handling, and poor display techniques. This research aims to provide colorful archaeological wool fabric surfaces with UV irradiation protection and self-cleaning properties without compromising the fabric’s mechanical or aesthetic qualities. To preserve archaeological wool fabrics from different stains and harmful light radiation, two simple coating technologies (hydrophilic and hydrophobic coating) were developed for the first time. The experiment used empirically accelerated aging of natural dyed wool fabrics to produce textile models that were as analogous as possible to the archaeological textiles. In the first coating method, the surfaces of hydrophilic fabrics were created by coating wool samples with calcium-alginate and nanoscale metal oxide particles (Ca-ALG@metal oxide nanoparticles). In the second coating technique, SiO2 NPs@silicon rubber (SiO2 NPs@RTV) was applied to the wool fabrics to generate the surfaces of superhydrophobic wool fabrics. The impact of the two coating treatments was assessed on the physicochemical characteristics and preservative features of the treated and standard wool fabric samples, including mechanical characteristics, color, light radiation protection, and self-cleaning.

In situ construction of iron-rich metal-organic frameworks on wool surface for enhanced flame retardancy and low smoke generation

The incorporation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on textile materials to enhance flame retardancy is of interest and challenge. In this study, an iron-rich MOF (Fe-MOF) was constructed in situ on wool fabric surface through the alternating assembly of ferric metal salt and the carboxylic acid ligand 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid. The surface morphology, flame retardancy, smoke and heat release performance, thermal stability, and flame-retardant mechanism of the Fe-MOF coated wool fabric were investigated. Square-shaped crystals were observed on the coated wool fabric, indicating successful construction of Fe-MOF on the wool surface. The coated wool fabric with an add-on of 6.8% exhibited excellent flame retardancy, as evidenced by its self-extinguishing ability during the vertical burning test and a significantly enhanced limiting oxygen index of 32.6%. Moreover, the coated wool fabric demonstrated a remarkable reduction in heat and smoke production of 23.8% and 68.4%, respectively, indicating enhanced fire safety. The analysis of char residue, including thermal stability, surface morphology, iron content, and graphitization degree, supported the formation of ferric oxides as a protective layer, contributing to the improved flame retardancy of the Fe-MOF coated wool in the condensed phase. The in situ construction of Fe-MOF on wool macromolecules offers a promising and innovative approach for developing nonhalogen and nonphosphorus flame-retardant systems.

Preparation and characterization of lanolin-based condensate and its utilization as a nonionic softener for wool fabric surface

Two forms of pollutants are usually discharged from scouring of wool fleece; namely the effluent liquid phase and the solid phase. These phases comprise a significant quantity of wool wax which would be a suitable candidate for valuable products and applications. This work is devoted to extraction, recovery, and characterization of lanolin from wool fleece from different sheep breeds to assign possible ways for its utilization in the textile field. The results show that the amount of wool wax extracted from coarse wool fleece as well as its chemical composition and physical properties are almost similar to those extracted from other finer wool fleece. The aim of this work is further devoted to separation and characterization of fatty acids (FAs) from the extracted wool wax. The separated wool FAs were esterified with poly ethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain a condensate which was utilized as a nonionic softener for wool. The alteration in morphology of the coated wool fabric was assessed using scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that the WFA/PEG-coated fabrics exhibit reduced surface roughness and improved resistance to felting shrinkage during mechanical agitation.

The Sustainable Coloration of Wool Fabric Using Naturally Extracted Dyes from Sappan Heartwood

ABSTRACT Dyestuffs extracted from naturally originated materials are getting popularity in terms of environment-friendly biobased perspective and awareness. The natural colors were imparted into the wool fabric surface after extraction from sappan wood plants through applying exhaustion dyeing methods. Besides, three mordants (aluminum potassium sulfate (AlK(SO4)2, copper sulfate (CuSO4), and zinc sulfates (ZnSO4·) were used as mordanting materials for better fixation of extracted dyes on wool fabrics. The colored wool fabrics exhibited better color performances especially at optimum conditions (temperature 80°C, time 60 min, and pH 4.0) in terms of CIE lab values (CIE L* a* b*) and color strength (K/S). Moderate colorfastness results were also achieved without any color fading on wool surfaces. The morphological analysis showed that dyed fabrics surfaces are more uniform than undyed fabric. The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra confirmed the presence of higher absorptions onto dyed fabric, resulting in a better thermal stability property for dyed fabric. Besides, UV protection of the dyed fabric exhibited a higher UPF value than undyed fabric, which denotes that our utilized dye could enhance the functional property of the wool fabric. Satisfactory mechanical properties also further confirmed the successful application potentiality of greenly synthesized natural colorants on wool fabric.

Novel One Step Printing and Functional Finishing of Wool Fabric Using Selenium Nanoparticles

This study demonstrates the possibility of one step printing and multifunctional finishing of wool fabrics using synthesized selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) as stable functional colorant. Se-NPs formation was emphasized using visible changes, UV-visible absorption spectra, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. The UV-visible spectra and TEM analysis confirmed the synthesis of spherical well-dispersed Se-NPs. The examination of printed samples was conducted by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray powder diffraction analysis (XRD), that revealed the successful deposition of Se-NPs onto wool fabric surface. The color, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties of Se-NPs printed wool were also evaluated. The printed samples had outstanding fastness characteristics to washing, rubbing, and light. Moreover, Se-NPs printed samples were found to possess outstanding antimicrobial activities, excellent UV-protection properties with a remarkable durability after 10 washing times without any negative impact on the printing and softness characteristics.

Nanodiamond Fabrication of Superhydrophilic Wool Fabrics.

Nanodiamonds (ND) have been gaining impetus in fields such as medicine and electronics. ND has been widely used to modify polymer surfaces and composites for improved functionality. However, there have been limited research on ND application in regard to textile substrates. In this study, we presented a sustainable coating method, adapted to functionalized ND particles that would be coated onto wool fabric surfaces to enhance hydrophilicity. The application of an ND coating was found to increase wool hydrophilicity because of the presence of additional polar groups, shown by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, which increased surface energy and fiber roughness. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the polar ND-coated wool scales demonstrated improved fiber hydrophilicity. Water absorbency, wicking, and contact angle results for coated fabrics confirmed significant improvement in hydrophilicity, which was directly related to the concentration of ND particles. The optimal concentration of ND was therefore selected to coat the wool fabric. Furthermore, tensile strength and abrasion resistance of the coated fabrics were increased due to the exceptional mechanical properties of ND.

Photoprotective properties of alpaca fiber melanin reinforced by rutile TiO2 nanoparticles: A study on wool fabric

Melanin/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite systems are introduced as efficient UV absorbers. Natural melanin particles were extracted from the pigmented alpaca fibers and the spindle-like rutile TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized through a two-step sol-gel method at room temperature. The composites of melanin/TiO2 were prepared via electrostatic attraction force. In order to understand the UV absorption features of melanin and melanin/TiO2 composite systems, the prepared particles were applied to the surface of wool fabrics. Then, the UV protection and photostability of functionalized fabrics were assessed based on photoinduced chemiluminescence (PICL) emission, UV reflectance spectra, photoyellowing and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). It was observed that the photostability of treated fabrics enhanced significantly, implying the generation of less free polymeric radicals in the substrate under UV irradiation. Among different synthesized composites, the proportion of melanin/TiO2 1/4 was the most efficient ratio inducing 80% reduction in the PICL emission peak intensity compared with untreated wool samples. The presence of melanin particles significantly enhanced the UPF values of fabrics where 30% increment was observed for wool samples after treating with melanin/TiO2 1/4 compared with pure TiO2. Having some advantages such as nontoxicity, eco-friendly and feasible synthesis approach, the prepared bio-organic/inorganic composite structures can be of some potential applications in photoprotecting and free radical quenching purposes.

Electrochemical Pigment Coloring of Wool Fabrics

Green processing technology has been examined extensively in the area of textile coloring, because it is usually highly efficient, environmentally friendly, and energy conserving. Herein, a novel pigment coloring technology by electrochemical modification of wool fabric surfaces is reported. This technology exhibits superior color properties with higher efficiency and lower energy and chemical consumption than the conventional cationic pretreatment coloring method. The pigment-colored wool fabric was characterized to investigate its surface morphology and roughness, K/S value, and rubbing fastness (dry and wet) under a variety of experimental conditions. The mechanism of electrochemical pigment coloring technology has been revealed, and the color properties of the fabrics have been fully investigated. Optimized technological parameters, including voltage, coloring time, and electrolyte concentration, have been determined for further application of this promising technology. Electrochemical pigment coloring has great potential for commercialization as it results in superior color performance with less pollution, higher efficiency, and lower input consumption compared with other methods.

Effect of surface treatments on physicomechanical, stain-resist, and UV protection properties of wool fabrics

The surface of wool fabrics is frequently modified to make them shrink-resistant, water repellent and also to improve their handle properties. In this work, we investigated the effect of common surface modification treatments on fabric stain-resistance, hydrophilicity and UV absorption performance. The surface of wool fabrics was modified by chlorination and also by reacting the chlorinated wool fabrics with a polyamide, a fibre-reactive amino-functional siloxane and a fluorocarbon polymer. The surface of the various treated fabrics was characterised by ATR-FTIR, contact angle measurement and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of surface modification on the tensile strength, surface hydrophilicity, stain-resistance, and UV absorption capacity of the fabric was investigated. It was found that all the treatments except the treatment with the amino-functional siloxane polymer slightly improved the tensile strength of the fabric. The chlorination treatment and the treatment with the polyamide resin made the fabric hydrophilic, and fluorocarbon and silicone resin treatment made the fabric hydrophobic.

Characterization of Wool Fabric Surface in Terms of Transient Heat Transfer

A precise, simple method for characterizing wool fabric surfaces and moisture absorption has practical value in fabric design. Transient heat transfer has attracted attention because it is strongly related to the fabric surface and moisture absorption. To evaluate transient heat transfer for characterizing wool fabric surfaces, the Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES-F) was used to measure the maximum heat flux, qmax, and surface properties of wool fabrics. The effect of moisture regain on qmax measured at two ambient humidities (65% and 90% relative humidity) was also discussed. A rough surface and a large amount of fuzz decreased qmax. A high correlation (r2=0.858) between qmax at 65% and 90% relative humidity was found. Therefore, qmax is suitable for characterizing the difference in the surface roughness, surface fuzz, and moisture content of wool fabric.

Efficient mothproofing of wool through natural dyeing with walnut hull and henna against Dermestes maculatus

There is a growing need for eco-friendly mothproofing property owing to stringent environmental regulations. One type of insects responsible for critical damage of the usual protein wool fabric is the hide beetle Dermestes maculatus. In this research, efficient mothproofing procedure is introduced through natural dyeing of protein wool fabric with walnut hull and henna as environmental friendly dyes. The wool fabrics were first mordanted with aluminum sulfate and then dyed with walnut hull and henna dyes. The mothproofing properties of control, walnut hull, and henna-dyed wool samples were evaluated statistically. Mothproofing was assessed through the study of damages on wool surface by the larvae of hide beetle, Dermestes maculatus, as feeding protein fibers and wool weight loss (%) were measured. The damage intensity of wool fabric surface was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy images. The analysis of variance was utilized to obtain the optimum conditions for mothproofing. Further, reflectance and absorbance of wool samples were reported. Finally, the experimental results indicated highest protection against Dermestes maculatus on the both walnut hull and henna-dyed protein wool.

Surface roughness properties of wool woven fabrics after abrasion

Effects of abrasion on surface roughness properties together with appearance of woven wool fabrics have been investigated. The effects of weft yarn count, weft yarn density, and weave pattern on fabric surface roughness after abrasion were researched. Surface roughness values of control fabric (not abraded) and abraded fabrics after four different abrasion cycles were discussed according to different fabric constructional parameters. It was observed that the greatest decreases in surface roughness values after abrasion were observed in loose fabric structures which had the highest initial fabric surface roughness values (coarse yarn, low yarn density, and low yarn intersection). The results showed that change of roughness properties of wool fabric surfaces after abrasion depends on the initial surface roughness values and on the amount of contact area of fabrics based on the fabric constructional parameters.

Simultaneous sonosynthesis and sonofabrication of N-doped ZnO/TiO2 core–shell nanocomposite on wool fabric: Introducing various properties specially nano photo bleaching

In this study, N-doped ZnO/TiO2 core–shell nanocomposite was successfully sonosynthesized and sonofabricated on wool fabric through a facile one-step method under ambient pressure and low temperature (75–80°C) as a novel photo-catalyst nanocomposite on textile material. The differences between crystalline phase transformation of conventional and ultrasound synthesized N-ZnO/TiO2 has been compared. The influence of different zinc acetate and titanium isopropoxide precursors in the formation of nanocomposite was studied and optimized through response surface methodology. The photocatalytic activity of the sonofabricated catalyst on the wool fabric surface was evaluated through decomposition of Methylene Blue as a model compound under sunlight irradiation. Also, N-doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite sonosynthesized on wool fabric led to photo bleaching of wool fabric due to decomposition of the naturally occurred pigments under daylight irradiation. Further, yellowness index, antibacterial and antifungal activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, cell viability, char residual, alkali solubility, mechanical properties and water drop absorption time on the treated wool fabrics were evaluated. Also, the acid solubility of the synthesized nanopowder obtained from sonobath after treatment was characterized in acetic acid indicating higher acid resistance on N-doped ZnO/TiO2 nanocomposite.

Reprint of: Photostability of wool fabrics coated with pure and modified TiO2 colloids

The surface of wool fabrics was coated with TiO2 and TiO2-based nanocomposite colloids and the impact of this coating on the photostability of wool was investigated. TiO2 along with TiO2/Metal and TiO2/Metal/SiO2 sols were synthesized through a low-temperature sol–gel method and applied to fabrics. Composite colloids were synthesized through integrating the silica and three noble metals of silver (Ag), gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) into the synthesis process of sols. Four different molar ratios of Metal to TiO2 (0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) were used to elucidate the role of metal type and amount on the obtained features. Photostability and UV protection features of fabrics were evaluated through measuring the photo-induced chemiluminescence (PICL), photoyellowing rate and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of fabrics. PICL and photoyellowing tests were carried out under UVA and UVC light sources, respectively. PICL profiles demonstrated that the presence of pure and modified TiO2 nanoparticles on fabrics reduced the intensity of PICL peak indicating a lower amount of polymer free radicals in coated wool, compared to that of pristine fabric. Moreover, a higher PICL peak intensity as well as photoyellowing rate was observed on fabrics coated with modified colloids in comparison with pure TiO2. The surface morphology of fabrics was further characterized using FESEM images.

Binding of a quaternary ammonium polymer-grafted-chitosan onto a chemically modified wool fabric surface: assessment of mechanical, antibacterial and antifungal properties

It is quite challenging to bind any chemical compound or polymer onto a wool fibre surface because of the lack of any functional groups available on its surface.

Photostability of wool fabrics coated with pure and modified TiO2 colloids

The surface of wool fabrics was coated with TiO2 and TiO2-based nanocomposite colloids and the impact of this coating on the photostability of wool was investigated. TiO2 along with TiO2/Metal and TiO2/Metal/SiO2 sols were synthesized through a low-temperature sol–gel method and applied to fabrics. Composite colloids were synthesized through integrating the silica and three noble metals of silver (Ag), gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) into the synthesis process of sols. Four different molar ratios of Metal to TiO2 (0.01%, 0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) were used to elucidate the role of metal type and amount on the obtained features. Photostability and UV protection features of fabrics were evaluated through measuring the photo-induced chemiluminescence (PICL), photoyellowing rate and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of fabrics. PICL and photoyellowing tests were carried out under UVA and UVC light sources, respectively. PICL profiles demonstrated that the presence of pure and modified TiO2 nanoparticles on fabrics reduced the intensity of PICL peak indicating a lower amount of polymer free radicals in coated wool, compared to that of pristine fabric. Moreover, a higher PICL peak intensity as well as photoyellowing rate was observed on fabrics coated with modified colloids in comparison with pure TiO2. The surface morphology of fabrics was further characterized using FESEM images.

Nano polyurethane based surface modification on the anti-felting functionalization of wool fabrics

Nano polyurethane (Nano PU) was used for the fabrication of multilayer nanocomposite film deposition on wool fabrics by electrostatic self-assembly to improve the anti-felting properties. Oppositely charged cationic poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and anionic Nano PU were alternately deposited on the surface of wool fabrics. 8, 12 and 16 multilayer films of PDDA/Nano PU were deposited on the wool fabric surfaces using a padder. Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX) were used to verify the presence of deposit nanolayers. Breaking strength, whiteness and yellowness value analysis was performed on the fabrics before and after the treatment with Nano PU by the electrostatic self-assembly method. The build-up of the multilayer films and the level of colour strength (K/S) achieved are discussed after the acid dyeing process. To examine the anti-felting properties of the multilayered fabrics, the fabric shrinkage after washing was determined.

Simultaneous dyeing and mothproofing of wool against Dermestes Maculatus with madder optimized by statistical model

Fabric pests are insects that feed on and damage natural fibers such as wool fabric. Insects are the only animals capable of digesting keratin. One type of insects responsible for serious damage of the usual protein wool fabric is called hide beetle Dermestes maculatus. In this research, a novel mothproofing procedure is introduced through dyeing of protein wool fabric with madder as environmental friendly dye. The wool fabrics were first mordanted with aluminum sulfate and then dyed with madder as both colorant and mothproof agent. The mothproofing properties of control, alum-mordanted, and madder-dyed wool samples were evaluated statistically. Mothproofing was assessed through the study of damages on wool surface by the larvae of hide beetle, D. maculatus, as feeding protein fibers and wool weight loss (%) were measured. The damage intensity of wool fabric surface was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy images. Further, the analysis of variance was utilized to obtain the optimum conditions for mothproofing. Also, reflectance and absorbance of wool samples were reported. Overall the experimental results indicated that the madder-dyed protein wool has highest protection against D. maculatus in comparison with control and alum-mordanted wool.

Sonosynthesis of nano TiO2 on wool using titanium isopropoxide or butoxide in acidic media producing multifunctional fabric

This study presents a novel idea to prepare nanocrystalline structure of TiO2 under ambient pressure at 60–65°C using in situ sonochemical synthesis by hydrolysis of either titanium isopropoxide or titanium butoxide in an acidic aqueous solution. The nano titanium dioxide coated wool fabrics possess significant antibacterial/antifungal activity and self-cleaning property by discoloring Methylene blue stain under sunlight irradiation. This process has no negative effect on cytotoxicity and tensile strength of the sonotreated fabric even reduces alkaline solubility and photoyellowing and improves hydrophilicity. More titanium isopropoxide or titanium butoxide as a precursor led to higher photocatalytic activities of the treated fabrics. Also introducing more ethanol improved the adsorption of TiO2 on the wool fabric surface leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. EDS and XRD patterns, SEM images, X-ray mapping confirmed the presence of nano TiO2 particles on the fabric surface. The role of both solvent and precursor concentrations on the various properties of the fabric was investigated and the optimized conditions were obtained using response surface methodology.

Degree of slipperiness of surface of silk and wool fabrics

Degree of slipperiness of surface of silk and wool fabrics