Wool Fabrics Research Articles

An interfacial interlocking strategy for upcycling wool textiles to prepare polypropylene composite via interfacial diffusion and assembly

Substantial waste of wool textiles, along with a lack of effective treatment technology, has resulted in a significant resource and environmental constraints. Integrating wasted wool textiles with polymer is an effective way to prepare lightweight structural materials, but the resulting properties is closely linked to the interfacial interaction. Here, we proposed an interfacial manipulation strategy to direct interfacial diffusion and aggregation of amide-based nucleating agents (WBG) in polypropylene (PP)/wool fiber (WF) composites. Accordingly, the branched WBG fibers were anchored onto the WF surface to construct an interlocking interface between WF and PP so as to strengthen the interfacial interaction. The formation and regulation mechanism of the branched WBG fibers were demonstrated. Benefited from mechanical interlocking and β-nucleating function of the branched WBG fibers, the interfacial interaction between the WF and PP matrix was enhanced while the formation numerous β-PP was cultivated, endowing the composite with excellent strength and ductility. To demonstrate the application potential of this strategy, waste wool textiles were alternately embedded between WBG-containing PP sheets to create an interlocking interfacial laminate with an exceptional combination of strength and toughness, which is important to upcycle waste wool textiles.

Subjective Effects of Using a Passive Upper Limb Exoskeleton for Industrial Textile Workers

Industrial wool textile production exposes workers mainly to the biomechanical loading of the shoulder joint. In this work context, which is characterized by poor machine ergonomics, exposure to biomechanical risk factors, and variable work organization, exoskeletons could facilitate work processes or could be a valuable means to protect workers from overuse injuries. Field evaluation is essential to verify the suitability of specific devices and their acceptance by users. As part of a pilot study, we examined the short-term subjective effects of a passive Arm-Support Exoskeleton (ASE) on workers performing repetitive overhead tasks. In a textile factory, eight workers participated in the study, answering questionnaires after carrying out a work session with (ASE) and without an exoskeleton (FREE). Participants had been using the Paexo exoskeleton for 4.2±5.8 months (min 0–max 12). Subjective evaluations were collected regarding the workload (NASA-TLX) and relief (Borg’s CR10 scale) obtained from the use of the exoskeleton, satisfaction (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with Assistive Technology (QUEST)), usability (System Usability Scale (SUS)), and opinions on the ergonomics of the device (Ergonomics questionnaire). Workers reported a high workload (NASA 7.2±1.0) and assessed a 46% reduction in effort on the CR10 in ASE conditions compared to FREE. They expressed high satisfaction with most characteristics of the ASE (100% satisfied with durability and effectiveness), high level of usability (62% of scores above 80, out of a maximum score of 100), and ergonomics of the device (88±12, out of a maximum score of 110). In addition to the objective effects (electromyography (EMG) reduction) already demonstrated in a previous publication, these qualitative results demonstrate a positive perception by textile workers regarding the effectiveness, usability, and suitability of the exoskeleton. The adoption of ASE in the textile industry appears beneficial in the short term, but the impact associated with individual variables and long-term effects remains to be explored.

Modeling and optimization of dyeing process of polyamide 6 and woolen fabrics with plum-tree leaves using artificial intelligence

The dyeing process of textile materials is inherently intricate, influenced by a myriad of factors, including dye concentration, dyeing time, pH level, temperature, type of dye, fiber composition, mechanical agitation, salt concentration, mordants, fixatives, water quality, dyeing method, and pre-treatment processes. The intricacy of achieving optimal settings during dyeing poses a significant challenge. In response, this study introduces a novel algorithmic approach that integrates response surface methodology (RSM), artificial neural network (ANN), and genetic algorithm (GA) techniques for the precise fine-tuning of concentration, time, pH, and temperature. The primary focus is on quantifying color strength, represented as K/S, as the response variable in the dyeing process of polyamide 6 and woolen fabric, utilizing plum-tree leaves as a sustainable dye source. Results indicate that ANN (R2 ~ 1) performs much better than RSM (R2 > 0.92). The optimization results, employing ANN-GA integration, indicate that a concentration of 100 wt.%, time of 86.06 min, pH level of 8.28, and a temperature of 100 °C yield a K/S value of 10.21 for polyamide 6 fabric. Similarly, a concentration of 55.85 wt.%, time of 120 min, pH level of 5, and temperature of 100 °C yield a K/S value of 7.65 for woolen fabric. This proposed methodology not only paves the way for sustainable textile dyeing but also facilitates the optimization of diverse dyeing processes for textile materials.

Clean Coloration and Antibacterial-Finishing of Angora Wool Fabric Using Natural Dye-Aided Tannic Acid Mordanting by Electrospray

Clean Coloration and Antibacterial-Finishing of Angora Wool Fabric Using Natural Dye-Aided Tannic Acid Mordanting by Electrospray

Wool fiber as an In situ reducing agent towards ZnO-based surface modified fabric development: Durability assessment in the realm of textile applications

The development of a bio-inspired method to fabricate ZnO nanostructure-modified functional wool fabric represents a substantial challenge in the textile field. This article reports for the first time the use of wool as a reducing agent for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. While previous studies have employed alternative natural reducing agents for surface modification of host materials, this investigation uniquely utilizes the host material, wool, as the reducing agent for in-situ ZnO nanoparticle synthesis. In addition to demonstrating the use of wool as a reducing agent, this literature uniquely reports the durability of the modified fabric, achieved through the use of trimethoxy methyl silane. This silane compound acts as a bridging agent, forming a strong interface between the wool fibers and the synthesized ZnO nanoparticles. This innovative approach enhances the adhesion and stability of the ZnO nanoparticles on the wool fabric, a key aspect that contributes to the overall durability and performance of the modified material. The in situ surface modification process employed a metal oxide precursor (zinc acetate dihydrate), capping agents (hexamethylene tetraamine, sodium carbonate, and sodium sulfate), and a coupling agent (trimethyl methoxy silane). The capping agents were used to control the reaction conditions, while the coupling agent was employed to improve the durability of the surface modification. The impact of three different capping agents on the corresponding synthesis process was assessed, and the findings revealed that the choice of capping agent helped to form ZnO nanoparticles with distinct morphologies. Analytical techniques, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, were utilized to characterize the synthesized particles and the treated fabric. The XRD analysis coupled with SEM analysis confirmed the successful formation of ZnO nanoparticles. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy provided evidence of the formation of Si-O-Zn and Si-O-C bonds, observed at around 920 cm−1 and 1040 cm−1 respectively. These spectroscopic findings indicate that the surface modification involving the silane compound has enhanced the durability of the ZnO-modified fabric. The covalent linkages between the ZnO nanoparticles, the silane compound, and the wool fibers, confirmed by SEM analysis before and after washing cycles, have enabled the durable attachment of the nanoparticles to the fabric surface, even after multiple washing cycles. The results suggest a novel pathway to use wool as a reducing agent for the surface modification of the same material. Detailed mechanistic insights into the surface modification process and the corresponding chemical interactions were also discussed.

Black Carbon Pigment from Coconut Shell Sawit Innovation Inkjet Printing Ink for Acrylic Polymer Styrene Textile Fabric

This research proposes an innovation in the development of inkjet printing ink that uses black carbon pigment obtained from palm coconutshells. The main objective of this study was to look at thecharacterization of textile inkjet ink from the black carbon pigments of the palm coconut shell. The black carbon pigment produced from the coconut coat has been identified as the source of the pontentionalprinting ink of the textile fabric based on the polymer of acrylic styrene. The research method involves the extraction and purification of carbon pigments from palm coconut shells, as well as the formulation of inkjetprinting. The composition of the textile inkjet used in this study is that black carbon pigments come from palm coconut shells while the adhesives used are acrylic styrene, aquadest, potassium hydroxide (KOH), poly (natrium 4- styrenesulfonat). The research included the physical characteristics of the black carbon pigments produced and the evaluation of inkjet printing textiles using pigments. Textile inkjetcharacteristics. Results of ink testing using Binocular Microscope Scanbest sample CAST1. The results of ink pigment testing on wool fabrics and image analysis testing the lowest values are found on CAST1 sample. The result of the viscosity test that the ink viskosity value CAST1 of 13.1 is close to the value of commercial ink.

Selection signatures of wool color in Gangba sheep revealed by genome-wide SNP discovery

BackgroundGangba sheep as a famous breed of Tibetan sheep, its wool color is mainly white and black. Gangba wool is economically important as a high-quality raw material for Tibetan blankets and Tibetan serge. However, relatively few studies have been conducted on the wool color of Tibetan sheep.ResultsTo fill this research gap, this study conducted an in-depth analysis of two populations of Gangba sheep (black and white wool color) using whole genome resequencing to identify genetic variation associated with wool color. Utilizing PCA, Genetic Admixture, and N-J Tree analyses, the present study revealed a consistent genetic relationship and structure between black and white wool colored Gangba sheep populations, which is consistent with their breed history. Analysis of selection signatures using multiple methods (FST, π ratio, Tajima's D), 370 candidate genes were screened in the black wool group (GBB vs GBW); among them, MC1R, MLPH, SPIRE2, RAB17, SMARCA4, IRF4, CAV1, USP7, TP53, MYO6, MITF, MC2R, TET2, NF1, JAK1, GABRR1 genes are mainly associated with melanin synthesis, melanin delivery, and distribution. The enrichment results of the candidate genes identified 35 GO entries and 19 KEGG pathways associated with the formation of the black phenotype. 311 candidate genes were screened in the white wool group (GBW vs GBB); among them, REST, POU2F1, ADCY10, CCNB1, EP300, BRD4, GLI3, and SDHA genes were mainly associated with interfering with the differentiation of neural crest cells into melanocytes, affecting the proliferation of melanocytes, and inhibiting melanin synthesis. 31 GO entries and 22 KEGG pathways were associated with the formation of the white phenotype.ConclusionsThis study provides important information for understanding the genetic mechanism of wool color in Gangba, and provides genetic knowledge for improving and optimizing the wool color of Tibetan sheep. Genetic improvement and selective breeding to produce wool of specific colors can meet the demand for a diversity of wool products in the Tibetan wool textile market.

Analyzing the effect of polydopamine cross-linked serine protease on anti-shrinkage finishing of wool using response surface methodology design

The polydopamine-cross-linked serine protease anti-felting process of wool fibers was optimized by response surface methodology to prepare wool fabrics with a low tendency to shrink and high strength. The effects of dopamine substrate concentration, serine protease substrate concentration, and reaction time on the physical properties and surface color of wool were investigated. The experimental data were fitted and analyzed by the polynomial regression model, and the predicted area shrinkage and breaking strength response of wool fabric were obtained. The results were analyzed by variance analysis to determine the important parameters for optimization. Wool fabrics were prepared under the conditions of dopamine substrate concentration of 0.834 g/l, serine protease substrate concentration of 2.5 g/l, and reaction world of 127 min. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the surface of wool fibers was covered with a large amount of polydopamine and some edge scales were passivated. After 20 cycles of washing, the shrinkage area of wool fabric is from 1.49–7.25%, with good durability. In addition, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis results showed that the behavior of polydopamine-coated fibers prevented the excessive hydrolysis of scales by serine protease, and the crystallization index and solubility in alkaline solution increased.

Eco-friendly shrink-resist finishing of wool through synergistic effect of disulfide bond reducing agent and papain

The environmental benefits of utilizing protease as a biocatalyst for wool shrink-resist finishing have been widely recognized. However, the efficacy of individual protease treatment is unsatisfactory due to its incapability towards the outermost cuticle layer of wool fibers that contains hydrophobic fatty acids. In order to weaken the structural integrity of the highly cross-linked scales and promote the enzymatic anti-felting, sodium sulfite and tris (2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP) were employed in combination with papain, respectively, aiming at obtaining a low shrinkage without unacceptable fiber damages. Based on the synergistic effect of papain and TCEP, the edges of wool scales were slightly destroyed by the reduction of disulfide bonds, accompanied by enzymatic hydrolysis of the keratin component. Through the controlled reduction and hydrolysis of wool scales, satisfactory anti-felting result was achieved without causing severe damage to the fiber interiors. In the presence of 0.25 g/L TCEP and 25 U/mL papain, the area shrinkage of wool fabric decreased to approximately 6 %, with a low strength loss of less than 8 %. Meanwhile, the dyeing behavior of the wool fabric under low-temperature conditions was dramatically improved, leading to decreased energy consumption during production. The present work provides an alternative for eco-friendly finishing of wool fabrics, which can be applied commercially.

Rapid aggregation of amyloid-like protein enhanced by mTGase to prepare functional wool fabrics for efficient and sustainable remove heavy metals from wastewater

To counteract the increasing severity of water pollution and purify water sources, wastewater treatment materials are essential. In particular, it is necessary to improve the bonding strength between the adsorption material and the substrate in a long-term humid environment, and resist the invasion of microorganisms to prolong the service life. In this study, an amyloid-like aggregation method of lysozyme catalyzed by microbial transglutaminase (mTGase). Lysozyme self-assembles into an amyloid-like phase-transited lysozyme (PTL) in the presence of a reducing agent. Simultaneously, mTGase catalyzes acyl transfer reactions within lysozyme molecules or between lysozyme and keratin molecules, and driving PTL assembly on the wool fiber (TG-PTL@wool). This process enhances the grafting amount and fastness of PTL on the wool. Moreover, the tensile strength of wool fabric increased to 523 N. TG-PTL@wool achieves a 97.32 % removal rate of heavy metals, maintaining a removal rate of over 95 % after 5 cycles. TG-PTL@wool has excellent antibacterial property (99 %), and it remains above 90 % after 50 times of circulating washing. This study proved that mTGase can enhance the amyloid aggregation of lysozyme and enhance the bonding strength between PTL coating and substrate. Moreover, TG-PTL@wool provides a sustainable, efficient and cleaner solution for removing heavy metals from water.

Biodegradation behavior of wool and other textile fibers in aerobic composting conditions

AbstractPollution of the environment by microscopic fragments of plastic is a growing environmental concern. A category of this pollution is fiber fragments from textiles, a source of which is believed to be fibers released by clothing made of synthetic fibers during laundering. These fragments could enter the environment at the end of the textile’s useful life if it is not re-used or recycled. Disposal of biodegradable fibers could be achieved by industrial composting, but natural fibers are sometimes modified during manufacturing in ways that might influence biodegradation. The composting behavior of fabrics made with unmodified and chemically modified wool fibers (chlorine-Hercosett treated), regenerated cellulose, and several synthetic fibers was compared in industrial composting conditions according to an established standard test method. The fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and electron microscopy. The regenerated cellulose (viscose rayon) biodegraded to the greatest extent in the test, and both types of wool also biodegraded readily. All three synthetic fibers had no biodegradation. The machine-washable wool biodegraded more rapidly than unmodified wool and analysis of residues at the conclusion of the test indicated that it did not generate non-degradable fiber fragments. The epicuticle of unmodified wool is covered with a hydrophobic layer, which may resist microbial attack, but with time this slowly degraded. Conversely, the machine-washable wool is hydrophilic and therefore was easier for microbes to attack. If not re-used, commercial, machine-washable wool textiles can be readily disposed of in industrial composting conditions.

Investigation of Performance Properties of Wool Fabrics Treated with Bromelain from Pineapple Peel Wastes

The pilling and shrinkage of wool fabrics are major problems in the textile industry. Chemical treatments are used to improve the performance properties of wool fabrics. These processes severely pollute the ecosystem. This study is aimed to use bromelain isolated from pineapple peel waste instead of toxic chemicals used during pretreatments to prevent shrinkage and minimize pilling in the woolen textile industry. Bromelain was isolated from pineapple peels using different techniques and isolated bromelain to be used was also encapsulated. Encapsulation was preferred to increase enzyme stability and reusability and to reduce cost. Area shrinkage, pilling, tensile strength, elongation, and weight loss tests were performed on the treated fabrics. According to the findings of this study, the isolated and encapsulated bromelain from pineapple peel wastes improved the washability of the wool fabric and eliminated the pilling problem. This developed method is sustainable, low cost, high added value, innovative, and environmentally friendly.

Revealing the Dye Components in 1250-Year-Old Japanese Textiles Via High-Performance Liquid Chromatography

ABSTRACT Since the mid-eighth century, Shosoin textiles have been continuously handed down in the Shosoin treasure repository of the Todaiji temple, Japan, and the brilliant colors of these ancient textiles have been maintained in good condition thus far. In this study, the chemical stabilities of madders (Rubia akane and R. tinctorum), gromwell (Lithospermum erythrorhizon), and blue indigo dyes remaining in the textiles passed down for more than 1250 years were examined. The dye components remaining in the silk or wool textiles were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with a photodiode array detector. Chromatograms of the extracts from the textiles revealed not only the principal chromophores of the dyes but also 6-hydroxyrubiadin glycosides and shikonin esters in Japanese madder and gromwell, respectively. These results indicated that the chromophore skeletons, glycoside linkages, and ester linkages of the dye components were retained for more than 1250 years after the textiles were stored in the treasure repository. These findings of the chemical stability and the ongoing degradation of ancient natural dyes help in preserving the dye components and slowing down their degradation.

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.

Using an eco-friendly cold pad-batch reduction pretreatment to improve the whiteness, hydrophilicity, and anti-shrinkage of wool fabric

The presence of cuticle is the primary problem factor contributing to felting shrinkage, hydrophobicity, and yellowness in wool fabric. Substantial disulfide bonds forming cross-links within the scale layer result in an extraordinarily dense structure. During dyeing and finishing processes, the scale layer poses a significant barrier, impeding the efficient penetration of various chemicals. To mitigate the hindrance due to disulfide bonds in the scales, this study employed a cold pad-batch (CPB) reduction pretreatment followed by H2O2 bleaching to treat woolen fabrics. The physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of the treated wool were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Allwörden reaction, whiteness index measurement, wettability assessment, felting properties examination, dyeing performance analysis, Raman spectroscopy, and tensile testing. The results indicated a 23.50% increase in the whiteness index with minimal damage to the strength of the fabric. Furthermore, the water absorption time decreased from 300 s to 6 s, and felting shrinkage was decreased to <10%. These findings indicate significant improvements in the hydrophilicity and anti-felting properties of the wool. Additionally, SEM and Allwörden reactions demonstrated substantial changes in the morphology and structure of the fibers after the pretreatment, corroborated by dyeing performance results. Raman spectra exhibited that the relative content of disulfide bonds within the scale layer decreased from 30.95% to 20.95%. It saved more than 20% of water consumption and 70% of energy consumption. The combination process greatly improved the properties of wool fibers without further damage to the main body.

Synthesis, spectroscopic, DFT, TD-DFT, and dyeing studies of 2-amino-3-cyano thiophene-based azo dyes on wool and nylon

This study presents the design, synthesis, and application of eight novel thiophene-based acid azo dyes featuring benzoic and salicylic acid acceptors. The synthesized dyes demonstrate versatile light absorption properties, spanning the near UV, visible, and deep red regions. Notably, the thiophene acid azo dyes containing benzoic acid acceptor unit (AB series dyes) exhibited red-shifted absorption, while their salicylic acid counterparts (SR series dyes) displayed blue-shifted absorption. The influence of increased donor strength at position 4 of the thiophene ring on absorption properties is systematically explored. Theoretical findings from Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-DFT) substantiate the experimental results. Moreover, the dyes are applied to wool and nylon fabrics, displaying excellent dyeability with % exhaustion properties above 70%. The dyed fabrics manifest rich shades, ranging from blue-black to deep orange. Enhanced K/S values are observed for wool-dyed fabrics in the case of SR series dyed fabrics, whereas the AB series dyes show superior results for nylon-dyed fabrics. The dyed fabrics exhibit remarkable light, wash, and rubbing fastness. Notably, nylon-dyed fabrics outperformed wool-dyed fabrics in light and wash fastness. UV protection studies reveal the fabrics’ potential to block harmful UV-A and UV-B radiation with excellent UPF ratings.

Effect of UV irradiation on color and functionality of wool and cotton fabrics finished with spent coffee extract

Effect of UV irradiation on color and functionality of wool and cotton fabrics finished with spent coffee extract

An Unknown 18th-Century Flemish Dyers Manuscript from Antwerp (1778–1802)

This paper presents a historical analysis of a rare dyer’s manuscript, preserved within the Museum of Industry in Ghent, Belgium. The manuscript, originating from a dyer in late 18th-century Antwerp, includes an extensive collection of recipes. The study will enable researchers to better grasp the practices of traditional dyeing techniques and materials in the region during that time. The manuscript focuses primarily on the dyeing of woolen fabrics. Approximately 90 of the 132 recipes utilize red dyes. Recipes for dying orange, brown, black, blue, and green colors are also described. The document mentions the use of madder, brazilwood, redwood, and cochineal. To create a variety of red shades, the dyer describes how fabrics were treated with different mordanting compounds, with alum and tin as the main ingredients, and how the dyeing solutions were prepared. The resulting colors include ‘madder red’, ‘formal red’, ‘crimson’, ‘scarlet’, ‘Turkish red’, ‘fire color’ and ‘flesh color’. In addition to the dyeing recipes, the manuscript contains various accounting documents and correspondences between the dyer, customers, and suppliers. Lastly, over 100 original, colored samples are attached to the described recipes. In this paper, the artifact’s contents will be disclosed, comprising recipes with attached samples and correspondence. Findings resulting from archive research will be included, contextualizing and placing the dyer in their urban and social context. The paper concludes by discussing its potential limitations and provides avenues for possible future research.

Molecular‐Engineered Wool for Sustainable All‐Weather Radiative Cooling Textiles

AbstractPersonal thermal regulation through passive radiative cooling is an effective strategy to achieve sustainable development. Although recent advances have introduced various cooling textile designs, the extensive use of materials unsuitable for common textiles, alongside coating or compositing technologies, not only compromises the wearability and safety of these textiles but also impacts green sustainability. Herein, it is shown that wool is a promising natural material for transferring mid‐infrared human body radiation, but the high absorption in the solar spectrum prohibits wool from achieving satisfactory daytime radiative cooling. Thus the natural wool impregnates zinc ions into the protein chains to form a zinc‐ion woolen (wool‐Zn) fabric. The wool‐Zn fabric can provide humans with a cooling sensation both indoors and daytime outdoors, showing a temperature reduction of 2 °C on human skin indoors and a reduction of 7 °C on artificial skin under direct sunlight, respectively, when covered by wool‐Zn fabrics compared to when covered with cotton. Moreover, the wool‐Zn fabric shows desirable antibacterial properties and durability against washing and abrasion, while maintaining desirable wearability. As a result, the wool‐Zn fabric shows great potential for commercial application in personal thermoregulation and provides an effective avenue toward sustainable energy and environment.

The Printability of Wool Fabric with Synthetic Food Dyes

The Printability of Wool Fabric with Synthetic Food Dyes