This study focuses on the characterization of transverse deformations, particularly through-thickness deformations, in 3D re-entrant hexagonal composite structures reinforced with fibrous materials. Given the lack of prior research on fiber-reinforced composites with this particular geometry, a measurement method based on digital image correlation (DIC) is proposed. By utilizing stereo-DIC, it becomes possible to measure the thickness variation of the sample and, consequently, its out-of-plane deformation. Experimental tensile tests were conducted on a thermoformed composite sample comprising a 4 × 4 array of re-entrant cells, with a 2 × 2 central region analyzed in detail. The sample was subjected to cyclic tensile loading, revealing a deformation homogenization phenomenon despite loading conditions designed to remain within a macroscopically linear elastic response range. A methodology for processing the experimental measurements is proposed, supported by numerical simulations to validate its accuracy. This approach aims to refine the experimental protocol and data processing techniques for samples exhibiting fewer manufacturing defects and material heterogeneities than the prototype used for method development. Furthermore, the numerical study enhances the understanding of the deformation mechanisms specific to the investigated re-entrant hexagonal composite unit cell.
Interest in the production of sustainable textile products has led to the development of eco-friendly dyeing processes utilizing agro-industrial byproducts. This study investigated a completely bio-based system for cotton fabrics utilizing coffee husk (Coffea arabica L.) and pomegranate peels (Punica granatum) extracts combined with bio-mordants from chitosan, pomegranate peels and guava leaves (Psidium guajava), eliminating synthetic metallic mordants. Experimental results demonstrated that sequential synergy between extracts depends heavily on pH, with acidic media (pH3.0 -5.1) optimizing polyphenol stability and hydrogen bonding with cellulose. Pre-biomordant with guava leaf extract followed by pomegranate dyeing (TpH3.46ExRPMG) yielded the highest color strength (K/S=6.63). For simultaneous biomordant with coffee extract, 50% pomegranate extract TMSRpH3.46 (50%) ExcpH3.46 performed best (K/S=4.64). Color fastness to domestic laundering was excellent (grades 4 to 4/5), with satisfactory perspiration fastness (3 to 4/5). Beyond color yield, the treatment functionalized the substrate into a high-performance sun-protective textile, elevating the ultraviolet protection factor from Undyed (T control) (UPF~ 5.18) to excellent levels (UPF50+), blocking over 95% of UV radiation. Air permeability slightly decreased after processing due to fiber swelling and polyphenol deposition but stabilized uniformly post-washing (18.7-25.0 l/m2/s), ensuring that color yield and UV blocking are achieved without sacrificing fabric breathability. In conclusion, combination of coffee, pomegranate, guava, and chitosan offers an efficient, functional, and circular-economy framework for high-value sustainable cotton coloration.
Heat waves are becoming increasingly frequent worldwide and are expected to grow more intense and hazardous to human health. Among the simplest and most sustainable mitigation strategies are radiative cooling textile fabrics. This study explores the passive radiative cooling potential of various textile materials as a means to enhance thermal comfort during heat waves. A series of eleven fabrics, including woven, knitted, and nonwoven structures made from polyester, cotton, flax, and specialty fibres, were assessed without coatings or chemical additives. Key structural factors such as fibre diameter, basis weight, porosity, colour lightness, and air permeability were evaluated. Near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity was measured using spectroscopy, and a simulated solar irradiation bench characterized fabric thermal behaviour. Results show that colour lightness strongly influences NIR reflectivity, with lighter fabrics exhibiting higher reflectance. Microfibres (< 10 µm) and specialty pie-wedge fibres demonstrated enhanced reflectivity, reaching up to ~ 65%, whereas darker and coarse-fibre fabrics performed significantly lower. Air permeability was inversely correlated with reflectivity, particularly in nonwoven samples. Infrared exposure tests indicated that higher NIR reflectivity generally reduced sub-fabric temperature, supporting its relevance for summer garments. Natural flax fabrics also showed promising protective performance despite lower optical uniformity. Overall, the work highlights the importance of structural textile parameters for radiative cooling performance and provides a foundation for future biomimetic, chemical-free design approaches for heat-protective clothing.
Digital preservation of historic murals is essential for protecting cultural heritage. Despite centuries of damage, advances in inpainting offer new restoration possibilities. However, existing methods often distort features like color and texture, and suffer from significant pixel-level blurring. We propose a Coordinated Attention Aggregation Transformation (CAAT) GAN architecture with U-Net discriminators to address these limitations. The CAAT generator extracts contextual information from distant regions via a Coordinated Aggregation Transformation Block, expanding the receptive field and improving content inference in missing areas to restore original color and texture. The U-Net discriminator further refines results by providing both global and local confidence scores. We also introduce DunHuang-Mural, a dataset of 7983 high-resolution historical murals. Trained on 6386 images and evaluated on 1597, our CAUGAN achieves significant gains in visual fidelity and structural consistency over existing methods, demonstrating its utility for archeological mural restoration.
In electrostimulation applications, the role of dry-textile electrode is significant as compared to customary electrodes. It has vast demand due to their flexibility, breathability and its coherent integration to wearable medical devices. The use of electrostimulation to enhance the muscular structure and function is not a new idea; however, the introduction of dry textile electrodes can enhance the efficiency of the process. The review explores the different types of electrodes, mainly dry textile electrodes, its fabrication and performance across different modalities. The main focus includes the role of impedance across different electrode characterization, parameters of skin-electrodes contact point impedance and the operating devices with their operating system. A comprehensive review has been compiled to analyze various types of textile electrodes to determine their efficacy in different therapeutic modalities. The results suggest that different types of electrodes work different in various kind of modalities. It also concludes that sustainable conductive textile electrodes are considered a novel approach that can replace traditional metal or graphite electrodes. Moreover, it also suggests that the three-lead method provide the best way to evaluate the impedance across the electrode, excluding all remaining symmetric impedance of body. This review also highlights the sustainability and biocompatibility of dry textile electrodes and their potential to improve the patient’s comfort in electrostimulation therapies.
