The demand for biodegradable packaging materials as substitutes for plastics encourages current research. Woven jute fabric has been selected for its easy supply, cheap price, renewability, and biodegradability. But it shows limited barrier performance against moisture and heat. Researchers attempted different processes like surface alteration, chemical treatments, polymer impregnation, lamination coating, composite making, etc. to upgrade the fabric performance. In this study, a biodegradable natural polymer, latex was used for lamination onto woven jute fabric to fabricate a jute-latex laminated composite (JLLC). Latex solutions with varying concentrations were prepared, cast into films, and finally laminated using polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) onto woven jute fabric. Standard and customized testing procedures were followed to assess various features of developed JLLCs. Microscopic analysis displayed uniform film formation at lower latex concentrations, and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups of all components of JLLC. Tensile testing revealed a 42% improvement in breaking load (712 N) over control jute fabric (CJF) for the lowest latex percentage. Remarkable enhancement in tenacity (41.2 cN/tex, 24% form CJF) and initial modulus (0.546 GPa, ∼ 1.5 times of CJF) were also reported. Moisture management analysis addressed a 313 percentage-point reduction in one-way transport index (OWTI), which felt to -75% with higher latex concentration, and water contact angle measurements (maximum ∼98°) indicated enhanced surface hydrophobicity with increasing latex content. Thermal characterization illustrated an excellent radiant heat barrier and improved thermal resistance with a low heat conductivity (0.0204 W·m -1 ·K -1 , 58.8% lower than of CJF).
Modern fishing and aquaculture operations increasingly depend on netting systems capable of maintaining mechanical reliability and hydrodynamic efficiency under complex loading and environmental conditions. This review synthesizes the relationships between net structure, mesh geometry, material selection, and performance characteristics from a textile-engineering perspective. The study systematically examines major net constructions, including knotted, knotless (warp-knit/Raschel), woven, and braided systems, together with key geometric parameters such as mesh size, mesh shape, orientation, solidity, and knot configuration. Static mechanical properties including tensile strength, tear resistance, bursting behavior, creep, and crack propagation are analyzed under uniaxial and biaxial loading conditions. Hydrodynamic performance, including drag, lift, sinking behavior, and fluid–structure interaction, is also critically evaluated. The review further examines the influence of environmental degradation mechanisms such as ultraviolet aging and biofouling on long-term net performance. Comparative assessment of polymeric materials highlights an important balance between strength, stiffness, deformability, and environmental resistance. In addition, current numerical modeling approaches, fluid–structure interaction frameworks, and emerging artificial neural network applications are discussed. Finally, major research gaps, standardization needs, and future directions are identified to support the development of next-generation high-performance fishing net systems.
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a key bioabsorbable material for load-bearing textile medical implants, but the mechanical deterioration of PGA fibers inevitably takes place in textile processing via abrasion and plastic deformation owing to high crystallinity and high moduli. This paper proposes a low-damage knitting strategy by regulating yarn tension and optimizing knit stitches. A PGA fully drawn yarn of tenacity 5.62 cN/dtex was employed to do abrasion test, knitting while recording dynamic tension, and morphological and tensile tests on the knitted fabrics. The abrasion test results show that PGA fibers have more fiber breakages and a greater extension (0.673%) than those of PET fibers (0.354%) through 100 cycles of wearing on a grinding wheel of grit size W40 ranging from 28–40 μm at a tension of 0.25 cN/dtex. Yarn knitting tension (YKT) records reveal that a yarn input tension of 2.5 cN mitigates YKT fluctuations, reducing the yarn strength loss to 18.13% for plain stitch and 10.31% for interlock stitch. The morphologies of the knitted fabrics indicate that fiber damage intensifies with decreasing loop length and is severer in plain stitch than interlock stitch. Optimization of knit stitch by adjusting sinking depth (NP value) demonstrates that the plain stitch at NP=12.0 and the interlock stitch at NP=10.5 result in high breaking force in the walewise direction, achieving a good balance between loop length and fiber damage to gain increasing fabric strength. This integrated approach of tension regulation and stitch optimization provides a reliable method for manufacturing high-strength PGA knitted implants.
Melt electrowriting (MEW) is an emerging additive manufacturing technology capable of depositing continuous micro- and submicron-fibers for the fabrication of high-resolution fibrous scaffolds. In this process, jet lag is a distinctive phenomenon that critically affects both process stability and printing accuracy, yet its real-time measurement remains challenging, especially during nonlinear printing. This study developed a machine-learning-assisted framework to predict jet lag length in MEW from five key process parameters: voltage, collector speed, material temperature, nozzle-to-collector distance, and air pressure. Multiple linear regression and random forest were comparatively evaluated. Both models achieved effective prediction, while random forest showed higher predictive accuracy. This improvement is attributed to its greater flexibility in representing potential nonlinear dependencies within the current dataset. The predictive performance of random forest was further validated through the printing of high-accuracy nonlinear fiber patterns. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of data-driven jet lag prediction and provide a practical framework for improving printing accuracy in MEW.
High technical complexity in electronic wearables significantly hinders patient adherence in unsupervised home rehabilitation. While mechanochromic materials represent a feasible, passive, and battery-free alternative, there is a lack of a systematic logic for translating these material properties into products developing protocols that meet clinical design requirements. Addressing this gap, we employed a mixed-methods approach comprising a PRISMA-ScR scoping review to map design determinants and a two-round Delphi study to develop a novel “Affordance-Feedback Design Framework.” Rather than providing generic guidelines, the framework establishes a systematic logic for Color-Angle Mapping products development by identifying 12 prioritized core design factors categorized into Critical, High, and Desirable tiers. This roadmap bridges the ‘perceptual gap’ by guiding the translation of material properties into user-centered smartwear through a validated three-phase engineering process. Quantitative analysis of the second-round Delphi demonstrated strong expert consensus (I−CVI>0.78; overall mean score = 4.72/5.0; Kendall’s W =0.72), validating the framework’s feasibility and clinical relevance. Specifically, the framework defines a systematic logic Color-Angle Mapping products developing logic, which converts complex biomechanical data into intuitive visual cues, thereby potential reducing the patient’s cognitive monitoring load during exercises.
Cellulose nanofiber (CNF) reinforcement of silk fibroin (SF) has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable strategy for enhancing the mechanical performance of silk materials. In this study, CNF-reinforced silk was produced by directly feeding silkworms (Bombyx mori) with artificial diets containing CNF, and its mechanical properties and dimensional stability were systematically investigated across three hierarchical levels: single filaments, twisted yarns, and woven fabrics. At the single-filament level, the addition of 5 wt.% CNF resulted in significant increases in Young’s modulus and ultimate tensile strength, while the fracture elongation remained nearly unchanged. These improvements were retained at the yarn and fabric levels. The dimensional changes induced by water-absorption, swelling and subsequent drying were thereby quantitatively evaluated. While individual filaments exhibited negligible shrinkage regardless of CNF addition, twisted yarns and fabrics showed pronounced shrinkage, which was markedly suppressed by CNF reinforcement. Notably, the shrinkage rate of CNF-reinforced twisted yarns was reduced to less than one-quarter of that of unreinforced yarns. FT-IR analysis based on the amide III region revealed that CNF addition did not significantly increase the β-sheet crystallinity of single filaments, indicating that the enhanced dimensional stability does not originate from increased crystalline content. Instead, CNF is suggested to stabilize higher-order assemblies by restricting molecular mobility in amorphous regions and reinforcing inter-fiber interactions. These findings provide new insight into the multiscale design of silk-based materials with improved mechanical performance and moisture resistance.
Crude oil spills remain a persistent environmental challenge, creating long-term ecological and economic damage, highlighting the need for efficient, biodegradable absorbent materials. Conventional polypropylene (PP) sorbents are widely used for spill cleanup but generate secondary environmental concerns because of their non-biodegradable nature. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a renewable and biodegradable thermoplastic, offers a sustainable alternative; however, its inherent oil sorption capacity is limited. In this study, PLA melt-blown nonwoven sorbents were enhanced using calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CCN) to improve porous structure, wettability, and oil uptake performance. PLA/CCN composites containing 3–10 phr CCN were fabricated through a scalable melt-blown process. Low CCN concentrations (3–5 phr) enabled uniform nanoparticle dispersion and the development of mesoporous structures (average pore width ∼3.8 nm), resulting in increased surface area and improved oil uptake. The PLA/CCN composite containing 10 phr CCN exhibited the highest absorption capacity (16 g/g), surpassing commercial PP sorbents in oil uptake capacity. However, excessive filler loading also promoted particle agglomeration and reduced structural uniformity. Mechanical testing showed that moderate nanoparticle loading improved stiffness, whereas higher loading decreased ductility. Thermal analyses confirmed increased crystallinity and enhanced stability with CCN addition. Adsorption behavior followed the Freundlich isotherm (R 2 = 0.98), indicating a heterogeneous, multilayer sorption mechanism, whereas overall oil uptake is governed primarily by capillary retention within the fibrous network, with secondary surface adsorption contributions. Overall, PLA/CCN composites demonstrate strong potential as sustainable, high-performance sorbents for oil spill remediation and provide a viable pathway for designing advanced biodegradable nanocomposites for environmental applications.
The aim of this research was to extract lignin from jute-based agro-industrial biomass and synthesize nano-lignin particles using a sustainable solvent-anti-solvent precipitation process, followed by the physicochemical characterization of the synthesized particles. Different characterization techniques such as FTIR, SEM, EDX, DLS, XRD, Zeta Potential, TGA and DSC were carried out to evaluate the structural and physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized nano-lignin particles. FTIR analysis showed the presence of important lignin functional groups such as hydroxyl (3316 cm -1 ), carbonyl (1650 cm -1 ), aromatic groups (1419 cm -1 ) and C-O groups and similar characteristic peaks were observed after nano-lignin synthesis. SEM analysis revealed irregular, porous, fragmented and heterogeneous surface morphology of the synthesized particles, which is consistent with the commonly reported characteristics of nano-lignin particles. DLS analysis showed an average particle size of around 117 nm, with uniform particle size distribution. The zeta potential value was found around -35 mV (millivolt), suggesting comparatively good colloidal stability and dispersion behavior of the synthesized nano-lignin particles. XRD analysis indicated, predominantly amorphous structural characteristics, which are consistent with the traditionally reported amorphous characteristics of lignin-based nanoparticles. EDX analysis showed that carbon and oxygen were dominant detected elements in the synthesized samples. TGA and DSC analyses suggested that the synthesized nano-lignin particles exhibited multi-stage thermal degradation behavior. Overall, this research reported a sustainable approach for lignin extraction and nano-lignin synthesis from jute-based agro-industrial biomass. Further studies may be carried out to investigate the synthesized nano-lignin particles through more detailed and advanced characterization techniques.
Marine oil spills pose a persistent treat to aquatic ecosystem and coastal livelihoods, yet commercially dominant synthetic sorbents such as polypropylene are non-biodegradable and generate secondary pollution after use. This study reports the fabrication and performance optimization of fully biodegradable needlepunched nonwoven mats manufactured from banana and sisal fibers as low-cost, sustainable sorbents for diesel-oil removal. Single-fiber webs were produced by carding and parallel-lay formation, then mechanically consolidated by needlepunching to yield cohesive mats with well-defined structural parameters: areal densities of 198.8 g/m 2 (sisal) and 183.5 g/m 2 (banana) and thickness of 2.7 and 2.38 mm respectively. Diesel-oil sorption was evaluated under dynamic conditions using an orbital shaker and central composite design with RSM was applied to model and optimize the effect of contact time and agitation speed on uptake capacity. Both materials exhibited statistically robust, reproducible behavior (ANOVA: p < 0.0001; R 2 > 0.96). RSM optimization identified maximum predicted diesel uptake of 16.34% for banana mats (10 min, 100 rpm) and 13.59% for sisal mats (5 mi, 100 rpm). The higher uptake of banana mats is attributed to their finer fiber diameter (6.2 tex vs. 7.697 tex) and greater capillary driving force, whereas sisal mats achieved peak sorption at shorter contact times, reflecting their more open pore architecture. These findings demonstrate that agro-waste-derived banana and sisal mats are technically feasible, cost-effective alternatives to synthetic sorbents.
Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) reinforcements offer high potential for resource-efficient and durable concrete structures due to their superior tensile properties and corrosion resistance. However, existing CFRP tendons and rope systems are limited in terms of bond performance, anchorage efficiency, bending capability, and applicability to filigree and modular concrete structures. This paper presents the development of novel CFRP rope structures based on preconsolidated, partially profiled carbon rovings combined with thermoplastic and elastomeric impregnation systems. The proposed rope concept features a spiral configuration of seven rovings, consisting of one central unprofiled strand and six surrounding profiled strands to enhance bond behavior. A laboratory-scale rotational manufacturing process is introduced, allowing controlled variation of spiral geometry and structural fixation. In addition, modified tensile testing and load introduction concepts based on segmented grouting were developed to enable reliable characterization of CFRP rope structures with increased diameters up to failure. Experimental investigations focus on tensile and bending behavior relevant to reinforcement and prestressing applications. The novel CFRP ropes achieve Young’s moduli between approximately 140 and 180 GPa and tensile strengths of about 2,350 MPa, exceeding a commercial epoxy-based reference by 10–30 %. Bending tests demonstrate that soft polymer-based impregnation enables small bending radii suitable for coiling and continuous production, while stiffer matrices provide higher axial stiffness at reduced flexibility. Overall, the results highlight the potential of thermoplastic-based CFRP rope systems for material efficient prestressing systems in combination with shaping, modular construction, demountability, recyclability, and future integration of sensor functionalities.
Perforated panels (PP) and porous materials are often combined to achieve the excellent wide-band sound absorption effects. However, hardness, restricting structural change, unstable laminated structure and thickness limit the improvement of its acoustic performance. This paper puts forword a new composite fabric sound-absorbing material with a structure featuring inner periodic rigid PP units and outer flexible fabric design. The total area of PP had been decreased by 29% ∼ 54% in the new structure (FPP). Sound absorption coefficient and the specific acoustic impedance results showed that the new FPP absorber had the similar or the higher sound absorption peak value (>0.920) compared the laminated structure in the frequency range of 48 ∼ 1700 Hz. FPP absorbers with PP units size 7 ∼ 65 mm exhibit excellent half-absorption bandwidth (1185 ∼ 1312 Hz) in the frequency range of 48 ∼ 1700 Hz. The sound absorption peaks shift towards the lower frequencies by increasing the size of periodic PP unit. The new prediction model based on the equivalent circuit method has been established for predicting the sound absorption of the new structure. This work provides a new strategy for the broad application of acoustic PP or fiber material.
This manuscript examines the pivotal influence of microstructural parameters such as bonding point distribution and fibre orientation on the properties and applications of nonwoven fabrics. Unlike traditional woven or knitted textiles, nonwovens are engineered through different forming and bonding methods, enabling unique functionalities such as absorbency, breathability, and barrier performance. These attributes drive their widespread use in healthcare, automotive, consumer goods, and construction, where requirements range from sterility and disposability to insulation and structural integrity. Microstructural orientation, governed by bonding point density and fibre alignment, critically affects mechanical strength, flexibility, durability, thermal behavior, and permeability, thereby determining end-use suitability. For instance, uniform bonding enhances tensile strength, while controlled fibre orientation imparts directional stability or isotropic barrier properties. This review synthesizes current knowledge on microstructural design strategies, explores advances in sustainable materials and manufacturing technologies, and underscores the role of microstructural engineering in optimizing nonwoven performance for evolving industrial and environmental demands.
This study presents a bibliometric network analysis, with a specific focus on citation networks of textile-based human respiration monitoring sensors. Drawing on 47 core publications, keyword analysis, research clustering, and main path analysis (MPA), revealed three interconnected research streams: (1) textile-integrated wearable respiratory monitoring systems for clinical and daily monitoring, (2) structure-engineered knitted and fibre-optic sensors exploring sensing mechanics, and (3) humidity-responsive nanomaterial textile sensors for breath monitoring, which often integrated into face masks (Figure 1). MPA traced the maturation of the research field from feasibility demonstrations to validated and user-centric applications, achieved through iterative advances in materials, design, and system integration. These trajectories are synergistic, with knowledge flowing across clusters to drive convergence and pointing toward hybrid, multi-modal sensing platforms as the emerging paradigm for pervasive respiratory health monitoring.
This pilot study evaluates the reliability and systematic bias of CAD-based 3D body-scan anthropometry (3DM) for electrode-referenced measurements in smart clothing applications. Anthropometric data from 24 male participants were obtained using both manual measurement (MM) and CAD-based analysis of 3D scan data across five dimensions relevant to EMG-enabled garments. Reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), and agreement was examined through Bland–Altman analysis. The results demonstrated excellent reliability for all measurements (ICC > 0.9), indicating strong consistency between MM and 3DM. However, systematic biases were observed: 3DM underestimated biacromion length, primarily due to standardized scanning posture, and overestimated waist circumference, reflecting the absence of soft-tissue compression in non-contact scanning. In contrast, short surface paths between anatomical landmarks and electrode sites exhibited minimal bias and high agreement. These findings suggest that while CAD-based 3D scan anthropometry provides stable and reproducible electrode-referenced measurements, certain dimensions require careful interpretation due to posture- and curvature-related effects. This methodological evaluation establishes a foundation for the informed use of 3D scan–derived anthropometric data in future smart clothing and wearable system development.
Firefighters wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from high-temperature working environments during fire suppression operations as burn injuries can impose both physical and psychological burdens on firefighters. The Korea Fire Service recorded 140 reports of burn injuries among firefighters in the 3 years from 2021 to 2023, with an annual average increase of 29.8%. However, the burn studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of firefighter protective clothing (FPC) under various conditions have typically employed simulations and bench-scale tests, which fail to consider the effects of air gaps between the layers and various components of FPC. Therefore, this study conducted full-scale manikin flame tests with all PPE to assess the burn severity and time to pain according to the moisture contents of the outer shell and thermal inner layers of the FPC. The results indicated that the risk of burn injury was relatively less severe when all FPC layers were dry or the outer shell was saturated. However, first- and second-degree burns were observed, and the time to pain was significantly reduced when the moisture content of the thermal inner was 10%, 20%, or 40%, indicating an elevated risk of injury. This study offers valuable insights for the prevention of burn injuries among firefighters exposed to unpredictable hazardous thermal environments.
Plant fiber-reinforced biocomposites have emerged as promising sustainable materials for industrial and biomedical applications. However, the intrinsic incompatibility between hydrophilic plant fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrices (e.g., PLA) remains a major challenge limiting their composite performance. Recent advances in fiber pretreatment technologies have shown significant potential in enhancing interfacial adhesion and improving mechanical, thermal, and tribological properties of PLA-based composites. This review critically assesses both physical (e.g., steam explosion, plasma treatment) and chemical (e.g., alkali treatment, silane coupling, acetylation) strategies for fiber modification. The effectiveness of these methods is discussed in terms of interface chemistry, composite morphology, and long-term performance. Remaining challenges, including moisture sensitivity, limited durability, and cost constraints, are highlighted, along with prospects for scalable, multifunctional biocomposites tailored for high-performance applications.
The safety of blood transfusions faces significant challenges due to the presence of leukocytes, which can trigger severe immune responses and facilitate virus transmission. Existing leukocyte reduction filters, predominantly composed of melt-blown nonwovens, encounter difficulties in completely eliminating leukocytes for specific patient populations such as organ transplant recipients. This research introduces electrospun membranes composed of PBS and CS/PBS nanofiber membranes as a novel filtration material. Through the optimization of electrospinning parameters (including voltage, receiving distance, and solution volume), membranes with adjustable pore sizes ranging from 1.3 to 2.1 μm and substantial specific surface areas were developed. Blood filtration trials revealed that nanofiber membranes with an optimal pore size range of 1.9–2.1 μm achieved complete leukocyte removal while preserving a red blood cell (RBC) recovery rate of 87.72%–90.65%. In comparison to conventional filters, these electrospun nanofiber membranes present a promising strategy for highly efficient leukocyte depletion, catering to the demands of critical transfusion scenarios.
Nylon 6 fiber was among the first synthetic fibers to be industrialized and is widely utilized across textiles, automotive, construction, and electronics due to its excellent mechanical and chemical properties. However, its inherent flammability and tendency to drip when melted limit its application in fire-sensitive environments. In response, significant efforts have been made to improve its flame-retardant performance. This review focuses on recent advances in halogen-free flame-retardant strategies specifically developed for Nylon 6 fibers. Flame retardants based on phosphorus, nitrogen, and nanoscale materials have been incorporated into the polymer matrix through methods such as blending, in situ polymerization, and copolymerization. These modifications aim to enhance flame retardancy by increasing the limiting oxygen index, reducing heat release, and improving thermal stability, while maintaining mechanical strength and spinnability. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain, including the toxicity of combustion byproducts, limited environmental compatibility of some additives, and negative effects on processing performance. This review emphasizes the structure–property–performance relationships that govern flame-retardant efficiency and highlights multifunctional designs offering improved processability, thermal protection, and environmental safety. By critically evaluating current materials and methods, the review provides technical insight into the development of high-efficiency, halogen-free flame-retardant systems for Nylon 6 fibers and outlines potential directions for future research.
As essential professional protective equipment, protective clothing plays a critical role across medical, industrial, chemical, environmental protection and other fields with its manufacturing and development attracting sustained attention. This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of protective clothing research spanning 2015 to 2024, utilizing 2918 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection. Employing CiteSpace for co-citation, co-occurrence, and burst detection analyses, we delineate key research trajectories, identify influential contributors, and pinpoint emerging frontiers. Findings indicate sustained growth within the field, with Donghua University and the United States as the leading institutional and national contributors, respectively. Research evolution is characterized by three distinct phases: foundational studies (2015–2016), material innovation (2017–2020), and pandemic-driven medical applications (2021–2024). Central research themes encompass thermal performance optimization for flame-retardant clothing, barrier mechanism advancements in chemical protective apparel, ergonomic design for occupational wear, and antiviral functionality in medical protective suits, reflecting a shift from single-function solutions toward integrated, intelligent protective systems. Central themes include thermal performance, ergonomic design, and multifunctional material systems. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly influenced recent research directions, particularly in enhancing comfort and viral protection for medical use, while progress in nanofiber technologies and sustainable materials benefits multiple protective clothing categories. Future research priorities should emphasize wearability across diverse hazardous environments, pandemic-responsive designs, and cross-application sustainable material systems. This analysis provides a systematic framework for understanding the field’s evolution and offers valuable insights to guide researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in advancing protective clothing technology.
