This study aimed to examine the dye-fixing properties of cotton fabrics dyed with a dye extracted from Morinda citrifolia L. wood under various physicochemical conditions, including temperature changes, heating durations, and mordant treatment techniques, to achieve noticeable and stable dye fixation. For pre-, post-, and simultaneous mordanting procedures, iron salts such as alum, ferric chloride, stannous chloride, and ferrous sulphate were utilized. Dyeing with ferrous sulfate resulted in a higher dye uptake on cotton fibres (34.43 %), according to the results. The colour fastness of noni wood dye is best achieved by using alum with a pre-mordanting technique.
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is a thermoplastic polymer best known for its extraordinary chemical stability, excellent heat and wear resistant, better mechanical properties, easy processability, resistance to hydrolysis and ultraviolet radiation. Due to its electroactive (3-phase content responsible for generating voltage in the presence of an external electric field, PVDF has wide application in energy harvesting, energy storage, sensors and actuators. PVDF can be nanospun into fibres through electrospinning process which further helps in the orientation of dipoles and enhancing its property. In this work, PVDF nanofibres were prepared by using needleless wire spinneret technique. Different types of solution parameters such as solution concentration and electrospinning parameters such as voltage, distance between two electrodes was studied. The optimized concentration obtained from the study is 24%, distance between two electrodes is 130 mm and voltage of positive and negative electrode is +40 kV and -15 kV. XRD analysis is done to determine its phase content and DMA analysis was done to study the mechanical behaviour of the prepared fibres.
Twist contraction is a critical phenomenon in ply yarn manufacturing. This study presents a theoretical model to predict the contraction factor of jute multi-ply yarns, accounting for the helical configuration of single yarns and the twist loss incurred during plying. The model integrates geometric parameters and twist mechanics to derive an expression for the contraction factor, incorporating both the helical path length and the incremental length change of single yarns due to untwisting. Theoretical predictions were validated through experiments using 2, 3, and 4-ply jute yarns of various counts and twist levels. Comparison between calculated and measured contraction factors demonstrated strong agreement, confirming the model's applicability.
In the sizing process, warp yarn tension often fluctuates when the residual yarn of the warp beam is approximately 35% of the full beam with a typical closed-loop tension control system. It affects sizing quality and the uniformity of the fabric's appearance. Therefore, this paper first establishes the theoretical models of the warp yarn unwinding process and tension are proposed and verified through simulations based on these models, including the addition of an independent air pressure device and a segmented control approach. Finally, the rationality of the proposed models and methods are experimentally confirmed using the constructed detection devices. Simulation analysis revealed that constant tension system control parameters and uneven moment of inertia of the warp beam cause system oscillations and larger yarn tension fluctuations. By installing air pressure device and implementing segmented control, the yarn tension fluctuation range is reduced by 83.16% and 89.44% respectively. Additionally, experimental results further indicated that the proposed models and improved control system are effective. Thus, this paper provides a significant theoretical foundation and practical guidance for stabilising unwinding tension in sizing machines, with potential applications across the textile industry.
In this paper, short flax fibres-graphene nanoplatelets (SFF-GNPs) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution mixing process. Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) was added at different mass loading (1, 5, 25, 50, and 100 wt.%) with short flax fibres (SFF). Nanofillers like graphene improve interfacial adhesion, strengthening composites and enhancing their durability. Therefore, understanding interfacial phenomena is key to developing high-performance hybrid nanocomposites. Various spectroscopic, thermal and morphological analysis techniques were employed to investigatethe effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the short flax fibres-graphene nanoplatelets nanocomposites properties. FTIR confirmed the absence of any chemical interactions between graphene nanoplatelets and short flax fibres, indicating the physical attachment of graphene nanoplatelets to the fibre surface by mechanical interlocking.According to XRD results, graphene nanoplatelets were identified on the surface off lax fibres, forming astaked layer. However, beyond 25 wt.%, disordered stacked layers were observed. In addition, SEM observations indicated that graphene nanoplatelets were tightly attached to the fibre surface, forming laminated layers, resulting in improved thermal stability of the short flax fibres as a function of graphene nanoplatelets content due to the barrier effect, which delayed fibre degradation.
Currently, activated carbon fibre (ACF) is a material of choice for various adsorption applications, offering numerous advantages over conventional forms of activated carbon, such as powders and beads. Among the possible precursors for ACF-like pitch, PAN, and phenol, rayon is relatively cheaper and abundantly commercially available. We report here the preparation of ACF from a commercially available rayon-based carbon fabric via gasification in a CO2 atmosphere. A series of four samples was prepared by varying activation time (4 h, 4.5 h, and 5 h) and temperature (850 degrees C, 900 degrees C & 950 degrees C) at a constant CO2 flow rate of 100 ml/min. The prepared ACFs were assessed for Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, distribution of pores, and adsorption isotherms. Further, activated carbon was investigated using X-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The chemical environment of the carbonized & ACF samples has been assessed through FTIR. The evaluation of fabric properties in terms of mass, bending length, and flexural rigidity for carbonized fabric and ACF was also carried out. The prepared ACFs show a well-developed porous structure and activated carbon in a self-supporting textile form. The optimum activation conditions were obtained for ACF prepared at 900 degrees C for an activation duration of 4 h in CO2 with a flow rate of 100 ml/min. The material is predominantly microporous and suitable for the adsorption of hazardous chemicals. The prepared ACF may find many usages in different adsorptional applications for the removal of toxic gases and as an adsorbent medium against lethal chemical warfare agents in military clothing systems.
The demand for effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally friendly sorbents for dyes and other water contaminants has grown significantly in recent decades. In this study, an underutilised agro waste material Pearl millet straw was used to extract cellulosic fibres. The fibres were modified with monochloroacetic acid (MCA) to impart anionic groups. The effect of carboxymethylation on the physical and chemical properties of PMF was studied using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption efficiency of native (PMF) and modified PMF (CPMF) in a fixed bed column was studied using breakthrough curves (BTC). Results show that the adsorption efficiency of MB by PMF improves significantly after treatment with MCA. The breakthrough time (t(b)) increases as the column bed height is increased. However, the adsorption capacity (q(exp)) decreases with increase in bed height. These findings indicate that the carboxymethylation of pearl millet fibres, through physicochemical changes and increased functional group availability, is a simple yet effective approach to substantially enhance their adsorption capacity for MB dye, making CPMF a promising material for cationic dye remediation in water treatment applications.
The earlier part of the study, reported elsewhere, evaluated the results of bio-dyeing of cotton fabrics with catechu natural bio-dye using potash alum (K-alum) + Gallnut (GN) dual pre-bio-mordanting to achieve maximum colour strength with overall good colour fastnesses to washing, rubbing and UV-light exposure. The present part of the study evaluates the efficacy of three different bio-finishing (after dyeing) methods using eucalyptus leaf extract, nano-chitosan, and nano-ZnO to improve their antimicrobial and UV resistance properties to the maximum level possible. Skin sensory tactical comfort properties in terms of responses to tensile loading/ stretching, shearing, bending, compression, surface friction (roughness) under low-stress conditions as primary hand values and resultant total hand values of the said dual bio-mordanted and catechu dyed and subsequently bio-finished with above said three different bio-finishes, were evaluated with Kawabata Evaluation System (KES). The said KES analysis revealed an overall increase in thickness (approx. 4- 67 %), weight per sq. centimeter of the fabric (approx. 16- 27 %), and coefficient of friction (approx. 32- 62 %) after application of the said bio-finishes. Still, as per resultant total hand value analysis, all these bio-finished fabrics are found not suitable for men's shirting in summer, but are found suitable for women's dress materials for the winter/autumn season. Simultaneously, Eucalyptus leaf extract bio-finished catechu dyed cotton fabrics had shown excellent UV protection factor of 45-50 with 98-99 % bacterial reduction in specific conditions of treatment, while nano-ZnO bio-finished catechu dyed cotton fabric had also exhibited maximum reduction in bacterial growth (98- 99 %) and nano chitosan did not show that level of very good results for antimicrobial and UV-protective criteria. Thus, both Eucalyptus leaf-extracted and nano-ZnO bio-finished fabrics have shown their potential for use as medical textile applications due to improved functional properties.
This research aims to characterise knitted apparel produced from linen yarn dyed with natural dyes. In this study, 100 % linen yarn of 40L count is first subjected to chemical softening treatments and then dyed using selected natural dyes. The dyed yarn is evaluated for its values using a spectrophotometer. Tensile tests conducted before and after dyeing indicate that the loss in yarn strength is negligible. The dyed linen yarn is subsequently knitted on a flat knitting machine, and the resulting fabric is assessed for key comfort characteristics, including thermal resistance, moisture vapour transmission rate, and air permeability. The findings show that knitted linen apparel provides comfort properties at an acceptable level, thereby ensuring adequate wearer comfort. In addition, the linen knitted fabrics are tested for essential mechanical properties such as pilling, abrasion, and bursting strength, and the results are reported.
The current research focuses on the development of hybrid composites utilising natural fibre reinforcement and fillers with polymer resin for engineering applications. Natural fibres and filler materials have received substantial interest because of their environmentally beneficial and sustainable properties. Using the hand lay-up method, five hybrid composite samples were fabricated by keeping the jute fibre and flax fibre weight % ratio at 5(wt.%): 15(wt.%) and altering the granite powder filler weight percentage (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%) in epoxy resin. A universal testing machine was used to assess the hybrid composites' tensile and flexural strengths, and an Izod impact tester was used to determine their impact strength. Mechanical tests demonstrated that the inclusion of granite powder filler improved the mechanical properties in the fibres up to 15 wt.%, but then decreased owing to filler agglomeration. The thermo-gravimetric analysis was used for evaluating the thermal response of the samples, or thermal stability of the hybrid composites and are thermally stable up to 420 degrees C. Furthermore, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy was used to trace the existence of chemical functional groups in the hybrid composite. Scanning Electron Microscopic examination was used to confirm the interfacial bonding and failure modes of tested hybrid composites. The results indicate that these hybrid composites can be used in various applications, such as structural panels for vehicles, automobiles, aerospace, and construction. Thus, combining otherwise-unused granite powder with jute and flax fibres yields methods for recycling waste and making eco-friendly composites.
The growing demand for sustainable and biodegradable materials in biomedical applications motivates this study on biodegradable poly (lactic acid) (PLA) nanocomposites reinforced with cellulose nanofibres (CNFs) derived from Agave sisalana. The nanocomposites were fabricated via solvent casting. SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion of CNFs and enhanced interfacial bonding with the PLA matrix. XRD results indicated an increase in the crystalline regions of PLA due to CNF incorporation, contributing to improved mechanical strength and thermal stability, which are critical for biomedical implants. Thermal degradation studies showed a 19 degrees C increase in degradation temperature compared to plain PLA, indicating enhanced heat resistance. Mechanical testing revealed a 48.4 % increase in tensile strength and a 66.1% increase in Young's modulus relative to plain PLA, demonstrating the reinforcing effectiveness of CNFs. Chemical degradation tests showed accelerated hydrolytic and environmental degradation of the nanocomposites compared to plain PLA, beneficial for controlled biodegradation. Additionally, antimicrobial activity improved with increasing CNF content against common pathogens. Hemolytic and MTT assays confirmed good biocompatibility at 3 wt% CNF loading, highlighting the potential of these nanocomposites for safe biomedical applications.
Today, the concept of sustainable and environmentally friendly production has gained great importance. Currently, reactive dyes are predominantly used in the dyeing of cotton fabrics. However, when direct dyes are used in light and medium shades, they have the potential to provide significant advantages in terms of wastewater load since they require little to no alkali and have very low salt requirements. In this study, 100% cotton single jersey fabric samples were dyed with yellow, red and blue direct dyes belonging to trichromatic combination at 4 different depths, 0.5-1-2-3%, and the obtained colour yield values were statistically analysed. Then, fastness tests were conducted on the fabric samples. In the second stage of the study, the colours of the fabric samples dyed with direct dyes at 1% depth were taken as reference and these colours were matched with reactive dyes. Then, the same colour obtained by direct dyeing and reactive dyeing was compared with each other in terms of technical (colour, washing, rubbing, water, perspiration and light fastness values), economic (chemical, energy and water consumption for 1 kg fabric dyeing (including after-treatments)) and ecological (chemical oxygen demand, biological oxygen demand and pH value of the dyeing wastewater) aspects.
Natural dyes offer an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic dyes, but their broader use in textiles is constrained by low dye uptake and poor colour fastness. The effect of fermenting both silk yarn and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis dye extract on colour performance has not been systematically studied. This study examines the effects of fermentation pre-treatment on the dyeing performance of silk yarn dyed with H. rosa-sinensis flower extract. Two strategies were employed: pre-treatment of silk yarn with yeast, alum, or a combination of both, and fermentation of the flower extracts using symplocos or alum immersion. Dyed samples were evaluated for colour intensity (C*) and colour strength (K/S) using spectrocolourimetric methods. The highest colour intensity (C* = 26.65) and colour strength (K/S = 15.03) were obtained using yeast-fermented silk yarn dyed with alum-assisted dye extract, indicating enhanced dye penetration and fixation. Post-dyeing fixation with tannin and N-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), although intended to improve fastness, reduced the colour intensity, likely due to competitive binding or electrostatic repulsion with anthocyanins. Fermentation appears to promote structural or chemical changes in both fibre and dye, improving dye affinity and stability. The combined fermentation of yarn and extract presents a promising method for enhancing the natural silk dyeing performance.
The study reported the development of a statistical model to evaluate and prevent fabric shrinkage in denim pants during industrial seaming operations, particularly after finishing treatments. Denim pants are assembled using various seam types, including flat-felled seams, safety stitch seams, and lockstitch seams, with consistent sewing parameters such as fabric composition, stitch type, stitch density (percentage per centimetre), and sewing thread count. A factorial design methodology was employed to evaluate shrinkage across various seam types under actual industrial conditions. Based on data collected from different finishing treatments, statistical models were developed to predict the extent of shrinkage in denim pants. These models were further validated and refined using data from five industrial production orders, which improved their predictive accuracy and practical applicability. Results indicate that the models can be effectively integrated into production planning, enabling manufacturers to optimize sewing and finishing processes. The models also support the implementation of digital processing techniques, reducing waste and execution time in line with Industry 4.0 principles, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability in denim manufacturing
This paper aims to investigate the weathering degradation of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coatings particularly targeting the protective layer of inflatable systems used for defense applications. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the degradation characteristics of two thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) with distinct chemical backbones, aliphatic ether-based and aromatic ester-based, when exposed to accelerated artificial weathering. Additionally, the influence of commercially available UV-stabilizing additives on the degradation extent was systematically investigated. It has been found from the study, both qualitatively and quantitatively, that the amount of degradation is much lower in case of aliphatic ether based TPU than the aromatic ester one. Incorporation of only 1wt% UV protective additive shows a further delay indegradation. The extent of the changes in the weathering degradation has beenfoundto correlate well with the variations in the ultimate performance properties of the coatings.
This study aims to prepare activated carbon fabric (ACF) and laminated activated carbon fabric (LACF) from a commercially available rayon-based carbon fabric using CO2 activation, and to evaluate their functional and physical performance for potential military applications. In the present work, the carbon fabric is activated in a CO2 atmosphere to produce ACF, which is subsequently characterised for Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, internal porosity, pore size distribution, average pore diameter and adsorption isotherm behaviour. LACF is then prepared by laminating the ACF with suitable textile substrates on both sides to enhance structural stability and performance. The functional properties of LACF are evaluated through measurements of dichloropropane breakthrough time (DCP-BTT), sulphur mustard breakthrough time (HD-BTT), air permeability and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR). Physical properties in terms of mass, thickness, bending length, flexural rigidity, peel strength, and tensile/bursting strength are also assessed. Durability is examined by comparing these properties before and after six wash cycles. The findings indicate that the prepared LACF exhibits promising adsorption efficiency, robust physical performance and satisfactory durability. Such materials demonstrate strong potential for use in critical military protective systems, which include chemical protective suits, facelet masks and breathable gloves, offering effective protection for personnel operating in chemical warfare environments.
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of metallic core-covered yarn fabrics on the sensorial comfort of cutprotective clothing. Here, a 6-end satin weave is selected owing to its tight structure and reduced number of interlacings, which are advantageous for both cut protection and tactile comfort. Metallic core covered yarns with linear densities of 15, 10, and 8 Ne are produced using stainless steel filament as the core, high-performance polyethylene as the outer sheath, and polyester as the inner sheath. Nine hybrid woven fabric samples are then developed using these yarns in a 6-end satin design at three different areal weights: 150, 200, and 250 g/m2, woven on a rapier loom. The low-stress mechanical properties of the samples, including tensile, shear, bending, compression, surface friction, and surface roughness, are assessed using the Kawabata Evaluation System to determine their sensory comfort characteristics. The results indicate that areal weight and bulk density exert a significant influence on the tactile properties of metallic core covered yarn fabrics used in cut-protective applications.
In the present study, an effort is made to blend Eri-silk fibre with jute in different blended ratios (Eri-silk: Jute ratios of 100/0; 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100) to develop a range of blended yarns. These yarns are then used as weft yarn to produce a value-added woven textile of plain weave design, while keeping the cotton yarn in the warp direction. The resulting fabrics are evaluated comprehensively to identify the blend ratio that provides superior physical, mechanical and comfort-related properties. Areal density, thickness, crease recovery angle, stiffness, tensile and tearing strengths, elongation percentage, cover factor, water wicking, air permeability and drapability are assessed in detail. Based on the findings, the Eri-silk: jute (75/25) blend is observed to exhibit the most favourable overall performance across the tested parameters. Different apparel textile products are also developed from blended fabrics, demonstrating their potential for functional and aesthetic applications.
This study explores the fabrication process and performance characterisation of hard elastic polypropylene (PP) fibres. The fibres have been produced through melt spinning, followed by controlled stretching and post-processing treatments. Their structural and functional properties are examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, synchrotron radiation computed tomography, and mechanical testing. The results demonstrate that the fibres exhibit remarkable hard-elastic behaviour. Clear differences appear in the stress-strain curves between room temperature and water bath stretching. This variation is attributed to the possible formation of sub-crystalline structures during water-bath stretching, while slow cooling in air promotes structural optimisation and improved crystallisation. Furthermore, fibres extruded at 240 degrees C and subsequently annealed at 140 degrees C demonstrate the highest levels of elastic recovery and crystallinity, confirming the importance of precise thermal control in achieving superior mechanical performance.
This study investigates the potential of repurposing chrome-containing waste (CCW) and jute fibre (JF) into value-added products by developing a foot pressure composite (FPC). The FPC was fabricated using a leather-based composite (LBC) and evaluated for its functional, thermal, morphological, mechanical, and biodegradation properties. Plantar pressure measurements conducted on healthy individuals wearing FPC insoles revealed an enhanced pressure distribution effect on the foot. The findings indicate that FPC outperforms conventional insoles by offering improved pressure modulation and meeting the mechanical requirements essential for insole applications. Furthermore, the composite demonstrated notable biodegradability. This research highlights a sustainable and economically viable approach for converting CCW and JF into therapeutic footwear solutions, contributing to income generation, environmental protection, and waste recycling technology.
