Augmented Reality (AR), which overlays digital information on the physical world, is frequently used in textile retail to improve shopping experiences by simulating product appearance and enabling virtual customisation. While these applications foster brand engagement and purchasing decisions, they largely promote consumption rather than encouraging circular behaviours. This study introduces the AR Biofibre Explorer, an innovative tool designed to reconnect consumers with materials and processes by demonstrating the wet spinning process for producing cellulose-based textiles. Through a mixed-methods evaluation, we reveal how the tool enhances understanding of material origins and their applications, promoting informed decisions and circular practices. Aligning with The wellbeing framework for consumer experiences in the circular economy of the textile industry [1], the tool incorporates dimensions such as learning, attachment, competence, and playfulness. This research establishes AR as a means to foster sustainability and circularity in fashion by bridging material knowledge gaps, enhancing consumer engagement, and enabling sustainable consumption choices.

This study explores a pioneering fabrication of novel cellulose-Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) composite fibres (CeL-MoFs) and comparable pure regenerated cellulose fibres (CeFs) using the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate (EMIM DEP) and the simple traditional wet-spinning process. The composites, CeL-MoFs at 0.5%, 1%, 2%, and 3%, were characterised. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) confirmed the successful integration of M. oleifera seed powder (MoP) into the cellulose matrix. The results of preliminary adsorption studies demonstrated high selectivity for copper ions (Cu2+), with no detectable selectivity towards nickel (Ni2+) or cadmium (Cd2+). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric (DTG) analysis revealed thermal stability variations with increasing MoP content, while atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed surface roughness and fibre defects. Rheological testing validated spinnability, and tensile analysis identified CeL-MoFs (2%) as the optimal composite, balancing mechanical strength and adsorption efficiency. These novel CeL-MoF composites, fabricated using EMIM DEP, are proposed as scalable, eco-friendly materials for selective heavy metal removal. Future work will focus on adsorption kinetics, thermodynamic modelling, and scaling production for industrial water purification applications.

Ensuring access to safe drinking water requires effective materials and technologies to treat contaminated water. In this study, we developed sodium alginate fibre (SAlgF) and their composite fibres functionalised with pulverised Moringa oleifera (MoP) at concentrations of 0.5 %, 1 %, 4 %, and 8 % using the wet-spinning technique. Both SAlgF and MoP are biodegradable, offering eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers in line with green manufacturing. The results showed significant improvements in the mechanical properties, with the 1 % MoP composite fibre exhibiting 6 times the strength of pure SAlgF in terms of ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Young's modulus (YM). X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed enhanced fibres interactions, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed the successful incorporation of MoP into the alginate matrix and improved thermal stability. Furthermore, the result obtained from the Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) indicated morphological changes and the uptake of heavy metal ions when immersed into solutions containing Cu2+, Ni2+, and Cd2+. These findings demonstrate the potential of MoP-modified composite fibres for sustainable and cost-effective water treatment applications, particularly in developing countries.

Conventional textile dyeing generates significant water pollution through synthetic dye leaching, creating urgent need for closed-loop processes. The current work uses a novel in-situ spin dyeing process to develop dyed cellulose fibers, using ionic liquid (IL) as a unified platform to dissolve cellulose and disperse a range of natural dyes – eliminating post-spinning coloration. The spin dyeing method effectively requires less water uptake and is a sustainable benign method for the future textile industry. Different natural dyes were incorporated into the cellulose-IL composite solution to add vibrant colors to the fibers. Natural dyes derived from Sorghum, and Coreopsis show better conjugation with the wet-spun fibers, while the other dyes do not show similar levels of dye stability and incorporation within the fibers. FTIR results confirmed chemical bonding of dyes in the fibers. SEM images indicated the homogeneous dispersion of dye across the fibers. The resultant dyed fibers demonstrate similar mechanical properties in comparison to the neat cellulosic fibers, and commercially available fibers. Although thermal stability decreased for the dyed fibers, mechanical performance validates IL-mediated spin-dyeing as a viable alternative to petroleum-based dyes. This first demonstration of ILs enabling integrated fiber production and natural dyeing establishes a blueprint for sustainable textiles manufacturing.

The textile industry has long been criticised for its high energy consumption, significant pollution, and low efficiency, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable innovations. This study presents an advanced approach to fabric dyeing by integrating microencapsulation with dope dyeing to enhance indigo retention in cellulose fibres. Encapsulating indigo within alginate-based microspheres prevents unwanted chemical reactions and minimises environmental impact. Microscopic and SEM analyses confirm the successful incorporation of indigo within fibres, significantly reducing dye loss (0.11-0.18 %) compared to traditional methods. Eliminating the need for reducing agents and oxidants simplifies wastewater treatment, while the fibres exhibit enhanced mechanical properties and exceptional wash durability, retaining 99.76-99.95 % of their weight after 20 cycles-comparable to pure cellulose fibres. A 48-h washing test further demonstrates excellent colour fixation, with minimal indigo detected in the washing solution (0.0042-0.0053 mg/L). By significantly reducing dye loss and chemical usage, this method offers a promising solution to minimising the environmental footprint of textile dyeing, particularly in cellulosic fibre applications. These findings highlight microsphere-assisted dope dyeing as a viable, sustainable alternative to conventional techniques, aligning with global sustainability goals while maintaining high-quality fibre production.

The fashion industry has faced increasing criticism for its unsustainable practices and needs to transition towards more circular models where renewable resources are used, and materials and chemicals are recycled. This study focuses on abundantly available mixed cellulosic wastes: mixed textile, agricultural residues and municipal solid waste, whereby half of the cellulose from the waste is converted through a hydrolytic process and fermentation into bacterial cellulose. Using ionic liquids, the feasibility of spinning the waste-derived cellulose produced into regenerated cellulose fibres with mechanical properties comparable to viscose is achieved. Furthermore, the sustainability of this approach is validated by comparing the environmental impact of the process with the impact of producing wood dissolving pulp, which is currently used to make viscose. The possibility of a biological recycling process for mixed cellulosic wastes that could complement textile mechanical or chemical strategies is discussed, but further work will be needed to validate its economic viability and sustainability at the scale required to replace feedstock used in regenerated cellulose production. The biobased and chemical approach to textile manufacturing described here is circular, supports textile-to-textile recycling offering a potential solution to textile waste management and a promising pathway for the industry to achieve its environmental goals.

In this study, we developed an innovative natural antibacterial medical bandage composed of electrospun nanofibres derived from alginate (SAg) and oregano essential oil (OEO). The nanofibre deposition process was systematically optimised, achieving a controlled evolution of fibre formation at intervals of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 h. Over time, fibre morphology has changed from a dispersed network to a densely packed, homogeneous, fibrous, fully embedding cotton gauze nanofibre. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed nanofibres with diameters ranging from 100 to 300 nm, 46 % measuring 100-200 nm, 37 % at 200-300 nm, and 14 % between 300 and 400 nm. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) confirmed improved thermal stability in cross-linked samples. At the same time, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) shows the incorporation of OEO into the nanofibres shows OEO carvacrol, and thymol. Antibacterial efficacy tested inhibition zone assays against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes on double-layered bandages is 15 mm and 10 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis results from ANOVA confirmed that multi-layered bandages (TL-BSS) had significantly enhanced antibacterial activity compared to single-layered (SSS) and both-sided spun (BSS) configurations. Unlike conventional wound dressings, this study introduces a bioactive, nanofibre-integrated gauze with sustained antibacterial efficacy.

This study aims to develop, enhance, and characterize the qualities of recycled jute fiber and kraft pulp as reinforcement for use in cement composite boards for building applications in developing countries. In many African countries, jute fiber (Corchorus capsularis) is readily available but faces challenges in achieving a strong bond with the cement matrix. To address this, mild treatment with different alkali concentrations was employed to modify the fiber properties before reinforcement. Alkali treatment significantly improved fiber characteristics such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, thermal stability, and surface morphology, as confirmed by the single fiber tensile test, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Using a laboratory-simulated Hatschek process, cement composite boards were produced with varying percentages (2-6 wt.%) of treated and untreated jute fiber. The mechanical properties and fractured surface morphology of the boards were examined through a three-point bending test and scanning electron microscopy. Results showed that the composites reinforced with treated fibers exhibited significantly improved flexural strength and ductility compared with the untreated ones. SEM examination revealed that the untreated fiber-reinforced composite experienced fiber pull-out due to poor bonding at the fiber-matrix interface. In contrast, the composites reinforced with treated fibers displayed optimal strength, meeting the minimum requirements for fiber cement flat sheets according to relevant standards. An optimum flexural strength of 9.57 MPa was achieved for composite boards containing 10 and 4 wt.% of kraft pulp and treated jute fibers, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrates that recycled jute fibers could be successfully enhanced and reused as reinforcement in cement composite boards, leading to improved properties and mechanical performance in cement composite boards. Hence, it provides environmental benefits and contributes to the circular economy.

The consideration of biopolymers with natural products offers promising and effective materials with intrinsic and extrinsic properties that are utilized in several applications. Electrospinning is a method known for its unique and efficient performance in developing polymer-based nanofibers with tunable and diverse properties presented as good surface area, morphology, porosity, and fiber diameters during fabrication. In this work, we have developed an electrospun sodium alginate (SA) incorporated with pulverized Moringa oleifera seed powder (PMO) as a potential natural biosorbent material for water treatment applications. The developed fibers when observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), presented pure sodium alginate with smooth fiber (SAF) characteristics of an average diameter of about 515.09 nm (±114.33). Addition of pulverized Moringa oleifera at 0.5%, 2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% (w/w) reduces the fiber diameter to an average of about 240 nm with a few spindle-like pulverized Moringa oleifera particles beads of 300 nm (±77.97) 0.5% particle size and 110 nm (±32.19) with the clear observation of rougher spindle-like pulverized Moringa oleifera particle beads of 680 nm (±131.77) at 8% of alginate/Moringa oleifera fiber (AMF). The results from the rheology presented characteristic shear-thinning or pseudoplastic behaviour with a decline in viscosity, with characteristic behaviour as the shear rate increases, indicative of an ideal polymer solution suitable for the spinning process. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) shows the presence of amine and amide functional groups are prevalent on the alginate-impregnated moringa with water stability nanofibers and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) with change in degradation properties in a clear indication and successful incorporation of the Moringa oleifera in the electrospun fiber. The key findings from this study position nanofibers as sustainable composites fiber for potential applications in water treatment, especifically heavy metal adsorption.

Africa is the third-richest continent in the world in terms of bamboo species. Despite these laudable natural resources, most African countries still use asbestos cement board as one of their major building materials. This is chiefly due to the high cost of equipment and technologies associated with non-asbestos-fiber cement board production. The current research seeks to underscore the possibility of utilizing these massive continent resources for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production by employing the existing production process in the asbestos cement industries via an innovatively developed laboratory-simulated Hatschek process. Non-asbestos-fiber cement boards incorporating kraft and bamboo fibers were successfully produced in the laboratory using this innovative method based on Hatschek technology, with natural fibre addition in the range of 2–6 wt.%. Experimental results revealed that the Flexural strength and deflection of the board improved significantly, producing optimum values of 10.41 MPa and 2.0 mm, respectively for composite board reinforced with 10 wt.% and 6 wt.% of kraft pulp and bamboo fibers, respectively. The SEM morphology of the fractured surfaces revealed the mode of composite fracture as well as good interaction at the fiber–matrix interface. Overall, the mechanical properties of the developed composite boards satisfy the minimum requirements of relevant standards based on fiber cement flat sheets and can be employed for internal building applications in low-cost housing estates in developing countries. The outcome of this research indicates that the current industrial production process based on Hatschek technology can be employed for non-asbestos-fiber cement board production using the studied natural fiber.

This study investigates the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin as sustainable eco-friendly additives on the properties and behavior of cementitious composite boards, with a focus on mechanical strength, physical properties, and microstructural characteristics. The experimental investigation begins with the characterization of the raw materials, including limestone powder, and metakaolin, to assess their particle sizes, elemental composition, and microstructural features. Cement composite boards were fabricated using an innovatively developed lab-simulated vacuum dewatering process, by varying the proportions of limestone powder and metakaolin as partial replacements for cement, along with waste kraft fibres as reinforcement. Mechanical testing was conducted to evaluate the flexural strength and behaviour of the composite boards according to standardized procedures. A microstructural analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the effect of additives on the cementitious matrix, fibrematrix interaction, and hydration products. The findings from the experimental study reveal insights into the influence of limestone powder and metakaolin on the mechanical properties and microstructure of waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Our analysis of the results shows that adding 9% limestone powder as partial cement replacement produces a 24% and 50% enhancement in flexural strength at 7 and 28 days of hydration, while that of metakaolin as partial cement replacement was optimum at 6% with an enhancement of 4% and 36%, respectively, at 7 and 28 days of hydration. The implications of these findings for the development of sustainable cementitious composite are discussed, including the potential benefits of using limestone powder and metakaolin as supplementary cementitious materials in waste kraft fibre-reinforced cement composite boards. Finally, recommendations for optimizing additive proportions are also provided to enhance the understanding and application of these materials in the construction and building industries.

Seaweed-derived alginate shows promise in the textile industry as a sustainable alternative to synthetic and natural materials. However, challenges arise due to its low mechanical strength. We addressed this limitation by sustainably extracting alginates from European brown algae and employing novel manufacturing methods. Using natural cross-linkers, such as chitosan, ferulic acid, and citric acid, we have successfully modulated the mechanical properties of alginate fibers. Mechanical properties of ferulic acid and citric acid-cross-linked alginate solutions were spinnable, producing fibers with a diameter of 73-75 mu m. Ferulic acid cross-linked alginate fibers exhibited stiffness, with a tensile strength of 52.97 MPa and a strain percentage of 20.77, mechanical properties comparable to those of wool, polyester, and rayon. In contrast, citric acid-cross-linked fibers showed partial elasticity, with a tensile strength of 14.35 MPa and a strain percentage of 45.53, comparable to those of nylon. This ability to control the mechanical properties of seaweed-derived fibers represents a significant advancement for their application in sustainable textiles and the fashion industry.

This study aims to enhance and characterize the qualities of natural, sustainable reinforcing fibres for use in cement composite boards in low-cost housing estates. In many African countries, jute fibre is readily available but faces challenges in achieving a strong bond with the cement matrix. To address this, mercerization with different alkali concentrations was employed to modify the fibre properties prior to reinforcement. Mercerization significantly improved fibre characteristics such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, thermal stability, and surface properties, as confirmed by scanning electron microscope analysis. Using a laboratory-simulated Hatschek process, cement composite boards were developed with varying percentages of both treated and untreated jute fibre. The mechanical properties and fractured surface morphology of the boards were examined. Results showed that the composites reinforced with treated fibres exhibited significantly improved flexural strength and toughness compared to the untreated ones. SEM examination revealed that the untreated fibre-reinforced composite experienced fibre pull-out due to poor bonding at the fibre-matrix interface. In contrast, the composites reinforced with treated fibres displayed optimal strength, meeting the minimum requirements for fibre cement flat sheets according to relevant standards. Overall, this study demonstrates the successful enhancement of jute fibre properties through mercerization, leading to improved bonding and mechanical performance in cement composite boards.

Applications of natural fibres are expanding, and sustainable alternatives are needed to support this growing demand. We investigated the production of fibres using alginates from Saccharina latissima (SAC), Laminaria digitata (LAM), Sacchoriza polyschides (SACC), and Himanthalia spp. (HIM). After extraction (3 % w/v biomass) using a sustainable protocol based on citric acid, crude alginate represented 61-65 % of the biomass dry weight for SAC and LAM, and 34-41 % for SACC and HIM when experiments were performed at small scale (1.5 g of starting material). Interestingly, scaling-up extraction (60 g of starting material) decreased yields to 26-30 %. SAC and LAM alginates had the highest M/G (mannuronic acid/guluronic acid) ratios and molecular weights when compared to those from SACC and HIM (M/G:1.98 and 2.23, MW: 302 and 362 kDa, vs 1.83 and 1.86, 268 and 168 kDa). When the four types of alginates were tested for spinning fibres cross-linked with CaCl2, only SAC and LAM alginates produced fibres. These fibres showed no clumps or cracks under stretching action and pre-sented a similar Young's modulus (2.4 and 2.0 GPa). We have demonstrated that alginate extracted from S. latissima and L. digitata can be successfully spun into functional fibres cross-linked with CaCl2.

Solar dryers have proven to be one of the best environmentally friendly approaches for drying purpose of medicinal plants and agricultural crops. Use of solar radiations in drying purpose of plant parts has proven economically as well as environmentally responsible and sensible application. Plants are the treasure of nature with hidden medicinal properties to treat diseases. Plant material should be processed properly for extraction of medicinal molecules in terms drying to decrease the manufacturing loss and to increase the standard of product. Cognizances of ethnobotanical knowledge on plant wealth are extremely beneficial in utilization and exploration of natural resources. Conventionally, low drying temperatures between 30-40 degrees C, with economically beneficial techniques are required to protect sensitive active ingredients. Therefore, the objective of reviewing research in medicinal plant drying is to find out optimum drying temperature and best solar dryer for drying purposes of plant parts in terms of quality and drying costs. Rendering to human requisites, solar appliances for drying purposes will be used as the best alternative to standard sun-drying technique. This review focused on effective drying is demand of present scenario for the application of heat trapped from solar radiations for drying purpose in order to maintain the quality and active ingredients of plants. Conventionally, low drying temperatures between 30-40 degrees C, with economically beneficial techniques are required to protect sensitive active ingredients. Indirect type of solar dryers can easily fulfill all the terms for dying plant products in terms of standard and yield.

Alginate is a linear biodegradable polysaccharide polymer, which is bio-renewable and widely used for various biomedical applications. For the next generation of medical textiles, alginate nanofibres are desirable for their use in wound dressings that are biocompatible, sustainable, and abundantly available. This study has developed a unique manufacturing process for producing alginate nanofibres with exceptional antimicrobial properties of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a natural antimicrobial agent. OEO with varying degrees of concentration was incorporated in an aqueous alginate solution. Appropriate materials and electrospinning process parameter selection allowed us to manufacture alginate fibres with a range of diameters between 38 and 105 nm. A unique crosslinking process for alginate nanofibres using extended water soaking was developed. Mechanical characterisation using micro-mechanical testing of nonwoven electrospun alginate/oregano composite nanofibres revealed that it was durable. An extensive antimicrobial study was carried out on alginate/oregano composite nanofibres using a range of Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica), which are common wound and food pathogens. The results indicated that increasing the concentration of OEO from 2 to 3 wt % showed improved antimicrobial activity against all pathogens, and activity was significantly improved against MRSA compared to a non-alginate-based control disk containing OEO. Therefore, our research suggests that all-natural alginate/oregano nanofibre composite textiles offer a new generation of medical textiles for advanced wound dressing technology as well as for food packaging applications.

The advantage of mesophase pitch-based carbon fibres is their high modulus, but pitch-based carbon fibres and precursors are very brittle. This paper reports the development of a unique manufacturing method using a blend of pitch and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) from which it is possible to obtain precursors that are less brittle than neat pitch fibres. This study reports on the structure and properties of pitch and LLDPE blend precursors with LLDPE content ranging from 5 wt% to 20 wt%. Fibre microstructure was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which showed a two-phase region having distinct pitch fibre and LLDPE regions. Tensile testing of neat pitch fibres showed low strain to failure (brittle), but as the percentage of LLDPE was increased, the strain to failure and tensile strength both increased by a factor of more than 7. DSC characterisation of the melting/crystallization behaviour of LLDPE showed melting occurred around 120 °C to 124 °C, with crystallization between 99 °C and 103 °C. TGA measurements showed that for 5 wt%, 10 wt% LLDPE thermal stability was excellent to 800 °C. Blend pitch/LLDPE carbon fibres showed reduced brittleness combined with excellent thermal stability, and thus are a candidate as a potential precursor for pitch-based carbon fibre manufacturing.

Mesophase pitch-based carbon fibres have excellent resistance to plastic deformation (up to 840 GPa); however, they have very low strain to failure (0.3) and are considered brittle. Hence, the development of pitch fibre precursors able to be plastically deformed without fracture is important. We have previously, successfully developed pitch-based precursor fibres with high ductility (low brittleness) by blending pitch and linear low-density polyethylene. Here, we extend our research to study how the extrusion dwell time (0, 6, 8, and 10 min) affects the physical properties (microstructure) of blend fibres. Scanning electron microscopy of the microstructure showed that by increasing the extrusion dwell from 0 to 10 min the pitch and polyethylene components were more uniformly dispersed. The tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and strain at failure for the extruded fibres for different dwell times were measured. Increased dwell time resulted in an increase in strain to failure but reduced the ultimate tensile strength. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to investigate if increased dwell time improved the thermal stability of the samples. This study presents a useful guide to help with the selection of mixes of linear low-density polyethylene/pitch blend, with an appropriate extrusion dwell time to help develop a new generation of potential precursors for pitch-based carbon fibres.