Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030099

Authors: Şebnem Sözcü Jakub Wiener Blanka Tomková Mohanapriya Venkataraman Jiří Militký

This study investigates the thermal performance of additive-free bacterial cellulose (BC) aerogels and cryogels produced by Acetobacter xylinus under controlled static cultivation conditions. The influence of supercritical CO2 (ScCO2) drying and freeze-drying on the multiscale structure and functional properties of BC materials was evaluated. Since BC is biosynthesized by a living microbial system, minor biological variations in fibril organization and network formation may occur even under standardized cultivation conditions. To minimize variability, all samples were produced, purified, and processed using identical procedures prior to drying. The materials were characterized using SEM, DSC, and Alambeta thermal analysis, while environmental temperature and relative humidity were monitored during testing. The two drying routes produced differences in fibrillar organization, accessible pore characteristics, and thermal transport. ScCO2-dried aerogels showed a more homogeneous nanofibrillar morphology, whereas the lyophilized cryogels exhibited thermal conductivity values of 0.032–0.041 W·m−1·K−1, comparable to those of the ScCO2-dried specimens (0.040–0.042 W·m−1·K−1). Overall, the results demonstrate that controlled lyophilization can produce additive-free porous BC with thermal performance comparable to ScCO2 drying under the investigated conditions. The lightweight, highly porous, fibrous character of these materials further supports their relevance for functional textile systems, including bio-based nonwoven or layered thermal-insulation structures, while lyophilization offers a comparatively simple processing route.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030098

Authors: Arwa Basbrain

Automated cotton-percentage identification underpins sustainable textile recycling, but established near-infrared and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy systems cost USD 10,000–25,000 per unit and remain inaccessible to small recyclers. We address this on the CottonFabricImageBD dataset (1300 RGB originals, 13 ordinal cotton classes from 30% to 99%) and report three contributions. First, the Learnable Residual LBP stem, which retains the pretrained ResNet50 first convolution intact and adds a fully differentiable Local Binary Pattern branch as an additive contribution gated by a single learnable scalar α initialized to zero, ensuring the model is numerically equivalent to the baseline at initialization (verified to a maximum absolute logit difference below 10−4). Second, a controlled six-variant comparison (vanilla baseline, CLBP, LBP-Conv, LBP-Residual, LBP+SVM, LBP+ANN) under identical stratified five-fold cross-validation on the 1300 dataset originals. Third, the isolation of pretraining preservation as the dominant architectural variable: the 7.08 pp top-1 gap between LBP-Conv (43.77%) and LBP-Residual (50.85%), both embedding the identical learnable LBP module, is statistically significant (p=0.004, uncorrected paired t-test, df=4) and consistent across all five folds. This gap mainly reconfirms, in the LBP setting, the established cost of discarding pretrained early-layer filters; by contrast, the improvement of LBP-Residual over the vanilla baseline (1.31 pp top-1) is consistent in direction but not statistically significant at the five-fold level (p=0.229), so LBP-Residual, CLBP (50.23% top-1), and the baseline (49.54% top-1) are statistically tied on aggregate accuracy and the ranking among them is exploratory. Classical LBP+SVM and LBP+ANN baselines reach 31.85% and 34.46% top-1, confirming a genuine but limited cotton-density signal in hand-crafted descriptors. Compared to the concurrent triplet-architecture approach of Wiedemann et al. (2025), which achieves 48.15% top-1 accuracy on the same dataset under identical five-fold cross-validation, LBP-Residual attains 50.85% top-1 using a single lightweight backbone rather than an ensemble of three. These results support the design principle: augment, do not replace.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030097

Authors: Md Shamim Alam Anik Chandra Pal Robiat Hasan Mahmudul Hasan Afsara Tasnim Sonia Hossain Muksit Ahamed Chowdhury Ada Ferri Eleonora Bianca Mohammad Mahbubul Alam

The development of multifunctional textiles with enhanced ultraviolet (UV) protection has attracted increasing attention due to the growing demand for protective and high-performance clothing. In this study, cotton fabrics dyed with reactive dyes at three dye concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, and 3.0% owf) were functionalised with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using a pad-dry-cure process. The influence of TiO2 concentration and washing on colour strength, colour fastness, UV protection, fabric stiffness, and pad–dry–cure immediate washing resistance was investigated through colorimetric measurements, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM analysis, and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) evaluation. TiO2 treatment produced only minor changes in colour strength, while colour fastness and fabric stiffness were largely preserved. FTIR and SEM analyses provided evidence consistent with the deposition of TiO2-containing material and its partial removal after washing. The most significant improvement was observed in UV protection, with TiO2-treated fabrics exhibiting substantially higher UPF values than untreated samples, while maintaining enhanced protection after laundering. These findings demonstrate that TiO2 nanoparticle pad–dry–cure treatment is an effective post-dyeing strategy for improving the UV-protective performance of reactive-dyed cotton fabrics without compromising their colour durability or handling characteristics.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030096

Authors: Md Harunur Rashid Bhuiyan Md Abu Sayeed Christopher Turner Noureddine Abidi

Cotton fiber length is a key determinant of yarn quality, and High Volume Instrument (HVI) measurements are widely used to assess fiber length characteristics. Recent research has shown that the complete HVI fibrogram contains substantially more information than the conventional HVI-reported parameters, enabling reconstruction of the full fiber-length distribution and calculation of additional length-related parameters. Before these measurements can be adopted for routine use, calibration procedures are needed to ensure agreement among instruments. This study developed and evaluated calibration procedures for fibrogram-derived length parameters calculated from reconstructed fiber-length distributions. Three calibration reference cottons representing short, medium, and long fiber lengths were established and tested on four HVIs over a six-month period. Calibration equations were generated using two-point and three-point linear regressions between reference and observed measurements and applied to USDA evaluation cottons and commercial samples. Instrument stability, calibration frequency, and the use of comb checks were also investigated. Stability analysis showed that measurement drift within individual HVIs was small over the study period, indicating that frequent calibration is unnecessary under well-maintained operating conditions. Calibration improved agreement among HVIs for both conventional HVI-reported parameters and fibrogram-derived length parameters. Two-point and three-point calibration produced similar results, suggesting limited benefit from the additional medium-length calibration standard. Calibration frequency and comb checks had minimal impact on calibration efficacy. Overall, the proposed procedures improve consistency among HVIs and support practical implementation of new fibrogram-derived length measurements.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030095

Authors: Hira Arif Sidra Saleemi Amna Siddique Abdul Moqeet Hai Abdul Waqar Rajput Intizar Ali Tariq Umer

The accumulation of discarded denim waste in landfills is causing environmental pollution, creating an urgent need for sustainable solutions. This study demonstrates the recycling of denim by extracting the indigo dye and fabricating the treated fabric into a composite to develop eco-friendly and high-performance materials. The waste denim was treated with sodium borohydride under controlled conditions without damaging the fibers. To utilize the denim waste, the decolorized fabric was shredded into fibers and incorporated into two polymer matrices i.e., ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and vinyl acetate, (VA) to fabricate a fiber-reinforced composite. The prepared recycled denim composites were compared with composites based on raw cotton fibers. The surface morphology of the composites was studied through optical microscopy and SEM analysis to examine the structural properties. Mechanical tests including tensile, charpy impact, flexural bending and drop-weight tests were performed to evaluate performance. The results showed that the raw composite had a higher impact strength of 11.5 kJ/m2, while the recycled composite had 9.89 kJ/m2, showing a slight reduction but maintaining good mechanical strength and lightweight properties suitable for applications such as table tennis rackets, a sustainable sports product, thereby supporting a closed-loop denim recycling approach within a circular economy framework.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030094

Authors: Valentina-Gabi Stănescu Vasilica Popescu Cristina Mihaela Rîmbu Gabriel Popescu Viorica Vasilache Andrei Popescu Mădălina Maria Popescu-Brezuleanu Marius Pîslaru

Sustainable textile care formulations based on renewable and waste vegetable oils represent environmentally responsible alternatives to conventional laundry products while supporting circular bioeconomy strategies. However, the influence of formulation composition on EO transfer, textile persistence and multifunctional performance remains poorly understood. This study investigated the influence of formulation design on the physicochemical properties, encapsulation efficiency, EO transfer, textile persistence, washing performance and antibacterial activity of sustainable textile care formulations prepared from virgin and waste vegetable oils. All formulations exhibited appropriate physicochemical characteristics, including alkaline pH values (9.84–10.64), good foaming capacity and encapsulation efficiencies of 95.6–98.2%. Although encapsulation efficiency remained consistently high, formulation composition influenced EO transfer and persistence on textile substrates. Formulation V1-D exhibited the most balanced overall performance. Waste vegetable oil formulations achieved washing efficiencies of 86–92%, comparable to those of virgin oil formulations, while maintaining EO persistence on textile substrates. The developed soap formulations also exhibited pronounced antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings indicate that rational formulation design, rather than encapsulation efficiency alone, primarily determines the overall performance of sustainable multifunctional textile care formulations by balancing washing efficiency, EO transfer, textile persistence, and the antibacterial activity of the developed soap formulations.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030093

Authors: Siti Nurkomariyah Dodik Ridho Nurrochmat Dikky Indrawan Harianto

Despite the rapid growth of global polyester production over the past two decades, the transition toward circular textile systems remains limited, particularly in emerging economies where industrial waste streams hold significant untapped potential for closed-loop recycling. This study investigates the structural barriers to textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling of post-industrial polyester waste in Indonesia, employing an integrated ISM–MICMAC approach and following expert-based content validation using the IOC. From an initial set of sixteen literature-derived barriers, nine core variables were retained for structural analysis. The results reveal that a lack of regulatory frameworks and limited fiscal incentives emerge as foundational drivers shaping technological readiness and stakeholder collaboration. These factors subsequently influence operational conditions, including collection, sorting, traceability, and standardization, ultimately affecting feedstock quality and availability. The findings further highlight that reliance on lower-value recovery pathways constrains the retention of material value, reflecting structural misalignment within the recycling system rather than material limitations. Accordingly, effective interventions should be staged and coordinated, prioritizing stronger regulatory frameworks and targeted fiscal incentives to support technological development and cross-sector collaboration. This study contributes to circular economy research by advancing a system-level understanding of the hierarchical and structural relationships among barriers and providing context-specific insights to support scalable T2T recycling systems in emerging economies.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030092

Authors: Aravin Prince Periyasamy Hertta Seppälä Marjo Määttänen Ali Harlin

Polyester–cotton (PES/CO) blends represent one of the most widely used textile classifications globally, yet their fibre-to-fibre recycling remains technically challenging due to the chemical dissimilarity of the two fibres. Existing reviews typically address textile recycling in broad terms, leaving a gap in critically evaluating the specific separation chemistries, recovered-fraction quality, and industrial maturity of PES/CO recycling routes. This review addresses that gap by providing a focused and comparative assessment of technologies designed for PES/CO fractionation. The paper analyses both polyester-removal and cellulose-removal routes, covering depolymerisation (hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, aminolysis), dissolving systems (NMMO, ionic liquids, DES, cold alkaline), and enzymatic or acid-based degradation. Each route is evaluated using technical criteria including fraction purity, cellulose degree of polymerisation, polyester monomer recovery, fibre quality, chemical consumption and energy requirement, solvent recovery, reaction conditions, and scalability. The review finds that chemical depolymerisation of PES and selective dissolution of cellulose currently show the strongest potential for high-quality fibre-to-fibre recycling, particularly when solvent recovery systems are integrated. However, significant barriers remain, including incomplete fraction purity, degradation of cellulose DP, limited recovery of high-quality polyester intermediates, high chemical consumption, and insufficient industrial-scale demonstrations. Overall, this review provides a differentiated and critical synthesis of PES/CO recycling technologies, clarifying their readiness levels and outlining the key scientific and industrial challenges that must be addressed to enable circularity in blended textile waste streams.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030091

Authors: Seyoung Jeon Hyojeong Lee

Clothing pressure is a critical design parameter in compression garments, yet its estimation in three-dimensional (3D) digital environments remains challenging because it depends on fabric mechanics, garment deformation, body geometry, and garment–body contact. This study developed a calibrated 3D vector-projection method for estimating clothing pressure from digital garment-mesh deformation. The method was based on the mechanical premise that garment extension generates in-plane tensile forces, whereas interface pressure is associated with the component of those forces acting normal to the body surface. Accordingly, corresponding flat and deformed garment meshes from CLO 3D were used to calculate edge-length strain and internal force; resultant forces were projected onto local avatar-normal directions and normalized by vertex-associated surface area to obtain uncalibrated pressure-related values. Five tricot fabrics and two pattern-reduction levels were used to produce ten compression tops, and pressure measured at five body locations was used for modulus-group-specific linear calibration to account for stiffness-dependent differences in deformation-to-pressure conversion. Under leave-one-garment-out cross-validation, the final linear model achieved an overall R2 of 0.563, an RMSE of 0.587 kPa, and an MAE of 0.427 kPa. A 1–15 mm contact-distance analysis identified 10 mm as a conservative numerical stabilization point, with normalized means remaining within ±2% of the 15 mm reference and adjacent-threshold changes below 0.1 from 10 to 15 mm. The proposed method provides a transparent, mechanics-informed mesh-level procedure that converts digital garment deformation into calibrated body-normal pressure estimates and 3D spatial maps without treating commercial virtual-fitting pressure maps as direct physical predictions.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030090

Authors: Paula Cota Leyre Marqués Gabriela Mijas Hendrich Lezeck Siddanth Saxena Ramon Mujal Manuel J. Lis Meritxell Martí

Microencapsulation has become an indispensable technique across various industries that require the controlled release and stability of bioactive agents. In this study, the encapsulation of cinnamon essential oil (CEO), known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, was study to enable controlled release when applied to textile substrates. This procedure involves defining and examining several steps to establish a stable, scalable complex coacervation methodology. To form a stable microcapsule matrix, CEO was emulsified using a combination of surfactants (Span 80, Tween 20, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate). After forming micelles containing CEO, two biopolymers (chitosan and gum Arabic) were used at various proportions to form a microcapsule shell via a layer-by-layer approach. Advanced characterization techniques, such as spectrophotometry and laser scattering, were used to evaluate microcapsule stability, size, and release kinetics, as well as to assess potential antibacterial activity. The presence of oil-containing microcapsules was confirmed using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results demonstrate that Span 80 concentrations of 0.4 and 0.7 g/L provided the most stable encapsulation environment and enabled a controlled CEO release profile after being applied to cotton substrates. In addition, the influence of the fabric’s chemical characteristics was clearly illustrated in the drug delivery experiments. However, antibacterial efficacy was limited due to the low CEO concentration within the microcapsules, indicating the need for further optimization. These findings provide valuable insights into the broader application of essential oil encapsulation, particularly within the pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic sectors.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030089

Authors: Yılmaz Erbil Semira Koçak

This study comparatively examines the combined influence of hemp blend ratio, weft count and dual-core weft architecture on selected transport-related comfort indicators of hemp-blended denim fabrics. Eleven 3/1 twill denim fabrics were produced using two warp families, namely 100% cotton and cotton/hemp (69/31), together with rigid, single-core and dual-core weft yarns incorporating cotton, hemp, lyocell, elastane and PET/PTT T400®. Air permeability was measured according to ASTM D737, and the water vapour transmission factor (WVPf) was determined using a wet-cup gravimetric procedure based on ASTM E96. Air permeability ranged from 96.68 to 252.96 mm/s, while mean WVPf values ranged from 102.89 to 204.28. The results indicated that weft architecture and fabric structure were more strongly associated with comfort behaviour than fibre composition alone. In particular, dual-core weft constructions generally promoted higher air permeability, whereas water vapour transmission remained dependent on a combined effect of fabric mass, sett and yarn design. Fabrics containing hemp contributed to moisture transfer performance, although the magnitude of this effect varied with constructional parameters. Multivariate evaluation further indicated that fabric mass, ends/cm and picks/cm were key variables governing the observed comfort response. Overall, the findings suggest that hemp-blended denim fabrics can be optimised through an appropriate balance of hemp content, weft count and dual-core yarn design to achieve improved breathability and moisture transport.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030088

Authors: Heitor Luiz Ornaghi Júnior Patricia Rocio Durañona Aznar Marielen Longhi Lidia Kunz Lazzari Ademir José Zattera

Arc-flash protective textiles are specialized technical fabrics designed to endure extreme thermal energy and inhibit ignition during electrical faults. It is an industry driven by the enhanced use of machine learning models, autonomous technologies, and advanced analytics. Key sectors, including healthcare, automotive, retail, financial services, and technology, are making considerable investments in high-quality training datasets to improve AI performance. Consequently, there is an escalating demand for scalable and accurate data annotation services. This review has as its main objective to demonstrate the recent advances on arc-flash protective textiles, including arc-flash environment, material failure mechanisms, structural design, performance characterization, and new materials breakthrough.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030087

Authors: Mst. Tania Aktek Mohammad Ali

Developing durable multifunctional clothing with enhanced mechanical and comfort properties utilizing eco-friendly, cost-effective hybrid nano finishes is highly challenging. The reason behind the nondurable functionality is the lack of bonding ability of nanoparticles (NPs) with cotton fabric, and this additional coating has a great impact on the mechanical, thermo-physiological, and sensorial comfort properties of cotton fabric. Focusing on these issues, this paper attempts to develop biogenic chitosan-loaded CuO-SiO2 hybrid nano finishes with three distinct formulations, namely Chi-CuO-SiO2(5g/L), Chi-CuO-SiO2(10g/L), and Chi-CuO-SiO2(20g/L) hybrid nanofluids, to incorporate on cotton fabric by pad-dry-cure method. These hybrid nanofluids from biogenic Chi-CuO and rice husk SiO2 NPs have been newly introduced for textile application. The NPs CuO and SiO2 are synthesized from lemon peel zest extract and rice husk, respectively. Characterization of CuO NPs by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray diffractometers (XRD) evidences that spherical-shaped, amorphous, and 60–80 nm sized NPs are synthesized. The hydrodynamic performance of hybrid nanofluids measured by Zeta Sizer shows that the chitosan-loaded CuO-SiO2(5g/L) hybrid nanofluid is the most stable among the three, and the value is +29.4 mV. The presence of CuO NPs, SiO2 NPs, and chitosan on cotton fabric was confirmed by FTIR, FESEM, and EDX spectra of the hybrid nanofluid-deposited fabric. The cotton fabric coated with chitosan-loaded CuO-SiO2 hybrid nanofluids exhibits better durable antimicrobial efficacy, UV-protective properties, and thermo-physiological comfort properties than that of the uncoated fabric. More specifically, CuO-SiO2(20g/L)-coated fabric demonstrates approximately 99.99% bacterial efficacy against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria even after 15 washing cycles, and excellent UV-protective properties. In addition, CuO-SiO2(5g/L)-coated fabric displays around 75% enhancement of overall moisture management properties and 1.22% and 0.53% enhancement of tensile strength in warp and weft directions with excellent elongation compared to the pristine one. Moreover, assessment of the mechanical sensorial comfort properties of this fabric depicts that it is smoother, and has better thermal conductivity than that of the control one. In addition, CuO-SiO2(5g/L) hybrid nanofluid-treated cotton fabric exhibited cell viability above 95%, which confirms its non-cytotoxicity. The outcomes of this study suggest that chitosan-loaded CuO-SiO2(5g/L) hybrid nanofluid-treated cotton fabric can be considered as optimum and employed as biomedical textiles with better mechanical and comfort properties.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030086

Authors: Albert Guerrero Casas Diana Cayuela Marta Riba-Moliner

Conventional cotton bleaching relies on hydrogen peroxide under high temperatures and alkaline conditions, leading to high water and energy consumption. This study evaluates ozone as a sustainable alternative oxidizing agent to improve process efficiency. An ozone-based process was investigated by analyzing the influence of pH, fabric moisture content, and chemical additives, including stabilizers and surfactants. Performance was assessed using CIELab coordinates together with evaluation of substrate integrity through degree of polymerization to ensure suitability for subsequent dyeing. Results indicate that bath composition is critical, with both acidic and alkaline media outperforming neutral conditions. Fabric moisture was identified as a key parameter, where periodic renewal of the impregnation bath significantly enhanced bleaching efficiency. Under optimal conditions, the process achieved notable bleaching levels within short treatment times and with low energy requirements. These findings demonstrate that ozone bleaching represents a promising, energy-efficient alternative for cotton pre-treatment, capable of providing substrates suitable for high-quality and sustainable textile colouration.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030085

Authors: Prachaya Chamarat Potjanart Suwanruji Jantip Setthayanond Nuttha Sanevas

Natural dyes are attracting increasing attention owing to their environmental compatibility and safety profile, particularly in contrast to synthetic dyes, which may contain hazardous compounds posing risks to human health and ecosystems. In this study, crude phycocyanin extract from the cyanobacterium Limnothrix planctonica (KU.B3) was evaluated as a natural blue color for textile screen printing. The investigation encompassed the optimization of curing temperatures and assessment of colorfastness under simulated-use conditions, including washfastness, lightfastness, and rubfastness. The results indicated that a curing temperature of 110 °C represented the practical upper limit for maintaining phycocyanin chromophore stability during the screen printing process. Among the additive compound evaluated, copper sulfate conferred the greatest resistance to UV-induced fading; the compound-treated fabric retained a K/S value of 0.83 ± 0.03 following 5 h of UV exposure, representing a decline of approximately 16% compared with approximately 25% in the untreated control. However, washfastness was poor across all treatment conditions (grey scale score 1), indicating that under the binder system investigated in this study phycocyanin may be more suitable for decorative rather than washable textile applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030084

Authors: Ivo Šafařík Jitka Procházková Viktor Petrenko László Almásy Vasil M. Garamus Arkadiusz Józefczak Oleksandr V. Kovalchuk Kristýna Zelená Pospíšková Leonid A. Bulavin Peter Kopčanský Magdalena Joka Yildiz

Efficient adsorbents and nanozyme-like materials are of growing importance in environmental technologies. Here, we report a simple and potentially scalable approach for the immobilization of biochars onto nonwoven acrylic textiles, yielding composite materials with good retention of immobilized biochar during aqueous treatment and combined adsorption and peroxidase-like activities. The structure of native and biochar-modified textiles was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering, confirming the presence of biochar particles on fiber surfaces and within the inter-fiber space, as well as nanoscale structural changes induced by biochar incorporation. Textile-bound biochars exhibited peroxidase-like activity toward N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and enabled effective decolorization of methylene blue. Adsorption alone resulted in 61% dye removal after 240 min, while the combined adsorption-catalytic process achieved 74% decolorization. Modification of the textile-bound biochar with copper ions further enhanced the peroxidase-like activity, increasing dye removal to 85% under identical conditions. The optional incorporation of a magnetic iron wire allows facile magnetic handling of the composite. Owing to its low cost, simplicity of preparation, and dual functionality, the textile-bound biochar composite represents a promising proof-of-concept platform that may warrant further development for dye removal and related environmental applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030083

Authors: Shohag Chandra Das Mohidus Samad Khan

The ongoing concern about advanced healthcare systems drives the development of highly functional medical textile products. However, despite rapid growth in fiber-based healthcare products, a comprehensive understanding of the relation between fiber and product properties remains limited. This review paper discusses the various fibers used in medical textiles, their classifications, applications, and properties. The existing pre-pandemic studies showed a narrow focus on classifications and applications. Therefore, in this review paper, very recent studies (post-pandemic) were analyzed, focusing on different physical, mechanical, biological, and chemical properties necessary for healthcare applications. The adoption of international standards for assessing these properties has enhanced the products’ global acceptance. Moreover, this paper explores recent innovations and challenges, indicating the future possibilities of medical textiles. The study summarizes a coalition between textiles and medical science to create a new field, Tex-Medical Engineering.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030082

Authors: Sana Ben Abdallah Dominique C. Adolphe Ramzi Zouari Faouzi Khedher Boubaker Jaouachi

Quality inspection is a fundamental pillar of textile manufacturing, as garment defects directly affect customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and overall brand reputation. In this context, automated inspection systems have become essential for ensuring consistent product quality and reducing reliance on manual inspection, which is often labor-intensive, inconsistent, and susceptible to human error. With the emergence of industry 4.0 and the increasing adoption of automation and smart manufacturing technologies in the textile sector, the demand for intelligent and automated quality inspection systems has significantly increased. Recent advances in deep learning and computer vision have opened new opportunities for precise and real-time identification of sewing defects. This study proposes a YOLOv11-based framework for detecting critical defects such as crooked seams and skipped stitches, aiming to enhance accuracy, speed, and reliability in garment inspection. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of the proposed method to significantly improve quality assurance processes within modern apparel manufacturing environments.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030081

Authors: Andreia A. S. Alves Diogo Carvalho Elodie Melro Marco Sebastião Ricardo Santos Filipe E. Antunes

The release of microplastic fibers from synthetic textiles during domestic laundering is a major contributor to aquatic pollution. Nanomaterial-based surface treatments have recently emerged as a potential route for minimizing microfiber shedding. This study investigates the use, for the first time, of metal oxide nanoparticles (TiO2, ZnO, MgO) functionalized with fatty acids (oleic acid (OA) and stearic acid (SA)) as microfiber-retaining agents. The nanoparticles were modified via a simple adsorption process at room temperature, monitored by zeta potential analysis, and confirmed by DSC-TG and FTIR-ATR analysis. When applied to polyester fabrics during simulated washing cycles, the hydrophobicity of the polyester surface coated with functionalized nanoparticles was assessed via contact angle measurements, and the effect on microfiber shedding was evaluated by the filtration of wastewater and by weighing the mass of fibers retained in the filters. ZnO and MgO nanoparticles treated with stearic and oleic acid demonstrated a significant reduction in fiber shedding compared to commercial laundry detergent (approximately 46–70%). In contrast, fatty acid adsorption onto TiO2 was less efficient (reduction in microfiber release ~23%), and the TiO2-based systems showed limited improvement in microfiber shedding, possibly due to insufficient hydrophobic interaction. These results demonstrate that fatty acid functionalization of low-cost inorganic nanoparticles is a promising strategy for mitigating microfiber pollution in laundry effluents.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030080

Authors: Rukiye Zeynep Gencal Öztürk Nilşen Sünter Eroğlu

The growing emphasis on sustainability in fashion and textile systems has renewed interest in natural dyes as both ecological colorants and expressive design tools. This study investigates a design-oriented approach to sustainable screen-printing by combining plant-based dyestuffs with conceptual pattern development and scientific performance analysis. It assumes that natural dyes can function not only as environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic colorants but also as active design materials within contemporary textile printing. Accordingly, the study asks how dye type and fiber type influence color performance, fastness behavior, and fiber–dye interaction in screen-printed natural fabrics. Natural dyes derived from Rubia cordifolia (Rubia®), Punica granatum peel (Mallow®), and Morus alba leaves (Leafy Green®) were applied to 100% cotton, linen, and silk fabrics through an environmentally responsible screen-printing process. A garlic-inspired motif was developed to support the study’s visual and conceptual framework by representing circularity, low-impact agriculture, and cultural sustainability. Colorimetric properties (L*, a*, b*, K/S, ΔE) were measured by spectrophotometric analysis, while washing and rubbing fastness were evaluated according to international standards. FTIR spectroscopy was used to examine fiber–dye interaction mechanisms, and statistical significance was tested through two-way ANOVA. The findings show that fabric type is the dominant factor affecting color performance, with cotton exhibiting the highest color strength due to its cellulose-rich and hydroxyl-dense structure. Rubia® produced the darkest and most saturated tones, whereas Mallow® yielded lighter pastel-like shades. FTIR results indicated that dye fixation occurred primarily through non-covalent interactions, explaining the balance between aesthetic richness and moderate fastness. The study offers a replicable model for environmentally responsible, design-oriented textile production that integrates material innovation with cultural and visual narratives.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030079

Authors: Nienke Leenders Gerard P. M. van Klink Gert-Jan M. Gruter

With the increasing generation of textile waste, efficient chemical recycling methods are urgently needed. This study evaluates a hydrochloric acid-based process for recycling polycotton textiles (polyester/cotton blends), in which cotton is selectively hydrolyzed and converted into 5-(chloromethyl)furfural (CMF), while polyester is recovered. The impact of common non-polycotton fiber contaminants on process performance and product quality was systematically assessed. Cellulose-based fibers did not hinder the process and are suitable for CMF production, while most synthetic fibers were effectively removed without affecting the CMF yield. In contrast, animal fibers reduced the CMF yield and complicated acid recovery, indicating they should be avoided in the feedstocks. Additionally, polyacrylonitrile and wool persisted in the solid fraction, contaminating the recovered polyester and lowering its value. To improve process robustness and product quality, intermediate filtration and extended hydrolysis time are recommended. These findings highlight critical feedstock requirements and operational adjustments for scalable polycotton recycling.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030078

Authors: Marta A. Teixeira Beatriz Magalhães Juliana C. Dias Cláudia Amorim Raquel Bértolo Paula Pinto Carla J. Silva Lúcia Rodrigues

Functionalized wet-laid nonwovens were developed from recycled cotton fibres, including spinning process residues (SPRs) and cotton fabric scraps (CFSs), blended with refined bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), demonstrating the valorisation of textile waste into high-performance materials. A two-step surface functionalisation strategy was applied, combining spray deposition of a polyamide-amine wet-strength resin with padding using carnauba wax, polyurethane dispersion and their combination. SEM and ATR-FTIR analyses confirmed successful functionalization of the cellulosic nonwovens without affecting their structure. The surface modification induced a hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic transition, with SPR-based nonwovens showing higher contact angles (>130°), lower water uptake and slower liquid penetration. The applied functionalization strategies suppressed liquid strike-through (STT) across both nonwovens’ formulations. Mechanical performance was also enhanced. SPR-based nonwovens modified with the combined agents showed increases of 59% and 90% to 30/70% SPR/BEKP and 70/30% SPR/BEKP, respectively, while CFS-based nonwovens exhibited increases of 148% and 207% for the same formulations. Wet strength was noticeably improved, exceeding instrumental limits in SPR systems functionalized with polyurethane dispersion alone as well as with the combined agents. Therefore, this functionalization strategy effectively overcomes the intrinsic hydrophilicity and wet weakness of cellulosic nonwovens, enabling to be applied in packaging, household and other technical applications, while promoting the circular economy.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030077

Authors: Shuichi Sakamoto Gaku Muroi Yusuke Nakao Teppei Kuroda

Various models exist for predicting the sound absorption coefficient of porous materials, including the capillary model within the Rayleigh model. However, many of these models require an acoustic parameter known as ventilation resistance, which is difficult to determine theoretically for fibrous materials such as wool. This study theoretically estimated the sound absorption coefficient of glass wool using computed tomography (CT) images. Voids within the glass wool were approximated as clearances in two parallel planes. Sound absorption characteristics were theoretically estimated by determining the propagation constant and characteristic impedance within these voids. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis accounted for the tortuosity of the material. During CT image processing, corrections were applied to approximate the actual fiber surface area by accounting for the fiber inclination relative to the direction of sound wave incidence. This correction was determined by approximating the fiber cross-section visible in the CT image as an ellipse and using the resulting ellipticity. A two-microphone impedance measurement tube was used to measure the normal incident sound absorption coefficient. The proposed method provides fundamental insights into the model-based development of sound-absorbing materials and is expected to contribute to cost reduction by eliminating the need for conventional air permeability tests.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030076

Authors: Laura Freixas Laura Mejias Judit González Javier Peña

This research presents bacterial cellulose (BC) filaments knitted from agro-industrial by-products. The fermentation media came from pressed fruit (beetroot, ginger, grape), vegetable beverages, bagasse with different concentrations (1/2.5, 1/5, 1/7.5, and 1/10), and a control medium with unrefined sugar from sugarcane or panela. The BC filaments were obtained from a mixed culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY); functionalized using NaOH purification treatment and glycerol plasticizer; untwisted and twisted with 1-, 2-, and 4-ply; and characterized physically and mechanically by weight, diameter, tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation. The untwisted and 2-ply twisted BC filaments from the fruit medium 1/2.5 showed tensile strength of 272 MPa and 155 MPa, respectively. Finally, control panela filaments with 1-, 2-, and 4-ply and fruit filaments with 2- and 4-ply were knitted in wet states. This research demonstrates the use of by-products to produce BC filaments with knitting properties for textile applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6030075

Authors: Xin Zhang Jianwei Yang Honghong He Hong Qu Jie Luo

Online apparel size recommendation remains difficult because consumers cannot physically assess garment fit before purchase. It is a multi-dimensional fit evaluation problem, particularly for complex garments such as jackets, where multiple body areas jointly influence perceived fit. Existing methods often rely on limited anthropometric measures, heuristic rules, or behavioral data, restricting both accuracy and interpretability. To address this issue, this study proposes an interpretable multi-dimensional fit evaluation framework based on garment ease theory. The framework defines ideal ease as the target fit condition and quantifies deviations through a segment-based weighting mechanism. Section-level mappings between body and garment measurements are established, and differentiated penalties are assigned according to the semantic fit interval of each body area. Section-specific evaluations are aggregated into an overall fit score (OFS) for candidate size ranking and Top-K recommendation, while also providing detailed fit feedback. Experiments involving 270 female participants and two jacket styles show high recommendation accuracy, achieving Top-3 accuracies of 99.6% for the regular-fit jacket and 98.9% for the tight-fit jacket. Compared with traditional heuristic methods, the proposed approach demonstrates clear advantages in both performance and interpretability, offering a practical solution that balances accuracy, transparency, and deployability.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020074

Authors: Emilija Toshikj Sijche Pechkova

In this study, we investigate the optimization of ring spinning parameters affecting key yarn quality characteristics, including yarn tension, cop diameter, and end breakage. Experiments were conducted on cotton–polyester yarn using three process variables: traveler mass (60, 67.5, and 75 mg), spindle speed (12,900, 13,300, and 13,700 min−1), and doff stage (43, 111, and 179 mm). A two-stage optimization method was applied: we used the Taguchi method to optimize individual responses, while a normalization-based composite scoring approach was used to integrate them to determine globally optimal ring spinning parameters under differing response-specific conditions. The results show that traveler mass is the dominant factor influencing yarn tension, contributing 65.48% and 73.29% of variation at the bottom and top ring rail positions, respectively. Cop diameter is primarily governed by doff stage, contributing 89.43% of total variance (ANOVA), with the intermediate level (111 mm) yielding the highest mean diameter and the most favorable S/N ratio. The yarn breakage rate is mainly affected by doff stage (57.26%) and spindle speed (41.89%), with minimum breakage observed at moderate spindle speed and mid-level doff stage. The global optimal parameter combination (60 mg traveler mass, 12,900 min−1 spindle speed, and 111 mm doff stage) achieved balanced multi-response performance. The framework demonstrates strong predictive capability (R2 > 0.991) and enables optimization.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020073

Authors: Liudmyla M. Grishchenko Vitaliy E. Diyuk Mykola V. Borysenko Igor P. Matushko Viktoriia D. Malovychko Maksym O. Popov Hryhorii L. Chumak Ruslan T. Mariychuk Volodymyr G. Demchenko Vladyslav A. Moiseienko Olga Yu. Boldyrieva Oleksandr V. Mischanchuk Vladyslav V. Lisnyak

Viscose-derived carbon fibers (VDCFs) are lightweight and flexible textile materials with strong potential for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding; however, their performance is governed by surface chemistry. This study aims to tailor the functional properties of VDCFs via process-driven sulfurization. The fibers were treated with sulfur vapor at 400–800 °C under argon, followed by rapid quenching, enabling controlled sulfur incorporation (0.5–12 mmol g−1). Structural and chemical analyses (XRD, SEM–EDS, ATR–FTIR, and TPD–MS) revealed temperature-dependent sulfur incorporation and evolution of sulfur-containing surface functionalities. Sulfurization at 400–500 °C favored the formation of thermally labile sulfur species, tentatively assigned to mercapto-, sulfide-, and polysulfide-type groups, whereas higher treatment temperatures promoted more thermally stable sulfur-containing functionalities associated with the carbon framework. Two desorption regimes (120–250 °C and 250–500 °C) indicate the coexistence of weakly and strongly bound sulfur species. Importantly, sulfurization preserved fibrous morphology while increasing surface roughness and defect density, enhancing interfacial activity. The treatment temperature was identified as the key factor controlling sulfur loading and distribution, with sulfur content continuing to decrease above 600 °C, albeit at a reduced rate. Electromagnetic characterization in the X-band (8–12 GHz) showed a transition toward reflection-dominated EMI shielding, with reflectivity increasing from 87% for pristine fibers to 94–95% for sulfurized samples at 10 GHz, accompanied by corresponding decreases in transmission and absorption. These results demonstrate a clear processing–structure–property relationship and highlight sulfur-functionalized VDCFs as efficient textile components for EMI shielding.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020072

Authors: Dušan Ranđelović Vladan Jovanović Vuk Milošević Jelena Savić Miomir Vasov

Textile membrane systems are increasingly used in sports halls because of their low structural weight, rapid assembly, and ability to span large areas. Their operational performance, however, is strongly affected by local climate conditions, envelope configuration and the limited thermal inertia of membrane materials. This study presents a comparative EnergyPlus-based assessment of textile membrane sports halls in six representative climate contexts: Helsinki, Berlin, Niš, Barcelona, Dawadmi and Bangkok. A conventional masonry hall was used as the reference case and compared with a single-layer PVC-coated polyester membrane system and double-layer membrane systems with air gaps of 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 m, including mechanically ventilated air-cavity variants. The assessment combines four performance indicators: annual operational energy demand, carbon emissions, indicative global cost and thermal comfort expressed through Fanger’s Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied (PPD) index. The results show that the dominant energy demand is climate-dependent, with heating prevailing in cold climates and cooling becoming decisive in hot-arid and hot-humid climates. Double-layer cases usually show lower operational energy demand and lower associated carbon dioxide emissions than the single-layer membrane case. This improvement, however, is not uniform; it depends on the climatic setting and on the width of the air gap. The comfort results lead to a similar but more limited conclusion. Although PPD is reduced in the double-layer configurations, the values remain above conventional comfort acceptance levels in all tested cases. The double-layer membrane should therefore be understood as a measure that reduces thermal dissatisfaction, not as a complete comfort solution. The economic assessment indicates that membrane systems have substantially lower initial capital costs than masonry construction, while their long-term performance depends on operational energy costs, membrane replacement assumptions and the selected analysis horizon. The study provides a climate-specific comparative framework for early-stage envelope selection in textile membrane sports halls, emphasizing that energy demand, carbon emissions, cost and thermal comfort should be considered together rather than as separate outputs.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020071

Authors: Muhammad Umair Muhammad Arslan Khalid Kulsoom Hanif Sahar Danish Mahmood Baitab Adeel Abbas Khubab Shaker

Synthetic-materials-induced environmental burdens have shifted the focus of scientists towards sustainable packaging solutions. Three-dimensional (3D) woven fabrics offering superior mechanical durability are a promising solution to the problem. However, this area has remained unattended by researchers in the field of packaging technology. Hence this study focuses on development of warp, weft, and bidirectional interlock 3D woven fabrics for packaging applications. Aiming at mechanical durability, tensile and creep characterization have been carried out, depicting the strong influence of interlacement patterns on mechanical properties. Increasing the number of interlacements decreased tensile and creep strength, such as the lower weftwise tensile strength offered by weft interlock 3D, and vice versa for warp interlock. While elongations were found higher in interlocking directions, creep loadings carried out at 30% and 60% of breaking loads revealed unique after tensile creep behaviors. Weftwise tensile strength decreased after creep; warp interlock 3D entailed 42% decrease in tensile strength after creep. However, warpwise tensile strength was noticed to be higher for weft interlock 3D, owing to alignment of yarns during applied creep, while a decrease was noticed in elongation percentages. In a nutshell, the engineered 3D interlacements entailed successful tailoring of mechanical properties, paving a pathway towards high-strength sustainable packaging.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020070

Authors: Suji Kim Jayun Gu Seok Ho Cho

The increasing incidence of traffic accidents involving elderly pedestrians has highlighted the necessity for effective strategies to improve visibility in low-light environments. Conventional safety garments based on retroreflective materials or optical fibers exhibit limitations, including passive operation and low luminance. In this study, a textile-based organic light-emitting diode (OLED) safety garment with automatic light-sensing functionality is proposed to overcome these limitations. The OLED devices were fabricated on an ultrathin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate and transferred onto a textile substrate to maintain flexibility and wearability. A light-emitting module incorporating a LilyPad Arduino and ambient light sensor was implemented to enable automatic illumination under low-light conditions. The fabricated textile-based OLED exhibited a luminance of 550 cd/m2 at 4.5 V and maintained stable performance after transfer, with a T50 lifetime of 485 h. Thermal analysis showed a minimal temperature increase of 2.9 °C after 5 h of operation, remaining below body temperature. Moreover, mechanical testing confirmed over 95% luminance retention after 2,000 bending cycles. The fabricated OLED-based luminous safety garment exhibited lightweight wearability with a total weight of 140 g and improved visibility at observation distances of up to 50 m under low-light conditions. These results indicate that the proposed OLED-based luminous safety garment can offer a viable solution for enhancing the safety of elderly pedestrians.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020069

Authors: Shuichi Sakamoto Kaito Kuboki Nobuhito Taguchi Sota Hatori Gaku Muroi Yusuke Nakao

A broadband sound-absorbing structure that combines a nonwoven sheet with a back air space and a Helmholtz resonator is proposed. The incident surface of the nonwoven sheet with the back air space is divided into two areas, and a sound-absorbing tile with high sound absorption coefficients across a wide frequency range is created by incorporating a Helmholtz resonator at the end of one of the back air spaces. Theoretical and experimental analyses were performed. Sound absorption coefficients were measured using a two-microphone impedance measurement tube and the theoretical values were derived using the transfer matrix method. The results demonstrate that the proposed sound-absorbing structure exhibits high sound absorption coefficients across a wide frequency range for both experimental and theoretical values. The sound absorption coefficient of the proposed sound-absorbing tile is improved in the low-frequency range, and the dip in the high-frequency range is eliminated. The sound absorption curve of the proposed tile became broader compared with either the Helmholtz resonator alone or the nonwoven sheet with a back air space alone. Theoretical values closely match experimental trends; thus, it is possible to estimate the sound absorption coefficients of the proposed structure with sufficient accuracy for practical applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020068

Authors: Antonio Jesús Álvarez Rocío María Oliva

Agrotextiles are critical for enhancing climate resilience and food security in modern agriculture. This scoping review maps the global research landscape to identify primary functions, applications, and emerging sustainability challenges. Following the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, 206 studies published between 2000 and 2025 and indexed in Scopus and WoSCC were systematically analysed using a hybrid qualitative–quantitative approach. Results demonstrate that pest exclusion (37.4%) and solar radiation management (34.5%) are the dominant functional roles, with research heavily concentrated in high-value crops such as tomato (22.2%) and pepper (13.8%). Although synthetic polymers prevail, a substantial reporting gap remains, as 51.9% of studies do not explicitly specify base materials. Nevertheless, a clear shift toward sustainability is emerging, with environmental themes accounting for 77.8% of publications in 2025, particularly focusing on biodegradable materials and pesticide reduction. Overall, while applied performance research in agrotextiles is relatively mature, the field remains fragmented in terms of material transparency and structural standardisation. Future advances should integrate circular economy principles, establish technical reporting standards, and expand applications into extensive and tropical cropping systems to support global agricultural resilience.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020067

Authors: Claudio Capuzzimati Andrea Barni Alessandro Fontana Paolo De Ponti Silvio Faragò Marzio Sorlini

This study presents a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of silk manufacturing across the Eurasian value chain, covering yarn-dyed, open-width, and printed fabrics. Based on foreground data collected from Chinese companies and thirteen Italian manufacturers in the Como silk district, the analysis was performed in OpenLCA using CML 2001, ReCiPe Endpoint and Midpoint, and USEtox, with background data from Ecoinvent v3.8. The study compares dry and fresh cocoon use in silk reeling and examines the environmental profiles of the three fabric routes. Results show that cocoon reeling is the main environmental hotspot, while yarn-dyeing, fabric dyeing, and printing also contribute significantly, especially through water and chemical consumption. The comparison highlights both common patterns and route-specific differences. The findings provide a baseline for environmental improvement in silk manufacturing and support future harmonization efforts in environmental labelling, certification, and PCR-aligned assessment.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020066

Authors: Muhammad Nadeem Muhammad Irfan Abdul Basit Ali Afzal Hafsa Jamshed Liliana Indrie Adina Albu

The growing demand for sustainable and functional textiles has prompted exploration of novel natural fibers from agricultural by-products. This study investigates the feasibility of utilizing corn silk fibers, an abundant agro-waste from corn processing, as a blend component with cotton for yarn and knitted product development. Corn silk fibers were blended with cotton to produce ring-spun yarns, which exhibited tenacity, elongation, and hairiness comparable to pure cotton yarns. The tenacity and elongation of the cotton yarn were 16 cN/Tex and 5.46%, while those of cotton–corn silk yarns were 14 cN/tex and 4.98%, respectively. However, the unevenness (U%) of the cotton–corn silk yarn was 14.83% while that of the cotton control yarn was 10.06%. These blended yarns were successfully knitted into socks. The resulting socks demonstrated satisfactory performance in abrasion resistance, absorbency, vertical wicking, color fastness to washing, and moisture content, comparable to pure cotton socks, indicating viable processability and dyeability. The abrasion tests of the socks developed from both the yarns showed no thinning or hole formation until 10,000 abrasion cycles. This work establishes the technical feasibility of corn silk–cotton blends and highlights their potential for future research into medicinal or functional textile applications, such as antibacterial or anti-odor properties.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020065

Authors: Ahmed Er-Rafik Guilhem Bles Ali Tourabi

This paper investigates cyclic pure shear under biaxial tensile loading and finite strain conditions. To interpret the experimental measurements, a set of stress and strain parameters is defined without assuming any specific constitutive model. In addition, a power-conjugate stress–strain rate pair is introduced within the finite strain framework, whose tensor contraction gives the internal power per unit mass. The test was applied to characterize the cyclic pure shear behavior of a coated woven polyester fabric commonly used in the maritime industry for sailmaking applications. A cruciform specimen geometry, specifically designed for pure shear testing and including three slits in each arm, is proposed and was validated by full-field strain measurements obtained using stereo digital image correlation (SDIC). During the tests, a non-contact CCD camera target-tracking system was used to measure strain evolution. This system enables monitoring of the distortion angle between warp and weft yarns, as well as strain in the warp, weft, and principal strain directions. The results reveal a new ratcheting phenomenon, characterized by progressive strain accumulation in the warp and weft directions during successive shear cycles, leading to a gradual increase in the specimen’s surface area.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020064

Authors: Recep Karadag

Silk fabrics and caftans preserved in the Topkapı Palace Museum collection constitute a distinguished group of cultural heritage objects reflecting the advanced weaving technologies, refined metal-thread use, and sophisticated natural dyeing practices of Ottoman court textile production. In this study, selected ceremonial caftans attributed to five Ottoman sultans were examined through a multidisciplinary and multi-analytical approach to characterize their structural, chromatic, and chemical properties. Color characteristics were evaluated in the CIE L*a*b* color space, while yarn properties, weave structures, and production techniques were investigated by optical microscopy. The morphology and elemental composition of the metal threads were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), and dyestuffs were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC–DAD). The results show that compound silk weaving structures were widely used in Ottoman court textiles, metal threads were predominantly silver-based and often gold-gilded, and dyestuffs with high fastness properties were preferentially selected. The revised manuscript situates these findings within a broader international literature on historical textile analysis and natural dye characterization, while using only a limited number of directly relevant studies from the authors’ previous work. The present study therefore provides new, object-specific and comparable data for the scientific documentation, material characterization, and conservation-oriented understanding of Ottoman textile heritage.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020063

Authors: Aws Mohammed Hameed Al-Khazraji Saeed Golmohammadi Amir A. Ghavifekr

Fabric defect detection is one of the most significant challenges in the textile industry due to its critical role in quality assessment and management. Conventional single-stage detectors often capture small-scale and low-contrast defects inadequately. On the other hand, high-accuracy two-stage methods suffer from excessive computational complexity. This study proposes an improved Single Shot MultiBox Detector (SSD) model by replacing the feature map layer with the Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network (BiFPN) from EfficientDet. Also, Bayesian optimization is utilized to systematically tune the related hyperparameters, which improves convergence stability and detection performance without manual intervention. Performance evaluation involves a trade-off between mean average precision at IoU 0.5 (mAP50) and execution time or frames per second (FPS), given that fabric defect detection requires the rotation of fabric motors or rollers. Experiments on a fabric defect dataset demonstrate that the proposed SSD-BiFPN framework outperforms baseline SSD models when it comes to precision, recall, and mean average precision, particularly for small and irregular defects. Additionally, the proposed architecture demonstrates satisfactory real-time performance when implemented on an NVIDIA Jetson Nano platform, highlighting its appropriateness for edge-based industrial inspection scenarios.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020062

Authors: Prateeti Ugale Shourya Lingampally James Dieffenderfer Minyoung Suh

In the original publication [...]

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020060

Authors: Shuheng Li Jun Liu Jiuzhen Liang Hao Liu

Unsupervised anomaly detection in industrial fabric inspection remains a formidable challenge due to the complexity of background textures and the subtle, irregular nature of real-world defects. Although the teacher-student distillation paradigm has demonstrated promising performance without reliance on anomalous data, existing methods still struggle in the presence of complex textures, largely due to limited semantic guidance, insufficient frequency modeling, and inadequate multi-scale representation. To address these limitations, we propose a novel reverse distillation framework tailored for fabric defect detection. The core of our method is the frequency decoupling Feature fusion module (FDFM), which achieves frequency domain alignment between teacher and student features through spatially adaptive and learnable filter banks, namely the adaptive high-pass filter (AHPF) and the adaptive low-pass filter (ALPF). Specifically: (1) the high-frequency pathway employs deconvolutional residual enhancement to emphasize boundary details; (2) the low-frequency pathway leverages the CARAFE operator to Handle these normal fluctuations to prevent the model from mistakenly identifying background changes as abnormal areas. This design not only maintains a lightweight architecture but also significantly improves sensitivity to fine-grained anomalies. Furthermore, we introduce a cross-layer residual alignment mechanism that guides the student network in reconstructing deep semantic representations from the teacher-student feature pairs. To balance detection accuracy and deployment efficiency, we develop two model variants: a high-capacity version optimized for precision, and a lightweight version tailored for real-time industrial applications. Compared with other methods from recent years, the experimental results of FAD-RNet validate its superiority in relevant metrics. It should be noted that this study is conducted based on the data organization and processing protocol of the ZJU-Leaper dataset, which may introduce certain dataset-specific characteristics.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020061

Authors: Azam Ali Jiri Militký Dana Křemenáková Mohanapriya Venkataraman Jiří Prochazka Jakub Wiener

The textile industry has contributed significantly to global microplastic pollution, generating both primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics, released during the manufacturing process of textiles, are the main concern due to their long-chain structure and persistence, while secondary microplastics are generated from the degradation of synthetic or blended textile products, which have already been in service or use. This review provides a comprehensive overview of methods for investigating fibrous primary microplastics generated throughout the major stages of the textile value chain, including yarn production, fabric manufacturing, garment processing, finishing, and packaging. In fact, there is an urgent need to deal with fibrous primary microplastics, as they are particularly hazardous due to their form (thin, long and often needle-like) and long-lasting life (can sustain in the environment over hundreds of years). Each manufacturing stage produces measurable microfiber losses. For example, pre-consumer production emits approximately 0.12 million metric tons of microplastics per year. High-speed yarn spinning releases additional MP (microplastics); rotor-spun polyester yarns shed 2000–8000 MFPs/g (microplastic fibers/g). The mechanical stresses such as friction, abrasion, and yarn breakage during weaving and knitting operations contribute significantly up to 104–106 microfibers per m2 of fabric during production. Wet processing (dyeing, printing, and finishing) is another major hotspot for primary microplastic generation, with dye house effluents reporting up to 54,100 microfibers per liter. Moreover, during mechanical and chemical finishing operations, the generated nanoplastics (NPs) rose significantly, exceeding 1011 particles per gram of material. Subsequently, the garments manufacturing units are estimated to produce 10,000 garments per day (5 tons of fabric), which equates to 5–25 kg/day of microplastic fiber waste. Targeted schemes for the study of primary microplastics at the earliest stages of textile production could significantly reduce environmental release and strengthen progress toward a more circular and sustainable textile economy.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020059

Authors: Miriam Martínez-Albert Raquel Belda-Anaya David Mínguez-García Eva Bou-Belda

Personal cooling garments are designed to help individuals manage excess heat in high-temperature environments. The thermal effects of these garments are typically evaluated through thermal manikin experiments or human subject tests. However, there remains an insufficient understanding of the correlation between the cooling efficacy of garments tested with thermal manikins and the thermal responses observed in the human body. This study seeks to establish thermal correspondence by integrating a novel thermal manikin-based testing protocol with physiological simulation software and controlled human-subject trials. A phase change material (PCM) cooling vest serves as a representative textile system for comparison. The results indicate that the manikin-based protocol effectively replicates the non-linear skin temperature drop and thermal stabilisation phases evident in humans, demonstrating a maximum deviation of only 0.2 °C in skin temperature (Tsk) across varying metabolic loads. These findings provide specific experimental evidence on the minimal deviation between the manikin’s skin temperature and human trials, demonstrating that the established novel testing protocol is capable of accurately detecting the heat-flux saturation points and latent heat discharge of the textile system. The proposed approach endorses this protocol as a robust, reproducible methodology for assessing thermal comfort and serves as a starting point for future international standardised protocols in personal cooling textiles, especially where human safety cannot be guaranteed.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020058

Authors: Divan Coetzee Jakub Wiener

Expandable graphite is recognised as an effective flame retardant because of its ability to absorb thermal energy by thermal liquid–gas conversion of the intercalant between the layers in its lamellar structure. Kevlar is widely used in protective clothing due to its excellent mechanical strength and thermal resistance; however, like many materials, it is vulnerable to degradation when exposed to high-energy laser systems, which causes carbonisation and material disintegration. This study demonstrates that coatings of expandable graphite can significantly enhance the thermal protection of Kevlar against 100 W laser radiation, up to 290 J/m2, with no detectable thermal damage on the side facing the wearer, using 25 g/m2 of expandable graphite. At the same loading (25 g/m2), the material containing expandable graphite provides adequate protection even at higher intensities, with degradation only starting at the highest intensity tested. Coating durability tests showed that the coating, especially when expandable graphite was included, protected the Kevlar substrate from abrasion for at least 10,000 cycles, making it suitable for applications such as laser-protective gloves.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020057

Authors: Yulia A. Frank Maria A. Simonova Alena A. Abramenko Egor D. Vorobiev Fedor N. Rodikov Danil S. Vorobiev

Domestic washing of synthetic textiles represents a significant source of microfiber fragment (MF) release that greatly contributes to microplastic pollution in the environment. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the dominant material in global polyester textile production, leading to the highest MF release. The characteristics and quantities of MFs released during domestic washing of various synthetic fabrics may vary regionally and require a thorough and comprehensive investigation. Research was conducted to assess the number and mass of PET MFs released from new 100% polyester fleece garments washed in Russian realities. The first wash of a new sweatshirt with powder detergent (PD) released significantly more (p < 0.05) PET MFs than washing without detergents, in terms of both mass (5.42 ± 0.58 vs. 2.82 ± 0.42 g kg−1) and number (15.3 ± 1.12 vs. 8.98 ± 2.18 mln items kg−1). Repeated washing of fleece garments with PD led to the release of longer MFs and decreased the mass of PET fiber fragments in effluents. After the third wash cycle, it stabilized at 204.7 mg/kg of dry textile per cycle. Overall, 99% of the fiber fragments were <5 mm long, which corresponds to the size limit for microplastics. Based on the obtained data, the annual release of PET MFs from domestic fleece washing in Russia is estimated at approx. 32 t.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020056

Authors: Luís C. de Sousa Paula Vidal Rebecka Molitor Stephan Thies Jan Modregger Simona Capone Karl-Erich Jaeger Nazanin Ansari Roland Lottenbach Rainer Rösch Manuel Ferrer Carla C. C. R. de Carvalho

Lubricants based on fatty acid ester (FAE) mixtures are widely used in the textile industry, e.g., in spin finishes applied during the production of synthetic fibres, or in sizes added to fibres before weaving. FAE lubricants can significantly impact the dyeing quality of a textile due to their hydrophobicity and must therefore be removed before dyeing. However, the solvents currently used for their removal pose an environmental risk, and biobased solutions are thus sought. A lipase-assisted pre-dyeing treatment for synthetic fibre textiles was developed in this study. Six lipases were tested for their ability to hydrolyse FAEs from a polyamide-with-elastane textile, and all were found to be active. The conditions for the washing of lipase-treated textiles were found to be crucial for the performance of the process. Among the possible lipid hydrolysis products of tripalmitin (selected as a model FAE), only palmitic acid removal improved during washing, in comparison with the original FAE. This improvement only occurred with washing solutions containing a monovalent base. A combination of lipase treatment and washing with a non-ionic surfactant and monovalent base was found to be effective in the removal of FAEs, with a performance similar to a current solvent-based pre-treatment process.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020055

Authors: Olesya Daikos Tom Scherzer

Hyperspectral imaging was used for qualitative and quantitative monitoring of the distribution of a flame retardant on polyester fabrics. NIR reflection spectra show a specific band related to the flame retardant, which rises with increasing application weight. Multivariate data analysis tools based on the partial least squares (PLS) algorithm were applied for quantification of the spectra. Gravimetry was used as a reference method for the characterization of the calibration samples. The calibration method was optimized by the application of several spectral pretreatments and variation in the spectral range considered in the various models, which finally resulted in a prediction error of about 1.3 g/m2. The prediction performance of the developed calibration model was proven in external validations using independent samples with application weights between about 5 and 25 g/m2. Apart from the quantification, the homogeneity of the distribution of the flame retardant was investigated. It was shown that non-uniform distributions (e.g., gradients, droplets, irregular) can be detected by hyperspectral imaging. Some fabric samples were finished using a special ink jet printing technology for application to the polyester fabric. The spectral images of printed samples based on the previous calibration model achieved for samples made by impregnation do not only clearly show the different degrees of functionalization, but also the outstanding homogeneity of the distribution of the flame retardant. Moreover, printed samples finished with two different agents were analyzed.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020054

Authors: Radu Firicel Constantin Eugen Ailenei Andreea Talpa Emil Constantin Loghin Savin Dorin Ionesi Maria Carmen Loghin

Adhesion between fused deposition modelling (FDM) printed polymers and textile substrates is critical for durable printed-on-textile hybrids. Since no dedicated test standard exists for additively manufactured textile interfaces, many studies use T-peel methods adapted from adhesive-bond standards. However, printed-on-textile joints are often governed by polymer penetration into the fabric and mechanical interlocking, rather than by a discrete adhesive layer. This work evaluates a fixture-based perpendicular (normal-separation) tensile method, using a circular dolly printed directly onto a cotton plain-weave substrate and a fully 3D-printable, threaded, self-aligning clamping assembly. Three representative filaments, namely polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG), polylactic acid (PLA), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), were tested using both the proposed pull-off method and an ISO 11339-type T-peel benchmark, with n = 8 specimens per polymer. The perpendicular method produced complete datasets for all polymers and clearly differentiated adhesion performance (TPU > PLA > PETG). In contrast, for T-peel, the standard evaluation window (25–125 mm) was completed for all PETG specimens but only for a subset of PLA specimens and a single TPU specimen. In the remaining tests, premature substrate failure prevented completion of this window, so the results could not be evaluated. Microscopy confirmed distinct interlocking morphologies across polymers, supporting the observed differences in failure behavior between peel and normal separation. Overall, the results indicate that perpendicular dolly pull-off testing is a practical and reproducible alternative for quantifying adhesion across a wider range of printed-on-textile bonding conditions.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020053

Authors: Xi Liang Yue-Rong Liang

This review examines how plant polyphenols enable multifunctional textiles, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes and nanomaterial-based treatments. A literature search (2001–2025) identified 105 peer-reviewed studies across eight functional areas. Abundant in agricultural and industrial byproducts, plant polyphenols act as natural colorants, bio-adhesives, and performance enhancers—providing coloration, antibacterial activity, UV protection, flame retardancy, deodorization, antioxidant capacity, superhydrophobicity, and more. Their catechol and pyrogallol groups bind strongly to natural and synthetic fibers via hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, and metal chelation, ensuring durable, nontoxic functionality. We analyze structure–function links and scalable methods, including pad-dry-cure and metal–phenolic network (MPN) assembly, which were validated against ISO, ASTM, and AATCC standards. Polyphenol-based textiles match or exceed conventional ones in key metrics, with added benefits: full biodegradability, low ecotoxicity, and skin compatibility. Key advances include enzymatic polymerization for wash-stable color, MPN tuning for customizable functions, and using waste-derived polyphenols. However, major challenges remain: narrow color range (mostly yellow, brown, black) and poor wash/UV resistance, leading to rapid fading and loss of antibacterial/UV protection after laundering. Solving these is a top priority for future work. Overall, this review delivers a practical, science-based roadmap for high-performance, sustainable textiles that align with the Sustainable Development Goals and meet real-world needs in healthcare, sportswear, and smart wearables.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020052

Authors: Aldobenedetto Zotti Nergis Zeynep Renkler Mario Barra Stefania Scialla Simona Zuppolini Vincenzo Guarino Anna Borriello

Current approaches in neuro-technologies aim to design artificial devices capable of collecting information on in vitro and in vivo brain activities. In this view, a major challenge for new processing technologies is to integrate the peculiar properties of biomaterials and electrical circuits into engineered devices. Herein, the optimization of electroconductive polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers loaded with polyanilines (PANIs) and produced via electrospinning is proposed. Two different polyaniline forms were selected, i.e., doped emeraldine base (dPANI-EB) and doped PANI nanofibers (dPANI-NFs) synthesized by a rapid mixing process. SEM morphological investigation indicated that conductive phases do not remarkably affect fiber morphology, slightly increasing the average diameter. Conversely, PANI fibers remarkably affect the PVA surface’s hydrophilicity, as confirmed by the increase in contact angle. The presence of conductive phases enhances the intrinsic ionic conductivity of PVA fibers, through protonic currents, which also increases the electronic conductivity from 10−10 to 10−7 S/cm. Preliminary in vitro studies performed on a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) confirmed the biocompatibility of PVA/PANI nanofibers. These data demonstrate the potential of such nanofibers to be used as biotextiles, and specifically as electroactive interfaces capable of monitoring changes in the levels of biochemical signals (i.e., neurotransmitters) related to the brain’s microenvironment.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020051

Authors: Radostina A. Angelova Elena Borisova Daniela Sofronova

The study presents an exploratory design-space mapping approach for analysing knitted fabrics through the combined consideration of structural, comfort-related, and optical parameters. The methodology addresses the multi-parameter nature of knitted macrostructures, where functional behaviour emerges from the interaction of yarn composition, stitch architecture, and structural configuration rather than from isolated descriptors. Twelve knitted samples differing in stitch type and yarn linear density, and incorporating photoluminescent and reflective yarns, were analysed. Fabric thickness and air permeability were selected as representative structural and comfort-related parameters, while optical response was characterised using a dimensionless reflectance ratio under multiple illumination conditions. All parameters were normalised to enable comparative representation within a unified design space. The resulting maps reveal visual clusters, structurally isolated cases, and illumination-dependent optical equivalence between structurally different configurations. The findings demonstrate that similar optical performance can be achieved through alternative structural solutions, depending on the illumination context. The proposed approach provides a qualitative, design-oriented framework that supports engineering decision-making without implying optimisation or ranking, while revealing alternative design pathways and context-dependent equivalence.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020050

Authors: Catarina Rodrigues Joana M. Gomes Maria Santos Helena Vilaça Carla Joana Silva

The textile and clothing industry exerts a significant environmental impact in the EU, contributing heavily to water, land, and resource depletion, with waste generation expected to rise sharply due to fast fashion trends. Accelerating circularity and closed-loop production is critical to reduce the sector’s ecological footprint. This study investigates newer approaches for the removal of indigo prints from cotton (CO) and polyester (PES) textiles using aqueous-based solutions and/or ozone treatment. Aqueous alkaline solutions containing reducing agents and surfactants were evaluated, as well as dry and wet ozone treatments. The efficacy of colour removal was assessed via spectrophotometric analysis [colour strength (K/S) and colour difference (ΔE)] and the fabrics were tested for dimensional stability and tensile strength before and after treatment. Results reveal that surfactant-assisted aqueous treatments enable effective pigment removal and maintain textile properties, supporting subsequent reprinting for textile upcycling. Wet ozone treatment also promoted substantial decolourisation, particularly in cellulosic substrates. Although PES samples exhibited better mechanical resistance, they revealed limited pigment extraction upon ozone treatment. These findings demonstrate the potential of chemical treatments using aqueous-based solutions and surfactants for circular textile applications, facilitating pigment removal without compromising substrate integrity, and boosting the upcycling.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020049

Authors: Silvia Mar’atus Shoimah Yati Mardiyati Arif Basuki Valentinus Alphano Dabur Husaini Ardy Sigit Puji Santosa Steven Steven

Lignin is an abundant aromatic biopolymer, but its conversion into high-performance fibers remains challenging due to intrinsically poor spinnability, structural heterogeneity, and inefficient stress transfer in lignin-rich systems. In this study, a processing and structure strategy is demonstrated to overcome these limitations by transforming industrial black-liquor kraft lignin into a spinnable and load-bearing fiber component. Kraft lignin recovered from black-liquor waste was extracted and subsequently purified using a hot-water treatment to remove inorganic impurities and thermally unstable fractions, increasing lignin purity to 95.9% through extensive deionized water purification using a water-to-lignin ratio of 300:1. The purified lignin was then blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), wet-spun into continuous filaments, and subjected to post-spinning hot drawing to induce molecular orientation. This sequential extraction, purification, blending, spinning, and drawing approach enables stable wet spinning and the continuous formation of lignin-rich lignin/PVA filaments without filament breakage, directly addressing the primary processing bottleneck of lignin-based fibers. Molecular-level miscibility between lignin and PVA is confirmed by the presence of a single glass transition temperature at 88.3 °C, indicating the formation of a homogeneous amorphous phase. SEM observations reveal composition-dependent surface roughness and non-circular cross-sectional morphologies arising from differential coagulation and shrinkage, demonstrating that lignin actively participates in the load-bearing fiber network rather than acting as a passive filler. As a result of purification-enabled spinnability, true blend miscibility, and post-spinning hot drawing, fibers with a lignin-to-PVA composition of 40:60 achieve a maximum tensile strength of 2.8 GPa, approaching the performance range of commercial high-strength polymer fibers. This work establishes a clear relationship between material structure, processing strategy, and resulting properties, highlighting the potential of industrial lignin waste as a sustainable precursor for advanced fiber applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020048

Authors: Reda M. El-Shishtawy Nedaa Alharbi Yaaser Q. Almulaiky

This study presents a highly efficient and sustainable biocatalytic platform for bisphenol A (BPA) bioremediation through the covalent immobilization of laccase onto hierarchically functionalized cotton fibers. The immobilization strategy involved selective periodate oxidation of cellulose, grafting a hexamethylenediamine (HMDA) spacer arm, and glutaraldehyde activation, ensuring stable covalent attachment. Characterization via FTIR, SEM, and BET confirmed successful surface modification and high enzyme loading, achieving an immobilization yield of 90.5%. The immobilized laccase (CT-DA-HMD-Lac) exhibited significantly enhanced performance compared to the free enzyme, with a two-fold increase in maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) and a 75% improvement in catalytic efficiency of action (Vmax/Km). Furthermore, the biocatalyst demonstrated superior robustness, maintaining high activity across broader pH and temperature ranges, and retaining 75% of its initial activity after 15 consecutive reusability cycles. Storage stability was also markedly improved, with 83% activity retention after 60 days. Practical application in BPA degradation showed 85% removal efficiency within 300 min, a 2.4-fold increase in the degradation rate constant over the free enzyme. These results highlight functionalized cotton as a promising, cost-effective, and scalable support for advanced enzymatic wastewater treatment and the remediation of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020047

Authors: Sahar Abdolmaleki Raechel Laing Cheryl Anne Wilson

The effects of fabric type and of the duration of application on fabric water retention, water transfer to skin, and skin hydration do not appear to have been systematically examined despite frequent use of skin hydration as an indicator of skin health and wet fabrics being applied to the skin to increase skin hydration, enhance penetration of treatment, and/or facilitate cooling. In this work, three fiber types (nylon, wool/polyester, and wool), three fabric structures (single jersey, rib 1 × 1, and interlock 1 × 1), and five water levels (30%, 60%, 120%, 180%, and 240%—percent of dry fabric weight) were examined to determine which variables affect water transfer from wet fabrics to Vitro-Skin® (‘skin’). Water transfer was determined by measuring ‘skin’ hydration after exposing ‘skin’ to wet fabric (for 5, 10, and 20 min) when ‘covered’ (i.e., under an occlusive layer) and when ‘not covered’. ‘Skin’ hydration was greater with an occlusive layer and increased as the fabric water content increased. While ‘skin’ hydration increased with longer exposure, hydration decreased when ‘skin’ was under the wet nylon fabric for 20 min without a cover. The highest ‘skin’ hydration was recorded for wool rib and interlock fabrics with a water content of 240% used in combination with an occlusive layer. Where a cover was not used, the effects of fabric variables on ‘skin’ hydration were more pronounced.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020046

Authors: Nageshkumar T Avijit Das Sanjoy Debnath D. B. Shakyawar

Yarn tenacity is one of the vital quality parameters that determine the performance, fabric durability and end use suitability. The tenacity of yarn is largely influenced by the fibre characteristics used. The physical properties of jute fibres, including root content, defect, bundle strength, and fineness, exert a significant influence on yarn tenacity. This study utilized metaheuristic optimized random forest regression (RFR) to predict jute yarn tenacity from fibre parameters. The hyperparameters of the RFR models were optimized using four metaheuristic algorithms: whale optimization algorithm (WOA), grey wolf optimization (GWO), beetle antennae search (BAS) and ant colony optimization (ACO). The model utilized a dataset comprising 414 experimental data with 70% data for training and 30% for testing the model, using input variables such as bundle strength (g/tex), defects (%), root content (%) and fineness (tex) to predict yarn tenacity (cN/tex). The developed models effectively predicted yarn tenacity. However, RFR–GWO achieved slightly better performance with R2 of 1.0 for training set and 0.96 for test set. Regarding execution time, RFR–GWO is the fastest requiring only 14.25 s. SHAP analysis revealed that bundle strength and root content of jute fibre are the most influential factors, whereas defect and fineness exert the least influence on model’s prediction. The best model RFR–GWO was deployed into an interactive Streamlit web application, offering an intuitive and user-friendly platform for the real-time estimation of yarn tenacity.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020045

Authors: Romeo Pruneanu Melinda Pruneanu Stelian Sergiu Maier Vasilica Popescu Vasilica Maier Viorica Vasilache Daniel Timpu Diana Elena Ciolacu

This study investigates the influence of conventional textile pretreatment and periodate oxidation parameters on the structural modifications and functional properties of woven cotton fabrics. Unlike most studies focused on cellulose pulps or isolated textile fibers, the present work examines how the initial structural state of the textile substrate, determined by its pretreatment history, governs the oxidation pathways. Cotton fabrics were subjected to alkaline scouring (SC), hydrogen peroxide bleaching (BC), and combined scouring–bleaching (SBC), followed by sodium periodate oxidation under controlled conditions. Carbonyl species were quantified analytically and identified by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while structural changes were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were assessed using the normalized parameters (Fa/Fa0 and E/E0), hydrophilicity by water absorption capacity (WAC), and optical stability by the yellowness index (YI). The results demonstrated that the pretreatments influence the oxidant accessibility and the balance between carbonyl speciation. XRD analysis shows a moderate decrease in crystallinity, indicating partial preservation of the crystalline domains, whereas mechanical properties decrease significantly (35–65%), concomitant with a 25–45% reduction in WAC. These results suggest that the impairment in mechanical and hydrophilic properties is primarily governed by localized C2–C3 bond scission, secondary oxidative reactions, and supramolecular rearrangements, rather than by bulk crystalline loss. The oxidized SC series exhibits higher YI values associated with an increased free aldehyde content, while the BC and SBC fabrics show improved optical stability. Overall, these results demonstrate that pretreatment history governs periodate oxidation pathways and establishes clear structure–property relationship relevant for the controlled functionalization of woven cotton fabrics.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020044

Authors: Aqsa Imran Muhammad Babar Ramzan Sheheryar Mohsin Qureshi Maham Raza Shahood uz Zaman

Traditional ready-to-wear garments can mostly not conform to different body shapes because of the adoption of the generic sizing system, which leads to the local strain of concentration and morphological misfit. Auxetic structures, which have a negative Poisson’s ratio, permit enhanced redistribution of stress and geometry and allow deformation. Two auxetic knitted structures were developed by using 100% polyester and 100% nylon yarns with a fabric density of 41 Wales and 40 courses per inch. Characterization of the initial fabrics involved checking the behavior of negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) where the polyester line (P1) structure shows the highest auxeticity, with a NPR of approximately −0.4 and peak strain reductions of 80–90%, as well as air permeability, moisture management, bend test, compression, roughness, friction properties and stiffness tests to check the mechanical and comfort-related performances. The standardized tunic garment was modeled in CLO 3D on three female body shapes—hourglass, pear and rectangle—with a constant size of 34. The fit map showed a strain of 91.49% in auxetic and 509.75% in single-jersey fabric at the hip area of the pear body shape when measuring fabric and body interaction. The findings indicate lower peak strain levels, which ascertain that increased adaptability is possible and support its use in the development of adaptive ready-to-wear garments.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020043

Authors: Kenan Yildirim Ferhan Gebes İlter Sevilen Tugce Begum Bilir Emel Kucukoglu

This study represents the first comprehensive investigation examining how oven temperature and drawing ratios, two key tow stretch-breaking parameters, influence the properties of high-bulk acrylic yarns. Only the tow parameters were altered, while all other production parameters involved in converting from tow to yarn remained constant. Two experimental sets were conducted. In the first, oven temperatures (100 °C, 120 °C, 130 °C, 150 °C, and 170 °C) and the ratios (1.3, 1.47, 1.59, and 1.64) in the drawing zone (E1) were altered. In the second, oven temperatures (130 °C and 150 °C) and the ratios (1.3, 1.35, 1.49, 1.54, 1.62, 1.66, 1.70, 1.81, and 1.90) in the break-draw zone (E5) were altered. The samples, produced on industrial-scale machines, were evaluated for shrinkage of fiber slivers in water steam, yarn hairiness, unevenness, tensile strength and strain, and hand-feel rating of yarn balls. The highest shrinkage was obtained at 130 °C and 150 °C with the drawing ratio of 1.47, while the lowest occurred at 130 °C with the drawing ratio of 1.3. The lowest tensile strength and strain were obtained at 150 °C, while the highest values were obtained at 130 °C with 1.59. The yarn hairiness and unevenness were lowest at 130 °C and increased at both lower and higher temperatures.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020042

Authors: Hiroki Maru Takumi Yuasa Hiroyuki Kanai

In this study, we employed forced convective cooling under the fan-cooling garment (FC condition) and conductive cooling under the neck cooling device (NC condition) in a hot environment during intermittent exercise to compare their effects on thermophysiological and subjective responses. Cooling was examined under two conditions: continuous application throughout both exercise and rest periods (Experiment 1) and application solely during rest periods (Experiment 2). As different participant groups were utilized for each experiment, the effects of cooling timing were interpreted in an exploratory manner. No differences were observed between conditions at baseline. In the FC condition, whole-body heat dissipation (HF_mean) significantly increased (p < 0.05), particularly during the recovery phase, and was associated with significant suppression of mean skin temperature rise (p < 0.05) and enhanced thermal comfort. Conversely, although localized heat dissipation at the neck (HF_neck) significantly increased under the NC condition, its effects on whole-body heat dissipation and mean skin temperature were limited. No consistent differences were observed between cooling conditions in axillary temperature or heart rate responses. These results suggest that forced convective cooling, which facilitates ventilation within clothing, and localized conductive cooling exhibit distinct thermal response characteristics. This study provides fundamental comparative data under controlled conditions, contributing to the understanding of the response characteristics of wearable cooling devices.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020041

Authors: Jiyeon Kwon Shuga Tanizaki Fumitoshi Kobayashi Shunji Takeuchi Hiroki Maru Hiroyuki Kanai Tetsu Sasagawa

This study investigated thermal insulation in layered suit systems by systematically varying air-layer thickness and structure (single vs. sandwiched), fabric air permeability, and ambient airflow. A hot plate based apparatus equipped with air-layer spacers and an airflow-generation system was developed, and suit fabrics with different air permeability but similar thickness were fabricated. Heat flux from the heated plate and air-layer temperature were measured in three experimental series. Under no-airflow conditions, insulation was maximized at a 20 mm air layer, whereas a 30 mm air layer increased heat flux, suggesting buoyancy-driven convection. Under airflow conditions, thinner air-layers allowed airflow to influence the hot plate region more directly, while thicker-layers attenuated this effect. The sandwich-structured air layer reduced heat flux compared with a single air layer of the same total thickness, and its effect depended on the thickness distribution between the upper and lower air-layers. Fabric air permeability increased heat flux mainly under airflow, indicating that permeability effects should be evaluated under combined conditions of ambient airflow and controlled air-layer configurations.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020040

Authors: Abdurrahman Ishaq Yunusa Umar

The effect of structure on the properties of cotton fibers is yet to be fully understood even after many years of research. This is due to the presence of convolutions that occur at various intervals in cotton fibers. An attempt was made in this investigation to remove these convolutions using liquid ammonia treatment. The optical and X-ray orientation angles of two varieties of G. hirsutum cotton fibers were investigated at various stages of maturity, and results were compared. An American upland variety was also studied. Four-hour treatment of cotton fibers in liquid ammonia at a temperature of −50 °C ensures a complete change of the lattice structure from cellulose I polymorph to cellulose III polymorph. The cellulose I lattice structure is restored by boiling it in distilled water for 24 h. X-ray diffractograms confirm these conversions. Mature fibers after treatments are devoid of convolutions and are rounded in appearance with no central lumen. The scanning electron micrographs revealed these morphological structures. A close correlation exists between the optical and X-ray orientation measurements and are both strongly dependent on fiber maturity. In all the varieties studied, a maturity ratio of at least 0.8 is required for a cotton fiber to be of commercial value, in terms of strength and durability The progressive build-up of both the primary and secondary walls as the fiber matures shows a gradual decrease in helix angles and, hence, an increase in the orientation of the fibrils, conforming to the constant pitch model. The effect of convolutions on both the optical and X-ray orientation angle is found to be higher than 10%.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020039

Authors: Nga Wun Li Mei-Ying Kwan Kit-Lun Yick

Compression textiles have been widely applied in medical, sportswear, and daily usage, with single-jersey structures produced by circular knitting dominating the market due to their thinness and light weight. However, the presence of seams may compromise compression performance and wearer comfort. This study investigates the effects of yarn type, number of yarns, and loop length on pressure, stretchability, and thermal comfort of seamless punch-lace knitted fabrics and explores their potential application in compression textiles. The results show that yarn number is the dominant factor influencing fabric stiffness, stretchability, and pressure. Fabrics with increased yarn content demonstrate higher maximum load and compression pressure. Smaller loop lengths and additional reinforcing yarns improve dimensional stability and resistance to extension. Air permeability decreases with increasing yarn number due to increased fabric thickness and reduced porosity, while thermal conductivity increases and is positively associated with ventilation resistance, indicating a trade-off between heat transfer and breathability. Surface friction and roughness are significantly affected by yarn number, yarn type, and loop length, whereas water vapour permeability shows no significant relationship with the investigated variables. Overall, seamless punch-lace knitted fabrics demonstrate strong potential for compression applications, although careful design is required to balance breathability and thermal comfort.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6020038

Authors: Diana Santiago Sofia Moreira Isabel Cabral Paulo Mendes Joana Cunha

Children’s skin is uniquely vulnerable, requiring specialised design solutions that transcend traditional aesthetics. This exploratory study investigates the importance of paediatric dermatology in informing functional fashion design through expert medical perspectives. Using a qualitative approach, data were gathered from a purposive cohort of paediatric dermatologists and immunoallergologists and analysed through inductive thematic analysis. Findings identify four core themes: the physiological immaturity of children’s skin (notably the prevalence of atopic dermatitis), clothing’s role as a symptomatic aggravator rather than a primary aetiology, the clinical risks posed by chemical additives in synthetic textile processes, and the therapeutic potential of natural fibres and biofunctional agents. The data also highlights significant diagnostic constraints in paediatric patch testing, emphasising the necessity of proactive material safety. The findings suggest that integrating healthcare expertise into human-centred design may support the development of safer paediatric clothing solutions, ensuring that fashion industry innovation meets the physiological requirements of children. By transitioning from hazardous synthetic processes to biocompatible textiles, such as undyed natural fibres and medicinal plant-derived dyes, the industry can transform apparel from a potential irritant into a secondary protective barrier. This provides initial insights for developing clothing that safeguards the skin barrier and improves the overall wellbeing of vulnerable populations.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010037

Authors: Hao Chen Yang Feng Shuai Zhu Ben Wang Bingkun Zhang Hua Xia Xulehan Yu Wanqing Chen

This paper presents a yarn tension sensor based on Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW). To enhance the detection accuracy of the sensor, an improved beam structure is designed for tension measurement, along with intelligent algorithms for temperature compensation. Firstly, regarding the sensor structure, a simply supported beam with a hyperbolic surface is designed to achieve stress concentration by reducing the section modulus at the beam’s midpoint. Secondly, by incorporating an unbalanced split-electrode Interdigital Transducer (IDT) design, the sensor effectively suppresses signal sidelobe interference and significantly improves the structure’s tension sensitivity. Finally, in terms of signal processing, to eliminate the influence of environmental temperature fluctuations on measurements, a temperature-compensation algorithm based on Bayesian Optimization Least Squares Support Vector Machine (BO-LSSVM) with Gaussian Process regression is proposed. Experimental results show that the tension sensitivity of the improved structure was 8.2% higher than that of the doubly clamped beam and 12.7% higher than that of the cantilever beam. For temperature compensation, the BO-LSSVM model reduced the Mean Relative Error (MRE) by 5.67 percentage points relative to raw data and by 2.04 percentage points relative to the fixed-parameter LSSVM model, lowering the temperature sensitivity coefficient from 4.09 (×10−3/°C) to 0.41 (10−3/°C).

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010036

Authors: Radostina A. Angelova Elena Borisova Daniela Sofronova

This study analyses the influence of yarn composition and knitted macrostructure on the structural and functional performance of passive smart knitted fabrics with optical functionalities. Twelve knitted macrostructures were produced using folded composite yarns combining cotton, reflective, and photoluminescent components and different stitch patterns. Thickness, air permeability, and reflectance under UV and visible illumination were experimentally evaluated. The results indicate that knitted macrostructure primarily controls thickness and air permeability, whereas optical response is governed by yarn composition. Variations in stitch pattern enable regulation of air permeability independent of optical behaviour, while UV-responsive yarn components dominate reflectance performance. The findings support independent optimisation of structural and optical properties through combined yarn and macrostructural design.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010035

Authors: Helena S. Oliveira Joana Santos Tânia Ferreira Artur Ribeiro Carla Silva Joana C. Antunes João Bessa Luís Miguel Oliveira Raul Fangueiro

Algae extracts have emerged as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes and functional additives in the textile industry, particularly for dyeing and functionalizing of cotton fabrics. Herein, two types of water-soluble algae extracts from Arthrospira platensis and Porphyridium cruentum were characterized in terms of thermal, structural, and functional properties and used as dye and/or functional agents. Cotton samples were pre-treated with chitosan and alum mordants and compared with commercially treated cationic cotton. The algae extracts were applied through the exhaust method, with variations in temperature, pH, liquor ratio, temperature rise gradient, and extract percentages. The resulting colours, assessed through CIE L*a*b* coordinates and K/S values using UV–Vis spectroscopy, displayed green and pink coloration, with commercial cationic cotton exhibiting more intense colours. Colour fastness measurements were also performed on functionalized cotton fabrics. The water-based algae extracts and functionalized samples were additionally characterized for functional features, displaying an antioxidant activity exceeding 60% (68.13 ± 3.60 and 60.76 ± 1.18, for A. platensis and P. cruentum, respectively). This work highlights their dual role in providing both aesthetic dyeing and functional enhancement of cotton. By using renewable marine resources and eco-friendly water-based processes, this approach supports the development of greener, more sustainable textile technologies.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010034

Authors: Diva Santos A. Margarida Teixeira M. Leonor Sousa Andréa Marinho Clara Sousa

The identification/classification of textile fibres is essential in manufacturing, forensic science, cultural heritage preservation, and recycling. Conventional methods, including solubility tests, optical microscopy, and chromatographic techniques, are often destructive, labour-intensive, and limited in scope. Vibrational spectroscopy, particularly near-infrared (NIR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, has emerged as a rapid, non-destructive, and accurate alternative for fibre analysis. However, multi-composition textiles, dyes, finishing agents, and ageing effects frequently cause overlapping spectral features, hampering direct interpretation. This review examines the combined use of vibrational spectroscopy and chemometrics for textile fibre discrimination. It critically evaluates the performance of different spectroscopic techniques in classifying natural, synthetic, and blended fibres. The role of multivariate analysis methods, such as PCA, PLS, LDA, SIMCA, and machine learning algorithms, in improving spectral interpretation and classification accuracy is highlighted. Key factors affecting model robustness, including spectral pre-processing, sample heterogeneity, moisture, and colour, are also discussed. The integration of spectroscopy with chemometrics provides a robust, scalable, and sustainable solution for fibre identification, supporting quality control, fraud detection, and circular economy initiatives. This approach demonstrates significant potential for both research and industrial applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010033

Authors: Erkejan Ashimova Igor Tyurin Salikh Tashpulatov Elisabetta M. Zanetti Giulia Pascoletti Zulfiya Zufarova Umida Voxidova Raushan Zhilisbayeva Zebuniso Mamaxanova

This study investigates the development of workwear designed to withstand harsh conditions and support physically demanding tasks. Its central aim is to create garments that enhance workers’ comfort and mobility by optimizing ergonomic and anthropometric factors. First of all, expert surveys were collected, and the importance of posture adaptability and material comfort was highlighted. To investigate realistic body–garment interactions, the 3D body scans of the upper body from 34 participants in common working poses were captured. These scans revealed the zones of high deformation, guiding the placement of elastic inserts to improve flexibility in targeted areas. The redesigned garments underwent a two-stage evaluation process. First, Clo3D virtual fittings provided qualitative insights into overall jacket fit and movement behavior. Next, stress and strain mapping offered quantitative validation, showing that fabric stress levels remained below 120 kPa, providing evidence that the added elasticity effectively reduced mechanical load and improved wearability. Expert reviewers confirmed the enhanced fit and functional performance. Overall, the study demonstrates an integrated design strategy that unites textile behavior, body dimensions and biomechanics. This approach not only improves workwear but also offers a transferable framework for developing specialized clothing across other physically intensive professions.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010032

Authors: Klaus Opwis Marcel Remek Bert Gillessen Peter Lohse Thomas Siegfried Joerg Brandes Bernd Kimpfel Wiebke Schulze Esking Philipp Schulze Esking Jochen Stefan Gutmann

Ammonia is one of the most important and widely produced basic chemicals worldwide. However, this highly toxic gas is also produced in livestock farming and a variety of industrial processes, posing a potential threat to humans, animals and the environment and also significantly contributing to the formation of persistent particulate matter. The aim of this project was to develop a textile-based adsorber material and to demonstrate a suitable test system for purifying ammonia-contaminated air from production-related sources using the example of pig fattening and PCB production. This aim was achieved through the wash-resistant immobilization of polyacrylic acid on a polyester needle felt at laboratory, pilot plant and industrial scales. In addition, various system concepts have been developed in which air or phosphoric acid can flow through the adsorber textile, whereby in the latter case, the phosphoric acid is both actively involved in ammonia adsorption and also serves to elute the bound ammonia, enabling continuous and low-maintenance operation. Concurrently, the high-quality inorganic fertilizer ammonium phosphate is produced. In summary, an efficient alternative to existing solutions for ammonia minimization has been developed, which is fundamentally characterized by its universal applicability in different load scenarios, including small mobile systems in production facilities with local ammonia pollution, in addition to scenarios for large-scale agricultural operations.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010031

Authors: Scott Martínez-Vila Remedios Prieto-Fuentes Aïda Duran-Serra Xavier Colom-Fajula Javier Cañavate-Ávila Fernando Carrillo-Navarrete

The textile industry faces significant challenges regarding the need for textile waste recycling. This study investigates the feasibility of alkaline hydrolysis assisted by alcoholic co-solvents, such as ethanol, for recycling polyester/cotton blend textiles. Ethanol-assisted alkaline hydrolysis under mild conditions enabled almost complete depolymerisation of polyester, allowing the recovery of its monomers, terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, which may be used to produce new polyester fibre. However, the treatment was found to adversely affect the properties of the cotton fibres, resulting in a recycled material of lower quality and functionality than the original material. In particular, a significant change in the structure of the cotton fibre was observed, namely, the transformation of cellulose I into cellulose II, as confirmed by FTIR analysis, along with a decrease in both the degree of polymerization and tensile strength, especially at an ethanol/water ratio of 40/60. Hence, alcohol-assisted alkaline hydrolysis is advisable for the chemical recycling of polyester, but it presents limitations when cotton fibres are also present.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010030

Authors: Ana Catarina Silva Mariana P. Barreiros Tiago Azevedo Duarte Brás Marta A. Teixeira Raúl Fangueiro Diana P. Ferreira

Textile-to-textile recycling is increasingly recognised as essential to reduce the environmental footprint of the textile sector, yet fibre-to-fibre routes remain constrained by complex composition of fibre blends, chemical finishes and the degradation of fibre quality during repeated processing. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recycling strategies for major textile fibres, cotton, polyester, viscose, polyamide, and wool, from a fibre-level perspective, highlighting the relationships between fibre chemistry, structure, and recyclability. Mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling routes are analysed with a particular focus on fibre integrity, yarn and fabric performance, and their suitability for industrial textile applications rather than solely on waste management aspects. The review also examines industrial initiatives and emerging technologies driving the transition towards circular textile systems, critically identifying key barriers such as feedstock heterogeneity, fibre blending, and downcycling. Building on existing review articles on textile recycling, this work synthesises current knowledge on fibre-to-fibre routes, compares different process options in terms of recycled-fibre quality and scalability, and highlights remaining technological and implementation gaps. To advance textile circularity, integrated recycling frameworks are proposed that align material design, process optimisation, and policy instruments. This work contributes a cross-disciplinary understanding of how fibre-level innovation can enable resource-efficient, closed-loop textile production, offering a roadmap for future sustainable materials engineering in industrial textile systems.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010029

Authors: Ashish Vishawanath Mohod Matteo Aniello Marina Zoccola Giulia Dalla Fontana Parag Bhavsar Sara Dalle Vacche

The textile industries mostly rely on synthetic dyes, which contain nonbiodegradable components and high toxicity, making their use environmentally hazardous. The present research delves into the unique application of proteins extracted from the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) as a natural dye for wool fabrics. The hydrolyzates extracted from each insect material (larvae, cocoons and flies) using superheated water at 170 °C for 1 h were used as natural dyes for dyeing wool fabrics with and without mordant (ferrous sulfate, 5% o.w.f.). Fabrics treated with mordant-free hydrolyzate derived from cocoons showed the best results, with an increase in color strength (K/S value) from 0.43 to 2.78 with an increasing dye concentration from 2% to 50% o.w.f. Color fastness to washing shows that dyed fabrics undergo variable color changes (from grade 4 to grade 1) but release little dye onto other fabrics, especially wool and synthetic fibers. Dry and wet rubbing color fastness tests showed overall variable color fastness, with little color loss on the abraded reference fabric. Overall, this work emphasizes the possible use of hydrolyzate from BSFs as a natural and environmentally friendly dye, which may represent a promising alternative to synthetic dyes in the textile industry.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010028

Authors: Megan Robinson Saikat Ghosh Feng Qian Chenyu Du Mauro Vallati Parikshit Goswami

With the rapid expansion of the global textile sector and increasing awareness of the environmental pollution caused by textile waste, enhancing the recycling of textile waste has become essential to reduce the volume of materials sent to landfill or incineration. As recycling technologies advance, automated sorting systems that are capable of handling large waste streams and accurately identifying materials for appropriate recycling pathways are increasingly recognised as being critical for efficient textile-waste management. Since 2015, over 20 studies have specifically explored technologies and strategies for automating textile sorting of textile wastes. This mini review introduces various textile fibre identification technologies, including traditional visual and tactile examination; label checking and modern identification technology; and NIR, FT-IR, RFID tags. It summarises the current state of sorting processes, with particular emphasis on the development of AI-assisted, fibre-type-based sorting technologies. Commercial scale automated sorting is not established yet for textile waste recycling, due to the complexity of materials used in textiles, the equipment identification limits and high cost of processing, while machine learning and artificial neural networks provide opportunities for future research advancement and commercialisation.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010027

Authors: Kavini Vindya Fernando Charith Akalanka Dodangodage Vinalee Maleeshi Seneviratne Sanduni Maleesha Jayasinghe Dhammika Dharmaratne Geethaka Nethsara Gamage Ranoda Hasandee Halwatura U. S. W. Gunasekera Rangika Umesh Halwatura

The construction sector faces increasing pressure to reduce the embodied energy of building materials while valorizing industrial waste streams. This study evaluates the direct incorporation of post-industrial textile waste (100% cotton and cotton–polyester blends) in its native form to develop high-performance cementitious ceiling sheets. Composites were fabricated under a controlled hydraulic compaction pressure of 2.0 MPa, optimized to achieve matrix densification while preserving the integrity of the fibrous network. Viscoelastic recovery of the compressed fibers induced a hierarchical double-porosity architecture characterized by macro-voids and hollow fiber lumens. This microstructural evolution reduced thermal conductivity to 0.091 W/m·K, approximately 50% lower than commercial cement–fiber benchmarks—without compromising mechanical compliance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed a mechanistic decoupling between water absorption and dimensional stability. Although the CP15 formulation (15 wt.% cotton–polyester) exhibited high moisture uptake (~21%), thickness swelling remained limited to 1.35%. This dimensional stability is attributed to the hydrophobic polyester framework, which bridges microcracks and constrains hygroscopic expansion within the cellulosic phase. The optimized CP15 composite achieved a Modulus of Rupture (MOR) of 8.75 MPa, exceeding ISO 8336 Category C, Class 2 requirements. Despite increased thickness, the areal density (10.84 kg/m2) remains compatible with standard gypsum-grade suspension systems, eliminating the need for structural modification. These findings establish a scalable, direct-valorization strategy for circular construction materials delivering enhanced thermal insulation and robust performance under tropical climatic conditions.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010026

Authors: Isaiah Di Domenico Paul K. Collins Samantha M. Hoffmann

Functional polymers are designed to enhance the evaporative cooling capacity of sports clothing ensembles, though little is known about how they alter the material properties of commonly used fabrics. The aim of this study was to quantify the impact of a commercially available textile finish treatment (HeiQ Smart Temp TM) on the structural, thermal, and moisture management properties of synthetic (SYN; 100% polyester) and blended (BLEND; 47% lyocell, 46% cotton, 7% elastane) fabrics. Structural (fabric mass, thickness, bulk density, relative porosity), thermal (air permeability, water vapour permeability, water vapour resistance) and moisture management properties (wetting time, spreading speed, wetting radius, absorption, vertical wicking rate) were assessed and compared between treated and untreated samples. Significant improvements (p < 0.05) in air permeability (SYN: Δ 26.0 mm.s−1; BLEND: Δ 61.6 mm·s−1), wetting time (SYN: Δ 0.3 s; BLEND: Δ 0.3 s), and spreading speed (BLEND: Δ 1.1 mm·s−1; SYN: no change) were recorded following treatment. Non-significant changes in water vapour permeability (SYN: Δ 0.1; BLEND: Δ 0.1), water vapour resistance (SYN: Δ 0.7 Pa·m2W−1; BLEND: Δ 0.4 Pa·m2W−1) and vertical wicking (BLEND: Δ 6.1 mm·s−1; SYN: no change) were also observed following treatment. Though not all material properties improved, this study provides evidence that the functional polymer treatment can enhance the evaporative cooling capacity of sports clothing fabrics. Future research is needed to understand how these results translate to physiological, perceptual, and performance-based effects in wearer trials during exercise.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010025

Authors: Cesar Augusto Navarro Rubio Hugo Martínez Ángeles José Gabriel Ríos Moreno Luis Angel Iturralde Carrera Roberto Valentín Carrillo-Serrano Saúl Obregón-Biosca Mario Trejo Perea

The rapid growth of textile waste generation, with more than 87% of discarded textiles worldwide being landfilled or incinerated, together with the extensive consumption of concrete in the construction industry, has intensified research into alternative materials capable of reusing waste without compromising concrete performance. In this context, this study evaluates the incorporation of recycled cotton textile fibers obtained from discarded garments into conventional non-structural concrete, focusing on its axial compressive behavior. Concrete mixtures were produced with fiber contents of 0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 5.0%, designed for a target compressive strength of 20.594 MPa and tested in accordance with ASTM standards. The results show that concrete containing 0.5% cotton fibers achieved 28-day compressive strength values comparable to those of the reference mix, remaining within the typical variability of concrete testing, while mixtures with fiber contents of 1.0% and 5.0% exhibited pronounced strength reductions, reaching approximately 12.494 MPa and 8.270 MPa, respectively. These findings suggest that recycled cotton fibers at low dosages (0.5%) do not significantly affect compressive strength and could be incorporated as a supplementary addition in non-structural concrete, provided that appropriate mix design and processing conditions are maintained.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010024

Authors: Teresa Rutschi-De-Cea Daniel López-Rodríguez Bárbara Micó-Vicent Jorge Jordán-Núñez

The development of sustainable pigments from natural sources is gaining interest due to environmental concerns and the need for bio-based alternatives to synthetic dyes. This study investigates the synthesis of hybrid pigments by adsorbing anthocyanins—extracted from pomegranate agro-waste—onto halloysite (HA) nanotubes. A full factorial design was applied to evaluate the influence of pH and surfactant type (cetylpyridinium bromide and sodium dodecyl sulfate) on pigment colour and the thermal and structural stability of the hybrids. Adsorption was carried out in 400 mL dispersion baths containing 10 g of HA and 5% w/w anthocyanins. Surfactants (2% w/w) were added before the pigment, followed by 200 µL of silane. Dispersions were stirred at high speed for 1 h and then at 500 rpm for 23 h to ensure adsorption without premature desorption. Characterisation (TGA, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis/NIR, SEM, EDX, BET) confirmed the preservation of HA structure and minimal changes in thermal behaviour. Pigment colour varied with synthesis conditions, especially pH: a higher pH increased brightness and yielded yellowish tones, while a lower pH resulted in reddish-blue hues with greater variability. The results confirm halloysite’s potential as a stable carrier for natural dyes and demonstrate that pH effectively tunes hybrid pigment colour.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010022

Authors: Hui Tao Jing Lin Chaojing Li Fan Zhao Wang Zhang Fujun Wang Lu Wang

Esophageal stent insertion is a key palliative therapy for malignant esophageal strictures, but the postoperative migration rate remains as high as 40%, significantly compromising clinical outcomes. Stent migration behavior is closely related to its structure and mechanical properties; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, and there is a lack of effective in vitro evaluation methods to predict migration risk. Herein, we first developed a novel biomimetic swallowing peristalsis simulation device that highly replicates human physiological environments and swallowing waveforms—addressing the limitations of existing in vitro testing methods. Using this device, we demonstrated for the first time that stent migration is co-regulated by radial force and axial bending stiffness: higher radial force enhances anchoring via increased friction, while lower bending stiffness (superior flexibility) reduces migration risk by maintaining a larger stent–esophagus contact area and improving energy dissipation during swallowing. These conclusions are supported by our theoretical derivations and test results of stents with different densities. In addition, it was found that food viscosity and tumor block also influence stent migration risk. This study elucidates the synergistic mechanism of esophageal stent migration and provides a theoretical foundation and an in vitro validation platform for the design of a new generation of anti-migration esophageal stents.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010023

Authors: Kun Luan Andre West Elizabeth Kirkwood Grayson Cave Charles S. Apperson Cassandra Kwon Emiel DenHartog R. Michael Roe

Deployed armed forces and the public engaged in outdoor activities are at high risk for mosquito bites and the diseases they transmit. Current mosquito bite-resistant garments prevent blood-feeding with slow-release insecticide formulations. Many people today want to avoid contact with pesticides, especially in their clothing. Insecticide treated clothing also is costly and requires regulatory agency approvals. Using mosquito bite-resistant mathematical textile models and a WholeGarment® knitting technique, a seamless garment was constructed with military-compliant, no-melt, no-drip flame retardant yarns using an AiryPique knit architecture. The garment was 99.5% bite proof in walk-in cage bioassays with 200 Aedes aegypti host-seeking mosquitoes where the human subjects did not move for 20 min. A standard flame test and a PyroManTM flammability study validated the garment’s fire protection, a requirement for military uniforms. The thermal physiological comfort tests (air permeability, wetting time/radius, thermal resistance, evaporative resistance, and sweating thermal manikin test) were similar to current army combat uniforms and appropriate for use in everyday clothing. Bite prevention occurred by physically blocking the insect mouth parts from obtaining a blood meal. The knitting technique is well-suited for mass production of bite-resistant clothing through automation, significantly reducing labor, time, and cost by optimizing “fit on demand” for different body types compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This innovation provides a non-insecticidal, safe, scalable, and efficient solution for protecting individuals against mosquito bites.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010021

Authors: Jesús Yagüe Martínez Lluís Ripoll Santamaría Elena Herrero Beltrán David Mínguez García Marilés Bonet Aracil Emma Pérez Hernández María Blanes Company

The textile dyeing sector is one of the largest industrial consumers of freshwater and a major source of chemically polluted effluents. To address increasing sustainability demands, this study investigates the feasibility of partially replacing process water with membrane bioreactor (MBR)-treated municipal wastewater in the dyeing of polyester and cotton fabrics. Controlled laboratory trials were carried out using water mixtures containing 0–100% MBR-treated wastewater to evaluate their influence on fabric integrity, coloration, and performance. The experimental work included blind dyeing and both monochromatic and trichromatic dyeing tests. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to assess potential modifications to fiber structure, while colorimetric measurements (CIELAB L*, a*, b*, ΔE*) quantified visual differences among samples. Fastness to washing and light was evaluated following the corresponding ISO standards. Results showed no detectable alterations in fiber chemical structure for either cotton or polyester, regardless of the water composition. Color differences remained low across all dyeing conditions, and fastness values fell within typical industrial ranges, with polyester showing the highest overall stability. Overall, the study demonstrates that up to 25% of process water can be substituted with MBR-treated municipal wastewater without compromising dyeing quality, supporting the implementation of circular water strategies in textile finishing.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010020

Authors: Carlos Alberto Ávila-Orta Víctor Javier Cruz-Delgado Zureima García-Hernández Florentino Soriano-Corral Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego Felipe Padilla-Vaca Fernando Anaya-Velázquez Bernardo Franco Claudia Leticia Mendoza-Macías José Antonio Alvarez-Canales Edgar Alfonso Radillo-Pineda Rodolfo Radillo-Ruíz

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major challenge in clinical environments, where textiles frequently act as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria. This study reports the development, upscaling, and hospital validation of antimicrobial hospital apparel incorporating copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) embedded within polyamide-6 core–sheath bicomponent filaments. A CuNP–polyamide masterbatch was produced through ultrasound-assisted melt extrusion and processed into continuous filament yarns under varying draw conditions. Filaments drawn at 1500 m/min exhibited uniform nanoparticle distribution, improved sheath exposure, and suitable mechanical properties for weaving. The optimized yarns were incorporated into woven narrow fabrics and integrated into prototype medical coats. Antimicrobial assays demonstrated >90% inhibition of S. aureus and 70% inhibition of P. aeruginosa. Durability testing showed minimal activity loss after 10 laundering cycles and no significant decline after up to 200 abrasion cycles. Cytotoxicity evaluation confirmed high fibroblast viability (97%), supporting the biocompatibility of the materials. In a hospital field trial, antimicrobial uniforms achieved substantial reductions in microbial burden, particularly at sleeve cuffs (30% total bacteria, 55% Gram-positive, 70% Gram-negative). It was demonstrated that intrinsically antimicrobial CuNP-embedded textiles offer a durable and safe strategy for reducing bacterial contamination in healthcare apparel and improving infection-control practices.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010019

Authors: Marije L. Hester Natascha M. van der Velden Joost G. Vogtländer

The purpose of this research is to reduce the environmental burden of textiles, specifically focusing on the production of Merino woollen jumpers. The study addresses two techniques to lessen the environmental burden: (1) recycling of wool garments by shredding or unravelling and (2) preventing the overstocking of products through on-demand knitting. The environmental burden is measured via LCA using Idemat. The results are reported in terms of eco-costs (EUR) and carbon footprint (kg CO2-e). A cradle-to-gate analysis of recycling by either shredding or unravelling is compared with the use of virgin wool. The results are: EUR 3.53 in eco-costs and 21.93 kg CO2-e as the carbon footprint for a virgin wool jumper to EUR 0.31 eco-costs and 1.56 kg CO2-e for a recycled wool jumper and EUR 0.19 eco-costs and 0.89 kg CO2-e for an unravelled wool jumper. Additionally, a cradle-to-grave calculation per wear was made, resulting in: EUR 0.045 and 0.278 kg CO2-e, EUR 0.004 and 0.020 kg CO2-e, and EUR 0.002 and 0.011 kg CO2-e, respectively. A revenue-normalized comparison between on-demand knitting and mass production based on the eco-costs/value ratio (EVR) shows a 44% higher environmental impact for a mass production system.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010018

Authors: Ana Vukoičić Aleksandra Ivanovska Marija Ćorović Anja Petrov Ivanković Ana Milivojević Dejan Bezbradica

This study explored, for the first time, the simultaneous dyeing and functionalization of textiles using enzymatically synthesized mixtures of phloridzin and esculin oligomers. Initial screening using multifiber fabric containing diacetate, cotton, polyamide, polyester, polyacrylonitrile, silk, viscose, and wool revealed that the oligomers successfully imparted color and high antioxidant activity to cotton, polyamide, and viscose. These three materials were therefore selected for determination of key process parameters’ influence, including temperature (35 °C and 75 °C), reaction time (6 h and 19 h), and oligomers’ concentration (1.5 and 3.0 mg/mL). Treated fabrics were evaluated for color strength (K/S), antioxidant activity, and prebiotic capacity (in vitro stratum corneum model), with all properties assessed before and after washing. The results showed that several functionalized fabrics retained coloration and functionality after washing, while fabrics functionalized with esculin oligomers’ mixture showed strong prebiotic capacity. Overall, the polyamide that functionalized with 3.0 mg/mL esculin oligomers for 19 h at 35 °C was identified as a promising candidate for reusable colored textiles, including dermatology-oriented garments for sensitive or atopic skin, sportswear, protective workwear, and daily use functional items such as hygienic pads or cloth liners. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of developing textiles with targeted prebiotic functionality.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010017

Authors: Prateeti Ugale Shourya Lingampally James Dieffenderfer Minyoung Suh

The advent of wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) is transforming human–computer interaction by enabling seamless, comfortable, and continuous connectivity between users and digital systems. Although the wearable e-textile market is poised for significant growth, there is a need for durable, reliable connectors to link e-textiles to digital systems. This study presents and evaluates two novel magnetic connectors—buckle and snap—integrated into textile substrates using conductive epoxy, conductive stitches, and solder as interconnect methods. Durability testing involved 5000 mating/unmating cycles at low, medium, and high forces, with electrical performance assessed through resistance and impedance measurements. Results showed significant increases in resistance and impedance with 1000-cycle intervals. However, both connectors retained robust electrical and mechanical integrity, with all resistance values remaining below 1.6 Ω, indicating no critical degradation. Buckle connectors consistently outperformed snap connectors, which is attributed to their design that reduces mechanical stress on interconnects. Conductive epoxy demonstrated superior stability and slower degradation compared to conductive stitches and solder, particularly under higher mating forces. Impedance results mirrored resistance trends, confirming reliability. These findings advance durable, user-friendly connectors for long-term e-textile use, addressing both mechanical endurance and electrical performance to enhance wearable computing and interactive environments.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010016

Authors: Rasha A. Zailaee Reda M. El-Shishtawy Saleh M. Al-Maaqar Nahed S. E. Ahmed Yaaser Q. Almulaiky

This manuscript reports a green approach for producing multifunctional acrylic fabrics co-decorated with Fe3O4 and Ag nanoparticles using Brachychiton populneus extract. Acrylic fabric was first amidoxime-functionalized to enable strong anchoring of Fe3O4 nanoparticles, followed by in situ deposition of AgNPs, during which the extract’s phytochemicals acted as reducing and stabilizing agents. FTIR, SEM/EDX, and VSM analyses confirmed successful surface modification and nanoparticle incorporation. The sequential treatments produced measurable add-on values (16.7% after amidoximation, followed by 10.9% and 8.5% after Fe3O4 and AgNP deposition, respectively). The Ag/Fe3O4-coated fabrics exhibited enhanced hydrophobicity and strong antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones up to 14 mm against bacteria (including MRSA) and 26.9 mm against fungi at the highest Ag loading. Antioxidant activity was also markedly improved, showing up to a 78-fold increase in reducing power. Overall, this sustainable plant-mediated route provides an effective strategy for developing antimicrobial and antioxidant acrylic textiles for technical and protective applications.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010015

Authors: Amirali Bajgholi Reza Jafari Alireza Saidi

Air quality management in greenhouses is critical to safeguarding plant health and occupational safety, yet conventional filtration methods often fall short in performance and sustainability. These enclosed environments are prone to the accumulation of bioaerosols, including fungi, bacteria, pollen, and dust particles, which can compromise crop productivity and pose health risks to workers. This review explores recent advancements in air filtration technologies for controlled environments such as greenhouses, where airborne particulate matter, bioaerosols, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present ongoing challenges. Special focus is given to the development of filtration media based on electrospun nanofibers, which offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and low airflow resistance. The use of biodegradable polymers in these systems to support environmental sustainability is examined, along with electrospinning techniques that enable precise control over fiber morphology and functionalization. Antimicrobial enhancements are discussed, including inorganic agents such as metal nanoparticles and bio-based options like essential oils. Essential oils, known for their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, are assessed for their potential in long-term, controlled-release applications through nanofiber encapsulation. Overall, this paper highlights the potential of integrating sustainable materials, innovative fiber fabrication techniques, and nature-derived antimicrobials to advance air filtration performance while meeting ecological and health-related standards.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010014

Authors: Ainhoa Sánchez-Martínez Marilés Bonet-Aracil Ignacio Montava Jaime Gisbert-Payá

The textile industry generates significant volumes of waste, making the development of reliable methods to evaluate biodegradability a pressing need. While standardised protocols exist for plastics, no specific methodologies have been established for textiles, and the quantification of non-degraded residues is commonly based on mass loss: a measurement that is prone to recovery errors. This study investigated the biodegradation of cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blend fabrics in soil under thermophilic conditions using a combined methodological approach. Carbon mineralisation was quantified through a respirometric assay that was specifically adapted for textile substrates, while residual solid fractions were assessed in situ by X-ray microtomography (micro-CT), thus avoiding artefacts associated with sample recovery. Complementary analyses were performed using SEM and FTIR to characterise morphological and chemical changes. Results showed substantial biodegradation of cotton, negligible degradation of polyester, and intermediate behaviour for the cotton/polyester blend. Micro-CT enabled the visualisation of fibre fragmentation and the quantification of the residual. The integration of respirometric, imaging, and spectroscopic techniques provided a comprehensive assessment of textile biodegradability. This study highlights the potential of micro-CT as a non-destructive tool to improve the accuracy and robustness of textile biodegradability assessment by enabling direct quantification of the residual solid fraction that can support future LCA studies and the development of standardised protocols for textile biodegradability.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010012

Authors: Xingjie Zhao Xiner Ye Lun Zhou Si Chen

Waste textiles may contain heavy metals, which can originate from dyes, mordants, or other chemical treatments used during manufacturing. To explore the impact of heavy metals on the adsorption properties of activated carbon derived from discarded textiles through pyrolysis and to mitigate heavy metal migration, this study investigated the adsorption behavior of copper-impregnated pyrolytic carbon toward typical pollutants—methylene blue and lead—in simulated dyeing wastewater. Aqueous copper nitrate was used to impregnate the waste pure cotton textiles (WPCTs) to introduce copper species as precursors for creating additional active sites. The study systematically examined adsorption mechanisms, single and binary adsorption systems, adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherms, adsorption thermodynamics, and the influence of pH. Key findings and conclusions are as follows: Under optimal conditions, the copper-containing biochar (Cu-BC) demonstrated maximum adsorption capacities of 36.70 ± 1.54 mg/g for Pb(II) and 104.93 ± 8.71 mg/g for methylene blue. In a binary adsorption system, when the contaminant concentration reached 80 mg/L, the adsorption capacity of Cu-BC for Pb(II) was significantly enhanced, with the adsorption amount increasing by over 26%. However, when the Pb(II) concentration reached 40 mg/L, it inhibited the adsorption of contaminants, reducing the adsorption amount by 20%. SEM, XRD, Cu LMM, FTIR and XPS result analysis proves that the adsorption mechanism of methylene blue involves π–π interactions, hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and pore filling. For Pb(II) ions, the adsorption likely occurs via electrostatic interactions, complexation with functional groups, and pore filling. This study supplements the research content on the copper adsorption mechanism supported by biochar for heavy metal adsorption research and broadens the application scope of biochar in the field of heavy metal adsorption.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010013

Authors: Nilesh Rajendran David Eisenberg Brady J. Clapsaddle Girish Srinivas Emiel DenHartog

High-performance nylon 6,6 webbings used in critical applications degrade under solar exposure, necessitating reliable methods to assess their residual strength non-destructively. This study investigates the feasibility of using instrumental color change as a predictive indicator for the loss of breaking strength. Four colors of nylon 6,6 webbings were subjected to accelerated xenon-arc solar weathering for up to 15 days. The resulting color change was quantified using both the CIELab and CIEDE2000 formulas, and residual breaking strength was measured following ASTM D6775. A regression analysis was performed to correlate these properties. The results demonstrate that a strong predictive relationship exists, but its efficacy is highly color-dependent. Webbing with high initial chroma, namely tan (R2 = 0.889) and navy (R2 = 0.817), showed a strong correlation between color change and strength loss. In contrast, the models for low-chroma black and white webbings were weak and unreliable. Furthermore, the simpler CIELab (ΔE*ab) formula provided slightly more accurate predictions than the more complex CIEDE2000 (ΔE*00) metric. It is concluded that colorimetry can be a viable non-destructive tool for predicting mechanical degradation, but its application is limited to specific high-chroma materials, precluding a universal model based entirely on colorimetry.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010011

Authors: Milda Jucienė Vaida Dobilaitė Kęstutis Miškinis Valdas Paukštys

The problem of textile industry waste has become increasingly relevant. Recycling clothing industry waste to build acoustic panels is one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive ways to use clothing industry waste. We see a lack of information on the acoustic properties of panels made from waste from the clothing industry. The aim of this research is to determine the acoustic properties of a wide range of clothing industry waste recycled into acoustic panels. The acoustic panels were made from clothing industry waste, a different composition of textile and paper residues generated during digital printing processes. We see that panels made from square-cut scraps knitted and woven fabrics, and from yarns and fibers have relatively good acoustic properties. The panel made only of paper had good acoustic properties, the production of panels from paper and textile resulted in similar acoustic properties. Analyzing the acoustic properties of the double specimen, it was found that testing the double-layered panels, the insertion loss is better; by tripling the samples, it was found that although the acoustic properties improved, they were only marginal. Cellulose fiber boards were characterized by significantly higher air resistance. The air resistance of the boards made from fabric scraps was lower.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010010

Authors: Edgar Adrián Franco Urquiza Fabian Luna Cabrera

The rapid evolution of innovative materials and their 4D printing on fabrics allows textiles to change shape or properties when exposed to external stimuli. This work reviews the fundamentals of 4D printing, briefly revisiting additive manufacturing technology and materials, as both are extensively described in various articles and reviews. It also outlines the advancements in smart textiles and their functionality as multifunctional fabrics. The review focuses primarily on reviewing the technical foundations and emerging applications of 4D-printed smart polymers and their integration onto passive textiles for smart applications. Finally, a critical review is presented, emphasizing the numerous individual developments undertaken not only in academia but also by young students, independent engineers, and entrepreneurs who showcase their progress and various challenges through social media. Easy access to knowledge, digital communication, and an interest in creating new materials and structures with a relatively low budget will allow the advancement and development of 4D printing processing strategies for functional materials, promoting the creation of intelligent and adaptive textile systems.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010009

Authors: Eleonora Bianca Ghasem Beiginalou Ada Ferri Gianluca Boccardo

Predicting the thermo-physiological comfort of technical clothing requires an understanding of how microscopic textile structures influence macroscopic properties such as air, heat, and moisture permeability. This work represents the first step towards a multi-scale predictive tool capable of estimating key comfort-related properties from the geometrical features of woven fabrics. Focusing on air permeability, the effect of structural and design parameters was investigated while keeping the fibre material (cotton) constant. A computational framework that combines validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations with a Fully Connected Neural Network (FCNN) was developed, enabling fast and accurate predictions before production. The CFD model accounts for both intra- and inter-yarn porosity, ensuring reliability across a wide range of fabric configurations. The FCNN, trained on simulation and literature data, achieved a mean absolute relative error of 2.01% and a maximum error of 7.72%, demonstrating excellent agreement with experimental results. The analysis highlights how weave type and yarn density govern airflow resistance, offering an efficient tool for the design and optimisation of breathable technical textiles.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010008

Authors: Jiří Militký Dana Křemenáková Tomáš Kubeček Mohanapriya Venkataraman

A methodology for predicting the thermal insulation of textiles based on their heat loss is described. The principle is based on measuring the electrical power input of a heating element and calculating the degree of insulation based on the real-time required to cool or heat the heating element by 1 °C and the cooling time, as determined by the semi-infinite layer cooling model. Heat loss is calculated based on the heat transfer inside the heating plate when the textile is placed directly on its surface, as well as in the case of an air gap between the heating plate and the textile. A model for predicting heat loss is proposed. The model considers the thermal difference and air flow velocity for various numbers of textile layers, as well as for different types of textile placement relative to the heating plate.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010007

Authors: Emran Hossain Prasad Potluri Chamil Abeykoon Anura Fernando

Compression garments are widely employed in medical and sports contexts for their ability to promote venous return, manage oedema, support musculoskeletal function, and enhance athletic recovery. Advances in textile-based compression systems have been driven by innovations in fibres, yarn structures, fabric structure engineering, and design methods. This review critically examines the current literature on compression garments, highlighting the influence of raw materials and yarn architectures on performance, durability, and wearer comfort. Attention is given specially to fabric structures and manufacturing methods, where the evolution from traditional cut-and-sew methods to advanced seamless, flatbed, and circular knitting technologies is highlighted, along with their impact on pressure distribution and overall garment efficacy. The integration of 3D body scanning, finite element analysis, and predictive modelling, which enables more personalised and precise garment design, is also speculated upon. Moreover, the review highlights testing and evaluation methodologies, spanning both in vivo and in vitro based assessments, pressure sensor studies for real-time monitoring, and theoretical models mostly based on Laplace’s law. This literature survey provides a foundation for future innovations aimed at optimising compression garment design for both therapeutic and athletic use.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010006

Authors: Ana Z. Santos Sofia Rocha Nuno A. T. C. Fernandes Diana I. Alves Diana P. Ferreira Sofia M. Costa Jorge Padrão Óscar Carvalho

Tissue-mimicking phantoms that accurately replicate human tissue are crucial for validating and optimizing elastography systems and developing new treatment methods. The use of waste-based fibrous structures has the dual benefits of waste reduction and economic viability, mitigating the environmental consequences associated with the textile industry and, thus, posing a particularly interesting avenue of research in today’s ever-more environmentally conscious society. This work explores the development of elastography phantoms through the use of textile waste for sustainable valorization. Two cotton-short fiber-based and two polyester-nonwoven-based phantoms were produced by impregnating these textile structures with animal-origin gelatin. These materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing that the diameter of the waste-based fibers (15.28 ± 6.18–22.40 ± 5.78 μm) falls within the typical size range of scatterers used in acoustic phantoms. It was observed that these fibers provided phantoms with intrinsic acoustic scattering properties, resulting in ultrasound images similar to those obtained in biological tissues. Shear wave elastography (SWE) was used to assess the stiffness of the phantoms, which produced realistic ultrasound images with shear wave speed (SWS) values ranging from 1.87 m s−1 to 8.39 m s−1, closely resembling those in different anatomical structures. This research presents an innovative methodology for producing low-cost and sustainable tissue-mimicking materials, underscoring the potential of textile industry waste for phantom production.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010005

Authors: Shuo Liu Dongyan Zhang

Spider silk, as a natural polymer fiber, possesses high tensile strength, good toughness, as well as unique thermal, optical, and biocompatibility properties. It has attracted much attention in various fields. The field of optical fiber sensors has a promising future. Given the excellent performance of spider silk, introducing spider silk into the field of optical fiber sensors can broaden its application scope. This paper comprehensively reviews the outstanding characteristics of spider silk and spider silk sensors based on these characteristics, such as pH sensors, breath humidity sensors, cell temperature sensors, and blood glucose sensors applied in living organisms, as well as magnetic field sensors and refractive index sensors applied in industrial fields. It also analyzes in detail the problems faced during the collection and synthesis of spider silk, aiming to provide a reference for research on the application of spider silk in the field of optical fiber sensors.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010004

Authors: Yongliang Liu SeChin Chang Doug J. Hinchliffe

Cotton fiber length and maturity, two critical fiber qualities, are commonly determined in the U.S. by Uster high volume instrument (HVI) and advanced fiber information system (AFIS). The main objectives of this investigation were to compare how HVI lengths agree with AFIS lengths and to examine whether the fiber length is linked with fiber maturity between the Universal HVI length calibration cotton standards and diverse upland lint samples. HVI micronaire (MIC) and AFIS fineness showed insignificant differences from HVI length calibration cotton standards to lint samples. Although there were strong and significant correlations between HVI upper-half mean length (UHML) and either AFIS UQL (w) or AFIS L5% (n), the relationship between UHML and L5% (n) was better suited than between UHML and UQL (w) in scrutinizing fiber lengths. Meanwhile, analysis revealed a moderate correlation between AFIS L5% (n) length and AFIS maturity ratio (MR), indicating the possibility of improving AFIS L5% (n) length by regulating fiber MR development. Further, AFIS MR values were positive and moderate correlated with algorithmic MIR values of attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectra. The results suggested the feasibility of the ATR FT-IR method along with MIR analysis in estimating AFIS MR rapidly away from fiber testing laboratories.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010003

Authors: Helena Oliver-Ortega Valentina Buscio Francesc Cano Enric Carrera-Gallissà Diana Cayuela Meritxell Martí Gabriela Mijas Carolina Pérez Marta Riba-Moliner Alba Segura Heura Ventura Xavier Villetard Mònica Ardanuy

The growing volume of textile waste discarded in the general rest fraction presents a critical challenge to achieving a circular economy. This study provides a comprehensive material characterization of 382.7 kg of textile waste, comprising 1682 individual pieces collected from general waste containers in Catalonia, Spain, with the aim of assessing their potential for high-value recycling. The analysis confirmed this stream consists predominantly of post-consumer textiles (97.3%). Its relevance lies in its composition: mono-component items dominate (54.0% by weight), mainly composed of cotton (51.6%) and polyester (28.4%). This prevalence of mono-material items suggests a substantial, and currently underestimated, volume of recoverable resources and confirms a high recycling potential. However, the study also identifies major challenges for the recovery of this waste stream. On the one hand, it exhibits a high degree of contamination, both in terms of moisture, dirtiness and non-textile disruptors (48.0% by weight), which increases the cost and complexity to the recycling workflow and directly impacts its current viability. On the other hand, the quantitative composition determined by Near-Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy agreed with the ISO 1833 standard in only 37.9% of cases, critically exposing the technological limitations of current automated techniques for quantitative analysis in textiles made of fiber blends. Despite these limitations, the findings are highly relevant for guiding strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and policy to unlock the full potential of this high-volume waste as a resource.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010002

Authors: Radmila Žižková Baturalp Yalcinkaya Eva Filová Fatma Yalcinkaya Matej Buzgo

Electrospinning has advanced from a lab technique to an industrial method, enabling modern filters that are high-performing, sustainable, recyclable, and non-toxic. This study produced recycled PA6 nanofibers using green solvents and incorporated non-toxic CuO nanoparticles via industrial free-surface electrospinning. Polymer solutions with concentrations of 12.5, 15.0 and 17.5 (w/v)% were electrospun directly onto recyclable polypropylene spunbond/meltblown nonwoven substrates to produce nanofibers with average fiber sizes of 80–250 nm. Electrospinning parameter optimization revealed that the 12.5 wt.% PA6 solution and the 2–3 mm·s−1 winding speed had the optimal performance, attaining 98.06% filtering efficiency and a 142 Pa pressure drop. The addition of 5 wt.% CuO nanoparticles increased the membrane density and reduced the pressure drop to 162 Pa, thereby improving the filtration efficiency to 98.23%. Bacterial and viral filtration studies have demonstrated pathogen retention above 99%. Moreover, antibacterial and antiviral testing has demonstrated that membranes trap and inactivate microorganisms, resulting in a 2.0 log (≈approximately 99%) reduction in viral titer. This study shows that recycled PA6 can be converted into high-performance membranes using green, industrial electrospinning, introducing innovations such as non-toxic CuO functionalization and ultra-fine fibers on recyclable substrates, yielding sustainable filters with strong antimicrobial and filtration performance, which are suitable for personal protective equipment and medical filtration.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles6010001

Authors: Sandra Regina Rech Amanda da Silveira Bairros Ana Julia Dal Forno

This study investigates how cultural and natural heritage can inform surface design for fashion, focusing on the development of a capsule collection of geoproducts in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Caçapava do Sul, Brazil. The purpose is to expand the scope of existing geoproducts, often limited to food and souvenirs, by introducing textile-based items that reflect local identity and contribute to sustainability. The research employed an applied, qualitative, and descriptive approach, including bibliographic review, questionnaires with local artisans, and the mapping of existing geoproducts. Data were analyzed through content analysis, and the creative process followed the method of cross-fertilization, which stimulates innovation by combining knowledge from design, geology, and craftsmanship. The design process was organized into four phases—preparation, generation of alternatives, selection, and realization—culminating in the capsule collection Aflora. The collection comprised two thematic lines: Cactaceae, inspired by endemic flora, and Geo, based on local geomonuments. The results demonstrate that surface design can mediate the relationship between fashion and heritage, producing identity-driven and innovative textile products. Three surface-design modules were produced, six product mockups, and two geoproduct prototypes, developed with materials such as wool, felt, sarja, and cotton fabrics. The study contributes theoretically by linking apparel design with heritage valorization, and practically by proposing a replicable model for geoproduct development. Limitations relate to the single case study and qualitative scope, suggesting future research on replication, eco-friendly printing, and market feasibility.

Textiles doi: 10.3390/textiles5040071

Authors: Muhammad Zaman Khan Azam Ali Hadi Taghavian Jakub Wiener Jiri Militky Dana Křemenáková

Medical textiles have gained significant attention for their ability to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases while ensuring the safety and comfort of healthcare professionals. This study focuses on modifying the surfaces of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance their antibacterial properties, thermophysiological comfort, and thermal insulation. The effects of varying volumes of the tetraisopropyl orthotitanate precursor on the functional properties of the coated PET fabrics were systematically investigated. The surface morphology was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At the same time, the elemental and chemical properties were analyzed through Energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The TiO2 NPs-coated PET fabrics demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and significantly improved thermophysiological comfort. Specifically, thermal resistance increased with a higher density of TiO2 nanoparticles, leading to a decrease in thermal conductivity. Notably, only minimal reductions were observed in relative water vapor permeability (RWVP) and air permeability (AP), indicating that the fabric’s porosity was maintained. Furthermore, the presence of the TiO2 nanolayer on the PET fabric significantly enhanced its thermal stability, providing excellent thermal insulation properties. These findings underscore the potential of TiO2 NPs-coated PET fabrics as promising candidates for advanced medical textile applications, where a balance of protection, comfort, and thermal insulation is essential.