Textiles, Volume 6, Issue 1 (March 2026) – 37 articles

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 $(\times {10}^{-3}/°\mathrm{C})$ to 0.41 $({10}^{-3}/°\mathrm{C})$. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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 PyroMan^TM 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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article

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. Full article