Fibers

This study evaluates the textile potential of five underexplored Agave varieties (Agave salmiana crassispina, A. salmiana salmiana, A. ingens marginata, A. tecta, and A. mapisaga) through combined analyses of extraction behaviour, microstructure, and single-fibre mechanical performance. Fibres extracted from basal, middle, and upper leaf sections were characterised using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and single-fibre tensile testing under controlled conditions. All varieties produced spinnable fibres and exhibited significant longitudinal variability in mechanical behaviour along the leaf axis (p < 0.05). Mechanical performance depended strongly on both species and leaf position, with fibres from the middle leaf section generally showing higher tenacity. Variations in Young’s modulus reflected differences in fibre maturity and internal microstructural organisation. Fractographic observations revealed predominantly brittle fracture with microfibrillar rupture and longitudinal fibrillation. Overall, the results demonstrate that agave species and leaf position are key parameters governing fibre performance. These agave varieties therefore represent promising candidates for sustainable textile applications, provided that appropriate fibre selection and blending strategies are implemented to ensure homogeneous yarn properties.

In this paper, the impact of shear deformations on the load–deflection response of transversely loaded inflatable panels made from drop-stitch fabric is explored. A nonlinear shear constitutive model was derived from torsion tests and integrated into Timoshenko beam theory to predict deflection components. Four-point bend tests of the same panel are conducted at pressures of 34.5, 68.9, and 103 kPa and for span-to-depth ratios of 7.2, 12.5, and 17.8 to give load–deflection response with varying levels of shear deformation. Analytical, mechanics-based expressions are derived to quantify load–deflection response due to bending and shear, including deflections caused by the drop-stitch yarns. The resulting expressions are shown to predict the measured load–deflection behavior to within 20% at the theoretical wrinkling load while indicating that the midspan deflection caused by shear deformations including the effect of the drop-stitch yarns are 78% of the total panel deflection for the lowest inflation pressure and smallest span-to-depth ratio. An approach to reducing panel shear deformability through the incorporation of braided sidewalls is proposed, and a second panel with this modification is fabricated and tested in four-point bending to experimentally demonstrate effectiveness. For the smallest span-to-depth ratio, shear stiffening reduced panel midspan deflection by 17–22% depending on inflation pressure.

Stimuli-responsive textiles are a rapidly evolving class of functional fiber-based materials that sense and adapt to environmental triggers. Within these enabling technologies, hydrogels and microcapsules are very illustrative, as they offer complementary mechanisms for moisture management, controlled release, and adaptive performance. Hydrogels provide soft, water-rich polymer networks with modifiable swelling, permeability, and mechanics, while microcapsules offer protection and targeted delivery of active agents through engineered shell structures. When integrated into fibrous networks, they impart dynamic detection responses for moisture, temperature, pH, mechanical stress, light, and chemical or biological agents. This review critically examines progress in design, synthesis, and textile integration of hydrogel- and microcapsule-based systems, with emphasis on materials that exhibit stimuli-responsive behavior rather than passive or extended-release functionality. Strategies for incorporating bulk hydrogels, micro- and nanogels, and stimuli-responsive microcapsules into fibers, yarns, and fabrics are discussed in addition to applications such as smart apparel, medical and hygienic textiles, controlled drug delivery, antimicrobial fabrics, and adaptive filtration media. Existing challenges for durability, washability, response kinetics, scalability, and sustainability are highlighted, while future research directions are proposed to advance the development of robust and intelligent textile systems at the nexus of soft matter science and fiber engineering.