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Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials
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Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomaterials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 December 2025 | Viewed by 4833

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Valeika Virgilijus

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Polymer Chemistry and Technology, Kaunas University of Technology, Radvilenu pl. 19, 50254 Kaunas, Lithuania
Interests: leather processing technologies; biopolymers; application of enzymes in biotechnologies
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the rapid development of a wide range of new materials with very different properties, materials such as leather, textiles made from natural fibers, and other bio-based materials remain indispensable because of their unique properties. These are materials that people use and touch almost every day. For these reasons, the processing of these materials and the production of products from them play a very important role in the world economy, and this situation can be expected to continue for a very long time.

Although leather, natural textiles, and other bio-based materials are very established and well-known subjects of research, new research is being carried out, with the results revealing the previously unknown potential of new treatments to give unexpected properties to the objects studied. Completely new alternative processing technologies are being developed. All this shows that the possibilities for research on these well-known objects are endless.

The aim of this Special Issue is to collect original contributions exploring the processing, properties, structures, and uses of bio-based materials for various purposes. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to) process development, structural changes, mechanical characterization, exploitation properties, and analytical and numerical methods to model, simulate, and predict the behavioral properties of the materials and products produced.

The first volume, entitled "Leather, Textile and Bio-Based Materials: Production Processes, Environmental Impact and Life Cycle Assessment," attracted great interest from authors and readers. Therefore, we will continue to study this field by compiling a second volume of this Special Issue.

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials/special_issues/leather_textile_bio_based_materials

Prof. Dr. Valeika Virgilijus
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • leather processing
  • collagen changes
  • tanning
  • application of enzymes
  • wool
  • textile functions
  • natural fibres’ biocompatibility
  • composites containing bio-based materials
  • biodegradability of biomaterials
  • hydrolysis of biomaterials
  • life cycle assessment.

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 3164 KiB  
Article
Bioactive Compounds from Banana Leaf Extracts: Influence of Extraction Methodologies and Their Integration into Knitted Hemp Fabrics
by Joana Mota Gomes, João Mariz, Catarina Rodrigues, Ana Luísa Alves, Joana Moreira, Bárbara Vieira, Rosa Maria Silva, Andrea Zille and Carla Joana Silva
Materials 2024, 17(23), 5884; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17235884 - 30 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1816
Abstract
This study explores the bioactive potential of banana leaf extracts and their innovative integration into knitted hemp fabrics. To obtain the extracts, distinct extraction methodologies were employed, namely conventional extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized-liquid extraction. Aqueous and hydroethanolic solvents, namely 20% (v [...] Read more.
This study explores the bioactive potential of banana leaf extracts and their innovative integration into knitted hemp fabrics. To obtain the extracts, distinct extraction methodologies were employed, namely conventional extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and pressurized-liquid extraction. Aqueous and hydroethanolic solvents, namely 20% (v/v) and 50% (v/v), were employed during the extraction process. Furthermore, the cationization and functionalization of knitted hemp fabrics with the banana leaf extracts was achieved through padding. The extracts’ phenolic content and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, respectively. The results indicated that both ultrasound-assisted extraction and pressurized-assisted extraction substantially enhanced the yield of phenolic compounds in comparison to conventional extraction, while employing 50% EtOH as a solvent also improved extraction yields for all extraction methodologies. The functionalized knits were further characterized concerning their antioxidant activity by DPPH, assessing their antimicrobial properties through ATCC TM-100 standard against three microorganisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Candida Krusei, and Candida albicans), and UV protection according to the standard AS/NZS 4399:2017. Antioxidant activity was highest in knits functionalized with extracts obtained via ultrasound-assisted extraction, while antimicrobial properties were most pronounced in knits treated with hydroalcoholic extracts, particularly those derived from assisted methods. The UV protection was enhanced in extracts with higher ethanol concentrations obtained through ultrasound-assisted extraction, with these knits exhibiting the highest Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). This research not only highlights the efficacy of the alternative extraction technologies but also offers valuable insights for the development of innovative, biocompatible materials with enhanced bioactive properties for diverse applications in the textile and healthcare sectors, paving the way for sustainable applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials)
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17 pages, 2840 KiB  
Article
Performance Evaluation of Thermal Insulation Materials from Sheep’s Wool and Hemp Fibres
by Sigitas Vėjelis, Saulius Vaitkus, Virgilijus Skulskis, Arūnas Kremensas and Agnė Kairytė
Materials 2024, 17(13), 3339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17133339 - 5 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2272
Abstract
In the current work, the performance properties of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials were examined. For this purpose, three different compositions of natural fibres were prepared: pure sheep wool (SW), wool and industrial hemp (SW/HF) fibres, and pure industrial hemp (HF) fibres. Low-melt bicomponent [...] Read more.
In the current work, the performance properties of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials were examined. For this purpose, three different compositions of natural fibres were prepared: pure sheep wool (SW), wool and industrial hemp (SW/HF) fibres, and pure industrial hemp (HF) fibres. Low-melt bicomponent polylactide (PLA) fibres were used as a binding material. For specimens prepared from natural fibres, the dependence of the thermal conductivity, the tensile strength along and across the direction of product formation, and the short-term water absorption on the density of the specimens and the flammability parameters were determined. In addition, to reduce the water absorption and flammability, the specimens were coated with hydrophobic agents and flame retardants. The obtained research results were also statistically processed. The analysis of the results showed that the thermal conductivity of natural-fibre-based thermal insulation materials varied within the range of 0.0333 ÷ 0.0438 W/(m·K), the tensile strength varied from 2.5 to 130 kPa, the short-term water absorption varied from 0.5 to 8.5 kg/m2, and the water vapour diffusion resistance factor varied from 2.537 to 2.667. It was additionally determined that all the studied products were flammable. The water absorption and flammability values were significantly reduced by the use of hydrophobic agents and flame retardants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials)
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Review

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17 pages, 2105 KiB  
Review
Fibrous Microplastics Release from Textile Production Phases: A Brief Review of Current Challenges and Applied Research Directions
by Md Imran Hossain, Yi Zhang, Abu Naser Md Ahsanul Haque and Maryam Naebe
Materials 2025, 18(11), 2513; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18112513 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 100
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), particularly fibrous MPs, have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The textile industry is a significant contributor to MP pollution, particularly through the production of synthetic fibers and natural/synthetic blends, which [...] Read more.
Microplastics (MPs), particularly fibrous MPs, have emerged as a significant environmental concern due to their pervasive presence in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The textile industry is a significant contributor to MP pollution, particularly through the production of synthetic fibers and natural/synthetic blends, which release substantial amounts of fibrous MPs. Among the various types of MPs, fibrous MPs account for approximately 49–70% of the total MP load found in wastewater globally, primarily originating from textile manufacturing processes and the domestic laundering of synthetic fabrics. MP shedding poses a significant challenge for environmental management, requiring a comprehensive examination of the mechanisms and strategies for the mitigation involved. To address the existing knowledge gaps regarding MP shedding during the textile production processes, this brief review examines the current state of MP shedding during textile production, covering both dry and wet processes, and identifies the sources and pathways of MPs from industrial wastewater treatment plants to the environment. It further provides a critical evaluation of the existing recycling and upcycling technologies applicable to MPs, highlighting their current limitations and exploring their potential for future applications. Additionally, it explores the potential for integrating sustainable practices and developing regulatory frameworks to facilitate the transition towards a circular economy within the textile industry. Given the expanding application of textiles across various sectors, including medical, agricultural, and environmental fields, the scope of microplastic pollution extends beyond conventional uses, necessitating urgent attention to the impact of fibrous MP release from both synthetic and bio-based textiles. This brief review consolidates the current knowledge and outlines the critical research gaps to support stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers in formulating effective, science-based strategies for reducing textile-derived microplastic pollution and advancing environmental sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials)
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