Textiles

The textile and garment care industries significantly impact ecological conditions and resources worldwide. Possible ways of minimizing the harmful influence on the environment include giving a preference to natural textiles; reducing the consumption rate by extending the lifespan of clothes, e.g., preserving colors and fibers; and using biodegradable garment care products. Wool is a natural fabric that must be washed with special laundry care products to preserve its initial appearance. Currently, there are no approaches that focus not only on preserving but also restoring wool fibers. To investigate the efficacy of biodegradable technology, consisting of natural-derived shikimic acid and L-arginine, in the restoration of wool fabric, SEM was applied. To analyze the obtained data, a novel three-point scale was suggested. In comparison with untreated samples, the composition promoted a smoothing of the scale structure of wool fibers of up to 34.87%. The system has shown efficacy in both the low pH (fabric softener) and high pH (laundry gel) systems. To further investigate biodegradable technology, the color retention of dark-colored cotton fabric was tested. It was shown that the composition promotes 96.15% color preservation after 10 laundry cycles when used in the fabric softener. Biodegradable technology is a promising solution for the maintenance of wool fabrics and color preservation solutions. Full article

Natural fibres have garnered substantial attention because of their eco-friendly attributes and versatility, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic ones. This review surveys plant fibres, including flax, hemp, jute, banana, and pineapple, emphasizing their diverse properties and applications in nonwoven materials. This research also examines the use of synthetic polymer composites blended with natural fibres to create high-performance nonwoven materials. Furthermore, this review outlines the primary applications of nonwovens manufactured with plant fibres through needle-punching. These applications span geotextiles, automotive interiors, construction materials, and more. The advantages, challenges, and sustainability aspects of incorporating natural fibres in needle-punched nonwovens are discussed. The focus is on mechanical and thermal properties and their adaptability for specific applications. This research provides valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals aiming to leverage the benefits of plant fibres in needle-punched nonwovens across various sectors. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the electrochemical oxidation of real textile wastewater using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and different titanium-based mixed metal oxide (Ti/MMO) commercial anodes, namely Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂, Ti/IrO₂-Ta₂O₅, Ti/IrO₂-RuO₂, and Ti/RuO₂/IrO₂-Pt. Experiments were conducted in batch mode, with stirring, at different applied current densities. The results showed that BDD attained the best results, followed by Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂, which achieved total color removal, a chemical oxygen removal of 61% with some mineralization of organic compounds, and a similar specific energy consumption to BDD. The worst performance was observed for Ti/IrO₂-Ta₂O₅, with a specific energy consumption four times superior to BDD due to a negligible organic load removal. Full article

A popular belief for why polar bears have black skin is to increase solar heat gain from solar radiation that penetrates through a translucent fur layer made of unpigmented hollow hair. To examine the relative importance of skin color on solar heat gain, we measured thermal gradients, heat flux, and solar transmittance through a polar bear pelt under solar irradiation while thermally anchored to a temperature-controlled plate set to 33 °C. We found that for 60–70% of the dorsal region of the pelt where the fur layer is thickest, solar energy cannot reach the skin through the fur (solar transmittance ≤ 3.5 ± 0.2%) and therefore skin color does not meaningfully contribute to solar heat gain. In contrast, skin pigmentation was important in the remaining areas of the pelt that were covered with thinner fur. This information was used to select commercially available materials according to their solar optical properties to build biomimetic outdoor apparel with enhanced solar heat gain by a factor of 3 compared to standard outerwear constructions. Full article

Wearable photovoltaic technology has been prominent in recent years because electronic devices need to be powered continuously without reliance on traditional methods. However, the practical adoption of wearable PV cells is hindered by the need for laundering, potentially degrading performance. This research compared PV cells’ maximum current and electrical resistance before and after laundering testing conditions. This study used eight samples of two types of PV panel cells and laundered them up to five cycles. The current and electrical resistance values were recorded before and after each laundering cycle. This study analyzed the data using a paired sample t-test and MANOVA. It was found that laundering cycles significantly affected the current values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types; on the other hand, laundering cycles did not significantly affect the electrical resistance values in both types of samples, with no differential impact between the types. These results are crucial for industries developing textile-based PV panels, where maintaining electrical performance after laundering is essential. These findings could pave the way for more sustainable, self-powered wearable PV technologies, ultimately transforming how users interact with electronic devices daily. Full article

With an expanding global clothing and textile industry that shows no signs of slowing, concerns over its environmental impacts follow. Fibre fragments (FFs)—short pieces of textiles that have separated from a textile construction—are a growing area of concern due to increasing evidence of their accumulation in the environment. Most of the existing research on this topic focuses on the role of consumer behaviour rather than the textiles themselves. A systematic literature review is used here to explore the key textile parameters that influence FF release. A search of articles published between 2011 and June 2024 was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Three databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO) were used, and articles were screened to ensure that a minimum of one textile parameter was manipulated in the study. A total of 52 articles were selected and where appropriate, comparisons between samples used and key findings were made. The textile parameters that were found to reduce FF release include fibres of a longer length and higher tenacity, as well as filament yarns with low hairiness and higher twists. At the fabric level, tight fabric structures and high abrasion resistance show lower FF shedding. Mechanical finishes that reduce the number of protruding fibre ends or chemical finishes that increase abrasion resistance also prove to be beneficial. Lastly, sewing and cutting methods that enclose or seal the textile edge can reduce FF release. While optimal parameters have been identified, they are not applicable to all textile end-uses. Rather, these factors can serve as a guide during future production and be applied where possible to limit FF release. Full article

Carbon nanomaterials are increasingly being integrated into modern research, particularly within the textile industry, to significantly boost performance and broaden application possibilities. This study investigates the impact of incorporating three distinct carbon-based nanofillers—carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon black (CB), and graphene (Gn)—into polyamide 6 (PA6) multifilament yarns. It explores how these nanofillers affect the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PA6 yarns and fabrics. By utilizing melt extrusion, the nanomaterials were uniformly distributed in the yarns, and knitted fabrics were subsequently produced for detailed analysis. The research offers critical insights into how each nanofiller improves the thermal behavior of PA6-based textiles, enabling the customization of their applications. FTIR spectroscopy revealed significant chemical interactions between polyamide and carbon additives, while DSC analysis showed enhanced thermal stability, particularly with the inclusion of graphene. The introduction of these nanomaterials led to increased absorbance and decreased transmittance in the UV-Vis-NIR spectrum. Additionally, Far-Infrared (FIR) emissivity and thermal effusivity varied with different concentrations, with optimal improvements observed at specific levels. Although thermal conductivity decreased with the addition of these nanomaterials, heat management experiments demonstrated varied effects on heat accumulation and cooling times, underscoring potential applications in insulation and cooling technologies. These findings enrich the existing knowledge on nanomaterial-enhanced textiles, providing valuable guidance for optimizing PA6 yarns and fabrics for use in protective clothing, sportswear, and technical textiles. The comparative analysis offers a thorough understanding of the relationship between carbon nanomaterials and thermal properties, paving the way for innovative advancements in functional textile materials. Full article

This research developed shoe soles using a biodegradable and renewable composite made of King Oyster mushroom mycelium. An exploratory approach was used to develop biodegradable shoe prototypes using the mushroom mycelium composite as the midsoles. An online survey was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance of the shoe prototypes and a wear test with undergraduate college students was conducted to evaluate the consumer acceptance, wearability, and comfort of the shoe prototype. The survey results indicated that consumers liked the new sustainable footwear and were likely to purchase it. Indian consumers liked the new shoes more and would be more willing to purchase the new shoes than the U.S. consumers. The young age group would be more willing to buy this sustainable shoe prototype than the old age group. The consumers who were frequent consumers of sustainable products, willing to pay more for an environmentally friendly product, and cared about the environment were more likely to purchase this sustainable shoe prototype. The wear test with a small sample of four college students had split opinions on the comfort and wearability of the shoes. Still, all of them liked the concept of shoe materials and biodegradable shoes made from renewable materials. Full article

Composites of textile fabrics and 3D-printed layers have been investigated thoroughly during the last decade. Usually, material extrusion such as the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique is used to build such composites, revealing challenges in preparing form-locking connections between both materials due to the highly viscous polymer melt, which can hardly be pressed into textile fabrics. Resins used for 3D printing by vat photopolymerization, i.e., for stereolithography (SLA), are less viscous and can thus penetrate deeper into textile fabrics; however, fixing a textile on the printing bed that is fully dipped into the resin is more complicated. Here, we present one possible solution to easily fix textile fabrics for SLA printing with consumer printers according to the digital light processing (DLP) sub-method. Also, we show the results of a study of the mechanical properties of the resulting textile/polymer composites, as revealed by three-point bending tests. Full article

Multifunctional composites and smart textiles are an important advancement in material science, offering a variety of capabilities that extend well beyond traditional structural functions. These advanced materials are poised to revolutionize applications across a wide range of industries, including aerospace, healthcare, military, and consumer electronics, by embedding functionalities such as structural health monitoring, signal transmission, power transfer, self-healing, and environmental sensing. This review, which draws on insights from various disciplines, including material science, engineering, and technology, explores the manufacturing techniques employed in creating multifunctional composites, focusing on modifying textiles to incorporate conductive fibers, sensors, and functional coatings. The various multifunctional capabilities that result from these modifications and manufacturing techniques are examined in detail, including structural health monitoring, power conduction, power transfer, wireless communication, power storage, energy harvesting, and data transfer. The outlook and potential for future developments are also surveyed, emphasizing the need for improved durability, scalability, and energy efficiency. Key challenges are identified, such as ensuring material compatibility, optimizing fabrication techniques, achieving reliable performance under diverse conditions, and modeling multifunctional systems. By addressing these challenges through ongoing research and further innovation, we can significantly enhance the performance and utility of systems, driving advancements in technology and improving quality of life. Full article

Textiles are composed of different types of fibers; thus, different processes for end-of-life recovery are currently applied. After collection, a prior sorting process is essential to classify the textiles and assess their quality in order to ensure that the best available technology is selected, with mechanical recycling being the most widespread and mature. Nevertheless, it still has important limitations as it is not suitable for the treatment of all fibers, especially those of non-organic origin and blends. On the other hand, chemical recycling appears to be a necessary technology to valorize the fibers that cannot be reused or mechanically recycled and to avoid landfilling. This article aims to provide an overview of the available technologies in the field of textile waste recycling, including collection, pretreatment, and mechanical and chemical recycling processes. Each technology is described identifying pros and cons, and a techno-economical assessment is presented including technology readiness levels (TRLs), investments, and costs. European and Spanish regulations and policies on textile waste are analyzed to identify the trends and directions the sector is moving towards. Full article

The increasing demand for environmental and sustainable materials has motivated efforts to fabricate biocomposites as alternatives to conventional synthetic fiber composites. However, biocomposite materials have some drawbacks such as poor mechanical resistance, fiber/matrix incompatibility, low thermal resistance and high moisture absorption. Extensive research has been conducted to address these challenges, in terms of the sustainable production, serviceability, reliability and properties of these novel biocomposites. Silk fibers have excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability along with moderate mechanical properties, while flax fibers have a high specific strength and modulus. The combination of the silk fiber with moderate modulus and stiffness with flax fibers with high specific strength and modulus allows the modulation of the properties of silk using the intra- and inter-hybridization of both fibers. In this study, silk and flax fibers are combined in different arrangements, totaling eight different composites; the quasi-static mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis are discussed, focusing on the structure versus relationship properties, with the aim of corroborating the freely available data from literature. The main findings indicated that the synergic effect of the flax fiber and silk fiber leads to a tailormade composite with a low cost and high performance. Full article

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) merge textiles and electronics to monitor physiological and environmental changes. Innovations in textile functionalities and diverse applications have propelled e-textiles’ popularity. However, challenges like connection with external devices for signal processing and reliable interconnections between flexible textiles and rigid electronic circuits persist. Wearable connectors enable the effective communication of e-textiles with external devices. Factors such as electrical functionality and mechanical durability along with textile compatibility are crucial for their performance. Merging the rigid connectors on the flexible textiles requires conductive and flexible interconnects that can bridge this gap between soft and hard components. This work focuses on designing two-part detachable mechanical snap connectors for e-textiles. The textile side connectors are attached to the data transmission cables within the textiles using three interconnection techniques—conductive epoxy, conductive stitches, and soldering. Three types of connectors were developed that require three detaching or unmating forces (low, medium, and high). All connectors were subjected to 5000 mating–unmating cycles to evaluate their mechanical durability and electrical performance. Connectors with low and medium unmating forces exhibited a stable performance, while those with high unmating forces failed due to wear and tear. Conductive stitches maintained better conductance as compared to conductive epoxy and soldering methods. Full article

Due to the continuous optimization of cutting plans, the cotton scrap size resulting from the cutting of components for clothing production (post-industrial residues) is often considered insufficient to obtain fibres with the proper length to produce a new yarn through mechanical recycling processes; so it is important to search for other applications for these wastes. In this context, small pieces of cotton were submitted to a shredding process to obtain recycled fibres. Cotton small pieces and recycled fibres were then submitted to a refining process to achieve refined fibres. Using these materials alone and in blends with refined and unrefined bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp (BEKP), wet-laid nonwovens were developed and characterized. An analysis of the results revealed that the replacement of unrefined BEKP by 70% cotton waste fibres in wet-laid nonwovens, reducing the use of virgin raw material, enhances the structures’ mechanical properties by 80% and 14%, for small pieces or recycled fibres, respectively. Additionally, refining small pieces of cotton seems to be more promising than refining recycled fibres, because less steps are required to obtain wet-laid nonwovens with better mechanical properties. These results highlight the potential of this approach to be explored further for different products and end applications. Full article

With the substantial growth of the smart textiles market, electrical properties are becoming a basic requirement for most of the advanced textiles used in the development of wearable solutions and other textile-based smart applications. Depending on the textile substrate, the test method to determine the electrical properties can be different. Unlike smart fibers and yarns, the characterization of the electrical properties of fabrics cannot be tested between two connection points because the result would not represent the behavior of the entire fabric, so the electrical properties must be related to an area. The parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of the fabrics include resistance, resistivity, and conductivity. Although all of them can be used to indicate electrical performance, there are significant differences between them and different methods available for their determination, whose suitability will depend on the function and the textile substrate. This paper revises the main parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of conductive fabrics and summarizes the most common methods used to test them. It also discusses the suitability of each method according to several intervening factors, such as the type of conductive fabric (intrinsically or extrinsically conductive), its conductivity range, other fabric parameters, or the final intended application. For intrinsically conductive woven fabrics, all the methods are suitable, but depending on the requirements of conductivity accuracy, the contact resistance from the measuring system should be determined. For intrinsically conductive knitted fabrics, two-point probe, Van der Pauw, and eddy current methods are the most suitable. And for intrinsically conductive nonwoven fabrics, two-point probe and four-point probe methods are the most appropriate. In the case of extrinsically conductive fabrics, the applied method should depend on the substrate and the properties of the conductive layer. Full article

The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of structural and constructional parameters of 3D fabric on two of the most significant properties of fabrics for thermal protection—resistance to radiation heat and thermophysiological properties. Today’s textile materials provide high thermal protection, but they display poor thermophysiological properties in extreme conditions. Six samples of 3D fabrics were developed using a laboratory weaving machine. The examined samples were made of identical warp, with a total of three different weft densities, and were woven in two different weaves. The conditions of the weaving process and construction were the same. EN ISO 6942:2022 and EN ISO 11092:2014 methods were used to determine the resistance of the samples to thermal radiation and thermophysiological properties. The results showed that the samples that contained folds in their structure with a larger volume of “trapped” air had better thermophysiological properties and better resistance to thermal radiation. The volume of air contained in the 3D structure was used as a thermal insulator and it did not have a negative effect on the thermophysiological properties. The described structure enabled the 3D fabric to have an optimal ratio of thermal protection and comfort, which is of crucial importance for fabrics used to make thermal protective clothing. Full article

Printed textile-based flexible batteries are gaining attention in several applications, but they are becoming more relevant to the health care industry in terms of realizing wearable and skin-conformable electronic devices. A flexible battery must ideally be deformable along multiple directions. In this work, with an aim to develop a fully printed omnidirectional deformable battery, we report the fabrication process of a novel single-polymer-based flexible non-rechargeable planar Ag₂O-Zn battery on a textile substrate using the stencil printing method. Except for the electrolyte, all the components of the battery, including the current collectors, the anode, the cathode, and the separator membrane, are fabricated using a single polymer, namely styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene (SEBS). To fabricate the SEBS separator, we introduce the solvent evaporation-induced phase separation (SEIPS) process. In the SEIPS method, toluene and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are selected as the solvent–nonsolvent pair. The SEBS: toluene: DMSO system with a wt% ratio of 6:85:9 showed improved performance regarding the OCV tests. A polyacrylic acid (PAA)-based alkaline polymer gel is used as an electrolyte. The demonstrated process is simple, and, with suitable modifications, it should find its use in the development of digitally printed alkaline batteries. Full article

Though the transition from disposable to reusable surgical gowns holds substantial promise, successful implementation faces challenges. This study investigated tactile and thermophysiological comfort in surgical reusable gowns, comparing them with their disposable counterparts. Parameters such as surface roughness, compression, heat flux, and material rigidity were tested using a Fabric Touch Tester. Additionally, the water vapour permeability and static charge of the gowns were assessed. Thermophysiological comfort of the gowns was evaluated by measuring the temperature and relative humidity (RH) on test subjects during wear trials where they were engaged in an activity that mimics a surgeon’s performance. Skin temperature was monitored using iButton sensors and a thermal camera, and the impact on heart rate during the task was analysed. Following each test, participants provided subjective feedback through a questionnaire. The results indicated that reusable gowns boasted a smoother texture, translating to reduced friction on the skin and better heat transfer compared to the disposable fabrics, as indicated using FTT. They also exhibited higher water vapour permeability compared to their disposable counterparts. The wear trials revealed minimal differences in comfort between disposable and reusable gowns. While performing the activity, an increase in body temperature led to decreased RH, yet this rise did not adversely affect subject comfort, as validated using heart rate and questionnaire survey data. From a comfort point of view, switching from disposable to reusable gowns would not have drawbacks, meaning hospitals should be able to switch provided logistics and costs can be managed. Full article