Search Results (847)

We present frequency- and magnetic field-dependent measurements of the complex dielectric permittivity ε*(f, H) of a kerosene-based ferrofluid, containing Mn₀.₆Fe₀.₄Fe₂O₄ nanoparticles, over 0.8–5 GHz and static fields up to ~91 kA/m. The imaginary part, ${\epsilon }_F^{″}$, shows a peak at a characteristic frequency that shifts towards higher frequencies with increasing H, revealing a magnetic field-dependent relaxation process, interpreted using the Maxwell–Wagner–Sillars model. The dielectrophoretic extraction of nanoparticles was evaluated via the squared electric field gradient, and a threshold, ${\left(\nabla E^2\right)}_{\min }$, dependent on particle size was determined. Below that threshold, Brownian forces dominate, so the ferrofluid acts as a homogeneous dielectric. For this case, the Clausius–Mossotti factor (CM) was calculated for ferrofluid droplets in air and in water as a function of frequency and magnetic field. In air, CM exhibits modest but systematic magnetic field dependence, indicating a magnetically modulated dielectric response at GHz frequencies. In contrast, when water is used as the reference medium, CM remains negative and essentially independent of H across the entire frequency range, suggesting that the high permittivity of water masks the magneto-dielectric effects in the ferrofluid. These findings provide insight into the interplay between the magnetic field and the permittivity of ferrofluids, with implications for high-frequency applications. Moreover, using a λ/4 antenna connected to a network analyzer, the existence of the dielectrophoretic force acting on a ferrofluid-impregnated textile thread at microwave frequencies was experimentally demonstrated. Full article

Conductive thread is an integral aspect of smart textiles in the domain of electronic textiles (e-textiles). This study unveils the development of twelve distinct variants of conductive threads using the twisting method: the fusion of copper filament with cotton and polyester threads. The threads are coated with a carbon paste solution enriched with dissolved sea salt. The carbon paste is obtained from non-functional dry cell batteries, conventionally categorized as hazardous electronic waste (e-waste), which underscores an economically viable and environmentally sustainable approach. Experiments proved that each variant demonstrates minimal electrical resistance. The lowest resistance, 0.0164 ± 0.0001 Ω/cm, was achieved by Carbon-Coated Cotton Twisted Copper Thread-II. Comparative evaluation with commercially available conductive threads, including Bekaert Bekinox^® VN type (12/1x275/100z), indicated comparable or moderately lower resistance values for the developed copper-based threads. Mechanical–electrical stability under bending, twisting, and wash–dry cycles confirmed consistent conductive performance with minimal resistance variation. Practical demonstrations further validated the integration of the threads into fabric-based flexible circuits and wearable electronic systems. These findings demonstrate that twisted copper-based conductive threads derived from sustainable coating materials provide a promising alternative for smart textile and wearable electronic applications. Future research should focus on scalable fabrication, enhanced coating fixation, and long-term durability assessment. Full article

This study investigates pure and Ag-doped SrMoO₄ powders (Sr_1−xAg_xMoO₄, x = 0, 0.01, 0.07), focusing on structural, optical, and functional properties. We evaluate its photocatalytic performance, capacitance response in lactate solution and water, and antimicrobial activity in textiles. The diffraction patterns could be indexed to the pure tetragonal phase SrMoO₄. The doping of SrMoO₄ with Ag⁺ ions affects the morphology and particle size of the samples designed by co-precipitation. SrMoO₄ pure and Ag⁺-doped samples exhibited promising results in detecting water and lactate solutions, as well as photocatalysis. Pure SrMoO₄ was more efficient in the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) than the sample doped with Ag⁺. Among the bactericidal test results, sample SMO:0.01-P4, without light, in S. aureus, and SMO:0.07-P3, with light in E. coli, showed a slight distance from the inhibition halo. These results suggest that the treated textile may possess a characteristic bactericidal capacity that deserves further exploration. This comprehensive analysis offers insights into the structure–function relationship of SrMoO₄:Ag and advances the development of multifunctional materials. Full article

Synthetic or plastic microfibers (MFs) are an emerging form of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, derived from textile degradation and weathering of fishing and aquaculture gear. Despite extensive evidence of MFs in marine organisms, the effects of MFs exposure on mussels remain poorly understood. This study investigated the impact of synthetic MFs on the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) over a semi-chronic time scale of 14 days, using MFs produced by grinding a microfiber cloth. Adult mussels were exposed to three MFs treatments: 8, 40, and 100 MFs/L, reflecting current and future scenarios in the Black Sea. Biomarkers assessed included lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Significant lysosomal membrane destabilization (p < 0.05) occurred across all treatments. CAT activity in the digestive gland significantly decreased by 31.2%, 53.3%, and 62.1% at 8, 40, and 100 MFs/L, respectively. GST activity showed inhibition at 8 and 100 MFs/L and stimulation at 40 MFs/L. AChE activity decreased at 8 MFs/L but increased at higher concentrations. These results indicate that even environmentally relevant levels of synthetic MFs can alter cellular stability and enzymatic responses in mussels, suggesting potential ecological risks for marine bivalves. Full article

The rapid growth of electronic devices, including wearable sensors, has increased electronic waste, driving interest in sustainable, biocompatible materials. Electrospun biomaterials have emerged as versatile substrates for multifunctional wearable textiles, offering flexibility, high surface area, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility. Using natural polymers (e.g., silk fibroin, cellulose, chitosan) and synthetic polymers (e.g., polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, PVDF), electrospinning produces nanofibrous mats capable of supporting thermal regulation, moisture management, and integrated sensing for pressure, temperature, humidity, or chemical detection. Nature-inspired designs, hybrid composites, and advanced architectures enable passive and active thermoregulation via phase-change materials, thermochromic dyes, hydrogels, and conductive nanofibers, while maintaining wearer comfort, breathability, and skin safety. Despite progress, challenges persist in durability, washability, energy efficiency, manufacturing scalability, and recyclability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biomaterials, fabrication techniques, multifunctional sensor integration, and thermoregulation strategies, highlighting opportunities for next-generation wearable textiles that combine sustainability, adaptive thermal management, and high-performance sensing. Full article

As the global energy transition accelerates toward low-emission and sustainable industrial energy systems, green hydrogen produced from renewable sources has emerged as a promising alternative to natural gas in energy-intensive sectors. This study presents the design, implementation, and experimental validation of a rooftop photovoltaic–proton exchange membrane (PV–PEM) hydrogen energy system developed as a proof-of-concept for textile industry applications. The proposed system integrates monocrystalline photovoltaic panels with east–west solar tracking, a 4 kW inverter, and a PEM electrolyzer with a hydrogen production capacity of 3.6 L/h, enabling on-site solar-to-hydrogen conversion. Produced hydrogen is stored in a high-pressure metal tank and utilized for downstream energy applications, demonstrating a complete renewable energy pathway. System performance is monitored in real time and evaluated using an experimental methodology supported by GUM-based and Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis. A carbon reduction assessment is conducted under representative industrial operating scenarios, including uncertainty quantification. The results indicate that the prototype system achieves an energy output corresponding to an average monthly emission reduction of approximately 222 kg CO₂e. The modular and scalable architecture allows flexible expansion to support gradual natural gas substitution in textile processes such as drying, heating, and steam generation. Overall, the study demonstrates the technical feasibility and environmental potential of integrating rooftop PV–PEM hydrogen systems into textile manufacturing, providing a transferable framework for industrial decarbonization. Full article

Consumer exposure to chemicals in the EU is currently assessed separately for different products without aggregating exposure from different sources. A more integrated ap proach represents a promising opportunity to improve comprehensive risk evaluation and transparency across the value chain. This study develops aggregate consumer expo sure and risk assessment methods that involve calculation of exposure and risk for each pathway using the risk characterization ratio (RCR) as a uniform risk metric. Aggregate risk is obtained by adding up pathway-specific RCRs. The developed methodology re presents a new approach by evaluating exposure of seven population groups via all path ways and by using key input values normalized to body weight to reflect population-specific differences. The study demonstrates the practical applicability of the methodol o gy by assessing consumer exposure to the antioxidant ethylene bis[3,3-bis(3-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)butyrate] (Hostanox^® O 3), resulting from its use in food and drinking water contact materials, textiles and sealants. This case study demonstrates aggregate RCRs well below one for all groups. The highest aggregate RCRs are found for infants and toddlers, reflecting their proportionally higher food consumption and skin surface area. The methodology is transparent and can easily be applied to other substances, e.g., by industry stakeholders and authorities, if the substance concentration in products can be established. This study may inform further development of aggregate exposure and risk methods in EU regulatory frameworks. Full article

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of antimicrobial underwear as an adjunct to standard treatment in women with acute vaginitis. Methods: Sixty reproductive-age women with acute vaginitis received a 7-day intravaginal regimen of metronidazole and miconazole. Participants were assigned either to a group wearing antimicrobial underwear or to a control group wearing non-antimicrobial underwear. Vaginal symptoms and culture results were assessed before and after treatment. Results: The antimicrobial-underwear group showed significant improvement in vaginal symptoms, including discharge (96.7%→6.9% vs. 72.5%→27.5%; p < 0.001), pruritus (37.5% vs. 68.4%; p = 0.044), odor (19.6% vs. 53.8%; p = 0.016), and irritation (36.4% vs. 75%; p = 0.013). Dyspareunia was similar between groups. While no microbiological change was observed in controls (p = 0.950), negative cultures increased from 40% to 80% in the antimicrobial-underwear group (p = 0.018), with marked reductions in Candida spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, E. coli, and Klebsiella spp. Conclusions: Antimicrobial underwear, when used in conjunction with standard treatment, can enhance symptom relief and maintain genital hygiene. By improving the vulvovaginal microenvironment, antimicrobial textiles can reduce moisture and the persistence of pathogens. 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

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

Natural plant-based resources are rich in bioactive compounds that offer promising alternatives for developing sustainable, functional textiles. This study focuses on the extraction and application of natural dyes from Gardenia jasminoides as an eco-friendly substitute for conventional synthetic dyes. The dye was extracted using methanol–water (50:50) and ethanol–water (50:50) solvent systems, alongside conventional aqueous extraction, followed by characterization through column chromatography. The characterization of the extracted powders confirmed the presence of gardenia yellow pigments with strong coloration potential. Among the tested extraction methods, ultrasonic-assisted methanol–water extraction (M.W.U.) exhibited the highest dye yield of 29.5%, followed by ethanol–water ultra-sound extraction (E.W.U.) at 24.9%, water ultrasound extraction (W.U.) at 18.35%, and the lowest yield obtained from the water-heater method (W.H.) at 18.25%. The dyed cotton fabrics were tested for color strength (K/S), CIELAB, colorfastness (washing, light, rubbing), and functional properties (antibacterial and vector protection) according to standard operating procedures. The results revealed that an optimal mordant concentration produced the maximum color strength (K/S = 1.7730), with good rubbing (4–5), washing (4–5), and light fastness (5). The dyed fabrics also exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as evaluated by the AATCC 100 test method. For instance, the vector protection property of the cotton dyed fabrics was also excellent, as confirmed by the cage test. Overall, the use of Gardenia jasminoides seed-based natural dye demonstrates not only desirable coloration and functional performance but also significant ecological advantages, reducing chemical pollution and supporting the transition toward environmentally sustainable textile processing. Full article

The objective of this research is to enable the engineered manufacturing of sewn and embroidered e-textiles. It is achieved by conducting sewability assessments of commercially available conductive yarns and providing optimal sewing parameters to ensure electrical performance and mechanical suitability. Our approach includes yarn sampling, measurements, sewing experiments, statistical modeling, and performance tests of sewn sensors. We have scrutinized a range of conductive yarns with different formation mechanisms and electrical conductivities. Highly conductive, flexible, and fine count yarns are of particular interest in this proposed research. The physical properties of selected conductive yarns have been characterized and sewing experiments have been followed to evaluate the machine sewability of these conductive yarns under diverse sewing conditions. Using multiple logistic regressions and machine learning, these empirical observations are generalized and sewability models are established. Full article

Wearable sensing technologies are increasingly used to assess neuromuscular function during daily-life activities. This study presents and evaluates a multisensor wearable system integrating a textile-based surface Electromyography (sEMG) sleeve and a pressure-sensing insole for monitoring Tibialis Anterior (TA) and Gastrocnemius Lateralis (GL) activation during gait. Eleven healthy adults performed overground walking trials while synchronised sEMG and plantar pressure signals were collected and processed using a dedicated algorithm for detecting activation intervals across gait cycles. All participants completed the walking protocol without discomfort, and the system provided stable recordings suitable for further analysis. The detected activation patterns showed one to four bursts per gait cycle, with consistent TA activity in terminal swing and GL activity in mid- to terminal stance. Additional short bursts were observed in early stance, pre-swing, and mid-stance depending on the pattern. The area under the sEMG envelope and the temporal features of each burst exhibited both inter- and intra-subject variability, consistent with known physiological modulation of gait-related muscle activity. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed multisensor system for characterising muscle activation during walking. Its comfort, signal quality, and ease of integration encourage further applications in clinical gait assessment and remote monitoring. Future work will focus on system optimisation, simplified donning procedures, and validation in larger cohorts and populations with gait impairments. Full article

Cleaning historical silk textiles is a particularly sensitive operation that requires precise control to prevent mechanical or chemical damage. In this study, we investigate using flexible PVA–borax-based gels to remove soot from silk, i.e., polyvinyl alcohol–borax (PVA-B) gels and polyvinyl alcohol–borax–agarose double network gels (PVA-B/AG DN) loaded with different cleaning agents—namely, 30% ethanol and 1% Ecosurf EH-6—in addition to plain gels loaded with water. These gel formulations were tested on simplified model systems (SMS) and were applied using two methods: placing and tamping. The cleaning results were compared with a traditional contact-cleaning approach; micro-vacuuming followed by sponging. Visual inspection, 3D opto-digital microscopy, colorimetry, and machine-learning-assisted (ML) soot counting were exploited for the assessment of cleaning efficacy. Rheological characterization provided information about the flexibility and handling properties of the different gel formulations. Among the tested systems, the DN gel containing only water, applied by tamping, was easy to handle and demonstrated the highest soot-removal effectiveness without leaving residues, as confirmed by micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (micro-FTIR) analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs proved the structural integrity of the treated silk fibers. Overall, this work allows us to conclude that PVA–borax-based gels offer an effective, adaptable, and low-risk cleaning strategy for historical silk fabrics. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health concern, which complicates treatment of microbial infections and wounds. Conventional therapies are no longer effective against drug resistant microbes; hence, novel antimicrobial approaches are urgently required. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer stronger antimicrobial activity, and in situ synthesis improves stability, uniformity, cost efficiency, and bioactivity while minimising contamination. These features make AgNPs well-suited for incorporation into textiles and wound dressings. Red wine extract (RW-E), rich in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds was used to hydrothermally synthesise RW-AgNPs and RW-AgNPs-loaded on cotton (RWALC) by optimising pH and RW-E concentration. Characterisation was performed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and High Resolution and Scanning electron microscopy (HR-TEM and SEM). Antibacterial activities were evaluated against human pathogens through agar disc diffusion assay for RWALC and microdilution assay for RW-AgNPs. RWALC showed higher potency against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with inhibition zones of 12.33 ± 1.15 to 23.5 ± 5.15 mm, that surpassed those of ciprofloxacin (10 ± 3 to 19.17 ± 1.39 mm at 10 μg/mL). RW-AgNPs exhibited low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC: 0.195–3.125 μg/mL) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC: 0.78–6.25 μg/mL). Preincubation with β-mercaptoethanol (β-ME) inhibited the antibacterial activity of RWALC, suggesting that thiolated molecules are involved in AgNPs-mediated effects. This study demonstrated that green-synthesised RW-AgNPs, incorporated in situ into cotton, conferred strong antibacterial properties, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms of action. Full article