Search Results (932)

Microwave-assisted depolymerization (MD) of heterogeneous postconsumer plastics was carried out in a quarter-scale reactor to evaluate product composition and the influence of feedstock type on oil quantity and quality. Various waste streams, including: PS, PP, ABS materials, keyboard housings, textile plastics, PCBs, and mixed electronic components, were processed in 3–6 kg batches using magnetron powers up to 2 × 1.55 kW. All experiments yielded a condensed liquid fraction, with color intensity correlating with aromatic content. FTIR spectroscopy showed that all oils consisted of hydrocarbon matrices dominated by aliphatic C-H stretching bands (2956–2850 cm⁻¹). Aromatic contributions varied significantly: PS produced oils rich in aromatic OOP C-H bands (900–650 cm⁻¹), PP yielded predominantly aliphatic oils with minor aromatic features, and ABS or electronics materials produced mixed aliphatic–aromatic profiles. Textile oils additionally exhibited carbonyl and O-H bands, indicating oxygenated decomposition products. Fractional distillation separated the oils into low-boiling aliphatic (<250 °C) and heavier aromatic (250–350 °C) fractions. These results suggest that MD reliably converts diverse plastic wastes into hydrocarbon oils whose spectroscopic characteristics reflect both feedstock composition and thermal pathways intrinsic to microwave heating. Full article

Effluents from industries, manufacturing companies, textile looms, and floodwater contaminate the surface water reservoirs. This endangers the quality of water for use by humans. Wastewater remediation is one of the ways to recycle the dirty water and make it suitable for use. Photocatalysis is the most common method for wastewater remediation, especially using Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles. However, chemical synthesis and direct addition of nanoparticles may cause toxicity to the flora and fauna present in the water body. To address this limitation, we have green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles using a horticulture waste, Calendula officinalis dried flower extract and entrapped them in a natural polymer, chitosan (CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite). The polymer entrapment ensures biocompatibility as well as reduced aggregation of nanoparticles. The synthesized CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite was characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analysis. The absorption peak was found at 302 nm, and the hydrodynamic diameter at 490 nm. SEM images show flower-like morphology with 326 nm average particle diameter. The non-toxic dose of the nanoparticles was estimated by MTT assay and zebrafish embryo developmental studies. More than 82% fibroblast cells were viable after treatment with 100 μg/mL of CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite. 85% embryos hatched after treatment with 50 μg/mL of CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite. Further, the textile dye remediation assessment was done using the dye crystal violet, exhibiting 69.19% dye degradation after 4 h of sunlight exposure. Altogether, the results demonstrate that the CTS-TiO₂-CO nanocomposite was effective in the remediation of crystal violet without causing any toxicity up to a dose of 100 μg/mL. Full article

Textile materials represent a versatile class of engineering substrates widely used in apparel, domestic products, and medical protective systems. Despite their extensive application, large-scale textile production has seen limited integration of fundamentally new functionalization strategies. In recent years, however, advances in materials science have enabled the development of textiles with tailored electrical, adaptive, and biological functionalities. This review summarizes recent progress in the functionalization of textile materials with a focus on approaches relevant to engineering and industrial implementation. Particular attention is given to conductive textiles designed for operation under extreme environmental conditions, including low-temperature climates. Methods for integrating electrically conductive elements into fibrous structures are discussed, highlighting their potential for sensing, thermal regulation, and energy-related applications such as powering portable electronic devices. Inkjet printing is presented as a scalable technique for high-resolution deposition of conductive patterns while preserving the mechanical integrity and aesthetic properties of textile substrates. In addition, adaptive and stimuli-responsive textile systems are reviewed, including materials capable of responding to thermal, optical, or chemical stimuli, with applications in camouflage, wearable systems, and multifunctional surfaces. The review further addresses the development of bioactive textiles, emphasizing antibacterial functionalization using organic and inorganic agents to mitigate the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. The relevance of such materials has been underscored by recent global viral outbreaks. Overall, this work aims to provide a materials science perspective on emerging textile functionalization strategies and to facilitate the transition of these technologies from laboratory-scale research to practical engineering applications. 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

The persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a significant challenge in solid waste management. This paper systematically reviews the distribution characteristics of PFASs in various solid waste streams, including industrial sludge, food packaging, textiles, and electronic waste. It also evaluates the removal efficiency of four thermal treatment technologies—incineration, pyrolysis, smoldering combustion, and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)—for PFASs in solid waste. Although incineration and smoldering combustion can achieve destruction and removal efficiencies exceeding 99.99%, the release of short-chain byproducts remains a critical bottleneck. Pyrolysis effectively decontaminates solid-phase products but carries the risk of phase transfer into pyrolysis oils. The efficiency of HTL is highly dependent on process parameters. PFAS degradation is a radical-mediated process initiated by the dissociation of functional groups. We emphasize that substrate surface properties and the presence of counterions play pivotal roles in modulating these reaction pathways. The introduction of water vapor (as a hydrogen-rich medium), alkaline additives, or specific catalysts is considered a promising strategy to inhibit the recombination of reactive byproducts and enhance mineralization rates. Full article

Dental wear provides valuable evidence for reconstructing past human behaviour, including diet abrasiveness and non-masticatory activities such as the use of teeth as a “third hand”. This study investigates activity-induced dental modifications (AIDMs) in two adult human skeletons recovered from a 15th–19th-century necropolis at the St. Athanasius Church in Niculițel (Tulcea County, Romania). Dental remains and associated dental calculus were examined using low- and high-magnification optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Well-polished grooves with parallel striations were identified on the incisor crowns, consistent with repetitive extra-masticatory activities related to fibre drafting during spinning and textile production. Dental calculus analysis revealed the presence of plant and animal fibres, providing direct micro-contextual evidence for textile-related practices. These results offer new insights into the use of teeth as tools and contribute to the reconstruction of textile-related craft activities during the Ottoman and early modern periods in southeastern Europe. Full article

Smart textiles require conductive materials that maintain electrical stability under repeated mechanical deformation and laundering while preserving textile-like flexibility. In this work, an elastic–rigid copolymer elastomer was designed as a polymer binder for washable conductive pastes used in wearable textile electronics. The copolymer was synthesized using polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), and m-xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), enabling the incorporation of thermally stable imide segments and elastic polyurethane domains within a single polymer framework. By adjusting the molar ratio between rigid and soft segments, the resulting copolymer exhibited balanced tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elastic recovery, outperforming a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane in mechanical performance. Silver-filled conductive pastes were prepared by dispersing 62 wt% micrometer-sized silver flakes into the copolymer matrix, achieving a bulk resistivity of 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ Ω·cm. The printed conductive films showed stable electrical resistivity under cyclic tensile deformation up to 20% strain. Washing durability was further evaluated following the AATCC 135 top-loading laundering standard. After 50 laundering cycles, the resistance increase remained within 2.8–5.5 Ω for knitted fabrics and 2.0–5.1 Ω for woven fabrics, indicating satisfactory electrical stability and adhesion to textile substrates. These results suggest that elastic–rigid copolymer binders are suitable for the development of wash-durable conductive pastes for wearable textile applications. 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

This study investigates the potential of pure chitosan powder as an effective, sustainable, and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of synthetic dyes from aqueous media. The work demonstrates the potential of pristine chitosan for practical wastewater treatment applications by adsorbing two commonly used textile dyes, methyl orange (MO) and methylene blue (MB). To elucidate the adsorption mechanism, chitosan was comprehensively characterized using zeta potential analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM–EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and point of zero charge (pHpzc) determination. FTIR analysis revealed notable shifts in –NH₂ and –OH functional groups after dye adsorption, confirming their involvement in electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding with MO and MB. SEM images demonstrated significant surface morphological changes following adsorption, while EDX spectra confirmed successful dye uptake through the appearance of sulfur and nitrogen signals characteristic of MO and MB, respectively. Zeta potential and pHpzc results explained the strong pH-dependent adsorption behavior, highlighting favorable electrostatic attraction between chitosan and the ionic dyes. The optimum adsorption conditions were achieved at adsorbent dosages of 0.5 g for MO and 1.0 g for MB, a contact time of 30 min, initial dye concentrations of 20 and 100 mg/L, and solution pH values of 3 for MO and 9 for MB at room temperature. The adsorption data fit the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating monolayer adsorption on a homogeneous chitosan surface, with maximum adsorption capacities of 7.843 mg/g for MO and 7.605 mg/g for MB. Kinetic studies showed that adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the adsorption process was endothermic and non-spontaneous under the investigated conditions. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that unmodified chitosan is a practical, eco-friendly adsorbent for dye removal, achieving removal efficiencies comparable to many modified chitosan composites, and represents a promising candidate for sustainable wastewater treatment. Full article

So-called ‘war rugs’ started being produced in Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion in 1979. These textiles have sparked debate as symbols of resilience and political commentary but also as controversial commodification of human suffering. However, their manufacture and materiality have not been studied so far. In the framework of the British Museum exhibition “War rugs: Afghanistan’s knotted history”, a scientific investigation was conducted on nine rugs from the collection. Approximately 65 samples were analysed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) to study the fibres, mordants and dyes used in the production of the rugs. Scanning X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and multiband imaging (MBI) were also used directly on the rugs to map the distribution of specific mordants and dyes, respectively. The results revealed the intentional use of white or dark wool as the substrate for dyeing, to obtain specific colour shades. A wide range of synthetic dyes was detected, including Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 88, Basic Green 4, Acid Blue 92, Acid Black 1 and Direct Black 38 in the earlier rugs, whereas Direct Yellow 1, Direct Brown 1, Direct Yellow 12, Acid Green 25, Acid Blue 113 and Direct Blue 15 were identified in the later rugs. Some synthetic dyes remained unidentified. Additionally, natural dyes were used in three rugs. An emodin-based colourant, possibly obtained from dock or sorrel (Rumex spp.), was detected in two light brown areas. A berberine-based colourant consistent with barberry (Berberis spp.) was detected in a yellow area. These results represent the first scientific study of these objects and enable preliminary insights into the details of this complex craft that has evolved from centuries of carpet making in this area. 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

Polypropylene (PP) nonwoven is widely used in biomedical textiles because of its lightweight and mechanical durability; however, its inherent hydrophobicity and chemical inertness limit further surface functionalization. In this study, a plasma-assisted UV grafting strategy was developed to fabricate thermo-responsive and antibacterial hydrogel coatings on PP nonwoven. Atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment was first employed to activate the PP nonwoven surface, followed by UV-induced graft polymerization of chitosan and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), forming a chitosan-co-PNIPAAm hydrogel immobilized on the nonwoven substrate. Surface characterization using water contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed effective plasma activation and successful hydrogel grafting. APPJ treatment significantly enhanced surface wettability, whereas subsequent UV grafting formed a continuous hydrogel on the PP nonwoven surface. The modified nonwoven exhibited distinct thermo-responsive swelling behavior in aqueous and simulated physiological environments, associated with the temperature-sensitive characteristics of the PNIPAAm component. In addition, the incorporation of chitosan imparted pronounced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 14 to 16.5 mm, indicating high antibacterial sensitivity. Preliminary cytocompatibility evaluation further demonstrated favorable cell viability on the modified surfaces. This study demonstrates a scalable and low-temperature surface engineering approach for integrating stimuli-responsive and antibacterial hydrogel functionality into nonwoven polymer substrates, offering potential for advanced biomedical textile applications. Full article

Wool fibers undergo significant structural changes during industrial stretching, which directly impact their mechanical properties and textile performance, making monitoring of the stretching process essential for optimizing wool products. In this study, we demonstrate the effective use of polarized second harmonic generation (P-SHG) imaging for monitoring the wool fiber stretching process. P-SHG is highly sensitive to non-centrosymmetric structures, enabling clear observation of changes in α-keratin alignment and the reconstruction of cortical interfaces during stretching. Quantitative P-SHG analysis revealed a significant decrease in the effective pitch angle (θ_e) from 54° ± 1° to 33° ± 3° after stretching, confirming the dipole orientation changes in keratin molecules. These findings were further validated through additional characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). The results show that the industrial stretching process of wool alters the morphology at the surface scale, enhances the alignment of macroscopic fibers, and induces a transition from α-helix to β-sheet. Our technique is simple, effective, and capable of in situ monitoring of the structural changes in wool fibers, making it highly promising for applications in the wool industry. Full article

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. Full article

With the rapid development of artificial intelligence and wearable electronics, there is an increasing demand for skin-like, flexible, and self-powered sensors capable of continuously perceiving mechanical stimuli and human motions. Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG)-based sensors incorporating stretchable conductive gels represent a promising approach to meet these requirements by combining soft mechanical compliance with efficient electromechanical signal transduction. However, conventional metallic or composite electrodes often suffer from mechanical mismatch with soft skin-like systems, motivating the exploration of intrinsically soft and stretchable conductive gels. In this review, we present a comprehensive and structured overview with comparative perspectives of stretchable skin-like conductive gel-based triboelectric devices. First, different classes of conductive gels, including hydrogels, organogels, ionogels, and other emerging gel systems, are systematically summarized and compared in terms of their composition, crosslinking strategies, conductivity, and mechanical characteristics. Next, the pivotal role of conductive gels in bridging skin-like sensing functions and triboelectric applications is elucidated, highlighting how their intrinsic softness, stretchability, self-healing capability, and interfacial conformability enable intimate skin contact and reliable electromechanical coupling. The key performance attributes of gel-based skin-like triboelectric sensors, including stretchability, self-healing behavior, optical and thermal tolerance, electrical durability, and environmental stability, are critically discussed with representative examples and comparative analysis. Typical device configurations, such as thin-film, fiber-shaped, and textile-based architectures, are further reviewed to illustrate structure–function relationships and application-oriented design strategies. Finally, current challenges, limitations, and future research directions for stretchable conductive gel-based triboelectric systems are outlined, aiming to provide practical guidelines and insights for the rational design of high-performance skin-like triboelectric sensors based on conductive gels. Full article