Search Results (66)

Cotton is a globally important economic crop and the foundational raw material for the textile industry, and the planting pattern plays a crucial role in determining both the yield and quality of cotton. The results demonstrated that compared with the use of the traditional wide–narrow row (66 + 10 cm) planting pattern, the use of uniform row spacing significantly increased cotton yield (pooled effect size = 0.09, p < 0.05; average yield increase of 9.41%) when interrow distances were homogenized to optimize the population canopy structure. Moreover, this approach comprehensively improved fiber quality, yielding an average increase of 2.02% in cotton fiber length (pooled effect size = 0.02, p < 0.001), an average increase of 8.32% in cotton breaking tenacity (pooled effect size = 0.08, p < 0.001), and an average decrease of 6.76% in the cotton micronaire value (pooled effect size = −0.07, p < 0.001). This study confirms that the use of a uniform row spacing planting pattern is a key agronomic measure for simultaneously achieving high yield and superior fiber quality in cotton, providing both theoretical and practical insights into the optimization of cotton cultivation patterns. Full article

A major obstacle to textile recycling is the presence of dyes, which limits the reuse of fibers in high-value applications. Despite previous studies on, cotton decolorization, the systematic development of an optimal formulation that preserves fabric integrity remains lacking. This study addresses this gap by investigating a decolorization method for mixed-dyed cotton textiles that enables successful redyeing while preserving fabric quality. Reactive and vat-dyed cotton fabrics were treated with sequential reductive and oxidative processes, in a full factorial design. The impact of input parameters on tensile strength was evaluated through statistical analysis using analysis of variance at a significance level of α = 0.05. The developed recipe was subsequently validated on post-consumer cotton textiles. Stripping efficiency was assessed using K/S values, and fabric quality was evaluated through tensile strength, pilling, and fuzzing appearance. Temperature showed the strongest influence on dye removal. Fabric strength was significantly affected by temperature and oxidizing agent, and by interactions of temperature with reducing agent and oxidation time. The optimized process achieved 98–99.5% color removal and retained 95% of the fabric’s tenacity. A stripping efficiency of >90% for post-consumer cotton validates the method’s applicability in real-world circular systems. Full article

Mechanical textile recycling presents a sustainable alternative to linear “take–make–waste” models in the fashion industry. This study intended to develop yarns using textile-to-fiber mechanically recycled fibers. ReSpool mechanically recycled wool, cotton, polyester, silk, and rayon fibers from pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles were acquired and blended with new fibers at varying ratios (100% ReSpool fibers, 85% ReSpool fibers, and 65% ReSpool fibers) to make batts, which were spun into yarns. The yarns’ size (Tex), strength (breaking force and tenacity), elongation, and moisture regain were evaluated. ReSpool recycled fibers from both pre-consumer and post-consumer textiles can be used to produce yarns that have appropriate strength for weaving and knitting. It was possible to produce yarns from 100% ReSpool recycled wool, polyester, and silk fibers, but ReSpool recycled cotton and rayon fibers must be blended with new fibers to produce yarns. There was no significant difference among the percentage of ReSpool recycled polyester and cotton fibers in the yarns on the strength and elongation of the yarn. It is recommended to use the higher percentage of ReSpool recycled fibers in yarn development to maximize recycled material utilization. Full article

Melt-spun PA6/TiO₂ fibers with TiO₂ modified by silane coupling agents KH550 and KH570 at 0, 1.6, and 4 wt% provide a practical testbed to address three fiber-centric gaps: transferable interphase quantification, interphase-resolved indications of compatibility, and a reproducible kinetics–structure–property link. This work proposes, for the first time at fiber scale, a four-phase partition into crystal (c), crystal-adjacent rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-c), interfacial rigid amorphous fraction (RAF-i), and mobile amorphous fraction (MAF), and extracts an interfacial triad consisting of the specific interfacial area (S_v), polymer-only RAF-i fraction expressed per composite volume (Γ_i), and interphase thickness (t_i) from SAXS invariants to establish a quantitative interphase-structure–property framework. A documented SAXS/DSC/WAXS workflow partitions the polymer into the above four components on a polymer-only basis. Upon filling, Γ_i increases while RAF-c decreases, leaving the total RAF approximately conserved. Under identical cooling, DSC shows the crystallization peak temperature is higher by 1.6–4.3 °C and has longer half-times, indicating enhanced heterogeneous nucleation together with growth are increasingly limited by interphase confinement. At 4 wt% loading, KH570-modified fibers versus KH550-modified fibers exhibit higher α-phase orientation (Hermans factor f(α): 0.697 vs. 0.414) but an ~89.4% lower α/γ ratio. At the macroscale, compared to pure (neat) PA6, 4 wt% KH550- and KH570-modified fibers show tenacity enhancements of ~9.5% and ~33.3%, with elongation decreased by ~31–68%. These trends reflect orientation-driven stiffening accompanied by a reduction in the mobile amorphous fraction and stronger interphase constraints on chain mobility. Knitted fabrics achieve a UV protection factor (UPF) of at least 50, whereas pure PA6 fabrics show only ~5.0, corresponding to ≥16-fold improvement. Taken together, the SAXS-derived descriptors (S_v, Γ_i, t_i) provide transferable interphase quantification and, together with WAXS and DSC, yield a reproducible link from interfacial geometry to kinetics, structure, and properties, revealing two limiting regimes—orientation-dominated and phase-fraction-dominated. Full article

PBT/PET side-by-side bicomponent fibers form helical crimp structures under thermal or mechanical stress, though the mechanism behind mechanically induced crimping remains unclear. In this study, four-lobed cross-sectional PBT/PET side-by-side bicomponent fibers were produced and subjected to drawing from 1.6 to 4.0 times at 80 °C to induce crimping. Increasing draw ratios significantly enhanced fiber tenacity (from 0.64 to 3.91 cN/dtex) and reduced crimp radius (from 2.05 mm to 0.64 mm). A predictive crimp curvature model integrating Denton’s crimp theory and a four-element viscoelastic model was established, with corrected results achieving an R² of 0.9951. Additionally, four-lobed fibers showed better wettability, with a static contact angle 3.56° lower than that of circular fibers. This work provides theoretical guidance for high-performance self-crimping fiber design. Full article

The textile industry is under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to the significant environmental impacts associated with fiber production, including high energy consumption, water usage, and substantial greenhouse gas emissions. The recycling of textile waste, particularly cotton, is a promising solution that has the potential to reduce landfill waste and decrease the demand for virgin fibers. However, mechanically recycled cotton fibers frequently demonstrate diminished mechanical properties compared to virgin fibers, which limits their potential for high-quality textile applications. This study explores the use of cross-linking agents (citric acid (CA) and sodium hypophosphite (SHP)), polymers (polyethylene glycol (PEG), chitosan (CH), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and starch (ST)), and silicas (anionic (SA) and cationic (SC)) to enhance the mechanical properties of recycled cotton fibers. The treatments were then subjected to a hierarchical ranking, with the effectiveness of each treatment determined by its impact on enhancing fiber tenacity. The findings of this research indicate that the most effective treatment was starck (ST_50), which resulted in an enhancement of tenacity from 14.63 cN/tex to 15.34 cN/tex (+4.9%), closely followed by CA-SHP_110/110, which also reached 15.34 cN/tex (+4.6%). Other notable improvements were observed with CMC_50 (15.23 cN/tex), PEG_50 (14.91 cN/tex), and CA_50 (14.89 cN/tex), all in comparison to the control. In terms of yarn quality, the CA-SHP_110/110 treatment yielded the most substantial reductions in yarn irregularities, including thin places, thick places, and neps with decreases of 36%, 10%, and 7%, respectively. Furthermore, CA_50 exhibited moderate enhancements in yarn regularity, thin places (−12%), thick places (−6.1%), and neps (−8.9%). The results of this study demonstrate that combining CA with SHP, particularly when preceded by the heating of the solution before the addition of the fibers, results in a substantial enhancement of the structural integrity, strength, and overall quality of recycled cotton fibers. This approach offers a viable pathway for the improvement of the performance of recycled cotton, thereby facilitating its wider utilization in high-quality textile products. Full article

In this work, we investigated the influence of stabilization on polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Biodegradable plastics have a significantly lower environmental impact because they are produced from renewable resources and can break down through the action of microorganisms. Considering the issues of polymer waste production and accumulation, PLA, being a biodegradable material derived from renewable sources, represents a promising solution for the future. Nowadays, several studies on PLA evaluate its properties for various applications. However, we focused on improving the user properties of PLA fibers. Different thermal stabilization processes simulate the use of PLA fibers and their impact on the behavior and properties of PLA fibers exposed to these conditions. The thermal behavior of PLA fibers (the melting temperatures, the crystallization temperatures, and enthalpies), mechanical (tenacity and elongation at the break, Young’s modulus), and thermomechanical (the shrinkage and the temperature of first distortion) properties of PLA fibers have been investigated in detail. Our research results show that the PLA fibers can achieve better properties (as mechanical and dimensional) by stabilization. It is about the dimensional stability of the fibers for applications such as knitting and weaving. Under the monitored stabilization conditions, shrinkage was reduced (especially at higher stabilized temperatures above 85 °C), which can improve the next process of textile processing (knitting and weaving). Thermal stabilization after drawing is one possibility. The stabilization conditions will depend on the potential use of the PLA fibers. Full article

Biodegradable polymers are essential for sustainable plastic life cycles and contribute to a carbon-neutral society. Here, we explore the development of biodegradable fibers with excellent mechanical properties using polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends. To address the inherent immiscibility between hydrophobic PP and hydrophilic TPS, hydrophilic modification and a masterbatch approach were employed. Melt-spinning trials demonstrated that the modified PP and TPS blends (mPP/TPS) exhibited excellent spinnability and processability comparable to virgin PP. A sheath-core configuration was introduced to enhance biodegradability while maintaining structural stability, with an mPP-rich part as the core and a TPS-rich part with a biodegradable promoter (BP) as the sheath. SEM and DSC analyses confirmed strong interfacial compatibility, uniform fiber morphology, and single melting points, indicating no phase separation. Mechanical testing showed that the sheath-core fibers met industrial requirements, achieving a tenacity of up to 2.47 gf/den and tensile strain above 73%. The addition of a BP increased the biodegradability rate, with PP/TPS/BP fibers achieving 65.93% biodegradation after 115 days, compared to 37.00% for BP-free fibers. These results demonstrate the feasibility of blending petroleum-based polymers with bio-based components to create fibers that balance biodegradability, spinnability, and mechanical performance, offering a sustainable solution for industrial applications. Full article

New asphalt mixtures have been improved by using fibers (polypropylene, polyester, asbestos, carbon, glass, nylon, lignin, coconut, sisal, recycled rubber, PET, wood, bamboo, and cellulose), reducing the temperature and compaction energy for their collocation, minimizing the impact on the environment, increasing the tenacity and resistance to cracking of hot mix asphalt (HMA), preventing asphalt drainage in a Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA). Hence, this paper aims to evaluate the influence of the chemical (lignin content, ash, viscosity, degree of polymerization, and elemental analysis), morphological (SEM), spectroscopic (FTIR-ATR and XRD), and calorimetric (ATG and DSC) properties of celluloses from bagasse Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul (ABP), corrugated paperboard (CPB) and commercial cellulose fiber (CC) as Schellenberg drainage (D) inhibitors of the SMA. The ABP was obtained through a chemical process by alkaline cooking, while CPB by a mechanical refining process. The chemical, morphological, spectroscopic, and calorimetric properties were similar among the analyzed celluloses, but CPB and ABP cellulose are excellent alternatives to CC cellulose for inhibiting drainage. However, CPB is the most effective at low concentrations. This is attributed to its morphology, which includes roughness, waviness, filament length, orientation, and diameter, as well as its lignin content and crystallinity. Full article

Rayon is an extremely valuable cellulosic fiber in the global textile industry. Since cuprammonium rayon is more eco-friendly than other types of rayon fabrics, it was synthesized by regenerating α–cellulose isolated from wastepaper using a novel gaseous-ammoniation injection (GAI) process. This was achieved by preparing tetra–ammine copper hydroxide (cuoxam solution) via reacting copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide to produce copper hydroxide that was, finally, ammoniated by injecting the gas directly to the reaction vessel instead of using ammonium hydroxide applied by prior art. After that, the air-dried cellulose was chemically generated by dissolving it in a freshly prepared cuoxam solution and, subsequently, was regenerated by extruding it within a hardening bath constituted mainly from citric acid, producing the cuprammonium rayon (c. rayon). The properties of the fibrous, structural (XRD and mechanical), physical, and chemical features were investigated. It was found that the rayon was produced in a high yield (90.3%) with accepted properties. The fibrous properties of the rayon staple length, linear density, and fiber diameter were found to be 44 mm, 235 Tex, and 19.4 µm, respectively. In addition, the mechanical properties determined, namely tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, and breaking tenacity, were found to be 218.3 MPa, 14.3 GPa, 16.1%, and 27.53 cN/Tex, respectively. Based on this finding, and upon injecting the ammonia gas through the α–cellulose saturated and immersed in the Cu (OH)₂ to complete producing the cuoxam solvent, we find that theuse of an injection rate of 120 mL/minute to obtain the highest fibers’ tensile strength for the final product of the c. rayon is preferable. Utilization of higher rates will consume more amounts of the ammonia gas without gaining noticeable enhancement in the c. rayon’s mechanical quality. Accordingly, the GAI invention rendered the c. rayon favorable for use in making sustainable semisynthetic floss for either insulation purposes or spun threads for woven and nonwoven textile clothing. Full article

Drought can significantly impact fiber crop cultivation due to the plants’ specific water requirements and their extended vegetative period. The purpose of the research was to examine how drought stress affects the quality and chemical composition of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibers. A three-year pot experiment was conducted in a plant growth facility, using controlled drought stress for hemp plants. Soil moisture levels were maintained at three levels, where 45% field water capacity was the control and 35% and 25% FWC were drought. A comprehensive suite of fiber quality characterization techniques, including linear density measurement, tenacity assessment, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Wide-Angle X-ray Diffraction (WAXD), was employed to evaluate the impact of drought stress on fiber properties. The chemical composition of hemp fibers was thoroughly analyzed, quantifying the content of cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and lignin. The findings indicate that drought conditions significantly influence linear density, wax and fat content, as well as the crystallinity of the fibers. Full article

Expanded polystyrene concrete (EPSC) is increasingly utilized in buildings as a green building material. To investigate the effect of high-tenacity polypropylene (HTPP) fibers on the carbonation resistance (CR) of EPSC, five groups of EPSC specimens with HTPP fiber volume fractions of 0%, 0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5% were prepared. Rapid carbonation tests were conducted to measure the carbonation depth (CD) and uniaxial compression strength (UCS) of the specimens at different carbonation ages (3, 7, 14, and 28 days). The CD and UCS of the specimens were calculated and analyzed. The results indicated that the HTPP fibers dramatically improved the CR of EPSC, with a decrease in the CD of up to 29.5% at 28 days. A model for predicting the CD of EPSC was developed. The model for the strength after carbonation also showed good agreement with the experimental results. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure of the HTPP-reinforced EPSC, while the mechanism of HTPP fibers to enhance the CR of EPSC was elucidated. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the application of EPSC as a structural material. Full article

Straw, the primary agricultural waste, constitutes approximately 20% of the total biomass in the EU. Only a small fraction of the material is applied in various products, e.g., animal bedding, mulch, building, and composite materials, while a significantly larger portion is often burned in the field. This practice, while prohibited for several reasons, including the increased risk of fire and the release of carbon dioxide contributing to global warming, is still prevalent. Given the increasingly evident effects of climate change, EU legislation aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible. One of the strategies includes applying the cascade principle in the circular economy. This principle aims to use the entire raw material, in this case, cereal crops, such that the products with the highest added value, like cellulose fibers from cereal straw, are extracted first. The vast potential for utilizing lignocellulosic agro-waste sustainably arises from its status as the most abundant organic compound on Earth. Its significant presence, renewability, and biodegradability make it a desirable source for producing materials in numerous industries. This study examines the potential of wheat fibers, isolated from the straw of two distinct cultivars (Srpanjka represents an old variety, and Kraljica represents the new variety) primarily for application in technical textiles. The following testing methods were applied: determination of wheat fibers and residues yield, fibers tensile properties, length, moisture content/regain, density, morphology, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The yield of isolated fibers relies on the wheat variety and the climatic conditions affecting plant growth, resulting in fiber yields from 10.91% to 15.34%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis indicates reduced peak intensity, which is related to hemicellulose and lignin content, suggesting their improved deposition following the process of chemical maceration. Wheat fiber quality was found to be comparable to cotton fibers regarding its density. However, they showed a significant difference in higher moisture regain (9.72–11.40%). The vast majority of the scientific papers related to wheat fibers did not indicate the length of the individual fibers obtained by chemical maceration nor their strength. Therefore, this paper indicated that both varieties demonstrated sufficient fiber tenacity (greater than 10 cN/tex) and fiber length (2–3 cm), stressing the spinning potential of these fibers into yarns and extending their use to the apparel industry. Moreover, our research underscores the feasibility of adhering to the zero-waste principle. A high percentage of solid waste remaining after fiber extraction (25.3–39.5%) was successfully used for biofuel production, thus closing the loop in the circular economy. Full article

Cotton is a preferred textile fiber for apparel textiles and is used primarily for summer wear. However, cotton has drawbacks, such as poor wrinkle resistance, and therefore, blends of cotton with other fibers have gained acceptance in the industry. In this study, a novel 90:10 cotton–cork blended fabric was studied for its physical and performance properties and benchmarked against a 100% cotton fabric. Fabric samples were analyzed to determine the wrinkle recovery angle, tenacity, abrasion resistance, shrinkage, CLO value, moisture absorption, and dyeability. The samples were further analyzed using SEM, DSC, and FTIR. The results showed significant differences between the two fabrics. Cotton–cork blended textile fabric had higher performance properties with the potential to be a viable, sustainable apparel textile. Full article

There has been an interest in understanding the relationship between textile cotton fiber strength (or tenacity) and structure for better fiber quality measurement and enhancement. This study utilized coupled Stelometer and high volume instrument (HVI) measurements with attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods to relate fiber strength and associated properties (Stelometer elongation and HVI micronaire) with structure properties on six Upland (as A, B, C, D, E, and F) and one Pima cultivar. Although Stelometer tenacity agreed with HVI strength in general, the Upland D cultivar (immature) was observed to show the lowest HVI strength value, while the Upland F cultivar (larger infrared crystallinity index) was found to possess the smallest Stelometer tenacity value. A few strong and significant correlations were noted, for example, between infrared crystallinity and Stelometer elongation for the Upland A fibers, between infrared maturity and Stelometer tenacity for the Upland C fibers, and between infrared maturity and HVI strength for the Upland D fibers. Furthermore, there were apparent distinctions in regressions and statistics of examined correlations between each Upland cultivar and their combined fiber set, addressing the challenge of understanding the unique response between fiber physical and structure properties from different measurements even within one cotton cultivar. Full article