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Search Results (449)

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Keywords = nonwoven materials

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33 pages, 4132 KiB  
Review
Mechanical Properties of Biodegradable Fibers and Fibrous Mats: A Comprehensive Review
by Ehsan Niknejad, Reza Jafari and Naser Valipour Motlagh
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3276; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153276 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer [...] Read more.
The growing demand for sustainable materials has led to increased interest in biodegradable polymer fibers and nonwoven mats due to their eco-friendly characteristics and potential to reduce plastic pollution. This review highlights how mechanical properties influence the performance and suitability of biodegradable polymer fibers across diverse applications. This covers synthetic polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), polycaprolactone (PCL), polyglycolic acid (PGA), and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), as well as natural polymers including chitosan, collagen, cellulose, alginate, silk fibroin, and starch-based polymers. A range of fiber production methods is discussed, including electrospinning, centrifugal spinning, spunbonding, melt blowing, melt spinning, and wet spinning, with attention to how each technique influences tensile strength, elongation, and modulus. The review also addresses advances in composite fibers, nanoparticle incorporation, crosslinking methods, and post-processing strategies that improve mechanical behavior. In addition, mechanical testing techniques such as tensile test machine, atomic force microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis are examined to show how fabrication parameters influence fiber performance. This review examines the mechanical performance of biodegradable polymer fibers and fibrous mats, emphasizing their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials in applications such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, medical implants, wound dressings, packaging, and filtration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Chemistry)
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12 pages, 2084 KiB  
Article
Recycling of PAN Waste into Nonwoven Materials Using Electrospinning Method
by Yaroslav V. Golubev, Igor S. Makarov, Denis N. Karimov, Natalia A. Arkharova, Radmir V. Gainutdinov, Sergey A. Legkov and Sergey V. Kotomin
Fibers 2025, 13(8), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/fib13080102 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 239
Abstract
For the first time, electrospinning has been used to recycle polyacrylonitrile terpolymer (PAN) waste following the solid-phase N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) process from PAN solutions in DMSO into nonwoven materials. The morphology of the obtained material has been studied. The material derived from secondary raw [...] Read more.
For the first time, electrospinning has been used to recycle polyacrylonitrile terpolymer (PAN) waste following the solid-phase N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) process from PAN solutions in DMSO into nonwoven materials. The morphology of the obtained material has been studied. The material derived from secondary raw materials was compared to the material from the original PAN using IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. It has been demonstrated that the chemical changes of PAN that occur during NMMO processing do not interfere with nonwoven material manufacture. Spun PAN nonwovens with different histories have similar morphology. It has been shown that the elastic modulus of ultrafine fibers depends on the history of PAN. Single monofilaments produced from initial PAN have a threefold greater elastic modulus than fibers spun from NMMO-recycled polymer. The revealed structure and properties of PAN fibers allow them to be considered as filter materials, as well as precursors of carbon nonwoven fabrics. Full article
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17 pages, 2815 KiB  
Article
Research on the Structural Design and Mechanical Properties of T800 Carbon Fiber Composite Materials in Flapping Wings
by Ruojun Wang, Zengyan Jiang, Yuan Zhang, Luyao Fan and Weilong Yin
Materials 2025, 18(15), 3474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18153474 - 24 Jul 2025
Viewed by 266
Abstract
Due to its superior maneuverability and concealment, the micro flapping-wing aircraft has great application prospects in both military and civilian fields. However, the development and optimization of lightweight materials have always been the key factors limiting performance enhancement. This paper designs the flapping [...] Read more.
Due to its superior maneuverability and concealment, the micro flapping-wing aircraft has great application prospects in both military and civilian fields. However, the development and optimization of lightweight materials have always been the key factors limiting performance enhancement. This paper designs the flapping mechanism of a single-degree-of-freedom miniature flapping wing aircraft. In this study, T800 carbon fiber composite material was used as the frame material. Three typical wing membrane materials, namely polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), and non-woven kite fabric, were selected for comparative analysis. Three flapping wing configurations with different stiffness were proposed. These wings adopted carbon fiber composite material frames. The wing membrane material is bonded to the frame through a coating. Inspired by bionics, a flapping wing that mimics the membrane vein structure of insect wings is designed. By changing the type of membrane material and the distribution of carbon fiber composite materials on the wing, the stiffness of the flapping wing can be controlled, thereby affecting the mechanical properties of the flapping wing aircraft. The modal analysis of the flapping-wing structure was conducted using the finite element analysis method, and the experimental prototype was fabricated by using 3D printing technology. To evaluate the influence of different wing membrane materials on lift performance, a high-precision force measurement experimental platform was built, systematic tests were carried out, and the lift characteristics under different flapping frequencies were analyzed. Through computational modeling and experiments, it has been proven that under the same flapping wing frequency, the T800 carbon fiber composite material frame can significantly improve the stiffness and durability of the flapping wing. In addition, the selection of wing membrane materials has a significant impact on lift performance. Among the test materials, the PET wing film demonstrated excellent stability and lift performance under high-frequency conditions. This research provides crucial experimental evidence for the optimal selection of wing membrane materials for micro flapping-wing aircraft, verifies the application potential of T800 carbon fiber composite materials in micro flapping-wing aircraft, and opens up new avenues for the application of advanced composite materials in high-performance micro flapping-wing aircraft. Full article
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13 pages, 2415 KiB  
Article
Thermophysiological Comfort Assessment of a Skirt Made from Bio-Based Material Derived from Pineapple Leaves
by Marija Pešić, Ineta Nemeša, Danka Đurđić and Dijamanta Salihi
Materials 2025, 18(14), 3249; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18143249 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 238
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the thermophysiological comfort of pineapple bio-based nonwoven material as a sustainable alternative to natural leather and synthetic polymer-coated materials by analyzing both the objective parameters of the material and subjective user feedback by wearing a [...] Read more.
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the thermophysiological comfort of pineapple bio-based nonwoven material as a sustainable alternative to natural leather and synthetic polymer-coated materials by analyzing both the objective parameters of the material and subjective user feedback by wearing a skirt made from the same material. Considering the increasing demand for sustainable materials alternatives, the study aims to determine whether this material can offer acceptable comfort during wear. The research included two commercially available pineapple, bio-based, nonwoven materials that differed in their finishing. Sample S1 contained 5% Bio-PU and 5% conventional PU, and sample S2 contained 10% conventional PU. Objective parameters such as thermal resistance (Rct), water vapor resistance (Ret) and air permeability were measured. For the subjective evaluation, ten female subjects wore the pineapple bio-based material skirts under controlled environmental conditions. Sample S1 showed lower Rct values and slightly lower Ret combined with higher air permeability, which correlated with better subjective comfort evaluation. Although both samples showed high Ret values (S1 = 60.57 Pa2/W; S2 = 84.80 m2K/W) indicating limited vapor transfer, sample S1 was perceived as more comfortable, which was effected by better air permeability (S1 = 11.3 mm/s; S2 = 2.65 mm/s). Overall, S1 is more suitable for indoor use and for a shorter wear duration, while S2 may be better for cooler outdoor environments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Leather, Textiles and Bio-Based Materials)
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22 pages, 5767 KiB  
Article
Influence of Humidity on the Electric Field, Filtration Efficiency, and Flow Velocity in Electret Filter Media: Direct Numerical Simulation
by Daniel Stoll and Sergiy Antonyuk
Atmosphere 2025, 16(7), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16070815 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 356
Abstract
Electret filter media are electrostatically charged during the manufacturing process to activate effective electrical separation mechanisms. In order to investigate the influence of humidity on these mechanisms, the electric field, and filtration efficiency, a Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) study of the aerosol deposition [...] Read more.
Electret filter media are electrostatically charged during the manufacturing process to activate effective electrical separation mechanisms. In order to investigate the influence of humidity on these mechanisms, the electric field, and filtration efficiency, a Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) study of the aerosol deposition within wetted fibrous nonwoven filter media used in masks was carried out. Initial experimental investigations determined key properties of the filter material, including porosity, fiber diameter, and surface charge density. Using Micro-Computed Tomography (µCT), preferred locations for droplet deposition within the filter were identified. Additional experiments quantified the amount of water absorbed by the filter medium and assessed its impact on the existing electric field. Numerical simulations examined various models with differing porosity and fiber diameter, incorporating different levels of water content to analyze the changes in the electric field, flow velocity, and resulting filtration efficiency. The results provide valuable insights into the significant effects of fiber change on filtration performance, demonstrating the electret filter’s ability to partially compensate for the negative impacts of water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrostatics of Atmospheric Aerosols (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 5269 KiB  
Article
Borohydride Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for SERS Platforms: Indirect Glucose Detection and Analysis Using Gradient Boosting
by Viktoriia Bakal, Olga Gusliakova, Anastasia Kartashova, Mariia Saveleva, Polina Demina, Ilya Kozhevnikov, Evgenii Ryabov, Daniil Bratashov and Ekaterina Prikhozhdenko
Sensors 2025, 25(13), 4143; https://doi.org/10.3390/s25134143 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 368
Abstract
In recent years, non-invasive methods for the analysis of biological fluids have attracted growing interest. In this study, we propose a straightforward approach to fabricating silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-coated non-woven polyacrylonitrile substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). AgNPs were synthesized directly on the substrate [...] Read more.
In recent years, non-invasive methods for the analysis of biological fluids have attracted growing interest. In this study, we propose a straightforward approach to fabricating silver nanoparticle (AgNP)-coated non-woven polyacrylonitrile substrates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). AgNPs were synthesized directly on the substrate using borohydride reduction, ensuring uniform distribution. The optimized SERS substrates exhibited a high enhancement factor (EF) of up to 105 for the detection of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA). To enable glucose sensing, the substrates were further functionalized with glucose oxidase (GOx), allowing detection in the 1–10 mM range. Machine learning classification and regression models based on gradient boosting were employed to analyze SERS spectra, enhancing the accuracy of quantitative predictions (R2 = 0.971, accuracy = 0.938, limit of detection = 0.66 mM). These results highlight the potential of AgNP-modified substrates for reliable and reusable biochemical sensing applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biosensors)
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21 pages, 1537 KiB  
Article
The Circular Economy Approach to Dealing with Burdensome Waste from Poultry Industry
by Piotr Kacorzyk, Jacek Strojny, Michał Niewiadomski, Paulina Supel, Paweł Kaszycki, Ishrat-E-Anwar Brishty, Agnieszka Józefowska, Krystyna Wrześniewska-Tosik, Tomasz Kowalewski, Michalina Pałczyńska and Damian Walisiak
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 5997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17135997 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 254
Abstract
This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based [...] Read more.
This study applies the concept of the circular economy by using poultry feather waste to produce biodegradable geotextiles for environmental applications. The main goal was to assess their biodegradability, effect on soil properties, and usefulness in supporting plant growth. Three types of feather-based nonwoven fabrics were manufactured using a needle-punching method and tested under laboratory and field conditions over a 23-month period. Laboratory tests confirmed high biodegradability: Nonwoven I and III lost over 91% of their mass within 24 weeks. In field trials, plots covered with biodegradable geotextiles showed up to 266% more seedlings compared to bare soil, and plant height increased by 90% on average. The materials also improved soil moisture retention and supported microbial activity. After use, the nonwovens did not require removal and decomposed naturally, enriching the soil. The results demonstrate that feather-based geotextiles are a sustainable, effective, and locally available solution for soil protection and vegetation in difficult terrain. Full article
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14 pages, 4242 KiB  
Article
Research on the Process of Cutting Nonwoven Materials Using Surgical Gauze as an Example
by Marcin Zastempowski, Andrzej Bochat and Maciej Janiec
Materials 2025, 18(13), 3049; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma18133049 - 27 Jun 2025
Viewed by 379
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the functional characteristics of the process of cutting surgical gauze with a drum cutting unit. For this purpose, the authors designed and constructed a test stand on which experimental tests were conducted. As part of [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to examine the functional characteristics of the process of cutting surgical gauze with a drum cutting unit. For this purpose, the authors designed and constructed a test stand on which experimental tests were conducted. As part of this study, the results of the experimental tests are presented, which were conducted for three selected thicknesses of surgical gauze samples, four selected angles of feeding of the material to be cut and nine selected cutting speeds. In order to determine cutting resistance, the specific cutting resistance was used, and the energy consumption was estimated using the specific cutting work related to the cutting surface of the surgical gauze. The conducted experimental studies demonstrated that the highest value of the specific cutting resistance pc=78.14 Nm1  occurred during the cutting of eight-layer gauze at a cutting angle α=0° and a cutting speed Vc=0.66 ms1. Meanwhile, the highest value of the specific cutting work was approximately LjS=120.00 Jm2 during the cutting of three-layer gauze, also at a cutting speed Vc=0.66 ms1 for cutting angles α=0°  and α=5°. This study found that Vc=0.66 ms1 is the threshold cutting speed at which the material is cut. Below this speed, the cutting drum does not have enough momentum to cut the material. Based on the statistical analysis of the obtained test results, it was concluded that there exists a relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The cutting speed has the greatest impact on the parameters of the surgical gauze cutting process. The test results, which have not been found in the worldwide literature to date, constitute a valuable contribution to the development of the theory of surgical gauze cutting. The experimentally determined specific cutting resistance pc and specific cutting work of surgical gauze broaden the knowledge of the materials used in medicine and contribute to the expansion of scientific knowledge in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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20 pages, 1903 KiB  
Article
Controlled Release of Hydrophilic Active Agent from Textile Using Crosslinked Polyvinyl Alcohol Coatings
by Limor Mizrahi, Rotem Kelman, Efrat Shtriker, David Meridor, Dror Cohen, Meital Portugal-Cohen and Elizabeth Amir
J. Funct. Biomater. 2025, 16(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb16060216 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 868
Abstract
Functional fabrics embedded with active materials that can be released in a controlled manner upon external triggering have been explored for biomedical and cosmetic applications. This study introduces a method for the fabrication of nonwoven fabrics coated with crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for [...] Read more.
Functional fabrics embedded with active materials that can be released in a controlled manner upon external triggering have been explored for biomedical and cosmetic applications. This study introduces a method for the fabrication of nonwoven fabrics coated with crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for in situ encapsulation and controlled release of hydrophilic active agent, allantoin. Two types of crosslinked coatings were examined using citric acid (CA) or polyacrylic acid (PAA) as crosslinkers. Based on gel content, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) analyses PVA:CA coatings exhibited a higher crosslinking density compared to PVA:PAA systems. Swelling behavior was measured at 62% after 30 min for PVA:PAA 7:3 films and 36% after 60 min for PVA:CA 7:3 crosslinked films. The release of allantoin from the coated fabrics was influenced by the coating thickness (250–330 µm), the formulation viscosity (8–250 cP), allantoin content (1.2–4.2 mg) and the molecular weight between crosslinks (MC) 1,000,000–494 g/mol. PVA:CA 7:3 coating allowed the controlled release of 97% allantoin over 8 h, whereas PVA:PAA 7:3 coating exhibited a more prolonged release profile, with 96% of allantoin released over 20 h. Kinetic analyses of the release profiles revealed a good agreement with zero-order release. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spotlight on Biomedical Coating Materials)
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22 pages, 4924 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Polybenzimidazole Membranes: Fabrication and Fine-Tuning Through Physical and Statistical Approaches
by Emmanuel De Gregorio, Giuseppina Roviello, Valentina Naticchioni, Viviana Cigolotti, Alfonso Pozio, Luis Alexander Hein, Carlo De Luca, Claudio Ferone, Antonio Rinaldi and Oreste Tarallo
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1594; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121594 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 588
Abstract
Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, was processed by solution electrospinning to manufacture fibrous non-woven membranes. The process was repeated under different conditions by adjusting four main settings: the polymer solution concentration, the flow rate, [...] Read more.
Polybenzimidazole (PBI), a high-performance polymer known for its exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, was processed by solution electrospinning to manufacture fibrous non-woven membranes. The process was repeated under different conditions by adjusting four main settings: the polymer solution concentration, the flow rate, the voltage applied between the needle and the collector, and the separating distance. To clarify the interplay between process parameters and material properties, a Design of Experiment (DOE) approach was used to systematically analyze the effects of said parameters on microstructural properties, including fiber diameter, porosity, and air permeability, pointing out that the increase in viscosity improves fiber uniformity, while optimizing the applied voltage and the needle–collector distance enhances jet stability and solvent evaporation, crucial for defect-free fibrous microstructures. Post-processing via calendering further refined the membrane texture and properties, for example by reducing porosity and air permeability without significantly altering the fibrous morphology, particularly at low lamination ratios. Thermal and mechanical evaluations highlighted that the obtained electrospun PBI membranes exhibited enhanced flexibility, but lower tensile strength compared to cast films due to the underlying open pore microstructure. This integrated approach—combining experimental characterization, DOE-guided optimization, and post-processing via calendering—provides a systematic framework for tailoring PBI membranes for specific applications, such as filtration, fuel cells, and molecular sieving. The findings highlight the potential of PBI-based electrospun membranes as versatile materials, offering high thermal stability, chemical resistance, and tunable properties, thereby establishing a foundation for further innovation in advanced polymeric membrane design and applications for energy and sustainability. Full article
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15 pages, 4817 KiB  
Article
Lyocell-Based Nonwovens: Mechanical Performance and Biodegradation Analysis
by Lúcia Rodrigues, João Medeiros, Rita Marques and Carla J. Silva
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020020 - 4 Jun 2025
Viewed by 963
Abstract
The nonwoven industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by rapid growth and sustainability concerns, with a growing need to shift from fossil-based polymers like polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) fibres to biodegradable, fossil-free materials. Compared to other cellulose-based fibres, lyocell (LY) is a [...] Read more.
The nonwoven industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by rapid growth and sustainability concerns, with a growing need to shift from fossil-based polymers like polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) fibres to biodegradable, fossil-free materials. Compared to other cellulose-based fibres, lyocell (LY) is a promising solution due to its good mechanical performance and lower environmental impact. Additionally, cellulose acetate (CA) fibres, known for their thermoplastic and biodegradable properties, can act as a binder, offering another promising alternative to fossil-based fibres. This study explores the use of 100% LY fibres, alone and in blends with CA and recycled polyester (rPES) fibres, in the development of needle-punched nonwovens and assesses the mechanical benefits of adding a thermal bonding step. Among the blends, rPES-based nonwovens with thermal bonding showed the best results. 100% LY exhibited the best mechanical performance among needle-punched nonwovens, while rPES-based blends outperformed the others. Biodegradability and toxicity studies were also performed. 100% LY nonwovens fully biodegraded within 55 days, and 100% CA and 100% rPES showed no biodegradation. The findings revealed that the thermal process did not affect the disintegration level and, the germination of Brassica oleracea was not affected by soils in which the samples were buried for 75 days. Full article
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14 pages, 5870 KiB  
Article
Recyclable and Degradable Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Betaine-Based Deep Eutectic Polymer Dry Gel Plastics with a High Mechanical Strength
by Hanyu Zhao, Ying Jia, Ling Cai, Xiaochun Wang, Minghui He and Guangxue Chen
Gels 2025, 11(6), 421; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060421 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 460
Abstract
Most existing polymer plastics are nonreusable and also exhibit poor biocompatibility and a poor mechanical strength–tensile strain balance. Herein, using deep eutectic polymers, we prepare reusable hydrophilic supramolecular dry gel plastics with balanced stress–strain characteristics through the hydrogen bonding of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) [...] Read more.
Most existing polymer plastics are nonreusable and also exhibit poor biocompatibility and a poor mechanical strength–tensile strain balance. Herein, using deep eutectic polymers, we prepare reusable hydrophilic supramolecular dry gel plastics with balanced stress–strain characteristics through the hydrogen bonding of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with betaine (Bta). As PVA exhibits crystalline stiffness and abundant hydrogen-bonding sites, it is employed as a network backbone in the proposed deep eutectic supramolecular polymers. In the prepared PVA/Bta dry gel plastics, PVA and Bta are dynamically and physically crosslinked through high-density hydrogen bonding, resulting in a yield strength of ~109 MPa and toughness of up to ~210.92 MJ m−3. In addition, these plastics can be recycled at least five times in an aqueous environment while maintaining a mechanical strength of 100 MPa. Furthermore, the proposed polymers exhibit high transparency (92%) in the visible spectrum. We expect these polymers to be used in synthesizing biodegradable dry gel plastics, as well as to lead to the development of recyclable deep eutectic PVA/Bta polymers with remarkable strength. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Research on Eutectogels)
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68 pages, 9522 KiB  
Review
Gel Electrolytes in the Development of Textile-Based Power Sources
by Ana Isabel Ribeiro, Cátia Alves, Marta Fernandes, José Abreu, Fábio Pedroso de Lima, Jorge Padrão and Andrea Zille
Gels 2025, 11(6), 392; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels11060392 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 633
Abstract
The interest in flexible and wearable electronics is increasing in both scientific research and in multiple industry sectors, such as medicine and healthcare, sports, and fashion. Thus, compatible power sources are needed to develop secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, and dye-sensitized solar [...] Read more.
The interest in flexible and wearable electronics is increasing in both scientific research and in multiple industry sectors, such as medicine and healthcare, sports, and fashion. Thus, compatible power sources are needed to develop secondary batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, and dye-sensitized solar cells. Traditional liquid electrolytes pose challenges in the development of textile-based electronics due to their potential for leakage, flammability, and limited flexibility. On the other hand, gel electrolytes offer solutions to these issues, making them suitable choices for these applications. There are several advantages to using gel electrolytes in textile-based electronics, namely higher safety, leak resistance, mechanical flexibility, improved interface compatibility, higher energy density, customizable properties, scalability, and easy integration into manufacturing processes. However, it is also essential to consider some challenges associated with these gels, such as lower conductivity and long-term stability. This review highlights the application of gel electrolytes to textile materials in various forms (e.g., fibers, yarns, woven, knit, and non-woven), along with the strategies for their integration and their resulting properties. While challenges remain in optimizing key parameters, the integration of gel electrolytes into textiles holds immense potential to enhance conductivity, flexibility, and energy storage, paving the way for advanced electronic textiles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Progress and Application Prospects of Gel Electrolytes)
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19 pages, 6468 KiB  
Article
Research on the Sustainable Reuse of Tire Textile Waste for the Production of Thermal Insulating Mats
by Giedrius Balčiūnas, Sigitas Vėjelis, Saulius Vaitkus, Jurga Šeputytė-Jucikė, Arūnas Kremensas and Agnė Kairytė
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104288 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 557
Abstract
Waste tire textile fiber (WTTF), a secondary product from the processing of end-of-life tires, is predominantly disposed of through incineration or landfilling—both of which present significant environmental hazards. The incineration process emits large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs) as well as harmful substances [...] Read more.
Waste tire textile fiber (WTTF), a secondary product from the processing of end-of-life tires, is predominantly disposed of through incineration or landfilling—both of which present significant environmental hazards. The incineration process emits large quantities of greenhouse gases (GHGs) as well as harmful substances such as dioxins and heavy metals, exacerbating air pollution and contributing to climate change. Conversely, landfilling WTTF results in long-term environmental degradation, as the synthetic fibers are non-biodegradable and can leach pollutants into the surrounding soil and water systems. These detrimental impacts emphasize the pressing need for environmentally sustainable disposal and reuse strategies. We found that 80% of WTTF was used for the production of thermal insulation mats. The other part, i.e., 20% of the raw material, used for the twining, stabilization, and improvement of the properties of the mats, consisted of recycled polyester fiber (RPES), bicomponent polyester fiber (BiPES), and hollow polyester fiber (HPES). The research shows that 80% of WTTF produces a stable filament for sustainable thermal insulating mat formation. The studies on sustainable thermal insulating mats show that the thermal conductivity of the product varies from 0.0412 W/(m∙K) to 0.0338 W/(m∙K). The tensile strength measured parallel to the direction of formation ranges from 5.60 kPa to 13.8 kPa, and, perpendicular to the direction of formation, it ranges from 7.0 kPa to 23 kPa. In addition, the fibers, as well as the finished product, were characterized by low water absorption values, which, depending on the composition, ranged from 1.5% to 4.3%. This research is practically significant because it demonstrates that WTTF can be used to produce insulating materials using non-woven technology. The obtained thermal conductivity values are comparable to those of conventional insulating materials, and the measured mechanical properties meet the requirements for insulating mats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Materials: Recycled Materials Toward Smart Future)
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14 pages, 9154 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of the Mechanical Properties of Highly Oriented Recycled Carbon Fiber Composites Using the Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding, Wet-Layup, and Resin Transfer Molding Methods
by Mio Sato, Yuki Kataoka, Masumi Higashide, Yuichi Ishida and Sunao Sugimoto
Polymers 2025, 17(10), 1293; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17101293 - 8 May 2025
Viewed by 699
Abstract
Recycling carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is crucial for sustainable material utilization, particularly in aerospace applications, where large quantities of prepreg waste are generated. This study investigated the mechanical properties of highly oriented recycled CFRP (rCFRP) molded using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM), wet-layup, and [...] Read more.
Recycling carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs) is crucial for sustainable material utilization, particularly in aerospace applications, where large quantities of prepreg waste are generated. This study investigated the mechanical properties of highly oriented recycled CFRP (rCFRP) molded using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VaRTM), wet-layup, and traditional RTM methods. Recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) obtained via solvolysis and pyrolysis were processed into nonwoven preforms to ensure fiber alignment through carding. The influence of molding methods, fiber recycling techniques, and fiber orientation on mechanical performance was examined through tensile tests, fiber volume fraction (Vf) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy observations. The results indicated that the solvolysis-recycled rCF exhibited superior interfacial adhesion with the resin, leading to a higher tensile strength and stiffness, particularly in the RTM process, where a high Vf was achieved. Wet-layup molding effectively reduced the void content owing to autoclave curing, maintaining stable properties even with pyrolyzed rCF. VaRTM, while enabling vacuum-assisted resin infusion, exhibited a higher void content, limiting improvements in mechanical performance. This study highlights that tailoring the molding method according to the desired performance, such as increasing stiffness potential by enhancing Vf in RTM or improving tensile strength by improving fiber–matrix adhesion in wet-layup molding, is critical for optimizing rCFRP properties, providing important insights into sustainable CFRP recycling and high-performance material design. Full article
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