Search Results (1,312)

This paper investigates the tensile behavior of cotton ring-spun yarn through experimental testing, numerical simulation, and theoretical calculation. Firstly, scanning electron microscope testing of the microscopic geometric morphologies of yarns was performed for the development of basic finite element (FE) models. Then, the influences of tensile speed and yarn length on the tensile properties of yarn were studied using tensile experiments. Numerical simulations were further performed to investigate the effects of yarn diameter, twist angle, and friction between fibers on the tensile modulus of yarn. Finally, a modified ‘rule-of-mixtures’ equation was proposed to effectively calculate the tensile modulus of yarn through incorporating the friction correction factor. The experimental results show that the tensile modulus and strength of tested yarn are significantly affected by the yarn structure and are not sensitive to the yarn length and tensile speed. Furthermore, the tensile moduli of yarns obtained from the numerical simulations show a good fitting accuracy with those obtained from experimental tests when the friction coefficient is set to 0.5 in the FE models. The simulation results show that the twist angle and friction coefficient are two key factors affecting the tensile modulus of yarn. The modified ‘rule-of-mixtures’ equation presents better accuracy for the calculation of the tensile modulus of yarn compared with the traditional ‘rule-of-mixtures’ equation, which can be used to replace the FE modeling and simulation and reduce the computational cost. This work will provide a deeper understanding of the mechanical properties of cotton ring-spun yarns and enhance their application in the textile industry. Full article

To optimize the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft across its entire cross-section, wing shape control must be maintained based on flight operating conditions. A high-temperature flexible textile composite, which is the key to achieving the deformation of an aircraft wing, is urgently required in the deformable structure of high-speed aircraft. In this work, a novel type of flexible textile composite with enhanced temperature resistance was fabricated by plain-woven carbon fibers coated with silicone rubber. The material testing was carried out in a wind tunnel to simulate both the harsh temperature field distribution and the mechanical loads caused by aerodynamic forces under the flight profile. For the first time, temperatures exceeding 1000 °C were attained on the windward side of an aircraft wing with a peak recorded temperature of 1600 °C. The failure mechanisms of the flexible composites are revealed, and the thermal stability of the composites is evaluated. The results show that the significant tensile anisotropy in the flexible composites is along different off-axis angles, and the failure modes also change with the off-axis angle. The material does not show significant high-temperature oxidation ablation under thermo-mechanical coupling. This work reveals that under the triple action of such high temperatures, stress caused by wing surface tensioning, and the mechanical load caused by aerodynamic forces, the failure mechanism of the flexible textile composite is dominated by the mechanical load at high temperatures rather than by thermal instability, as is conventionally claimed. Full article

The discharge of dye-contaminated effluents from textile industries into water bodies poses a severe threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. To address this challenge, cellulose and interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels based on cellulose and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were developed via an in situ synthesis method. The cellulose solution was obtained by cold dissolving the polysaccharide in NaOH, then dissolving PVA. The IPN hydrogels were obtained by co-cross-linking the two polymers in an alkaline medium using ECH. To optimize the hydrogels, synthesis parameters like time (4–7 h), temperature (50–80 °C), and cross-linking ratio (ECH = 50–125% w/w) were varied. Different hydrogel compositions (Cel/PVA = 90/10 to 60/40 w/w) were tested for their absorption efficiency in removing Tubantin Blue (DB 78) dye under varying initial concentrations and temperatures. Hydrogels exhibit varying adsorption capacities for DB78, depending on their IPN composition, synthesis parameters, and dye concentration. Specifically, IPN adsorption capacity ranges from 8.8 to 38.1 mg DB78/g hydrogel (7.5–36.2% efficiency). At high effluent concentrations, IPN can reach a retention capacity of 217.7 mg/g, achieving a retention efficiency of 58.4%. Cellulose and cellulose/PVA IPN hydrogels show promise as sustainable adsorbents for treating dye-contaminated wastewater. 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

Texture mapping of weft-knitted fabrics plays a crucial role in virtual try-on and digital textile design due to its computational efficiency and real-time performance. However, traditional texture mapping techniques typically adapt pre-generated textures to deformed surfaces through geometric transformations. These methods overlook the complex variations in yarn length, thickness, and loop morphology during stretching, often resulting in visual distortions. To overcome these limitations, we propose Knit-Pix2Pix, a dedicated framework for generating realistic weft-knitted fabric textures directly from knitted unit mesh maps. These maps provide grid-based representations where each cell corresponds to a physical loop region, capturing its deformation state. Knit-Pix2Pix is an integrated architecture that combines a multi-scale feature extraction module, a grid-guided attention mechanism, and a multi-scale discriminator. Together, these components address the multi-scale and deformation-aware requirements of this task. To validate our approach, we constructed a dataset of over 2000 pairs of fabric stretching images and corresponding knitted unit mesh maps, with further testing using spring-mass fabric simulation. Experiments show that, compared with traditional texture mapping methods, SSIM increased by 21.8%, PSNR by 20.9%, and LPIPS decreased by 24.3%. This integrated approach provides a practical solution for meeting the requirements of digital textile design. Full article

The increasing environmental impact of the textile industry has led to the development of sustainable production methods. One of the effective approaches is the use of recycled fibers, which helps to save resources, reduce carbon emissions, and support the circular economy. This study investigates the feasibility of producing durable upholstery fabrics incorporating recycled polypropylene (r-PP) and virgin polypropylene (v-PP). Filament yarns with varying r-PP/v-PP blend ratios, produced by the melt spinning process, were used as weft yarns, while commercially available virgin polyester filament yarns were employed in the warp direction for all fabric samples. Performance tests in accordance with the standards were applied to the fabrics and the results were also evaluated statistically. The results show that acceptable performance is achieved in some mechanical properties if similar blend ratios and production parameters are used. In the study, an optimization model was developed to maximize the weft breaking strength using the equations obtained from the regression analyses. With the help of the mathematical model created, the values of other physical and performance properties of the fabric depending on the maximum breaking strength value could be estimated without the need for trial production. The model was solved using Lingo 18.0 optimization software. The solution of the model revealed that the optimum weft yarn blend ratio is 10/90 r-PP/v-PP, and the maximum weft breaking strength value is 562.45 N. Full article

Bacterial infections remain a major challenge to human health, especially in wound healing, where they can cause prolonged inflammation, delayed recovery, and severe complications. Current research is increasingly focused on developing innovative antimicrobial materials capable of overcoming the limitations of conventional antibiotics, whose effectiveness has declined due to the rise in bacterial resistance. Among the various alternatives, silver nanoparticles have gained particular attention for their broad-spectrum antibacterial properties and have already been successfully applied in the functionalization of commercial wound dressings. The aim of this study was to optimize the functionalization of commercial cotton gauzes based on in situ UV-assisted reduction of silver nanoparticles, reducing methanol usage and identifying the minimal silver nitrate precursor concentration to achieve antimicrobial efficacy while maintaining biocompatibility. Different precursor concentrations were then evaluated through cytocompatibility assays (MTT, Live/Dead, and scratch tests on fibroblasts) and antimicrobial analyses against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (including an antibiotic-resistant strain), and Candida albicans. The results demonstrated that a 0.5% w/w silver nitrate concentration provided strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity without compromising textile properties or cytocompatibility. Furthermore, this optimized process reduced material waste, highlighting its potential for scalable production of antimicrobial wound dressings. Full article

Heavy metals are major toxic anthropogenic contaminants released into the environment mainly through wastewater discharges. Adsorption is one of the most effective and widely applied methods for their removal from aqueous systems. However, although activated carbon is commonly used, its high cost and limited regenerability motivate the search for cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternatives. In this study, selected natural and waste-derived materials were evaluated for Cu²⁺ removal from both model solutions and atypical textile wastewater. Coffee grounds, chestnut seeds, acorns, potato peels, eggshells, marine shells, and poultry bones were tested and compared with commercial activated carbon. Their structural and functional properties were characterised using specific surface area measurements, optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and FTIR analyses. Two adsorption isotherm models (Langmuir and Freundlich) were used to analyse the experimental data for the selected adsorbents, and model parameters were determined by linear regression. Based on model solution tests, two materials showed the highest Cu²⁺ sorption potential: coarse poultry bones (97.0% at 24 h) and fine cockle shells (96.2% at 24 h). When applied to real textile wastewater, the bone-derived material achieved the highest Cu²⁺ removal efficiency (79.4%). Although this efficiency is lower than typical values obtained in laboratory solutions, it demonstrates the feasibility of waste-derived materials as low-cost adsorbents and suggests that further optimisation could further improve their performance. Full article

This study introduces a synergistic drop-casting, sonication, and thermal treatment (DSTT) method for fabricating multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)-coated conductive cotton fabrics. The process produced uniform MWCNT networks with a minimum sheet resistance of 0.072 ± 0.004 kΩ/sq. at ~30 wt.% loading. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed an improved MWCNT network. Reproducibility was demonstrated for different fabric sizes, with resistance values remaining consistent within experimental errors. Stability tests showed only minor changes in sheet resistance after 16 weeks of ambient storage and periodic manual bending. Compared to conventional methods such as room-temperature drying, vacuum drying, and sonication alone, DSTT consistently performed better, yielding fabrics with lower resistance and more reliable conductivity. These results highlight DSTT as a reproducible and scalable method for producing conductive cotton fabrics suitable for smart textiles and wearable electronics. Full article

Sustainability concerns over the management and handling of the growing volume of waste tires have necessitated the exploration of potential applications for the reuse and recycling of this resource, as they are categorized as hazardous wastes and are typically incinerated through thermal processing or dumped in landfills, resulting in significant environmental issues. The recycled steel and textile fibers from tires can be incorporated in concrete to assist in mitigating this impending environmental calamity, primarily by enhancing the efficacy of concrete. The present study aims to investigate the effect of using recycled tire steel fibers (RTSF) and recycled tire textile fibers (RTTF) in concrete, as economically viable and environmentally friendly alternatives to commercially available fibers. Although literature on the use of recycled fibers in concrete is available, the research is very limited in terms of their hybrid use and with minimal environmental analysis. Consequently, to address the gaps, this research concentrates on the use of RTSF and RTTF as a hybrid mix in concrete with life cycle assessment (LCA) to balance the mechanical performance and environmental sustainability. The experimental work is formulated to suggest an optimum dose of RTSF and RTTF, as a hybrid mix form, to be incorporated in concrete that imparts sufficient strength and workability. The fibers were integrated with dosages of 0.75%, 1%, and 1.25% for RTSF and 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% for RTTF, respectively, by volume in non-hybrid form, while in hybrid form, they were reinforced as four different combinations (1%:0.5%, 0.75%, 0.75%, 0.5%, 0.5%:0.5%, and 0.75%:0.25%) by volume of RTSF and RTTF, respectively. Fresh and hardened properties of concrete were tested according to the ASTM standards. The results showed that concrete with hybrid fibers outperformed the concrete with normal individual fibers in both fresh and hardened states tests. The mechanical strength results showed that the synergistic use of RTSF and RTTF can enhance the strength, toughness, ductility, and crack resistance of the concrete. The hybrid mix H1 comprising 1% RTSF and 0.5% RTTF was ascertained as the optimal mix showing the highest mechanical performance with embodied CO₂ and energy values only slightly higher than the control mix, while offering the significant sustainability benefit of utilizing recycled fibers. Full article

Monitoring the technical condition of conveyor belts is essential for the reliable and safe operation of pipe belt conveyors. Integrating passive UHF RFID tags directly into the belt structure enables continuous monitoring of belt circulation, elongation, and splice condition without interrupting operation. This study aimed to verify the technical feasibility of such an approach, optimize the RFID system architecture, and experimentally evaluate the impact resistance of tags vulcanized into a rubber–textile conveyor belt. A multicriteria decision-making approach (AHP and TOPSIS) was used to select a suitable UHF antenna and mounting system for the experimental pipe conveyor TMEL, resulting in the choice of a circularly polarized Alien ALR-8698 patch antenna and a fully adjustable portal-type holder. Impact tests on an S 250/2 RA belt with integrated RFID tags showed that all tags remained functional up to complete mechanical failure of the specimens, even under direct impact, with maximum impact forces of 6–12 kN depending on specimen width. The integration of RFID tags did not introduce a critical weakening of the load-bearing belt structure, confirming that RFID is a robust and suitable complement for intelligent condition monitoring of pipe conveyors. Full article

The problem of textile industry waste has become increasingly relevant. Recycling clothing industry waste to build acoustic panels is one of the most popular and relatively inexpensive ways to use clothing industry waste. We see a lack of information on the acoustic properties of panels made from waste from the clothing industry. The aim of this research is to determine the acoustic properties of a wide range of clothing industry waste recycled into acoustic panels. The acoustic panels were made from clothing industry waste, a different composition of textile and paper residues generated during digital printing processes. We see that panels made from square-cut scraps knitted and woven fabrics, and from yarns and fibers have relatively good acoustic properties. The panel made only of paper had good acoustic properties, the production of panels from paper and textile resulted in similar acoustic properties. Analyzing the acoustic properties of the double specimen, it was found that testing the double-layered panels, the insertion loss is better; by tripling the samples, it was found that although the acoustic properties improved, they were only marginal. Cellulose fiber boards were characterized by significantly higher air resistance. The air resistance of the boards made from fabric scraps was lower. Full article

Compression garments are widely employed in medical and sports contexts for their ability to promote venous return, manage oedema, support musculoskeletal function, and enhance athletic recovery. Advances in textile-based compression systems have been driven by innovations in fibres, yarn structures, fabric structure engineering, and design methods. This review critically examines the current literature on compression garments, highlighting the influence of raw materials and yarn architectures on performance, durability, and wearer comfort. Attention is given specially to fabric structures and manufacturing methods, where the evolution from traditional cut-and-sew methods to advanced seamless, flatbed, and circular knitting technologies is highlighted, along with their impact on pressure distribution and overall garment efficacy. The integration of 3D body scanning, finite element analysis, and predictive modelling, which enables more personalised and precise garment design, is also speculated upon. Moreover, the review highlights testing and evaluation methodologies, spanning both in vivo and in vitro based assessments, pressure sensor studies for real-time monitoring, and theoretical models mostly based on Laplace’s law. This literature survey provides a foundation for future innovations aimed at optimising compression garment design for both therapeutic and athletic use. Full article

This study investigates the industrial validation of a granular additive derived from waste tire textile fibers (WTTF) developed to replace the conventional cellulose stabilizing additive in stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixtures while enhancing their mechanical performance. Building on previous laboratory-scale findings, this work evaluates the feasibility and mechanical behavior of this recycled-fiber additive under real asphalt-plant production conditions, advancing a sustainable solution aligned with circular economy principles. Three asphalt mixtures were fabricated in a batch plant: a reference SMA (SMA-R) containing a commercial cellulose additive, an SMA incorporating the WTTF additive (SMA-F), and a reference hot mix asphalt (HMA-R). The WTTF additive was incorporated in a 1:1 proportion relative to the cellulose additive. Performance was assessed through tests of cracking resistance (Fénix test), stiffness modulus, fatigue resistance (four-point bending test), moisture susceptibility (ITSR), and resistance to permanent deformation (Hamburg wheel tracking). Industrial validation results showed that the SMA-F mixture met the design criteria and achieved superior mechanical performance relative to the reference mixtures. In particular, SMA-F exhibited greater ductility and toughness at low temperatures, reduced susceptibility to moisture-induced damage, and higher fatigue resistance, with an increase in fatigue durability of up to 44% compared to SMA-R. The results confirm that the WTTF additive is both feasible and scalable for industrial production, offering a solution that not only improves pavement mechanical performance but also promotes the valorization of a challenging waste material. Full article

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) thin films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering and subsequently treated in hot water at 50, 70, and 95 °C for 72 h to investigate the influence of low temperature on their structural optical and functional properties. XRD analysis revealed a progressive transformation from amorphous to anatase phase with increasing treatment temperature, accompanied by an increase in crystallite size from 5.2 to 15.1 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed enhanced surface hydroxylation and contact angle measurements showed a decrease from 77.4° to 19.7°, indicating a significant improvement in superior wettability. The transmittance spectroscopy revealed a slight narrowing of the optical band gap from 3.34 to 3.21 eV, consistent with improved visible-light absorption. Photocatalytic tests using the Resazurin indicator demonstrated that the film treated at 95 °C exhibited the highest activity, achieving a bleaching time of 245 s three times faster than treated at 50 °C and twice as fast as treated at 70 °C. Under low-intensity solar irradiation, the same sample achieved complete E. coli inactivation within 90 min. These improvements are attributed to increased crystallinity, surface hydroxyl density, and enhanced ROS generation. Overall, this study demonstrates that mild hot-water treatment is an effective, substrate-friendly route to enhance TiO₂ film wettability and multifunctional performance, enabling the fabrication of self-cleaning and antibacterial coatings on fragile materials such as plastics and textiles. Full article