Search Results (41)

The excellent moisture transport properties of yarns play a crucial role in improving the liquid moisture transfer behavior within textiles and maintaining their thermal-wet comfort. However, the current research on the moisture management performance of fabrics made from yarns with excellent liquid transport properties primarily compares the wicking results, without considering the varying requirements of testing conditions due to differences in human sweating rates during daily activities. Moreover, the understanding of moisture transport mechanisms in yarns within fabrics under different testing conditions remains insufficient. In this study, two types of twisted combination yarns, composed of hydrophobic profiled polyester filaments and hydrophilic spun yarns to form a hydrophobic-hydrophilic gradient along the axial direction of the yarn, were developed and compared with profiled polyester filaments to understand the liquid migration behaviors in the knitted fabrics formed by these yarns. Results showed that hydrophobic profiled polyester filament yarn demonstrated superior liquid transport performance with infinite saturated liquid supply (vertical wicking test). In contrast, the twisted combination yarns exhibited better moisture diffusion properties under limited liquid droplet supply conditions (droplet diffusion test and moisture management test). These contradictory findings indicated that the amount of liquid moisture supply in testing conditions significantly affected the moisture transport performance of yarns within fabrics. It was revealed that the liquid moisture in the twisted combination yarns migrated through capillary wicking for moisture transfer. Under an infinite saturated liquid supply condition, the higher the content of hydrophilic fibers in the spun yarns, the greater the amount of moisture transferred, demonstrating an excellent liquid transport performance. Under the limited liquid droplet supply conditions, both the volume of liquid water and the moisture absorption capacity of the yarn jointly influence internal moisture migration within the yarn. It provided a theoretical reference for testing the internal moisture wicking performance of fabrics under different states of human sweating. Full article

Thermochromic materials have attracted interest in textile applications, particularly in printing and dyeing processes. However, their thermochromic properties and impact on fabric comfort remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the thermochromic properties of printed fabrics with green-to-brown transitions and evaluates their comfort attributes. In the present study, a thermochromic dye paste was applied to nylon/cotton medium-weight fabric via screen printing process. The brown pigment paste was applied first, followed by the thermochromic olive green dye. The printed fabrics were tested for thermochromism, morphology, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and comfort properties. Comfort properties were assessed via air permeability, water vapour permeability, and moisture management tests. The results show reversible colour changes from green (25 °C) to brown (40 °C), with increasing lightness (L*) and shifting green–red coordinates (−a*). The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed uniform dye dispersion, and the FTIR validated the presence of thermochromic pigments. The printed fabrics showed a reduction in air permeability from 40.2 mm/s to 0 mm/s, while water vapour permeability decreased by 62.50% compared to the pristine fabric due to the coating layers. The overall moisture management properties of the printed fabric remained similar to those of the unprinted fabric, with a grade of 1. These findings highlight the potential of thermochromic textiles for adaptive camouflage, particularly in military uniforms, contributing to the advancement of intelligent textiles with enhanced thermal responsiveness. Full article

Forest fires critically disrupt soil ecosystems by altering physicochemical properties and microbial structure-function dynamics. This study assessed short-term impacts of fire intensities (light/moderate/heavy) on microbial communities in Larix gmelinii forests one year post-fire. Using phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) and Biolog EcoPlate analyses, we found the following: (1) fire reduced soil organic carbon (SOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and available nitrogen/potassium (AN/AK) via pyrolytic carbon release, while heavy-intensity fires enriched available phosphorus (AP), AN, and AK through ash deposition. (2) Thermal mortality and nutrient-pH-moisture stress persistently suppressed microbial biomass and metabolic activity. Moderate fires increased taxonomic richness but reduced functional diversity, confirming “functional redundancy.” (3) Neither soil microbial biomass nor metabolic activity at the fire site reached pre-fire levels after one year of recovery. Our findings advance post-fire soil restoration frameworks and advocate multi-omics integration to decode fire-adapted functional gene networks, guiding climate-resilient forest management. Full article

Brine purification is an important process unit in chlor-alkali industrial plants for the production of sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and hydrogen. The membrane cell process requires ultrapure brine, which is obtained through mechanical filtration, chemical precipitation and fine polishing, and ion exchange using polymer resins. Temperature variations can lead to the degradation of the exchange properties of these resins, primarily causing a decrease in their exchange capacity, which negatively impacts the efficiency of the brine purification. After multiple ion exchange regeneration cycles, significant quantities of spent resins may be generated. These must be managed in accordance with resource efficiency and hazardous waste management to ensure the sustainability of the industrial process. In this paper, a comparative study is conducted to characterize the long-term stability of a new commercial chelating resin used in the industrial electrolysis process. The spectroscopic methods of physicochemical characterization included: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The thermal behavior of the polymer resins was evaluated using the following thermogravimetric methods: thermogravimetry (TG), derivative thermogravimetry (DTG), and differential thermal analysis (DTA), while the moisture behavior was studied using dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis. To assess the energy potential, the polymer resins were analyzed to determine their calorific value and overall energy content. Full article

Accurately determining the hydraulic properties of soilless growing media is essential for optimizing water management in container-based horticulture and agriculture. The very rapid estimation of hydraulic properties using a Mini Disk Infiltrometer has great potential for practical use compared to the very time-consuming standard methods. The objectives of this study were (1) to calibrate simulated cumulative stepwise infiltration under different suctions with the measured data from Mini Disk Infiltrometer, (2) to evaluate the efficiency of the Hydrus-2D inverse model to predict water dynamics through substrates, (3) to compare the substrate hydraulic parameters obtained through the numerical inversion model to those obtained via laboratory methods, and (4) to provide recommendations on how to effectively use the MDI-based method for practical applications. This study employs numerical inversion of Mini Disk Infiltrometer (MDI) data to estimate the hydraulic parameters of three different growing media, namely white peat, thermally treated wood fibre (WF4), and Seedling substrate. Infiltration experiments were conducted under suction-controlled conditions using varying initial moisture contents, followed by numerical simulations using the Hydrus-2D model and the Van Genuchten equation to describe the hydraulic parameters. The results demonstrated strong agreement between observed and simulated infiltration data, particularly under moistened conditions, with high R² > 0.9 values indicating the model’s effectiveness. However, discrepancies were observed for substrates in their initial dry state, suggesting limitations in capturing early-stage infiltration dynamics. The findings highlighted the potential of numerical inversion methods for estimating substrate hydraulic properties but also revealed the need for methodological refinements. Modifying the Van Genuchten model or exploring alternative approaches such as the Brooks and Corey model may enhance accuracy. Extending the suction range of measurement techniques is also recommended to improve parameter estimation. This study provides important evidence that the inverse method based on MDI is an effective tool for rapidly determining the hydraulic functions of substrates, which are important in promoting sustainable horticultural practices. Future research should focus on refining parameter estimation methods and addressing model limitations to enhance the reliability of hydraulic property assessments in soilless growing media. Full article

Thermal and moisture properties of the textile materials worn in close contact with the skin greatly contribute to the comfort of the workwear and of the personal protective clothing (PPC) assemblies they are part of. This study examines in depth the thermoregulatory properties of eighteen knitted fabrics used in polo shirts and T-shirts, which function as thermal underwear, standard workwear compliant with various regulations, or as base layers in PPC systems. Most of the fabrics specifically engineered for heat protection demonstrated superior air permeability (ranging from 700 to 1200 mm/s) and efficient moisture management (OMMC 0.5–0.7). Their drying time varied between 12 and 18 min, comparable to most commodity fibre blend fabrics investigated. Generally, the heat-protective fabrics were heavier and exhibited greater thermal and vapour resistance. However, despite minor variations in predicted thermal comfort, seventeen of the fabrics were classified in the same cluster. These findings offer valuable insights into the thermal and moisture management properties of knitted fabrics with various levels of protection, and the correlations found between their thermoregulatory and physical properties, such as mass and thickness, provide guidance for the development of innovative knitted materials for workwear that enhance wearer comfort. Full article

According to the global strategy of Green course, the production of sustainable textiles using different biodegradable fibres has immense potential for the development of sustainable products. Using one of the most sustainable biobased pure hemp and polylactide fibers yarns, four new biodegradable three-layer weft knitted fabrics with good thermal comfort properties were developed. The inner layer (worn next to the skin) and the middle layer of the knits were formed of hydrophobic polylactide fibers, the outer layer of different amounts (36–55%) of hydrophilic natural hemp fibers. Biodegradable polylactide fiber yarns were used as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based synthetic fibers. Natural hemp fibers are one of the most sustainable fibers derived directly from Cannabis sativa L. plants. The properties of the knitted fabrics were analysed and compared under thermoregulatory-moisture management, thermal resistance, air and water vapour permeability-properties. The results showed that all newly developed knits are ascribed to ‘moisture management’ fabrics according to the summary grading of all indices of moisture management parameters. In addition, it was found that the highest overall moisture management capability is related to the quantity of natural hemp fiber composition in different knitting structures. Based on the overall moisture management capacity (OMMC) index and thermal resistance values of developed knitted fabrics, the performance levels for these materials contacting the skin and intended for the intermediate layer were determined. Full article

This study explores the valorisation of alum sludge, a byproduct of water treatment processes, as a sustainable reinforcement material in Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composites. The research aims to address industrial waste challenges by developing eco-friendly composite materials while promoting circular economy principles. Alum sludge particles, classified into two size distributions (<63 µm and <250 µm), were incorporated into PBAT matrices at varying concentrations. The composites were characterised for their mechanical, thermal, crystallographic, and moisture adsorption properties; and their biodegradation behaviour was evaluated through soil burial tests over 60 days. The results revealed that the 63 µm particle size fraction exhibited superior performance compared to the 250 µm fraction, demonstrating improved mechanical properties, reduced degradation rates, and enhanced interfacial bonding. Composites with 5 wt.% alum sludge achieved a balance between reinforcement and processability, outperforming the other filler concentrations examined. This innovative approach highlights the potential of upcycling alum sludge into functional materials, advancing sustainable waste management and composite manufacturing. Furthermore, the observed variation in degradation rates suggests that these composites can be tailored for applications requiring controlled compostability. Full article

Wildfires are significant disturbances that reshape soil ecosystems, impacting soil properties, microbial communities, and enzyme activities. In Pinus tabulaeformis forests in northern China, the effects of wildfire on soil health, particularly on Actinobacteriota and enzymatic functions, remain poorly understood. This study investigates both the direct and indirect effects of fire severity on these factors and examines how fire-induced changes in soil properties mediate microbial and enzymatic responses. Our findings show that wildfire significantly alters soil chemical properties, including an increase in soil pH and a reduction in organic carbon and water content, particularly under high fire severities. These changes directly impact microbial communities, with Actinobacteriota showing resilience under light and moderate fire intensities but declining under high severity, especially in subsoil layers. Soil enzymes, such as urease and protease, played a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of fire on nutrient cycling. Their activity promoted nutrient availability, aiding ecosystem recovery, even as fire intensity reduced overall soil fertility. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) further revealed that the relationships between fire severity, soil properties, Actinobacteriota, and enzyme activity are shaped by both direct thermal effects and complex indirect interactions mediated by changes in soil moisture and nutrient levels. This study underscores the importance of considering both direct fire effects and the mutual interactions between soil properties, microbial communities, and enzymatic activities in post-fire recovery. The findings highlight that while high-severity fires disrupt soil health and microbial dynamics, soil enzymes can help regulate these impacts by enhancing nutrient cycling and supporting ecosystem stability. These insights contribute to a better understanding of wildfire-induced soil degradation and provide actionable strategies for enhancing post-fire soil restoration and microbial management in fire-prone ecosystems. Full article

This study investigates the unique interplay between thermal comfort and antimicrobial properties in base fabrics, shaping the foundation for the development of “Smart Socks” as advanced personal protective equipment (PPE). By delving into the inherent qualities of fibers such as cotton, polyester, bamboo, and wool and exploring fabric structures like single jersey, terry, rib, and mesh, the research captures the dynamic relationship between material composition and performance. Terry fabrics emerge as insulators, wrapping the user in warmth ideal for cold climates, while mesh structures breathe effortlessly, enhancing air circulation and moisture wicking for hot environments. Cotton mesh, with its natural affinity for moisture, showcases exceptional moisture management. Antimicrobial testing, focused on fabrics’ interactions with Staphylococcus aureus, highlights the dormant potential of bamboo’s bio-agents while revealing the necessity for advanced antimicrobial treatments. This study unveils a vision for combining innovative fabric structures and fibers to craft smart socks that balance thermal comfort, hygiene, and functionality. Future directions emphasize sensor integration for real-time physiological monitoring, opening pathways to revolutionary wearable PPE. Full article

According to the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, by the end of 2023, approximately 120 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) had been generated across over 3200 landfills in the country. About 4.5 million tons are generated annually, of which only about 15% are recycled. The accumulation of both unsorted and sorted waste poses significant environmental risks, primarily through the generation of methane, a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide in contributing to the planet’s greenhouse effect over a century and 84 times more effective over a 20-year timeframe. The objective of this research is to examine the physicochemical composition, as well as the physical and thermal-chemical properties, of municipal solid waste from six cities in Kazakhstan: Astana, Almaty, Shymkent, Aktobe, Karaganda, and Ust-Kamenogorsk. Unlike existing studies, this study has a uniform waste sample, which includes the complete emptying of dozens of containers from different areas of the cities under consideration. Thus, the average composition of solid waste across the cities was maintained. Analysis of the physicochemical composition was conducted for both unsorted and sorted municipal solid waste from all cities, determining the total and analytical moisture content, ash content, and volatile matter, as well as the higher and lower calorific values. The calorific value of unsorted waste by city was as follows, in kJ/kg: Astana,8850.37; Almaty, 9244.57; Atobe, 9596.41; Shymkent, 9425.48; Karaganda, 8902.8; Ust-Kamenogorsk, 9669.07. The calorific value of sorted waste was as follows, in kJ/kg: Astana, 11,922.79; Almaty, 11,692.31; Atobe, 11,913.13; Shymkent, 12,494.38; Karaganda, 11,671.92; Ust-Kamenogorsk, 12,462.52. The efficiency of sorting was estimated as the first stage of MSW processing. The efficiency factor of the manual sorting process in practice was 0.4–0.8. The results obtained enable the evaluation of technologies for the effective management of municipal solid waste and facilitate experimental investigations into semi-industrial pyrolysis, combustion, plasma processing, and composting facilities. Full article

Firefighters need personal protection equipment and protective clothing to be safe and protected when responding to fire incidents. At present, firefighters’ suits are developed by using inherently thermal-resistant fibers but pose serious problems related to comfort. In the present research, multilayered fire-fighting fabrics were developed with different fiber blends. Multilayer fire retardant (FR) fabrics with phase change materials (PCMs) inserts were developed and compared with reference multilayer fabrics without PCM. In this context, four fabric samples were chosen to fabricate the multilayer FR fabrics. Properties of multilayer fabrics were investigated, which include physical, thermo–physiological comfort, and flame-resistant performance. The heating process of the clothing was examined using infrared (IR) thermography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal protective testing (TPP), and steady-state (Convective and Radiant) heat resistance tests. Areal density and thickness were measured as physical parameters, and air permeability (AP), overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), and thermal conductivity were measured as thermo–physiological comfort characteristics. The inclusion of PCM improved the thermal protection as well as flame resistance significantly. Sample S1 (Nomex + PTFE + Nomex with PCM) demonstrated superior fire resistance, air permeability, and thermal protection, with a 37.3% increase in air permeability as compared to the control sample (SC) by maintaining comfort while offering high thermal resilience. The inclusion of PCM enhanced its thermal regulation, moderating heat transfer. Flame resistance tests confirmed its excellent performance, while thermo–physiological assessments highlighted a well-balanced combination of thermal conductivity and air permeability. This study will help to improve the performance of firefighter protective fabrics and provide guidelines in terms of balancing comfort and performance while designing firefighter protective clothing for different climatic conditions. Full article

In diabetic patients, optimised plantar health necessitates meticulously designed hosiery. These specialised socks facilitate a healthy microclimate at the skin–textile interface. This requires that stable conditions of temperature and humidity are maintained during wear. This study investigated the thermal resistance and moisture management properties of socks for diabetics. Fabrics and socks were evaluated on the Alambeta and thermal foot manikin instruments and in wear trials. A novel in vitro method, mimicking in-use conditions, was employed to validate findings and assess sock performance during wear. Fabric structure, especially thickness, had a greater impact on thermal resistance than fibre composition, suggesting that socks with different levels of thermal resistance can be customised according to individual preferences. In terms of moisture management, mohair–wool socks outperformed polyester socks, maintaining significantly lower humidity between the skin and the sock, and meeting the requirement to prevent the drying out of the microclimate significantly better. The enhanced moisture vapour sorption exhibited by the mohair–wool fabric contributes to this effect. Overall, the findings suggest that mohair–wool is an excellent fibre choice for diabetic socks, due to its unique moisture management properties and the possibility to tailor thermal properties through fabric structural design. Full article

To address the issue of estimating soil moisture at a hyper-resolution scale, a methodology referred to as Precision Irrigation Soil Moisture Mapper (PrISMM), that includes three key components, is developed: high-resolution remotely sensed optical and thermal data, surface energy balance modeling, and site-specific soil analysis. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle/System (UAV or UAS) collects high-resolution multispectral imagery in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan study area. Orthomosaics are converted to thermal inertia estimates in a spatially distributed format using the remotely sensed data combined with a set of surface energy balance modeling equations. Using thermal and physical properties of soil gained from site-specific soil analysis, thermal inertia estimates were further converted from thermal inertia to daily volumetric soil water content (VSWC) with a horizonal resolution of 8.6 cm. A ground truthing dataset of measured VSWC values taken from a Time Domain Reflectometer was compared with model results, producing a reasonable correlation with an average coefficient of determination of (R²) = 0.79, an average root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0408, and mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.0308. This study highlights a practical approach of estimating VSWC for irrigation purposes while providing superior spatio-temporal coverage over in situ methods. The authors envision that PrISMM can be implemented in water usage management by relating VSWC with weather forecasts and evapotranspiration rates to develop time-based spatially distributed irrigation management plans. Full article

In this study the influence of fabric weave (plain, twill, and panama) and weft type (flax and hemp yarns) on selected mechanical and comfort properties of six fabrics was analyzed. The results showed that tear and abrasion properties were most affected by the weave. The tensile properties of the linen fabrics were not significantly different when weft hemp yarns were used instead of flax. Fabrics with the same weave seemed to be equally resilient to abrasion regardless of the type of weft. By contrast, the hemp weft yarns favorized the physical and comfort properties of the investigated fabrics. For the same weave, the hemp–linen fabrics were slightly lighter and exhibited lower bulk density, significantly larger air permeability, and improved moisture management properties. Although the results of maximum thermal flux (Qmax) suggested a cooler sensation of the linen fabrics with panama and twill, the hemp–linen fabric with a plain weave seemed to be the optimal choice when a cool sensation was desired. Higher thermal conductivity values also suggested slightly better heat transfer properties of the hemp–linen fabrics, and these were significantly influenced by the weave type. The results clearly indicated the advantages of using hemp for improving physical and specific comfort properties of linen fabrics. Full article