Polymers

Research

17 pages, 12707 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Crimp of Fibres in Random Networks with 3D Imaging

by Yasasween Hewavidana, Mehmet N. Balci, Andrew Gleadall, Behnam Pourdeyhimi, Vadim V. Silberschmidt and Emrah Demirci

Polymers 2023, 15(4), 1050; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15041050 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

The analysis of fibrous structures using micro-computer tomography (µCT) is becoming more important as it provides an opportunity to characterise the mechanical properties and performance of materials. This study is the first attempt to provide computations of fibre crimp for various random fibrous [...] Read more.

The analysis of fibrous structures using micro-computer tomography (µCT) is becoming more important as it provides an opportunity to characterise the mechanical properties and performance of materials. This study is the first attempt to provide computations of fibre crimp for various random fibrous networks (RFNs) based on µCT data. A parametric algorithm was developed to compute fibre crimp in fibres in a virtual domain. It was successfully tested for six different X-ray µCT models of nonwoven fabrics. Computations showed that nonwoven fabrics with crimped fibres exhibited higher crimp levels than those with non-crimped fibres, as expected. However, with the increased fabric density of the non-crimped nonwovens, fibres tended to be more crimped. Additionally, the projected fibre crimp was computed for all three major 2D planes, and the obtained results were statistically analysed. Initially, the algorithm was tested for a small-size, nonwoven model containing only four fibres. The fraction of nearly straight fibres was computed for both crimped and non-crimped fabrics. The mean value of the fibre crimp demonstrated that fibre segments between intersections were almost straight. However, it was observed that there were no perfectly straight fibres in the analysed RFNs. This study is applicable to approach employing a finite-element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model/analyse RFNs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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21 pages, 10118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Low Temperature In Situ Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles from Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) Waste to Impart Antibacterial Properties on Natural Dye-Colored Batik Fabrics

by Istihanah Nurul Eskani, Edia Rahayuningsih, Widi Astuti and Bidhari Pidhatika

Polymers 2023, 15(3), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15030746 - 1 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

Natural polymer (cellulose)-based fabric was colored using an environmentally friendly natural dye extracted from Jalawe (Terminalia bellirica) in the preparation of Batik fabric, a cultural heritage of Indonesia that is recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Despite [...] Read more.

Natural polymer (cellulose)-based fabric was colored using an environmentally friendly natural dye extracted from Jalawe (Terminalia bellirica) in the preparation of Batik fabric, a cultural heritage of Indonesia that is recognized by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Despite the significant favorable properties in terms of functions, environmental, and cultural aspects, the combination between natural polymer-based fabric and natural dyes makes the Batik fabric an ideal medium for bacterial growth, leading to lower product quality. In the quest for a sustainable, environmentally friendly, rich-in-culture, yet durable textile, this study aimed at the functionalization of natural dye (ND)-colored Batik fabric with antibacterial ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized from Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) waste. An in situ immobilization process with a Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) method was explored at a pH range from 6 to 11 at 50 °C. Characterization methods include XRD, XRF, FESEM, EDX, FT-IR, tensile strength measurement, agar diffusion testing, and a CIE L*a*b* scale measurement. The XRD and XRF results showed that pure (>98%) ZnO NPs were formed at pH 11 of the CBD process. FESEM results demonstrated that the pure ZnO NPs either precipitated at the CBD reactor or were immobilized on the cellulose fabric, exhibiting distinct morphology compared to the non-pure ZnO NPs. EDX elemental analysis before and after washing demonstrated the durability of the ZnO NPs attachment, in which 84% of the ZnO NPs remained on the fabric after two washing cycles (equal to 10 cycles of home laundering). The FT-IR spectra provided information on the chemical functional groups, demonstrating the success of the ZnO NPs immobilization on the cellulose fabric through Van der Waals or coordination bonding. Moreover, the in situ immobilization of ZnO NPs enhanced the Batik fabric’s tensile strength but reduced its elongation. ZnO NP-functionalized Batik fabric that was treated at pH 10 and pH 11 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The CIE L*a*b* scale results showed that the immobilization process affects the color quality of the ND-colored Batik fabric. However, based on organoleptic observations, the color of the Batik fabric that was treated at pH 11 is still acceptable for Jalawe ND-colored Batik fabric. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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14 pages, 6515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Influence of Flame-Retardant Additives on UV-Curable Thermosetting Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composites

by Natalia Gutiérrez Pérez-de-Eulate, Patricia Ares Elejoste, Garazi Goenaga, Maitane Urrutxua, Francisco Javier Vallejo, Jesús Ballestero, Alexandra Allue and José Luis Gómez-Alonso

Polymers 2023, 15(1), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15010240 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3651

Abstract

One of the main advantages of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is the ability to reduce their weight while they exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, stiffness, and resistance to corrosion, and reduction in their lifetime maintenance when they are compared to the [...] Read more.

One of the main advantages of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is the ability to reduce their weight while they exhibit exceptional properties such as high strength, stiffness, and resistance to corrosion, and reduction in their lifetime maintenance when they are compared to the metallic components. These features led fiber-reinforced polymer composites to have applications in the mechanical, construction, aerospace, automotive, medical, marine, and other manufacturing industries. However, the use of this type of material is not possible in all of these applications since, in certain sectors, the fire resistance property that the material must present is one of the key factors. For this reason, a thermosetting resin composed of ultraviolet (UV)-curable acrylic monomers has been used as a matrix, where transparent aluminum trihydrate (ATH) flame-retardant fillers were incorporated for manufacturing flame-retarded UV-curable composites. The composite parts were produced by using glass fiber-reinforced UV-curable prepregs. An exhaustive study of different types of ATH-based flame-retardant additives and the possible cooperation between them to improve the fire properties of the UV-curable composite was carried out. Additionally, the most suitable additive percentage to meet the railway sector requirements was also evaluated, as well as the evolution in the viscosity of the matrix and its processing capacity during the manufacture of the prepregs at 60 °C. The compatibility between the fillers and the matrix was assessed using a dielectric analysis (DEA). The fire properties of both the matrix and the final composite were established. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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11 pages, 2246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Functionalization of Polyester Textiles for Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties

by Esam S. Allehyani

Polymers 2022, 14(24), 5512; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14245512 - 16 Dec 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2653

Abstract

One of the recommendations for future textile development is the modification of textiles to produce materials for human performance (sports, medical, and protective). In the current work, modifying a polyester surface with silver nanoparticles improved antioxidant and antibacterial protection. For this purpose, ethylenediamine [...] Read more.

One of the recommendations for future textile development is the modification of textiles to produce materials for human performance (sports, medical, and protective). In the current work, modifying a polyester surface with silver nanoparticles improved antioxidant and antibacterial protection. For this purpose, ethylenediamine aminolysis was utilized as ligands to fabricate polyester textiles, trapping silver ions to further reduce silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Dopamine (PDA) was used to provide antibacterial and antioxidant properties to the polyester textile by converting silver ions into AgNPs through its phenolic hydroxyl groups. Pristine polyester, polyester treated with ethylenediamine, and PDA-coated AgNP-loaded polyester ethylenediamine were characterized using SEM, EDX, FTIR, TGA, and tensile strength. The antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were examined through the broth test. PDA-AgNPs composite nanocoating exhibited improved tensile strength and antibacterial and antioxidant properties, demonstrating that polyester with a PDA-AgNPs overlay may be used for long-term biomedical textiles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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15 pages, 4329 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Durable Antibacterial Properties of Cellulosic Fabric via β-Cyclodextrin/Essential Oils Inclusion Complex

by A. Farouk, S. Sharaf, R. Refaie and M. M. Abd El-Hady

Polymers 2022, 14(22), 4899; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14224899 - 13 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2283

Abstract

Essential oils (EO_S), which naturally come from plants, have significant antibacterial properties against a variety of pathogens, but their high volatility and poor water solubility severely restrict their use in the textile industry. In this study, an inclusion complex based on [...] Read more.

Essential oils (EO_S), which naturally come from plants, have significant antibacterial properties against a variety of pathogens, but their high volatility and poor water solubility severely restrict their use in the textile industry. In this study, an inclusion complex based on β-cyclodextrin (β-CD)/EO_S was prepared by two different simple methods: pad dry cure (method 1) and pad batch (method 2). A glyoxal crosslinking agent was used for the fixation of the inclusion complexes on the surface of the fabric. Lavender, rosemary, salvia, and lemon essential oils were applied. The structure of the β-CD/EOs inclusion complex was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and weight gain (%), which indicated that the β-CD/EOs were successfully deposited on cellulose-based fabric. The results demonstrated that β-CD enhanced the oils’ scent stability, with the advantage of exhibiting no major change in the tensile strength or permeability of cotton. Lavender oil had the highest stability scent with a value of 3.25, even after 30 days of evaluation. The antibacterial activity showed that EO_S/βCD-impregnated fabrics for method 1 had an inhibition zone ranging from 33 to 23 mm, while the inhibition zone for method 2 ranged from 39 mm to 29 mm, indicating that our treatment was able to control the growth of bacteria, even after five washing cycles. This study confirmed that the EOs/βCD inclusion-complex-deposited cotton fabric might hold further promise for medical and hospital use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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14 pages, 4242 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of UV-Protective Polyester Fabric with Polysorbate 20 Incorporating Fluorescent Color

by Md. Salauddin Sk, Wasim Akram, Rony Mia, Jian Fang and Shekh Md. Mamun Kabir

Polymers 2022, 14(20), 4366; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14204366 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4570

Abstract

Technological advancement leads researchers to develop multifunctional materials. Considering such trends, this study aimed to conjugate dual functionality in a single material to satisfy aesthetic and functional necessities. We investigated the potentiality of polysorbate 20 to perform as an effective ultraviolet absorber to [...] Read more.

Technological advancement leads researchers to develop multifunctional materials. Considering such trends, this study aimed to conjugate dual functionality in a single material to satisfy aesthetic and functional necessities. We investigated the potentiality of polysorbate 20 to perform as an effective ultraviolet absorber to develop UV-protective fabric. Coumarin derivative (Benzoxazolyl type) disperse dyes are well-known as fluorescent colors. On the other hand, luminescence materials are conspicuous and viable for fashion trends. Deliberate utilization of this inherent property of the dye and incorporation of polysorbate fulfilled the need for dual functionality. In addition, the knitted fabric structure enhanced wearing comfort as well. The effect of polysorbate consolidated the PET fabric as an excellent UV absorber, exhibiting an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 53.71 and a blocking percentage of more than 95% for both UVA and UVB. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated mode was used to investigate chemical modification. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigated the crystallography of the surface. Reflectance spectrophotometric analysis unveiled the color strength (K/S) of the dyed polyester fabrics. Finally, light fastness assessment revealed that the developed samples could resist a certain amount of photo fading under a controlled testing environment with the increment of ratings towards betterment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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13 pages, 3380 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Coating of Polydopamine-AgNPs on Polyester Fabrics Producing Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties

by Esam S. Allehyani, Yaaser Q. Almulaiky, Sami A. Al-Harbi and Reda M. El-Shishtawy

Polymers 2022, 14(18), 3794; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14183794 - 10 Sep 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2809

Abstract

Nanoparticles are increasingly utilized as coating materials to improve the properties of polyester textiles. In this work, polyester textiles were successfully fabricated, with hydrazide groups serving as ligands for the entrapment of sliver ions and subsequent reduction to AgNPs. Polydopamine (PDA) was used [...] Read more.

Nanoparticles are increasingly utilized as coating materials to improve the properties of polyester textiles. In this work, polyester textiles were successfully fabricated, with hydrazide groups serving as ligands for the entrapment of sliver ions and subsequent reduction to AgNPs. Polydopamine (PDA) was used in this work to impart antibacterial and antioxidant properties to the polyester textiles through its phenolic hydroxyl groups, which can convert silver ions into AgNPs. Moreover, glucose was used as a reducing agent to create AgNPs-loaded polyester hydrazide. ATR-FTIR, SEM, EDX, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength were used to characterize the pristine polyester, the polyester hydrazide, the PDA-coated AgNP-loaded polyester hydrazide and the AgNP-loaded polyester hydrazide. A broth test was also used to investigate the textile’s antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, the composite nanocoating with PDA-AgNPs demonstrated good tensile strength and antioxidant and antibacterial characteristics, implying the practicality of PDA-AgNPs coating polyester for biomedical textile applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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11 pages, 3896 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of the Physical and Chemical Properties of Synthetic Fabrics on the Release of Microplastics during Washing and Drying

by Sola Choi, Juhea Kim and Miyeon Kwon

Polymers 2022, 14(16), 3384; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14163384 - 18 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4140

Abstract

Synthetic fibers released during washing are the primary source of microplastic pollution. Hence, research on reducing the release of microplastic fibers during washing has recently attracted considerable attention. As a result of previous studies, there is a difference in the amount of microplastic [...] Read more.

Synthetic fibers released during washing are the primary source of microplastic pollution. Hence, research on reducing the release of microplastic fibers during washing has recently attracted considerable attention. As a result of previous studies, there is a difference in the amount of microplastic emission according to various types of fabrics. To mitigate the release of microplastics, the study of the reason for the difference in the amount of microplastics is needed. Therefore, this study investigated different synthetic fabrics that release microplastics and the physical properties of the fabrics that affect the release of fibers. Three types of fabrics with different chemical compositions were analyzed. The washing and drying processes were improved by focusing on the mechanical factors that affected microplastic release. Furthermore, based on the mass of the collected microplastic fibers, it was found that the chemical compositions of the fabric can affect the microplastics released during washing and drying. This evaluation of physical properties helped to identify the physical factors that affect microplastic release. These results may provide a basis for reducing microplastic fiber types, thereby minimizing unintended environmental pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymeric Fibers in Textiles)

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