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Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 August 2024 | Viewed by 5219

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Slavenka Petrak

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Guest Editor

Department of Clothing Technology, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Prilaz baruna Filipovića 28a, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: digital technologies in the context of sustainable fashion design and apparel; CAD/CAM in clothing engineering; 3D digital fashion; 3D body scanning; 2D/3D sustainable functional apparel development

Prof. Dr. Martinia Ira Glogar

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Guest Editor

Department of Textile Chemistry and Ecology, Faculty of Textile Technology, University of Zagreb, Savska cesta 16/9, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Interests: textile printing; digital InkJet printing (sustainability of green printing technologies); conventional analogue printing; colour theory; colour science; colour metrics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The textile industry is one of the most important manufacturing industries in the world, generating a significant share of the economy on a global scale. However, it is also an industry that needs to focus in the coming period on policies, strategies, innovative development and production concepts and processes that will contribute to positive changes related to sustainable production and consumption and the reduction in negative impacts on the environment. The processes of globalization, which have led to a significant increase in the production of competitively priced textile and fashion products, and the focus on the development of technologies that contribute to efficiency, have led to a significant increase in the consumption of textile and fashion products at the global level. As a result, extremely large amounts of textile waste are generated, energy consumption is very high, and the environment is significantly impacted. The problem of proper disposal and recycling of textile waste is just one of the current and very important issues in the shift towards sustainable textile management. Current scientific research in the field of textile technologies is focused on the search for new methods and processes, as well as raw materials, materials and different types of processing in the development of advanced, multifunctional textile and fashion products that could contribute to the gradual transformation of the entire field of textile technology towards a sustainable system aimed at developing innovative value-added products that are safe for the health of the end user and can be recycled at the end of their life.

The Special Issue of the Sustainability journal, entitled Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection, aims to bring together and disseminate within the research community and the wider public scientific research papers and reviews that are the result of current research in innovative textile technologies based on approaches and concepts that contribute to sustainability.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

Cotton and the environment
Sustainable textile materials
Sustainable raw materials
Sustainable technical textiles
Sustainable multifunctional and advanced textile materials
Biodegradable textile products and the assessment of biodegradability
Testing and development of textile eco-products
Sustainability in the processes of textile refinement and care
Sustainable, eco-friendly textile products and processes
Sustainable textile manufacturing
Environmental protection and sustainability in the textile and clothing industry
Development of sustainable methods of textile industry wastewater treatment
Perspective and development of smart sustainable textiles
Digital technologies, sustainable design and clothing development
Sustainable developments and innovations in the clothing sector
Sustainable smart and intelligent clothing
Environmental sustainability through textile recycling
Clean technology and their applications to textiles and clothing sector
Waste management in textile industry
Sustainable and eco design strategies in textiles and clothing supply chain

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Slavenka Petrak
Prof. Dr. Martinia Ira Glogar
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sustainable fibres and textiles
biodegradable and advanced textile materials
sustainability in testing, finishing and texcare processes
sustainable design and digital development
sustainable production
eco-friendly textile products
smart and intelligent sustainable textile and clothing
environment protection
sustainability standards in the textile industry
recycling
sustainability and wastewater treatment
energy sustainability in the textile and apparel industry

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 8881 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Mechanical Degradability of Biodegradable Polymer-Based Bags in Different Environments

by Martina Fileš, Anja Ludaš, Sanja Ercegović Ražić and Sandra Hudina

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2579; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062579 - 21 Mar 2024

Viewed by 554

Abstract

Biodegradable polymer-based bags were developed as an alternative to plastic. However, their degradation in environmental conditions has not been fully investigated and is often incomplete. Here, the decomposition of three types of biodegradable bags and one type of plastic bag in different types of environments was analyzed. Polymer bags were exposed for six weeks in water, soil, air and compost, while the control groups were stored in room conditions. All types of polymer bags were sampled twice (after 3 and 6 weeks), and different parameters of changes in physical–mechanical properties were measured. The research established significant differences in changes in mechanical properties between different types of biodegradable polymer bags, with ‘white’ and ‘brown’ bags showing the best decomposition potential. As expected, the largest change in the structure and physical–mechanical properties of all types of polymer bags was recorded in compost, and the smallest in air and water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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15 pages, 48250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainability-Oriented Surface Modification of Polyester Knitted Fabrics with Chitosan

by Tanja Pušić, Tea Bušac, Kristina Šimić, Mirjana Čurlin, Ana Šaravanja, Katia Grgić and Julija Volmajer Valh

Sustainability 2024, 16(3), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16031121 - 29 Jan 2024

Viewed by 828

Abstract

The existing research deals with the process of modifying polyester knitted fabrics and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the stability of functionalized surface with chitosan in the washing process according to a standard and an innovative washing procedure. The current research concept aims to evaluate the degree of progressivity and progressiveness: the modification of polyester knitted fabrics with chitosan and an innovative washing process. The polyester and polyester/cotton fabrics modified with chitosan were characterized by a staining test, microscopic analysis, zeta potential measurement, and pilling tendency of the knitted fabrics before and after five and ten washing cycles with reference detergent ECE A. The results of the zeta potential measurement of knitted fabrics functionalized with chitosan confirmed cationization of the polyester and polyester/cotton fabric with chitosan. The presence of chitosan on the washed knitted fabrics in reduced quantities is demonstrated by the staining test, the colour strength (K/S), and the zeta potential values. The staining test and surface charge of the tested knitted fabrics confirmed the research hypothesis regarding the degree of progressivity of the modification of polyester and polyester/cotton knitted fabrics with chitosan and the sustainability of the innovative washing process. The streaming potential proved to be a favorable method for monitoring the stability of chitosan in the washing process in combination with a staining test with the selected dye Remazol Red RB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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22 pages, 8500 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Characterization of Sustainable Coatings on Cellulose Fabric and Nonwoven for Medical Applications

by Maja Somogyi Škoc, Nina Stevelić and Iva Rezić

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 857; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020857 - 19 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 817

Abstract

The modification of cellulose woven fabrics and viscose nonwovens was carried out with the aim of preparing sustainable coatings from biodegradable natural polymers. The modification of fabrics with biodegradable natural polymers represents an ecological alternative to other textile modifications, such as the sol-gel process. Coatings were prepared from erythritol, gelatin, and collagen in various formulations with the addition of propolis and alginate fibers and a natural plasticizer (glycerin). The morphology of the materials was determined before and after modification with Dino-Lite. Moreover, the pH value, the drop test method, the angle recovery angle, the thickness, and the mass per unit area were monitored before and after modification. The results have shown that modifications had no significant effect on the thickness or mass per unit area. In contrast, in a larger proportion, they show hydrophilic properties, which favor their application for medical purposes—for example; for the absorption of exudates in wound dressings; etc. In addition, due to the neutral and slightly alkaline pH values of the modified samples, they can be suitable for external application on the skin. The results of the recovery angle of the modified samples proved that the samples did not tend to crease and that they retained their elasticity after modification with a very pleasant textile feel (fabric hand), making them even more suitable for everyday applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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14 pages, 4625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Dyeing of Wool and Silk with Conocarpus erectus L. Leaf Extract for the Development of Functional Textiles

by Tayyaba Nadeem, Kashif Javed, Faiza Anwar, Mumtaz Hasan Malik and Asfandyar Khan

Sustainability 2024, 16(2), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020811 - 17 Jan 2024

Viewed by 769

Abstract

Natural dyes derived from plants offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes for textile coloration. This study examined the extraction of natural dyes from Conocarpus erectus L. leaves and their application on wool and silk fabrics. Aqueous extraction in an alkaline medium was used to obtain dyes from raw leaves, which were then applied to pre-mordanted silk and wool fabrics by applying the ultrasonic-assisted exhaust dyeing method. The dyed fabrics were evaluated for color strength (K/S) and CIELAB color coordinates. The color fastness (washing, rubbing, and light), ultraviolet protection factor, mosquito repellency, and antibacterial activity were established using standard testing protocols. The surface morphologies of silk and wool were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the dyed fabrics displayed good color strength and color fastness properties. Moreover, the dyed wool samples revealed satisfactory antibacterial activity against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) in both qualitative and quantitative assessment methods, good ultraviolet protection in terms of UPF, and good mosquito repellency against Aedes aegypti. This study for the first time presented the application of a medicinal plant (Conocarpus erectus L.) in the field of textile dyeing and finishing. Hence, the use of Conocarpus erectus L. leaf dyes offers significant results on wool and silk fabrics and contributes to sustainable functional textile production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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15 pages, 3198 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Aspects of Multiple-Use Woven Fabric in the Hospital Environment: Comfort and Textile Dust Generation Perspectives

by Ana Palčić, Sandra Flinčec Grgac and Snježana Brnada

Sustainability 2023, 15(21), 15364; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152115364 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 698

Abstract

Textile dust released from hospital textiles is a considerable food source for pathogenic microorganisms and can lead to infections and illness in patients and medical staff. In addition, it often causes malfunctions in sophisticated medical equipment. The structural parameters of the fabric, such as the raw material composition, the thread density and the fabric weave, can influence the amount of dust produced. Friction between threads in a woven fabric plays a crucial role in dust generation, and friction is influenced by the surface structure of fibres, yarns and fabric. Understanding these factors can help in the development of fabrics with lower release of textile dust, which can reduce the risk of spreading infections in healthcare facilities. In this paper, the influence of the washing cycle on the change in morphological properties of fabrics in satin weave made of cotton–polyester blends was investigated. The study showed that as the number of maintenance washing cycles increases, the waviness, roughness and average amplitude of the surface roughness profile of the wove fabrics increases. Damage to the fibres during washing results in dust release, with synthetic fibres releasing less dust than cotton fibres. These results provide important information about the change in fabric properties during the washing process, which may be useful for further research and development of materials for use in a hospital environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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Review

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27 pages, 1564 KiB

Open AccessReview

Approaches for Sampling and Sample Preparation for Microplastic Analysis in Laundry Effluents

by Branka Vojnović, Petra Mihovilović and Nino Dimitrov

Sustainability 2024, 16(8), 3401; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16083401 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 446

Abstract

The continuous growth in the production, unsustainable use, and disposal of plastics in recent decades has led to the emergence of a new type of pollutant, microplastics (MPs). In this article, the focus is on the form of MPs, which are produced by the fragmentation of textile fibres during washing processes. The problems associated with the characterisation and quantification of MPs in this type of sample are related to the wide range of concentrations, forms, and degree of degradation as well as physico-chemical and biological properties. Although the basic principles for the analysis of microplastics present in the environmental samples are known, there is the lack of standardised methods for the analysis of MPs in laundry effluents and domestic washing. Therefore, the continuous development of sophisticated analytical techniques and methodologies is required for the reliable collection and isolation, quantification, and characterisation of one of the most challenging analytes. The aim of this review is to outline the key steps of MPs analysis in laundry effluents and domestic washing, focusing on those steps that are underestimated in the current literature: sampling and sample preparation for analysis. Precisely these analytical steps, which can become the main source of analytical measurement system errors, ensure the quality of the analysis. This paper emphasises the importance of monitoring background contamination and presents guidelines to ensure quality control specifically for this type of analyte. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Textile Technologies in Sustainable Development, Production and Environmental Protection)

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