Textiles

Smart textiles are an evolving field, but challenges in durability, washing, interfacing, and sustainability persist. Widespread adoption requires robust, lightweight, fully integrated fiber-based conductors. This paper proposes using ultralong carbon nanotube (UCNT) yarns with a width-to-length ratio of several orders of magnitude larger than typical carbon nanotube fibers. These yarns enable the manufacturing of stable, workable structures, composed of a network of twisted fibers (tows), which are suitable for fabric integration. Our research includes the creation of textile prototype demonstrators integrated with coated and non-coated UCNT yarns, tested under military-grade standards for both mechanical durability and electric functionality. The demonstrators were evaluated for their electrical and mechanical properties under washability, abrasion, and weathering. Notably, polymer-coated UCNT yarns demonstrated improved mechanical durability and electrical performance, showing promising results. However, washing tests revealed the presence of UCNT nanofibers in the residue, raising concerns due to their classification as hazards by the World Health Organization. This paper examines the sources of fiber release and discusses necessary improvements to coating formulations and testing protocols to mitigate fiber loss and enhance their practical viability. These findings underscore both the potential and limitations of UCNT yarns in military textile applications. Full article

The cornerstone of textile manufacturing lies in quality control, with the early detection of defects being crucial to ensuring product quality and sustaining a competitive edge. Traditional inspection methods, which predominantly depend on manual processes, are limited by human error and scalability challenges. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI)—encompassing computer vision, image processing, and machine learning—have transformed defect detection, delivering improved accuracy, speed, and reliability. This article critically examines the evolution of defect detection methods in the textile industry, transitioning from traditional manual inspections to AI-driven automated systems. It delves into the types of defects occurring at various production stages, assesses the strengths and weaknesses of conventional and automated approaches, and underscores the pivotal role of deep learning models, especially Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), in achieving high precision in defect identification. Additionally, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as high-resolution cameras and real-time monitoring systems, into quality control processes is explored, highlighting their contributions to sustainability and cost-effectiveness. By addressing the challenges and opportunities these advancements present, this study serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers and industry professionals seeking to harness AI in optimizing textile production and quality assurance amidst the ongoing digital transformation. Full article

The objective of this study is to investigate the performance of the ultrafiltration process as a purification method on the dyeing properties of a newly synthesized homobifunctional reactive dye. This is a green–blue reactive dye with two vinylsulfone groups. Namely, several properties, such as exhaustion, substantivity, fixation, time to half dyeing, migration index, light fastness, and the effect of metal salts, were studied thoroughly. It was proven that the processed bifunctional reactive dye shows higher exhaustion, substantivity, and dye-uptake values than the untreated one. It was found that the dye fixation is higher for the ultrafiltrated (92%) compared to the non-ultrafiltrated (85%) dye, while the migration index is slightly lower. It is indicated that, due to the possible chemical affinity between the dye and the substrate, a stronger retention is noticed for the treated dye. All in all, high fixation and substantivity lead to higher dye valorization and result in less hydrolyzed waste dyestuff, leading to less water and organic liquid waste at an industrial scale. The effect of metal salts addition (Fe³⁺, Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺) was studied as well, for comparison reasons, but it was found to be unnecessary. It is proven by the property values calculated that the overall process is valuable, since lower dyebath concentrations are required for satisfactory results. Thus, in large-scale dyeings, the ultrafiltration process can be proven to be valuable for environmental protection reasons. Full article

Parachute suspension lines shed vortices during descent, and these vortices develop oscillating aerodynamic forces that can induce forced parasitic vibrations of the lines, which can have an adverse impact on the parachute system. Understanding the line’s mechanical behavior can assist in studying the vibrations experienced by the suspension lines. A well-calibrated structural model of the suspension line could be used to help to identify how the braid’s architecture contributes to its mechanical behavior and to explore if and how a suspension line can be designed to mitigate these parasitic vibrations. In the current study, a mesomechanical finite element model of a polyester braided parachute suspension line was constructed. The line geometry was built in the Virtual Textile Morphology Suite (VTMS), and a user material model (UMAT) was implemented in LS-DYNA^® release 14 to describe the material behavior of the individual tows. The material properties were initially calibrated using experimental tension tests on individual tows, which exhibited an initial modulus of ~4100 MPa before transitioning to ~3200 MPa at a stress of 30 MPa. When these properties were applied to the full braid model, slight adjustments were made to account for geometric complexities in the braid structure, improving the correlation between the model and experimental tensile tests. The final calibrated model captured the bilinear tensile behavior of the braid, with an initial modulus of 2219 MPa and a secondary modulus of 1350 MPa, compared to experimental values of 2253 MPa and 1420 MPa, respectively, showing 2% and 5% differences. The calibrated model of the braided cord was then subjected to torsion, and the results showed good agreement with dynamic and static experimental torsion tests, with a difference of 8–19% for dynamic tests and 13–27% for static tests when compared to experimental values. The availability of virtual models of suspension lines can ultimately assist in the design of suspension lines that mitigate flow-induced vibration. Full article

Evaluating designed objects in real-world use cases enables usability optimization. For functional objects such as face masks, the mask must fit the user initially and continue to fit during movements such as talking. This paper describes methodology development for dynamic fit analysis of face masks using 3D head scans. Participants were scanned while wearing Basic, Cup, and Petal model masks before and after reading a passage aloud and completed surveys across eight fit dimensions. Face and mask measurements were virtually extracted from the head scans for quantitative fit analysis, and mask overlays were inspected for qualitative fit analysis. Four of eleven facial measurements changed significantly from closed to open-mouth posture while the nasal dorsum was identified as a stable landmark and served as a reference to define a mask shift metric. The mask shift was compared to the survey results for the model masks, with the Cup design fitting best and the Petal design rated as most comfortable. Poor fit modes identified from mask overlays were fabric buckling, compressed nose and ears, and gapping between the mask and facial features. This methodology can be implemented during the analysis stage of the iterative design process and complements static fit analyses. Full article

The Shroud of Turin attracts consistently the interest of both the scientific community and the general public, as many believe that it is the burial cloth of Christ. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the relevant scientific research addressing two key questions: (i) how were the image of the human body and the bloodstains formed on the Shroud? (ii) What is the age of the Shroud? The answer to the first question remains a mystery, and the article explores the most promising hypotheses. Consequently, the scientific community should have another opportunity in the near future, similar to that of the 1978 STURP campaign, to study the object. The 1989 radiocarbon dating of the Shroud, which addressed the second question and suggested that the linen cloth dates to the 14th century AD, is discussed in light of hypotheses and experimental studies that have raised concerns and objections about the Shroud’s possible medieval origin. It is concluded that the evidence from the significant reports published to date, which challenge the radiocarbon dating, is insufficient to overturn its finding. However, extracting new samples from different parts of the object to perform a second series of radiocarbon dating measurements is suggested. Full article

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable interest for various applications, including antiviral and antimicrobial treatments, textile nanocomposites, heat transfer and strain sensing textiles, flexible electronics, and smart textiles. Their unique properties, determined by their size, shape, and morphology, render them suitable for a wide range of uses, such as antimicrobial treatments, anticancer therapy, drug delivery, personal protective equipment (PPE), and catalysis. In this investigation, we present an in situ reactive technique for the self-assembly of AgNPs directly onto cotton yarn. A systematic investigation was undertaken to establish the influence of several synthesis parameters on the average size of AgNPs. The variables under consideration included the ambient vacuum conditions, the concentration of both Ag precursor and reducing agent, the growth temperature, and the duration of thermal treatment. By precisely optimizing these parameters, we successfully regulated the AgNPs size range between 10 and 50 nm on the cotton yarn. The findings of this study elucidate the methodology of the controlled synthesis of AgNPs on cotton yarn for potential advancements in smart textile technologies. Full article

Structural color-generating materials are expected to replace pigments and dyes as a new type of color-developing materials with good light stability and bright colors. Due to the relatively high refractive index of Cu₂O microspheres, they have strong Mie scattering in the visible region. Herein, various sizes of Cu₂O microspheres were synthesized by a two-step reduction method, and the Cu₂O spheres were firmly bonded to the fabrics by using the PVA binder. Four different fabrics (cotton, silk, polyester, and nylon fabrics) were evaluated to investigate the physical properties and color fastness. It turns out that the tensile and tearing properties of the Cu₂O structured fabrics decreased to a certain extent, and the bursting properties of fabrics increased, except for the cotton structured fabrics. Meanwhile, all the structural colored fabrics showed excellent color fastness to shearing, rubbing, and washing. This study provides experimental data for developing the application of structural colors on different fabrics. Full article

Milkweed (MW) fiber is a natural fiber that provides tremendous thermal insulation properties due to its lightweight hollow structure. This study aimed to investigate the effect of milkweed fiber as a thermal fiber in nonwovens. Milkweed fibers were blended with a low-melt fiber consisting of a polyethylene terephthalate core, a polyolefin sheath (LM 2.2), and polylactic acid (PLA) fiber. Nonwovens with different fiber contents were manufactured using an air-laid Spike process to determine their effect on thermal and mechanical properties. Then, the nonwovens were compared with Thinsulate^® and Primaloft^®, two commercially synthetic insulation products. Structural properties, including mass per unit area, thickness, and porosity and thermal properties were studied. Furthermore, compression and short-term compression recovery were also evaluated. The results revealed that milkweed-based nonwovens that contained 50 wt% or 70 wt% of milkweed presented a lower thermal conductivity than synthetic nonwovens. Milkweed nonwovens of the same thickness provided identical thermal resistance as Thinsulate^® and Primaloft. Sample 3, composed of 50 wt% MW, 20 wt% LM 2.2, and 30 wt% PLA, demonstrated the same thermal insulation as Thinsulate^® with a weight three times lighter. Milkweed nonwovens presented higher moisture regain values than Thinsulate^® and Primaloft^®, without affecting thermal conductivity. Full article

This study was conducted to explore the catalytic effects of different metal salts on the pyrolysis behavior of cotton waste textiles (CWTs) and the properties of their activated carbons (ACs). The decomposition characteristics of CWTs with Zn, Fe, and Cu salts were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to analyze the catalytic effects. The physical and chemical characteristic differences of the ACs were detected with SEM-EDS, BET, FTIR, and XPS. The results show that metal salts reduced the decomposition temperature of the CWTs and improved the pore structures and specific surface areas of the activated carbons (ACs). The ACs produced abundant acidic surface functional groups on their surfaces, which facilitated the selective adsorption of pollutants. This study indicates that cotton waste textile biochar treated with metal salts may be a promising adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals and organic pollutants. Full article

Utilizing natural fibers for production of a fully bio-based textile is an appropriate approach to align with sustainability objectives. In case of dyed products, the used dye and further finishing agents also have to be bio-based. Algae-based materials are naturally colored and can be used as a natural dye product. The present study aims to investigate the use of algae materials as a color pigment for coating on cotton as a natural fiber material using a bio-based binder. Three different algae representing blue-green algae (BGA), unicellular microalgae (UNI), and filamentous algae (FIL) are investigated as colored additives for textile coatings. The algae are applied as powder to the coating recipe together with sodium alginate as binder component. Modification of the application is conducted by addition of calcium dichloride (CaCl₂) acting as a crosslinker for the natural binder system. Using these applications, strong coloration of cotton fabrics can be achieved. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), color measurements, light fastness tests, and tests on the rubbing fastness are performed. Good values in rubbing and light fastness are reached (4–5 and 5, respectively) depending on the used algae material and the addition of calcium dichloride. Applications using the algae BGA and UNI perform better due to light fastness. In contrast, applications with the filamentous algae FIL lead to better rubbing fastness. The present study confirms that the proposed technique and formulations are appropriate for achieving fully bio-based, naturally colored textile products, offering a promising foundation for further research into and development of the use of algae for the modification and functionalization of textile materials. Full article

People with chronic illnesses rely on continuous monitoring systems to monitor their vital signs. Despite the advantages of these systems, patients experience discomfort from bulky wearable devices and the inconveniences associated with fully implantable continuous monitoring systems. A potential solution to these limitations is a wearable E-textile antenna. In this study, we conduct market research and introduce an antenna design made of conductive fabric on cotton substrate. Market research is performed to evaluate multiple conductive fabrics to select the best material for this application. The antenna design operates in the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz ISM frequency band and is evaluated by simulation and in vitro testing with tissue-mimicking gels at various bend angles ranging between 0 and 45 degrees. Full article

Face masks are essential pieces of personal protective equipment for preventing inhalation of airborne pathogens and aerosols. Various face masks are used to prevent the spread of virus contamination, including blue surgical and N95 filtering masks intended for single use. Traditional face masks with self-sanitisation features have an average filtration efficiency of 50% against airborne viruses. Incorporating nanomaterials in face masks can enhance their filtration efficiency; however, using nanomaterials combined with thermal heaters can offer up to 99% efficiency. Bacterial contamination is reduced through a self-sterilisation method that employs nanomaterials with antimicrobial properties and thermoregulation as a sanitisation process. By combining functional nanomaterials with conductive and functional polymeric materials, smart textiles can sense and act on airborne viruses. This research evaluates the evidence behind the effectiveness of nanomaterials and thermoregulation-based smart textiles used in self-sanitising face masks, as well as their potential, as they overcome the shortcomings of conventional face masks. It also highlights the challenges associated with embedding textiles within nanomaterials. Finally, it makes recommendations regarding safety, reusability, and enhancing the protection of the wearer from the environment and underscores the benefits of reusable masks, which would otherwise pollute the environment. These self-sanitising face masks are environmentally sustainable and ideal for healthcare, the food industry, packaging, and manufacturing. Full article

This paper covers the mechanical simulation of woven textiles on the yarn level with an investigation of the influence of the sliding between yarns and changing yarn cross-sections under loading. An experimental validation of the simulation tools for a range of chosen woven structures with different weaving types and thicknesses of multifilament glass fibre yarns is provided. The main focus of the paper is the classification of the folding mechanisms in textiles. Full article

The increasing demands on global resources due to technological development driven by consumer expectations and demands have resulted in significant problems with ecological sustainability and material availability. The creation of biocomposites has resulted in notable advancements in the green industry within the materials science area this century, owing to concerns regarding sustainability and the environment. Globally, there is a surge in the creation of highly efficient materials derived from natural resources. In aviation applications, plant fiber-supported polymer composite materials are becoming increasingly popular. Aerospace materials are typically used in aircraft construction as structural materials to support loads throughout different flight phases. There are many diverse mechanical qualities of natural fibers; therefore, selecting one for the interior parts of an aircraft cabin based only on its attributes leads to a multiple-attribute decision-support issue. In this paper, the effective natural fiber and polymer choice for use as reinforcing materials in composite materials is represented as the composite materials’ improvement to aircraft cabin luggage for aerospace implementations. This study can guide material designers in investigating different hybrid materials with the most effective natural fiber and polymer obtained by hierarchical strategy by elucidating the effective material choice to meet the criteria determined for the aircraft cabin luggage. For this purpose, the definitive rankings of the twelve polymers and sixteen natural fibers in terms of performance score were assessed using a hierarchical strategy methodology. Full article

The textile and garment care industries significantly impact ecological conditions and resources worldwide. Possible ways of minimizing the harmful influence on the environment include giving a preference to natural textiles; reducing the consumption rate by extending the lifespan of clothes, e.g., preserving colors and fibers; and using biodegradable garment care products. Wool is a natural fabric that must be washed with special laundry care products to preserve its initial appearance. Currently, there are no approaches that focus not only on preserving but also restoring wool fibers. To investigate the efficacy of biodegradable technology, consisting of natural-derived shikimic acid and L-arginine, in the restoration of wool fabric, SEM was applied. To analyze the obtained data, a novel three-point scale was suggested. In comparison with untreated samples, the composition promoted a smoothing of the scale structure of wool fibers of up to 34.87%. The system has shown efficacy in both the low pH (fabric softener) and high pH (laundry gel) systems. To further investigate biodegradable technology, the color retention of dark-colored cotton fabric was tested. It was shown that the composition promotes 96.15% color preservation after 10 laundry cycles when used in the fabric softener. Biodegradable technology is a promising solution for the maintenance of wool fabrics and color preservation solutions. Full article

Natural fibres have garnered substantial attention because of their eco-friendly attributes and versatility, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic ones. This review surveys plant fibres, including flax, hemp, jute, banana, and pineapple, emphasizing their diverse properties and applications in nonwoven materials. This research also examines the use of synthetic polymer composites blended with natural fibres to create high-performance nonwoven materials. Furthermore, this review outlines the primary applications of nonwovens manufactured with plant fibres through needle-punching. These applications span geotextiles, automotive interiors, construction materials, and more. The advantages, challenges, and sustainability aspects of incorporating natural fibres in needle-punched nonwovens are discussed. The focus is on mechanical and thermal properties and their adaptability for specific applications. This research provides valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals aiming to leverage the benefits of plant fibres in needle-punched nonwovens across various sectors. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the electrochemical oxidation of real textile wastewater using boron-doped diamond (BDD) and different titanium-based mixed metal oxide (Ti/MMO) commercial anodes, namely Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂, Ti/IrO₂-Ta₂O₅, Ti/IrO₂-RuO₂, and Ti/RuO₂/IrO₂-Pt. Experiments were conducted in batch mode, with stirring, at different applied current densities. The results showed that BDD attained the best results, followed by Ti/RuO₂-TiO₂, which achieved total color removal, a chemical oxygen removal of 61% with some mineralization of organic compounds, and a similar specific energy consumption to BDD. The worst performance was observed for Ti/IrO₂-Ta₂O₅, with a specific energy consumption four times superior to BDD due to a negligible organic load removal. Full article

A popular belief for why polar bears have black skin is to increase solar heat gain from solar radiation that penetrates through a translucent fur layer made of unpigmented hollow hair. To examine the relative importance of skin color on solar heat gain, we measured thermal gradients, heat flux, and solar transmittance through a polar bear pelt under solar irradiation while thermally anchored to a temperature-controlled plate set to 33 °C. We found that for 60–70% of the dorsal region of the pelt where the fur layer is thickest, solar energy cannot reach the skin through the fur (solar transmittance ≤ 3.5 ± 0.2%) and therefore skin color does not meaningfully contribute to solar heat gain. In contrast, skin pigmentation was important in the remaining areas of the pelt that were covered with thinner fur. This information was used to select commercially available materials according to their solar optical properties to build biomimetic outdoor apparel with enhanced solar heat gain by a factor of 3 compared to standard outerwear constructions. Full article