Search Results (153)

This study investigates the use of a local fiber, specifically milkweed that grows in Quebec, Canada, for nonwoven building applications. Milkweed is a natural fiber with an ultra-lightweight hollow structure that provides excellent acoustic and thermal insulation properties. To provide three-dimensional stability to nonwovens, milkweed fibers were blended with a low-melt fiber composed of a polyethylene terephthalate core and a polyolefin sheath (LM 2.2), and polylactic acid (PLA) fibers. Several nonwovens with different fiber contents were manufactured using an air-laid Spike process. The nonwovens were compared with a commercially available thermal insulation material made of 100% hemp. The thermal conductivity and thermal resistance were measured at different temperatures. The sound absorption coefficient of the nonwovens was determined both using an impedance tube and the Johnson–Champoux–Allard (JCA) acoustic model. The results showed that all nonwovens exhibit thermal conductivity values below 70 mW/m·K at temperatures ranging from −4 °C to 24 °C, which are lower than many materials commonly used in building applications. A sample presented a thermal resistance that is 8%, 10%, and 45% higher than those of rock wool, polyisocyanurate (PIR), and fiberglass, respectively. Full article

Horns in Bovidae, including bovines, sheep, and goats, are evolutionarily conserved cranial structures derived from cranial neural crest cells and composed of a bony core, dermis, epidermis, and keratinous sheath. Their development follows a shared trajectory across species, progressing through placode, fleshy, and mature stages. Genetic regulators such as RXFP2, FOXL2, HOXD1, and TWIST1 have been identified as pivotal determinants controlling horn morphogenesis, sexual dimorphism, and the polled phenotype. This review synthesizes current advances in the evolutionary origins, morphological progression, and genetic regulation of horn formation in bovines, sheep, and goats to provide a comprehensive understanding of horn formation and variation. These findings lay the groundwork for future efforts to manipulate horn traits through genetic selection or genome editing, with implications for animal welfare and breeding. Full article

In this paper, the tensile behavior of the power cable used for charging electric machines was analyzed. It is known that such a cable, consisting of several conductors, polymeric sheaths and textile core wire, can be subjected to mechanical and thermal stresses that lead to failure to operate at the desired parameters or to total interruption of operation. The mechanical stresses to which the cable is subjected are, in general, bending and tensile stresses, with the development of normal stresses, torsional stresses where tangential stresses occur and, possibly, shock stresses produced by several causes. The present paper proposes to determine some mechanical characteristics of the mentioned conductors resulting from tensile stress for testing, using a special device built for this purpose. In order to obtain other mechanical characteristics also, a finite element analysis has been carried out, the results of which are compared with those obtained from the experiment. Another type of determination was also carried out using the tensile device: the variation of the electrical resistance of one of the electrical conductors of the cable during tensile stress was recorded. Full article

The rapidly evolving field of functional yarns has garnered substantial research attention due to their exceptional potential in enabling next-generation electronic textiles for wearable health monitoring, human–machine interfaces, and soft robotics. Despite notable advancements, the development of yarn-based strain sensors that simultaneously achieve high flexibility, stretchability, superior comfort, extended operational stability, and exceptional electrical performance remains a critical challenge, hindered by material limitations and structural design constraints. Here, we present a bioinspired, hierarchically structured core-sheath yarn sensor (CSSYS) engineered through an efficient dip-coating process, which synergistically integrates the two-dimensional conductive MXene nanosheets and one-dimensional silver nanowires (AgNWs). Furthermore, the sensor is encapsulated using a yarn-based protective layer, which not only preserves its inherent flexibility and wearability but also effectively mitigates oxidative degradation of the sensitive materials, thereby significantly enhancing long-term durability. Drawing inspiration from the natural architecture of plant stems—where the inner core provides structural integrity while a flexible outer sheath ensures adaptive protection—the CSSYS exhibits outstanding mechanical and electrical performance, including an ultralow strain detection limit (0.05%), an ultrahigh gauge factor (up to 744.45), rapid response kinetics (80 ms), a broad sensing range (0–230% strain), and exceptional cyclic stability (>20,000 cycles). These remarkable characteristics enable the CSSYS to precisely capture a broad spectrum of physiological signals, ranging from subtle arterial pulsations and respiratory rhythms to large-scale joint movements, demonstrating its immense potential for next-generation wearable health monitoring systems. Full article

The recycling of cable scrap, particularly from discarded electrical wiring, is gaining significant attention due to the rising demand for copper and the need for sustainable management of electronic waste. Traditionally, mechanical and thermal processings have been used to recover copper and plastic from cables. However, these approaches are often energy-intensive, time-consuming, and costly in terms of equipment and labor. In this study, we present a simple and effective method for recovering materials from cable scrap using a domestic microwave oven. Cable pieces (2–2.5 cm long) were exposed to 700 W of microwave irradiation under rotation for 30 s, enabling the rapid and efficient separation of high-quality copper metal from the core wire, and activated carbon from the carbonized plastic sheath. Microwaves facilitate this process through Ohmic heating, which induces electrical resistance in the metal, generating heat that mechanically loosens the metal and carbonized plastic components. The process demonstrates high efficiency, achieving an 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional processings. This fast and energy-efficient method shows strong potential for scaling up to industrial recycling, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to recover high-quality materials for further use or repurposing. Full article

As the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has increased, renewable resources have been explored for the development of biobased composites. Two biobased composite materials were developed from thermoplastic starch (TPS), short fibers from plantain pseudostems sheaths and the starch from the plantain pseudostem core, using twin-screw extrusion and compression molding. Based on the findings, there is evidence of a biobased composite material with reduced water absorption of up to 9.9%, keeping thermal stability at a degradation temperature between 300 and 306 °C and increasing tensile properties by over 506%, although hardness showed slight increases (4.6%). In addition, the capacity of the sheath to generate a water vapor barrier is highlighted by reducing the magnitude of losses in mechanical properties during storage for a period of 8 days. This study contributes to the use of agricultural residues to create sustainable products, offering a pathway toward reducing dependency on synthetic polymers and mitigating environmental impact. Full article

Coleoptile is a sheath-like structure unique to monocots and is easily observed in sorghum. Colored coleoptiles have been shown to protect plants against abiotic and biotic stresses. The purpose of this study was to identify factors controlling coleoptile color in sorghum. We phenotyped the sorghum mini core accessions for coleoptile color in two environments, determined the anthocyanin content of each color of selected accessions, carried out a genome-wide association analysis and identified a candidate gene. The phenotypic analysis showed that 95 (40% of 235) accessions were green, 28 (12%) were purple and 42 (18%) were red in both 2022 and 2023. About 12% of the accessions changed from green to red due to environmental conditions. The anthocyanin content analysis showed a positive correlation between intensity of coleoptile color and anthocyanin levels. A genome-wide association analysis identified two candidate genes, Sobic.006G175700 and Sobic.006G175500, mapped to this trait in a single locus on chromosome 6. An orthologous comparison, together with mapping, sequence analysis and qPCR, identified Sobic.006G175700 as Rs1, the gene determining the sorghum coleoptile color. The haplotype analysis with SNPs from both coding and upstream regions of Sobic.006G175700 indicates that the predominant haplotypes can differentiate between green and colored coleoptile colors. This information can be used for marker-assisted selection of desired coleoptile colors in sorghum. Full article

Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have intensified the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, significantly increasing energy demand for thermal comfort. Urban buildings consume considerable energy throughout the year, which can be reduced by incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCMs) into building materials. PCMs effectively regulate temperature by storing and releasing heat as latent heat during phase transitions. However, to prevent leakage, PCMs can be encapsulated in co-axial polymeric Phase Change Fibres (PCFs), representing an innovative approach in scientific research. This study optimised the coagulation bath and produced PCFs using commercial cellulose acetate as the sheath and polyethylene glycol (PEG 600 and 1000) as the core via the wet-spinning method. The first part of this work investigated the coagulation bath using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analyses of the characteristic peak areas. In contrast, the second part examined the PCFs’ morphological, chemical and thermal properties using Bright-field microscopy, ATR-FTIR, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) techniques. The results demonstrated the successful production of PCFs with an optimised coagulation bath. Bright-field microscopy and ATR-FTIR confirmed the well-defined morphology and the presence of PEG in the fibre core. TGA analysis showed high thermal stability in the PCFs, with mass loss observed at high degradation temperatures, ranging from ~264 °C to 397 °C for the PCFs with PEG 600 and from ~273 °C to 413 °C for the PCFs with PEG 1000. Meanwhile, DSC analysis revealed melting points of ~12.64 °C and 11.04 °C, with endothermic enthalpy of ~39.24 °C and 30.59 °C and exothermic enthalpy of ~50.17 °C and 40.93 °C, respectively, for PCFs with PEG 600, and melting points of ~40.32 °C and 41.13 °C, with endothermic enthalpy of ~83.47 °C and 98.88 °C and exothermic enthalpy of ~84.66 °C and 88.79 °C, respectively, for PCFs with PEG 1000. These results validate the potential of PCFs for applications in building materials for civil engineering, promoting thermal efficiency and structural stability. Full article

The development of micro glucose sensors plays a vital role in the management and monitoring of diabetes, facilitating real-time tracking of blood glucose levels. In this paper, we developed a three-layer core-sheath microwire (NW@CuO@Co₃O₄) with nickel wire as the core and copper oxide and cobalt oxide nanowires as the sheath. The unique core-sheath structure of microwire enables it to have both good conductivity and excellent electrochemical catalytic activity when used as an electrode for glucose detecting. The non-enzymatic glucose sensor base on a NW@CuO@Co₃O₄ core-sheath wire exhibits a high sensitivity of 4053.1 μA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², a low detection limit 0.89 μM, and a short response time of less than 2 s. Full article

In this study, high-performance gloves were developed from core–sheath yarn. Different materials were used in the core, while Kevlar fibers were used in the sheath. The filaments used in the core included glass, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), and stainless steel filaments with 100D and 200D linear densities. Seamless gloves were developed from these yarns with varying characteristics to observe their effect on the performance of seamless gloves. The factors examined were the areal density (GSM) of the gloves, linear density of sheath fibers, core material, and plied structure. The mechanical behavior of the gloves was evaluated by different tests such as blade cut resistance, coupe cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. The results demonstrated that the sheath fiber characteristics, core material type, yarn’s plied structure, and fabric’s areal density are statistically significant factors affecting the properties of gloves in relation to mechanical risk. The selection of appropriate levels of these parameters is crucial for better achievement of desired properties in workwear protection applications. Full article

Cisplatin, a frequently used chemotherapeutic for the treatment of cervical cancer, causes adverse effects that limit its use. Treatment with local therapy that limits toxicity remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to develop a local intravaginal cisplatin delivery system of polycaprolactone/polyvinylpyrrolidone sheath/core fibers by coaxial electrospinning. Physicochemical properties, degradation rate, mucoadhesion, release profile, and in vitro biosafety assays were characterized. Microscopy images confirmed the coaxial nature of the fibers and showed continuous morphology and diameters of 3–9 µm. The combination of polymers improved their mechanical properties. The contact angle < 85° indicated a hydrophilic surface, which would allow its dissolution in the vaginal environment. The release profile showed a rapid initial release followed by a slow and sustained release over eight days. The degradation test showed ~50% dissolution of the fibers on day 10. The adhesion of the fibrous device to the vaginal wall lasted for more than 15 days, which was sufficient time to allow the release of cisplatin. The biosafety tests showed great cytocompatibility and no hemolysis. The characteristics of the developed system open the possibility of its application as a localized therapy against cervical cancer, reducing adverse effects and improving the quality of life of patients. Full article

A critical challenge in wearable electrothermal textiles is achieving effective insulation while maintaining sheath flexibility, which is essential for enhancing the mechanical properties and durability of conductive materials under everyday conditions, such as washing, stretching, and twisting. In this work, we employ a coaxial tubular braiding technique to coat a high-conductivity carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn with a high-strength insulation layer made of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) multifilaments, resulting in a core–sheath-structure CNT yarn with excellent electrothermal performance. By adjusting the number of UHMWPE multifilaments and the sheath braiding angle, we achieve high flexibility, high tensile strength, and abrasion and wash resistance, as well as improved electrical stability for the CNT yarns. Additionally, the CNT yarns with an insulation layer effectively prevent short-circuiting during use and achieve superior thermal management, with a significant increase in steady-state temperature under operational conditions, exhibiting significant potential for applications in wearable electronic devices. Full article

Biodegradable polymers are essential for sustainable plastic life cycles and contribute to a carbon-neutral society. Here, we explore the development of biodegradable fibers with excellent mechanical properties using polypropylene (PP) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blends. To address the inherent immiscibility between hydrophobic PP and hydrophilic TPS, hydrophilic modification and a masterbatch approach were employed. Melt-spinning trials demonstrated that the modified PP and TPS blends (mPP/TPS) exhibited excellent spinnability and processability comparable to virgin PP. A sheath-core configuration was introduced to enhance biodegradability while maintaining structural stability, with an mPP-rich part as the core and a TPS-rich part with a biodegradable promoter (BP) as the sheath. SEM and DSC analyses confirmed strong interfacial compatibility, uniform fiber morphology, and single melting points, indicating no phase separation. Mechanical testing showed that the sheath-core fibers met industrial requirements, achieving a tenacity of up to 2.47 gf/den and tensile strain above 73%. The addition of a BP increased the biodegradability rate, with PP/TPS/BP fibers achieving 65.93% biodegradation after 115 days, compared to 37.00% for BP-free fibers. These results demonstrate the feasibility of blending petroleum-based polymers with bio-based components to create fibers that balance biodegradability, spinnability, and mechanical performance, offering a sustainable solution for industrial applications. Full article

Cross-bonded cables improve transmission efficiency by optimizing the grounding method. However, due to the complexity of their grounding system, they are prone to multiple types of defects, making defect state identification more challenging. Additionally, accurately locating sheath damage defects becomes more difficult in cases of high transition resistance. To address these issues, this paper constructs a distributed parameter circuit model for cross-bonded cables and proposes a particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM) defect classification model based on the sheath voltage and current phase angle and amplitude characteristics. This model effectively classifies 25 types of grounding system states. Furthermore, for two types of defects—open joints and sheath damage short circuits—this paper proposes an accurate segment-based location method based on fault impedance characteristics, using zero-crossing problems to achieve efficient localization. The results show that the distributed parameter circuit model for cross-bonded cables is feasible for simulating electrical quantities, as confirmed by both simulation and real-world applications. The defect classification model achieves an accuracy of over 97%. Under low transition resistance, the defect localization accuracy exceeds 95.4%, and the localization performance is significantly improved under high transition resistance. Additionally, the defect localization method is more sensitive to variations in cable segment length and grounding resistance impedance but less affected by fluctuations in core voltage and current. 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