Functional Antibacterial Finishing of Woolen Fabrics Using Ultrasound Technology

The growing concern for the personal health and hygiene has created the necessity of acquiring wool fabric antibacterial activity. Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) have appropriate features to enhance the functional properties of wool fabrics, especially with polymer application. In this study efficient coating using polyethylene glycol (PEG₂₀₀₀) and SiO₂ NPs were used for imparting antibacterial properties to treated fabrics. All the treatments were carried out using both conventional and ultrasound techniques. The physical and chemical properties were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The result indicated that treated wool fabrics by PEG/SiO₂ NPs improved the dyeability and antibacterial of the fabrics and also enhanced its mechanical properties. Furthermore, it is believed that the ultrasound radiation causes homogeneous distribution of cross-links and polymerization throughout the wool surface. This offers considerable advantages compared to conventional treatment.     

Eco-friendly and Durable Antibacterial Cotton Fabrics Prepared with Polysulfopropylbetaine

A novel antibacterial agent polysulfopropylbetaine (PSPB) bearing carboxyl groups was synthesized and its application on cotton fabric to provide durable antibacterial property was also presented. The successful synthesis of PSPB and its immobilization onto the cotton fabric surface were verified by a series of tests including FTIR, ¹H NMR, XPS and SEM. Viable cell counting method was employed to investigate antibacterial properties of the finished cotton fabrics. It was found that the cotton fabrics treated with PSPB were endowed with desirable antibacterial activity against both gram-negative bacteria Esherichia coli (E.coli, AATCC 6538) and gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus, AATCC 25922), with the bacterisotatic rates of 99.69 % and 99.95 %, respectively. Notably, the bacterial reduction rates still maintained over 90 % against both bacteria even after 50 consecutive laundering cycles. Moreover, tests concerning the hydrophilicity, air permeability, water vapor transmission, mechanical properties as well as thermal properties were carried out systematically. The experimental results indicated the hydrophilic performance, air permeability and moisture penetrability of the cotton fabrics finished with PSPB were improved greatly in spite of a slight reduction in thermal performance and little obvious influence on mechanical performance. The antibacterial cotton fabric has the potential to be applied in sportswear, underwear, household textiles, medical fields and much more.     

Preparation of Copper Nanoparticles Coated Cotton Fabrics with Durable Antibacterial Properties

When copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) were applied as an antimicrobial agent to finish cotton fabrics, there are two issues should be solved: the oxidization and the weak adsorbability onto cotton fiber surface. In the present work, we developed a new method that can achieve both immobilization and protection of the Cu NPs at the same time. As an effective binder, thioglycolic acid (TGA) was covalently linked to cotton fiber surface via an esterification with the hydroxyl groups of cellulose, then Cu NPs were introduced on the fabric surface in the presence of a protective reagent, citric acid. Due to the doubled stabilization acts of TGA and citric acid, the Cu NPs immobilized on the fabric surface showed an excellent antibacterial effect and outstanding laundering durability. Even after 50 consecutive laundering tests, the modified cotton fabrics still showed satisfactory antibacterial ability against both S. aureus and E. coli, which the bacterial reduction rates are all higher than 96 %. It is believed that this methodology has potential applications in a wide variety of textile productions such as sportswear, socks, and medical textiles.     

Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated with PVDF and nano-ZnO through Phase Inversion Process

Cotton fabrics exhibiting superhydrophobic and antibacterial properties were prepared through a non-solvent induced phase separation method using hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and its hybrids with photocatalytic zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnO) as surface modifying agents for cotton fabric. The effects of coagulating medium and temperature on microstructural morphology and surface hydrophobictity of the cotton fabrics were investigated by FE-SEM observation and contact angle measurement. Superhydrophobic cotton fabrics exhibiting water contact angle higher than 150 ° could be obtained by coating the fabrics with solutions of PVDF and nano-ZnO followed by coagulation in ethanol as non-solvent. This phenomenon is considered to be originated from both chemically hydrophobic PVDF layer and physical micro- and nano-bumps formed on the surface of cotton fabric, which are essential requirements for Lotus effect. Moreover, antibacterial properties could be synergistically obtained by utilizing photocatalytic effect of nano-ZnO.     

Cotton Dyeing and Antibacterial Finishing Using Agricultural Waste by an Eco-friendly Process Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

In this study, Berberis vulgaris L. wood as an agricultural waste was used for dyeing and functional finishing of cotton. To facilitate the attachment of natural dye, citric acid was used to create carboxylic acid functional groups on cotton fibers. The process of crosslinking of cotton fabric with citric acid was optimized in order to obtain the maximum dyeability with the cationic natural dye. The effects of three important factors including citric acid concentration, sodium hypophosphite concentration and curing temperature on the color strength of the dyed samples with woods of barberry tree were analyzed by response surface methodology and the optimum conditions for obtaining the highest color strength was obtained. The crosslinking of citric acid on cotton fibers was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The dyed sample prepared under the optimum conditions of crosslinking showed good wash and light fastness properties besides very good antibacterial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria.     

Photooxidation Properties of Photosensitizer/Direct Dye Patterned Polyester/Cotton Fabrics

Towards the goal of developing anti-infective textiles based on a photodynamic inactivation mechanism, here we present the design, dyeing procedure, characterization, substrate photooxidation studies, and antibacterial efficacy of methylene blue-dyed polyester fabrics, termed MB-polyester. Dye-uptake and apparent K/S (absorption and scattering coefficient) values as a function of MB concentration % (o.w.f) were determined, and were found to correlate. Photooxidation studies employing the model substrate 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene (1,5-DHN) revealed that the MB-polyester fabrics were able to generate singlet oxygen in an illumination time-dependent manner. Antibacterial efficacy was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC-29213), with our best results achieving a 99.89 % (~3 log units) reduction in Colony-Forming Units (CFU)/mL after only 30 min illumination (Xenon lamp, 3500 mW/cm², 420–780 nm). On the basis of these results with MB-polyester, we subsequently designed patterned dual-dyed polyester/cotton fabrics, wherein an alternating pattern of MBdyed polyester was combined with direct dyes-dyed cotton, and showed that their ability to sensitize singlet oxygen (¹O²) in the photooxidation reaction of 1,5-DHN was maintained. Taken together, these findings suggest that MB is a suitable photosensitizer (PS) against S. aureus for the practical development of low-cost polyester-based antimicrobial textiles, and can potentially be used in the production of diverse form-patterned textiles that possess a photodynamic antimicrobial inactivation mechanism.     

超高支苎麻棉紧密纺纱的开发

优选原料,合理配置混纺工艺,利用可溶维纶短纤提高纺纱支数技术;采用了苎麻、棉、可溶维纶短纤三种性能各异的原料分步均匀、准确混合的"分步混纤"工艺;应用先进的紧密纺技术.成功开发超高支--100sR55/C45苎麻棉紧密纺优质纱.     

Unprecedented Electromagnetic Shielding Effectiveness of Lightweight Nonwoven Ag/PA66 Fabrics

Novel, high-performance silver coated polyamide, Ag/PA66, nonwoven fabrics with a density of only 0.04 g/cm³ have been developed using staple fibres of 19 (3.3 dtex) and 27 (6.7 dtex) μm diameter. The obtained nonwoven fabrics with an Ag loading of 12-18 wt% exhibited excellent weight-normalised specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of over 1200 dB/(g/cm³) in the 0.015-3 GHz range, which is among the highest reported till date. Moreover, the applied microwave was verified to be absorbed rather than being reflected back making the fabrics highly suitable for shielding applications. It was also observed that nonwoven fabrics made from finer 3.3 dtex Ag/PA66 fibres have higher reflection and lower absorption values than their thicker (6.7 dtex) counterparts. Additionally, we have also explored the use of these nonwoven Ag/PA66 fabrics for personal thermal management via Joule heating with samples showing rapid heating response (up to 0.2 °C/sec) and long-term stability measured over 10,000 seconds. The needle-punched Ag/PA66 nonwoven fabrics, in spite of their low density of the order of 0.04 g/cm², exhibited high EMSE values of nearly 69-80 dB, leading to excellent weightnormalised specific electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of over 1200 dB/(g/cm³) in the 0.015-3 GHz range. The production of Ag/PA66 needle punched nonwoven fabrics thus offers a facile route to develop multifunctional fabrics for EMI shielding as well as personal thermal management applications.     

Multifunctional,Hydrophobic and Flame-retarded Cotton Fabrics Modified with Liner Piperzine/Phosphorous/Polysiloxane Copolymer

α,ω-di[(4-butoxy-piperazin-1-yl)-phosphinic acid methyl ether]-terminated linear polysiloxane (PNPDMS) was synthesized and utilized as the flame retardant and hydrophobing agent. The flame retardance and thermal decomposition behaviors of cotton fabrics were systematically estimated by limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis and vertical burning test, respectively. It was found that the LOI of cotton fabric treated with PNPDMS enhanced to 29.82 % compared with cotton fabric without treatment, whose LOI was only 18.00 %. The treated cotton fabric showed a shorter char length, a shorter After-flame time, and no After-glow time as revealed in vertical burning test. The mechanical property in treated cotton fabric was slightly decrease. Furthermore, the grade of water repellency of treated cotton fabric reached to 90 and water contact angle (WCA) increased to 141.90° compared with cotton fabric without treatment whose WCA was 62.80°. The result showed that the cotton fabric treated with PNPDMS exhibited excellent flame retardance and hydrophobic properties.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Waterborne Polyurethane Modified by Acrylate/nano-ZnO for Dyeing of Cotton Fabrics

Waterborne polyurethane modified by acrylate/nano-ZnO (PUA/ZnO) was synthesized and used to improve the wet rubbing fastness of reactive dyed cotton fabric. The reaction conditions were optimized and the products were characterized by FT-IR, TG, DSC, SEM, and particle size distribution. The dyed cotton fabrics were finished with PUA/ZnO emulsion and the rubbing fastness, ultraviolet resistant property, and wearability of treated fabrics were measured. The wet rubbing fastness of treated fabrics was increased by about 0.5–1 rate to achieve 3–4 rate, and the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) achieved 50+ level. The whiteness, air permeability, and elongation at break of treated fabric were not decreased significantly. SEM showed that the smooth and reticular coating on the surface of treated fabric reduced the mechanical friction force between dyed fabric and rubbing cloth, and thus improved the rubbing fastness. The decomposition temperature of finished fabric was increased by 50–80 °C.     

Flame-Retardant and Wear Comfort Properties of Modacrylic/FR-Rayon/Anti-static PET Blend Yarns and Their Woven Fabrics for Clothing

This study examined the flame retardant, anti-static, and wear comfort properties of woven fabrics from two types of yarns composed of modacrylic, FR-rayon, cotton, and anti-static PET fibers. The FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric mixed with anti-static PET fibers exhibited better flame-retardant and anti-static properties than those of the cotton-blended modacrylic fabric. In addition, the absorption and drying properties of the FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric were superior to those of the cotton-blended modacrylic fabric. The thermal conductivity of the FR-rayon-blended fabric was lower than that of the cotton-blended one, whereas the water vapor permeability was slightly higher than that of the cotton-blended one. These wear comfort properties of the FR-rayon-blended fabric were attributed to the micro-pores and longer fiber length of the FR-rayon fibers, as well as their yarn and fabric structural parameters. This study suggests that FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric has better flame-retardant and anti-static properties in both twill and rip weaves with good warmth keepability, and higher water and vapor transmission properties than cotton-blended one. In addition, the FR-rayon-blended modacrylic clothing exhibited a better wear comfort feel than the cotton-blended one due to the lower microclimate humidity. This means that FR-rayon-blended modacrylic fabric makes it more comfortable to wear than cotton-blended one.     

Dyeability and Antibacterial Finishing of Hemp Fabric Using Natural Bioactive Neem Extract

Two functional compounds were successfully extracted from neem (Azadiracta indica): a tannin-rich natural dye and an antibacterial agent. The dye was extracted from the bark using water, and the antibacterial from the leaf using methanol. These were used to dye hemp fabrics. Higher color strength values (K/S) were found when dyeing was conducted at a higher dye concentration, elevated temperature, and longer dyeing time. Optimal results were achieved when using 5 %w/v of extracted powder at 100 °C for 60 min. The resulting fabrics appeared reddish-brown, and were rated as good to excellent for color fastness against washing, water, sea water, and perspiration. The antibacterial agent from the neem leaf was extracted by Soxhlet apparatus at 65 °C with methanol as solvent. The dyed and antibacterial-finished hemp fabrics were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, following the percentage reduction test of AATCC 100. The treated fabrics demonstrated a 99.99 % reduction in Staphylococcus aureus.     

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Carbon Nanotube/Cotton Functional Nanocomposite: Preparation and Characterization of Properties

In the last decade, preparation of multifunctional composites have attracted researchers around the World for multi-purpose application. In this regard, we produced polyvinylpyrrolidone/carbon nanotubes/cotton (PVP/CNTs/cotton) nanocomposite by coating cotton fabric via pad-dry-cure under UV irradiation. Several characterization methods were used to investigate the functionality and durability including scanning electron microscopy, thermo-gravimetric analysis, flammability test, reflectance spectroscopy, tensile strength test, water absorption and antibacterial analysis. The interactions among PVP molecular chains, CNT particles and cellulose were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. We observed a uniform coating of PVP/CNTs on the fiber surface. An advantage of our developed method was the strong interfacial interaction among compositions, high durability along with multifunctional properties. PVP/CNT nanocomposite was able not only to improve the thermal stability of cotton, but also provided a reduced flammability and good antibacterial properties. Here, we confirm a simple and versatile method for fabrication of PVP/CNTs/cellulose nanocomposite for multi-purpose applications.     

Synthesis and Application of Polyurethane-Modified Silicone as Finishing Agent for Cotton Fabric

The polyurethane modified organic silicone (PU-SA) was successfully synthesized via step-by-step polymerization with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) and polypropylene glycol (PPG) used as monomers, dibutyltindilaurate (DBTDL) as the catalyst, trimethylolpropane (TMP) and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as the chain extender, and amino-terminated siloxane (SA) as the blocking agent. The chemical structure of PU-SA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that PUSA had been successfully finished on the surface. Additionally, the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) demonstrated that the PU-SA treated fabrics showed low decomposition temperature and slightly high char residue. As a finishing agent, the effect of PU-SA on the handle of cotton fabrics was also studied by using a Kawabata Evaluation System for Fabrics (KES-F). The experimental results found that PU-SA had a significant improvement on the bending properties, surface properties, and compressional properties. Moreover, the mechanical and anti-wrinkle properties of the cotton fabrics were also enhanced.     

Functional processing of PET fabrics using boehmite/silica/thiazole dye hybrid materials

A series of hybrid materials composed of boehmite/silica/thiazole dyes and prepared via the sol-gel process is synthesized from aluminum isopropoxide (AIP) and tetraethoxysilane using heteroaryl 2-amino-thiazole azo dyes. Heterocyclic 2-amino-thiazole azo dyes undergo a hydrolysis-condensation reaction with an appropriate proportion of AIP under a catalyst, at a constant ratio of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). The structures of these hybrid materials composed of boehmite/silica/thiazole dyes are characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis. The surface morphology of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics is evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images show uniform dyeing of the PET fabrics that confirms the reaction of the hybrid materials with the PET fabrics. The water contact angle, washing fastness, color evenness, air permeability, and warmth retention of the PET fabrics dyed with hybrid materials composed of boehmite/silica/thiazole dyes are evaluated. The evaluation results indicate improved warmth retention property and good water repellency.     

Electrical Resistivity of Plasma Treated Viscose and Cotton Fabrics with Incorporated Metal Ions

Cellulose fabrics (viscose and cotton) were treated with atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in air. After DBD treatment, samples were characterized and volume electrical resistance was measured under different relative humidity conditions (φ=40-55 %). Results have shown that DBD treatment increases wettability and polar surface functional groups content, which consequently causes a decrease of volume electrical resistivity of cellulose fabrics in measured relative humidity range (φ=40-55 %). Metal ions (silver, copper, and zinc) were incorporated in untreated and plasma treated samples through sorption from aqueous solutions and incorporation of metal ions into plasma treated cellulose samples decreased electrical resistivity even further. Resistivity of cotton and viscose fabrics with incorporated metal ions followed the order Zn²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Ag⁺. The most pronounced decrease, for entire order of a magnitude, was obtained by modification of cotton fabric with DBD and silver ions, where value of resistivity dropped from GΩ to a several dozens of MΩ.     

Characterization and antibacterial properties of Ag NPs doped nylon 6 tree-like nanofiber membrane prepared by one-step electrospinning

A hierarchically Ag/nylon 6 tree-like nanofiber membrane (Ag/PA6 TLNM) was fabricated by adding tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBAC) and silver nitrate (AgNO3) into spinning solution via one-step electrospinning. TBAC presented in PA6/formic acid (HCOOH) spinning solution was able to cause the formation of a tree-like structure due to its space steric structure and the increasing of solution conductivity. Electrospinning solvent acted as a reducing agent for in situ conversion of AgNO₃ into silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) during the solution preparation. SEM, TEM, FT-IR XPS and XRD confirmed that Ag NPs were doped in the prepared nanofiber membrane successfully and the mechanical properties, pore size distribution and hydrophilicity of the membranes were investigated. The results showed that the tree-like structure improved the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity of the membrane while ensuring high specific surface area and small pore size. And the Ag/PA6 TLNM showed superior antibacterial properties against both E. coli and S. aureus compared with common Ag/PA6 nanofiber membranes (Ag/PA6 NMs). All of the results show that the Ag/PA6 TLNM would have potential applications in water purification.     

Effect of Silver Particle size on color and Antibacterial properties of silk and cotton Fabrics

In this study silver nanoparticles with different particle sizes and hence colors were synthesized on silk and cotton fabrics through reduction of silver nitrate. Particle sizes of the silver colloids were measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The structure and properties of the treated fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and UV-Vis reflectance spectroscopy. Various characteristics of the treated fabrics including antibacterial activities against a Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and a Gram negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, color effect, wash and light fastness, water absorption, fabric rigidity, and UV blocking properties were also assessed. The results indicated that the treated fabrics displayed different colors in the presence of silver nanoparticles with different particle sizes and exhibited good and durable fastness properties. Also, the size of the silver particles had a tangible effect on antibacterial activity of treated fabrics and its antibacterial performance was improved by decreasing the size of particles. Moreover, this process imparted significantly UV blocking activity to fabric samples.     

麻盖涤吸湿快干针织面料性能及整理工艺研究

以纯苎麻纱和细旦涤纶为原料编织麻盖涤双面针织物；用亲水性硅油、水性聚氨酯、纤维紊酶等进行吸湿快干、柔软以及消除刺痒感的整理。结果表明：麻盖涤针织面料的吸湿快干性能比棉盖涤好，通过应用合适的整理剂和整理工艺能有效地解决麻盖涤针织物手感和刺痒感问题。本文还对纯苎麻纱针织织造中断纱爆孔问题提出了解决的措施。     

麻盖涤吸湿快干针织面料性能及整理工艺研究

以纯苎麻纱和细旦涤纶为原料编织麻盖涤双面针织物;用亲水性硅油、水性聚氨酯、纤维素酶等进行吸湿快干、柔软以及消除刺痒感的整理。结果表明:麻盖涤针织面料的吸湿快干性能比棉盖涤好,通过应用合适的整理剂和整理工艺能有效地解决麻盖涤针织物手感和刺痒感问题。本文还对纯苎麻纱针织织造中断纱爆孔问题提出了解决的措施。