Synthesis and application of alkyl-substituted red dyes for unmodified polypropylene fibers

Following the previous studies regarding blue and yellow dyes, a series of new red dyes having different length of alkyl substituents on the same chromophore were synthesized in order to dye unmodified polypropylene fiber. The affinity of the dyes onto unmodified polypropylene fiber was increased with the increase of the length of alkyl substituents. Therefore, the longest hexyl-substituted dye showed very deep shade of dyeing with K/S value of around 30 at maximum absorption wavelength. Within the range below 2 % o.w.f., the exhaustion (%) showed more than 80 %. The color fastnesses to washing, rubbing, and light of the dyeings were also improved greater for the dyes having longer alkyl substituents than the shorter ones. Since color hue of the dyes exhibited very strong red, they could be considered to be used as the primary red color dyes for unmodified polypropylene fibers.     

Removal of benzidine-based azo dye from aqueous solution using amide and amine-functionalized poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers

In this study, amide and amine groups bound to poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers are used to remove the colored toxic Congo red dye from aqueous solution. The effects of process variables like pH, contact time, graft yield, and initial dye concentration on the adsorption were investigated. The maximum adsorption of Congo red to amide and amine groups was observed at pH 3 and 5 respectively. Equilibrium was attained at approximately 60 min for the amine group. The adsorption capacity of amine group on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber was 46.5 mg g⁻¹ at 25 °C, which was higher than that of the amide group on the poly(ethylene terephthalate) fiber. Desorption was done using 0.1 M NH₃, and recovery was measured at 58.2 %. The used adsorbent was regenerated and recycled six times. The results showed that the amine-functionalized fiber could be considered as potential adsorbents for removal of Congo red from aqueous solution.     

Cellulose fibers coated with m-aramid for medical applications

Cellulose fibers coated with an N-halamine precursor have been reported. Cellulose fibers were dipped and padded with m-aramid dissolved in N,N-dimethylacetamide followed by coagulation in distilled water. The morphology of the maramid-coated cellulose fibers was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The m-aramid on cellulose fibers was characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and the chlorination of m-aramid on the cellulose fibers was determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and XPS. The liquid and gas permeability of m-aramid coated fabrics were conducted. Wash fastness was performed to measure the durability of the m-aramid on the cellulose fibers. The chlorinated m-aramid-coated cellulose fibers preformed a 7-log reduction against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The chlorine lost after the bacterial inactivation could be regained after a simple re-chlorination process.     

Preparation and characterization of (POSS/TiO2)n multi-coatings based on PBO fiber surface for improvement of UV resistance

The application of poly (p-phenylene-2, 6-benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber as reinforcement in composite material was restricted by its photo-degradation, therefore, some measures should be considered to protect PBO fiber against UV aging. In this study, A series of multilayer coating for (POSS/TiO₂)_n was prepared on PBO fiber surface via LbL assembly technique for enhancement of UV resistance. TiO₂ as UV absorbing material was used to relieve UV-degradation of PBO. Surface elemental composition, surface morphology, mechanical and interfacial properties, and UV resistance of uncoated and coated PBO fibers were investigated. These experimental results show multilayer coating of (POSS/TiO₂)_n was uniform deposition on fiber surface after treatment, tensile strength decreased to certain extent, interfacial shear strength increased in a small range and UV resistance is obvious enhanced. After the same accelerated aging time under UV irradiation, the retention of tensile strength and intrinsic viscosity of coated PBO fibers were much better than that of untreated PBO fibers.     

噻虫嗪种子包衣对燕麦蚜虫和红叶病的控制效果及农药残留分析

红叶病是由蚜虫传播黄矮病毒(BYDV)引起的燕麦上的重要病害,有效防治蚜虫可控制燕麦红叶病的发生。为了明确噻虫嗪种衣剂的应用效果和安全性,通过田间试验研究了噻虫嗪种子包衣对燕麦蚜虫和红叶病的防效及持效期,并采用高效液相色谱法测定了药物在植株和籽粒上的残留动态。结果表明,种子包衣处理后,燕麦单株蚜量和红叶病病情指数均低于对照,苗期至拔节期的蚜虫防效为77.71%～87.91%,红叶病防效为65.79%～82.89%;孕穗期至扬花期的蚜虫防效为58.45%～68.61%,红叶病防效为62.98%～64.14%,持效期长达90 d,可实现一次施药减轻蚜虫为害、控制红叶病的效果。残留分析表明,噻虫嗪种衣剂在燕麦植株中的残留动态符合一级动力学方程C=13.218e-0.0971t,半衰期为7.14 d,播种后60～100 d残留量为0.43～9.86 mg·kg-1,接近或超过了现有的草料MRLs值,此时不宜作为青饲料;播种110 d以后残留量≤0.06 mg·kg-1,可刈割青饲料或作为干草贮存使用。在燕麦籽粒中未检测到噻虫嗪。     

High Light-Fastness Acid Dyes Synthesized from Corresponding Anthraquinone Chromophore Utilizing a Sulfonation Reaction. I. Dye Synthesis and Characterization

As the diameter of polyamide fibers decreased to finer denier, the dyeing fastness tends to be deteriorated due to the increase of their surface area, particularly both light fastness and wash fastness. In this study, three acid dyes were synthesized utilizing a sulfonation reaction starting from corresponding hydrophobic dye (for yellow and red dye) and dye intermediate containing a sulfonic acid group (for blue dye), those featured by high light fastness property. A Gaussian structural prediction model was used to determine the structure of the acid dyes prior to dye synthesis, and the optimal structures of three acid dyes were analyzed. Dye structures prepared were confirmed by ¹H-NMR, mass spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. By using a UV-vis spectrophotometer, the absorption maxima and molar extinction coefficient were also measured for three acid dyes comparing to that of the corresponding disperse dye or blue dye intermediate. Judging from spectroscopic data, the introduction of sulfonyl groups led to increase of molar extinction coefficient and a bathochromic shift.     

PVDF/Cu-BTC composite membranes for dye separation

Membranes with high water permeation capability as well as high rejection to dye molecules are very important for dye separation. In this study, a metal organic framework structure (Cu-BTC) was fabricated in situ on a poly(vinyl difluoride) hollow fiber support for nanofiltration of dye solution. In order to protect the Cu-BTC layer, the surface was coated by crosslinking polyvinyl alcohol. The composite membranes showed no rejection to divalent salts and high rejection to Congo Red dye. It was noticed that several Cu-BTC layers could enhance dye rejection of the composite membranes. This novel composite membrane showed promising applications in the separation of dye molecules from aqueous solutions containing dissolved salts.     

Reactive dyeing of meta-aramid fabrics photografted with dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide

Aramid fibers have been known to difficult to dye with conventional dyes and dyeing techniques because of its extremely high crystallinity and compactness. In order to make the aramid fibers dyeable to a bright color in deep shade, meta-aramid fabrics were photografted under continuous UV irradiation with dimethylaminopropyl methacrylamide (DMAPMA) and benzophenone as a monomer and a hydrogen-abstractable photoinitiator respectively. Several factors affecting the photografting treatment of the meta-aramid fabrics were investigated including monomer and photoinitiator concentrations. ATR, ESCA and SEM analysis indicated significant alterations on the chemical structure and atomic composition of the photografted fabric surface and the fabric surface was covered with the grafted polymers. While the pristine meta-aramid fabrics showed no appreciable dyeability to the α-bromoacrylamide type reactive dyes, the grafted aramid fabrics showed the remarkably enhanced dyeability to the reactive dyes, which was proportional to the graft yield indicating the covalent bond formation between the dyes and the secondary amino groups in the grafted DMAPMA. In case of C.I. Reactive Red 84, a K/S value of 14.8 can be obtained with the grafted meta-aramid fabrics with a graft yield of 7.6 % (w/w). Also and the color fastness properties of the dyed fabrics was excellent in the conditions of washing, rubbing and solar irradiation.     

Depositon of ZnO on polyacrylonitrile fiber by thermal solvent coating

In this study, the surface functionalization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers was achieved by depositing ZnO nanoparticles using thermal solvent coating. surface morphology, crystalline structure, surface chemistry, thermal stability and washing stability of the ZnO coated PAN fibers were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform Infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), Thermo-gravimetric analyses (TGA) and washing stability test, respectively. In addition, the weight changes after coating and washing were studied at different coating and washing conditions. The SEM images revealed that the ZnO was well coated on the surface of the PAN fibers and the coating was obviously affected by the experimental temperature. The FT-IR spectra indicated the chemical features of the deposited ZnO nanostructures. The XRD patterns showed that there was a typical crystalline structure of ZnO nanogains formed on the PAN fibers after coating. The TGA results revealed that the thermal stability of the PAN fibers was improved by the ZnO coating. The experimental results of washing stability revealed the effect of temperature on the washing stability. Weight measurements indicated that the amount of ZnO deposited on PAN fibers increased with the increasing of coating temperature from 60 to 70 °C. Weight measurements also revealed that the weight of the ZnO coating on fibers decreased with the increase in washing temperature and washing time.     

Properties and performance of polypyrrole (PPy)-coated silk fibers

Different silk substrates in form of spun silk tops, nonwoven web, yarn, and fabric were coated with electrically conducting doped polypyrrole (PPy) by in situ oxidative polymerization from an aqueous solution of pyrrole (Py) at room temperature using FeCl₃ as catalyst. PPy-coated silk materials were characterized by optical (OM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC, TG). OM and SEM showed that PPy completely coated the surface of individual silk fibers and that the polymerization process occurred only at the fiber surface and not in the bulk. Dendrite-like aggregates of PPy adhered to the fiber surface, with the exception of the sample first polymerized in the form of tops and then spun into yarn using conventional industrial machines. FT-IR (ATR mode) showed a mixed spectral pattern with bands typical of silk and PPy overlapping over the entire wavenumbers range. DSC and TG showed that PPy-coated silk fibers attained a significantly higher thermal stability owing to the protective effect of the PPy layer against thermal degradation. The mechanical properties of silk fibers remained unchanged upon polymerization of Py. The different PPy-coated silk materials displayed excellent electrical properties. After exposition to atmospheric oxygen for two years a residual conductivity of 10–20 % was recorded. The conductivity decreased sharply under the conditions of domestic washing with water, while it remained essentially unchanged upon dry cleaning. Abrasion tests caused a limited increase of resistance. PPy-coated silk tops were successfully spun into yarn either pure or in blend with untreated silk fibers. The resulting yarns maintained good electrical properties.     

Surface characterization of aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline fiber deposited by nanostructured silver

Nanostructured silver thin films were sputtered onto the aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline fibers of Vectran by magnetron sputtering technology. Plasma treatment was used as pre-treatment in order to improve the deposition of the coating layer. Surface morphology of the coated fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). A full energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) was used to detect the elemental composition of the material. Its conductivity and mechanical properties were measured and analyzed as well. The study revealed that a very thin conductive silver deposition exhibited high electrical conductivity as well as less influence on the mechanical properties of the pre-treated Vectran fiber. The plasma treatment could improved the deposition of the coating layer, but the surface roughness caused by plasma treatment also affected the surface conductivity. It was found that the surface resistivity could reach very low value of 1.66×10⁻³ Ω·cm after sputtering deposition for 30 min.     

An adsorption study of alum-morin dyeing onto silk yarn

Silk yarn was dyed with morin (2′,3,4′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) by using alum as mordant. In order to optimize the process, three methods of dyeing involving: pre-mordanting, simultaneous mordanting, and post-mordanting were assessed and compared with a mordant-free process. The adsorption of alum-morin dye onto silk fibers indicated that the adsorption capacities were significantly affected by pH, the initial dye concentration, and temperature. The initial dye adsorption rates of alum-morin dye on silk before equilibrium was reached increased with higher dyeing temperatures. The pseudo second-order kinetic model was indicated for alum-morin dyeing (simultaneous mordanting) of silk at pH 4.0 with an activation energy (E _a ) of 45.26 kJ/mol. The value of the enthalpy of activation (ΔH ^#) for alum-morin dyeing on silk at pH 4.0 was −31.29 kJ/mol. Also, the free energy (ΔG ^o) and entropy changes (ΔS ^o) for alum-morin dyeing on silk were −17.73 kJ/mol and −45.7 J/molK, respectively, consistent with a spontaneous and exothermic adsorption process.     

Functionalization of lyocell fibers with TiO2, SiO2, and GLYMO

In the research self-cleaning coatings based on photocatalytically active nano titanium dioxide (TiO₂) were prepared. When applied directly to cellulose fiber surfaces, TiO₂ coatings form weak bonds with fibers. Therefore 3-glycidooxypropyl-trimethoxysilane was used as a coupling agent. It had been applied on the surface of cellulose fibers before the TiO₂ coating was performed. In this case, the silane is in the interface region, where it can be most effective as an adhesion promoter. Silane coupling agents have unique chemical and physical properties not only to enhance bond strength, but more importantly to prevent de-bonding at the interface during composite aging and use as well. The coupling agent provides a stable bond between two otherwise poorly bonding surfaces. Surface properties of these coatings have been examined, such as surface morphology and surface microstructure. TiO₂ nanoparticles were irreversibly attached to the surface of monodisperse silica (SiO₂) spheres and to the surface of Lyocell fibers coated with an epoxy-containing silane coupling agent. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy showed uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the resulting coatings. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed changes in the surface microstructure occurring after different modifications. In addition, the influence of photocatalytic activity on the mechanical properties of Lyocell fibers was determined. In addition to that, the results indicated that SiO₂ and the coupling agent provide a protection against high oxidizing power of TiO₂ under exposure to daylight irradiation.     

Assessment of color strength and color difference values of polyester fabrics containing continuous weft yarns after abrasion

This paper assesses the color difference and color strength values (K/S) obtained for eight disperse-dyed polyester fabric samples with different fabric construction parameters (weft yarn type, weft yarn count, weft density and fabric weave) after four sets of abrasion cycles. Warp yarn type and count, warp density, and warp yarn twist are the same for all fabrics. Fabric samples are dyed in a commercial red disperse dye (C.I. Disperse Red 74:1) and four different abrasion cycles (2500, 5000, 7500, 10000) are used. TheK/S values of the abraided fabrics and color difference values between the control fabric (dyed but not abraided) and abraded fabrics are calculated. The main differences in theK/S and color difference values are observed between 0–2500 abrasion cycles. The high tenacity of the polyester fibers and continuous polyester yarns causes some fuzz but no pilling formation on the fabric surface that lead to increasedK/S values and color differences. Fiber dullness, yarn thickness, yarn density and fabric weave are concluded to have different effects on the appearance after abrasion.     

Studies on melt spinning of sea-island fibers. I. morphology evolution of polypropylene/polystyrene blend fibers

Isotactic polypropylene/atactic polystyrene (iPP/aPS) immiscible polymer blends are prepared and are melt-spun to prepare blend fibers with matrix-fibril morphologies. The running fibers are captured at different positions of the spinning line, and the morphologies including dispersions of aPS droplets in iPP matrix fibers, droplets diameter and their distributions, as well as the radial gradients on counts and diameter of droplets are analyzed. The effect of take-up velocity on the morphology of take-up fibers is discussed by comparing with that of extrudate fibers. At low take-up velocities, the enhanced radial gradients are attributed to shrinking of matrix fibers on the elongation of spinning stress. While the effects of non-uniform deformation, coalescence and migration of droplets play a role to resist the effects of shrinking of matrix fibers at high take-up velocities. Based on morphology analysis, the mechanisms of compression from the shrinking of matrix fibers, non-uniform deformation, coalescence and migration of droplets are presented to explain why and how the radial gradients form.     

Polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nanofibrous mats: Controlled surface morphology and cell culture

We reported the controlled surface morphologies and the cell culture of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nylon 6 fibrous mats with different number of layers. Polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nylon 6 fibers were successfully prepared by an alternative deposition of alginic acid sodium salt and chitosan via a Layer-by-Layer (LbL) electrostatic self-assembly. The surface morphology, stiffness, and hydrophilicity of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nylon 6 fibrous mats could be finely tuned by regulating the number of polyelectrolyte nanocoating. It was observed that the morphology of polyelectrolyte multilayer coated nylon 6 fibers was uniform and smooth, indicating a dense and harder nanocoating of polyelectrolytes onto nylon 6 fibers. Compared to pure nylon 6 fibrous mat (tensile strength ～10.6±1 MPa), the tensile strength of polyelectrolyte coated nylon 6 fibrous mats was largely increased to 35.2±2 MPa for 5 bilayers coated fiber mats. In addition, it was found that at an initial stage after 1 day of cell culturing, the electrospun nylon 6 fibrous mats coated with 5 bilayer of alginic acid and chitosan show the highest cell affinity (good adhesion), while the electrospun nylon 6 fibrous mats coated with 10 bilayer show the lowest cell affinity. After cell seeding for 3 days, it was observed that rate of proliferation is enhanced by increasing the number of bilayer up to 3 bilayers (good proliferation), and then drastically decreased with further increasing the number of bilayer.     

Seaweed-Derived Polysaccharides Attenuate Heat Stress-Induced Splenic Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Response via Regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

With global warming, heat stress (HS) has become a worldwide concern in both humans and animals. The ameliorative effect of seaweed (Enteromorpha prolifera) derived polysaccharides (SDP) on HS-induced oxidative stress and the inflammatory response of an immune organ (spleen) was evaluated using an animal model (Gallus gallus domesticus). In total, 144 animals were used in this 4-week trial and randomly assigned to the following three groups: thermoneutral zone, HS, and HS group supplemented with 1000 mg/kg SDP. Dietary SDP improved the antioxidant capacity and reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) of the spleen when exposed to HS, regulated via enhancing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling. Furthermore, the inclusion of SDP reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated HS-induced splenic inflammatory response by suppressing the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 signaling. These findings suggest that the SDP from E. prolifera can be used as a functional food and/or feed supplement to attenuate HS-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses of the immune organs. Moreover, the results could contribute to the development of high-value marine products from seaweed for potential use in humans and animals, owing to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.     

The modification of Kevlar fibers in coupling agents by <Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-ray co-irradiation

Kevlar fibers were treated in three kinds of coupling agents’ solutions by Co⁶⁰ γ-ray co-irradiation. After the treatment, the interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) values of Kevlar fibers/epoxy composites were all improved. Surface elements of the fibers were determined by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the oxygen/carbon ratio of the treated fibers was increased and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum confirmed the increase in the polar groups at the fiber surface. The tensile strength of the fibers was evaluated by statistical analysis using the Weibull distribution. The wettability of the fiber surface was also enhanced by the treatment. The possible mechanisms of γ-ray co-irradiation treatment are proposed by the radical reactions. The results indicated that γ-ray co-irradiation technique modified the physicochemical properties of Kevlar fibers and improved the interfacial adhesion of its composites.     

Photoluminescence electrospun membranes of poly(aryl ether)s with hydrophobicity

Photoluminescence electrospun fibers were prepared from poly(aryl ether)s solutions. The porosity and wrinkle fibers could be observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of solution properties on fiber surface morphologies was studied. Meanwhile, the rough fiber surfaces could make the electrospun membranes possess water repellency. The contact angles of electrospun membranes for water were around 140°. The emission spectra of these membranes indicated that the fibers exhibited multi-color including sapphire blue, olive green and rose red. It could provide a proposal for improving flexible optoelectronic devices based on electrospun membranes of conjugated polymers.     

Surface modification of polymer optical fibers for enhanced side emission behavior

The polymer optical fiber with trade name Flexi was used in this research, because of its flexibility and the range of diameters available in the market. These fibers were dyed using commercial disperse dye under various conditions of dye concentration and dyeing time. Samples were analyzed for side emission of light with the use of an instrument which was specifically designed for the measurement of this nature. The results showed that the dye penetration is dependent on time, if dye concentration and temperature are kept constant. After 40 min of dyeing, the fiber core showed an increase in side emission with lower loss due to attenuation. Excessive time in the hot conditions also degraded the fiber, so that the fiber became very stiff and brittle. Fibers were also subjected to heat, in the form of boiling water bath, for selected periods of time, and it was found that the effect was similar to that of the prior experiments. Surface treatment of Flexi fibers was carried out using ethyl acetate as an etching agent, to possibly accept more disperse dye on the fiber surface. The results after dyeing showed a more significant improvement in both side emission and attenuation of light.