Journal of Industrial Textiles recent issues

Patents

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:26 PDT

Utilization of Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) in Easy Care Finishing of Cotton Fabrics to Improve their Performance Properties and Antibacterial Activities

Fahmy, H.M. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:26 PDT

Poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (PVP) can be oxidized under the influence of the ammonium persulphate (APS) to yield a mixture of different products causing PVP crosslinking as well as pyrrolidone ring opening. Major factors affecting fixation of PVP onto cotton fabrics were studied. These include APS as well as PVP concentrations, time, and temperature. Furthermore, PVP was incorporated in the easy care finishing of cotton fabrics with DMDHEU utilizing APS to serve as catalyst in both the fixation of PVP as well as finishing of cotton fabrics. Results indicated that cotton fabrics treated with 6% PVP and 1.5% APS followed by heating at 90°C for 30 minutes were partially crosslinked with better performance properties and dyeability. Additionally, the post-treating of PVP-finished fabrics with silver nitrate aqueous solution imparts antibacterial activity. Increasing the PVP and/or resin concentrations enhance the antibacterial properties of the treated fabrics. Furthermore, characterization of crosslinked PVP was performed by investigating the infrared, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscope of treated cotton fabrics.

Thermal Resistance Properties of Paratrooper Clothing

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:26 PDT

Combat free fall paratroopers’ (CFF) protective clothing, comprising of non-woven insulating material, inherently flame retardant Nomex fabric and cotton fabric combinations are studied under simulated conditions of conduction and sweat using Thermolobo-II technique. The results show that Non—woven insulating materials exhibit high thermal resistance in dry contact method under moderate wind velocity, whereas the thermal resistance values measured under wet conditions is significantly lower. The effect of air layer thickness, permeability and other important parameters, such as porosity, surface area have also been considered and correlated to assess the overall performance of protective clothing ensemble.

Stearyl Alcohol/2,4-Toluene Diisocyanate/Perfluorinated Alcohols Adduct as a New Textile Water/Oil Repellent

Abo-Shosha, M.H., El-Hilw, Z.H., Amr, A., Rabie, A.M. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:26 PDT

Stearyl alcohol/2,4-toluene diisocyanate/perfluorinated alcohols adduct was prepared at a total conversion of 98% by reacting these substances using a molar ratio of 1/1/1 at 100°C for 90 minutes. The purified adduct has a melting point of 67°C, and its FTIR spectrum was investigated. An aqueous emulsion containing the adduct (105 g/kg), stearic acid (45 g/kg), and TEA (24 g/kg) acquired 100% cotton fabric water/oil repellency when padded in a bath containing different concentration (20—50 g/L) of the emulsion and dried at 100°C per 3 minutes. Raising drying temperature (100—180°C) enhanced water/oil repellency. The so-treated fabric lost water/oil repellency after five washes. Addition of DMDHEU to the padding bath relatively improved water/oil repellency up to the 10th wash, but it was completely lost after the 25th wash. It was concluded that the adduct is mechanically entrapped within the crosslinker/fabric network and it escapes this entrapment during repeated laundering.

Effect of Moisture Management Finish on Comfort Characteristics of Microdenier Polyester Knitted Fabrics

Sampath, M.B., Senthilkumar, M. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:26 PDT

Moisture management can be defined as the controlled movement of water vapor and liquid water (perspiration) from the surface of the skin to the atmosphere through the fabric. Wetting, wicking, and moisture vapor transmission (MVT) properties are the critical aspects for evaluating the comfort performance of textiles. In this study, the effect of stitch length and knit structure on comfort characteristics of moisture management finished knitted fabric that includes wicking, wetting, water absorbency, MVT, and air permeability have been analyzed.

Surface Resistivity and Shear Characteristics of Polyaniline Coated Polyester Fabric

Neelakandan, R., Giridev, V.R., Murugesan, M., Madhusoothanan, M. — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:27 PDT

The surface resistivity and shear characteristics of the polyaniline/ polyester fabrics produced by varying the number of coatings with different fabric structures were studied. With increase in number of coatings, the resistivity of the fabric decreases. The plain woven fabric gives higher surface resistivity than twill and satin weaves. Shear rigidity of twill and satin fabrics are lower than that of plain woven fabrics.

Erratum

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:51:27 PDT

Patents

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

Preliminary Investigation on Bulletproof Panels Made from Ramie Fiber Reinforced Composites for NIJ Level II, IIA, and IV

Marsyahyo, E., Jamasri, , Heru Santoso Budi Rochardjo, , Soekrisno, — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is one of the strongest natural cellulose fibers. Optimizing abundant resources ramie as a candidate materials used for reinforcing in polymeric composite material is a must to obtained high-performance natural fibers reinforced polymer especially for bulletproof panel or high-impact flexibility safer structures. Ramie woven was treated using common chemical solvents that were ethanol, methyl ethyl ketone, acetone, and silane as coupling agent. Composite panels were made by hand lay-up process with epoxy as a matrix. These prototype bulletproof panels were to be believed lighter in weight and much lower economic cost than conventional bulletproof panels made from ceramic plate, Kevlar/aramid composite, and steel-based material as a popular today in military standard antiballistic equipments. From the bullet testing result, it showed that panel could be able to resist the penetration of high-impact projectile for level II with some fractures phenomenon. Level IV ballistic testing showed that all prototype panel could not resist the high-impact velocity of the projectile yet. It was found that ramie fibers have sufficient breaking strength and toughness for level II bullet testing, although still needs improvements to optimize process parameters to meet a very high military standard and application

Development of a Continuous Finishing Chemistry Process for Manufacture of a Phosphorylated Cotton Chronic Wound Dressing

Edwards, J. V., Howley, P., Yachmenev, V., Lambert, A., Condon, B. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

A phosphorylated form of cotton gauze for treatment of chronic wounds was designed to improve the wound dressing's capacity to remove harmful proteases from the wound and facilitate healing. Development of the fabric finishing chemistry of the wound dressing with a process suitable for textile mill production required adapting the stationary finishing chemistry of the cotton phosphorylation from a batch-type pad-dry-cure finishing treatment to a continuous pilot scale finishing process. Issues in optimizing the cotton finishing process took into consideration dressing sterilization, the effect of city water versus de-ionized water, retention of the fabric whiteness index and protease sequestration capacity of the dressing, which is the index of the dressing's efficacy. Three types of sterilization approaches were assessed, including gamma ray, ethylene oxide and steam sterilization to determine the effect of sterilization on the phosphorylated cotton dressing and the subsequent efficacy of the sterilized dressing to remove proteases from the wound. Two phosphorylation reagents were compared for their ability to phosphorylate cotton in a urea-based formulation and yield an active, effective dressing, with a high whiteness index. Phosphorylation with a diammonium phosphate (DAP) : urea formulation generally gave a more effective dressing as an active protease sequestrant, and phosphorylation with sodium hexametaphosphate (SMP) : urea gave a higher whiteness index. Finishing formulations combining the two phosphorylating reagents, DAP and SMP: urea, were assessed to improve both whiteness and efficacy. However, sterilization of DAP treated cotton with ethylene oxide eradicated activity through apparent masking of the cellulose phosphate hydroxyls. Side reactions that may occur during ethylene oxide treatment were discussed as the possible origin of the phosphate hydroxyl masking. On the other hand, sterilization with gamma irradiation produced significant yellowing of the dressing. A SMP : urea (16 : 30) formulation was employed in the continuous process finishing treatment, and found to be most optimal for whiteness, efficacy and ease of sterilization, when adapted to industrial scale production of the cotton chronic wound dressing.

Artificial Neural Network System for the Design of Airbag Fabrics

Behera, B.K., Goyal, Y. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

Engineered fabric manufacturing needs a thorough understanding of the functional properties and their key control construction parameters. When the relationship between a set of interrelated properties goes out of the complete comprehension of human brain, neural networks could be used to find the unknown function. This article describes the method of applying the artificial neural network for the prediction performance parameters for airbag fabrics. The results of the ANN performance prediction had low prediction error i.e., 12% with all the samples and the artificial neural network based on Error Back-propagation were found promising for a new domain of design prediction technique. The prediction performance of the neural network was based on the amount of training given to it, i.e., the diversity of the data and the amount of data; resulting in better the mapping of the network, and better predictions. Airbag fabrics could be successfully engineered using artificial neural network.

Enhancement of Wrinkle Free Properties of Carboxymethylated Cotton Fabric via Ionic Crosslinking with Poly(vinylpyrrolidone)

Hashem, M., Refaie, R., Goli, K., Smith, B., Hauser, P. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

Incorporation of poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) in the structure of cotton, carboxymethylated cotton (CMC) or ionically crosslinked cotton fabric induces besides ether crosslinking of cotton cellulose, strong columbic forces and weaker forces such as dipole—dipole, hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, or hydrophobic interactions. The ether bonds are formed in the dry state (i.e., un-swelled state), whereas, the other interactions are formed in wet state (i.e., swelled state) of cotton fabrics. Both interactions greatly enhance wet and dry wrinkle recovery angle of cotton fabric without strength loss. Fixation of PVP onto cotton or CMC fabric was achieved thermally by curing the treated fabric at 140^°C for 5 minutes. Higher wet and dry wrinkle recovery angles (WRA and DRA) were obtained with lower molecular weight PVP (3000 Da) compared with higher molecular weight one (8000 Da). The results obtained also show that a balance between WRA, DRA as high as 228° and 225°, respectively, could be obtained without loss in tensile strength and elongation at break by treatment CMC fabric having carboxyl content 115 meq/100 g fabric with 4% PVP then cured at 140°C for 5 minutes. Additionally, treatment of the ionically crosslinked fabric (having 115 meq/100 g fabric carboxyl content and 0.22% nitrogen content) with 4% aqueous PVP enhances the DRA and WRA to reach a value of 289° and 286°, respectively, without any loss in the strength properties of the fabrics. These values of WRA and DRA are much higher than those obtained with cotton fabric (blank) or carboxymethylated cotton. The existence of ionic interaction and ether bonds as well as functional groups introduced into cotton fabrics were confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy.

Design and Development of Copper Core Conductive Fabrics for Smart Textiles

Ramachandran, T., Vigneswaran, C. — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 07:27:37 PDT

Today wearable electronics are playing a vital role in many applications such as military, medical application, telecommunications, and health care garments. Conductive textiles are also providing wide range of applications in areas of civilian and military purposes. In this research work, an attempt has been made to design and develop core—sheath conductive yarns with copper filament as core and cotton as sheath using Dref-3 friction spinning system. The special guide mechanism has been designed and used to produce uniform structure of core—sheath conductive yarns. Three different core—sheath ratios such as 67/33, 80/20, and 90/10 respectively, were produced by varying the draft in the second drafting unit, which fed the cotton carded slivers to cover the core component. Copper filament of 38 SWG British Standard Gauge has been used as core component. The nominal yarn linear density of core conductive yarn (CCY) produced in this research was 328 tex and core component kept as constant 261 tex for all the yarn samples. The copper CCY were used to develop the conductive fabrics. These fabrics have very good scope for many applications for development of electromagnetic shielding wearable textiles, mobile phone charging, and body temperature sensing garments. The electro-mechanical characteristics of the copper CCY and fabrics have been studied.

Patents

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

Sinusoidal Model of Fiber-reinforced Plastic Composite

Szablewski, P. — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

This article describes a simple geometrical model of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) composite. On the basis of this model it will be presented how to obtain certain geometrical parameters, which fully characterize the geometry of composite structure. Using geometrical considerations it is possible to obtain from this model basic mechanical parameters very useful for further strength analysis. Such mechanical considerations and method for calculating mechanical parameters will be presented in future article. On the basis of above mentioned theoretical considerations a special computer program was developed. The method of calculation presented in this article can be applied to more complicated models of FRP composites.

Effect of Thermal Conductivity Behavior of Jute/Cotton Blended Knitted Fabrics

Vigneswaran, C., Chandrasekaran, K., Senthilkumar, P. — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

The relationship between fabric properties and thermal conductivity of various jute/cotton blended knitted fabrics has been studied. The experimental result shows that lower thermal conductivity noticed at higher jute blend proportions. The thermal conductivity reduces with increasing fabric thickness. It also reveals that fabric air permeability and tightness factor values influences the thermal conductivity of jute/cotton blended knitted fabrics. The thermal insulation values are noticed higher with higher fabric tightness factor and lower air permeability. Regression correlation coefficients between various fabric properties and thermal conductivity have been discussed.

Comparative Studies of Silver Nanocomposite Fibers

Qufu Wei, , Dan Tao, , Bingyao Deng, , Fenglin Huang, — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

Functional silver-polypropylene nanocomposite fibers are prepared using melt-compounding and sputter coating techniques. The functional nanostructures formed on the fiber surfaces are characterized by Atomic force microscopy. The Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analysis system is employed to examine the chemical compositions of the nanocomposite fibers. It is found that incorporating the silver nanoparticles by melt-compounding caused severe aggregation of the nanoparticles at the polypropylene fiber surface. By contrast, the coverage of the sputter coated fiber surfaces is much more consistent. The anti-bacterial properties of the nanocomposite fibers are also investigated and compared. The antibacterial tests revealed the better performance of silver sputter coated fibers.

Effect of Cold Plasma Treatment on Macromolecular Structure, Thermal and Mechanical Behavior of Jute Fiber

Sinha, E. — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

Cold Ar plasma treatment can be used to modify the structure of cellulosic fibers for a variety of applications. Jute fibers (Corchorus olitorius), a cellulosic fibers are treated with argon cold plasma for 5, 10, and 15 minutes. The above samples are characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), Fourier transform infra spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Instron1185. Results from SAXS and XRD confirmed the macromolecular and micro-structural changes after plasma treatment. This is caused due to the bombardment of high energetic ions on the fiber surfaces. Rough topography with the formation of the pit was clearly seen in SEM micrograph for plasma treated fiber, which resulted in the loss of mechanical strength as detected by Instron 1185 in the test for single fiber mechanical strength. It was also shown that the modulus and tenacity of the jute fibers were decreased after plasma treatment. FT-IR studies supported the surface chemistry changes after treatment DSC data demonstrated that the thermal degradation of hemicelluloses lowered to 270^°C from 290^°C and cellulose degradation temperature lowered to 351^°C from 365^°C after 15-min plasma treatment resulted in the thermal instability of fiber after cold plasma treatment.

Tetracycline Hydrate and Gentamicine Sulfate Containing Carboxymethylated Cotton Fabric Suitable for Moist Wound Healing Dressings: Properties and Evaluation

Abo-Shosha, M.H., Fahmy, H.M., Hassan, F.H., Ashour, A. M., Khalil, A.A. — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 05:17:55 PDT

In order to prepare moist healing wound dressings based on cotton gauze fabrics, the latter are carboxymethylated to carboxyl contents of 72, 170, and 220meq/100g. In contrast to the other two samples, the first sample showed no gelling in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at 37^°C. The carboxyl contents of the gelling samples are made in Ca/Na forms in 3% degree of neutralization (% DN), 10/90, 20/80, and 30/70), while that of the first is left in its Na form. To acquire them antibacterial activity, all samples are padded in 20/80 ethanol/water containing different concentrations (25—1000 mg/L) of either tetracycline hydrate (TCH, in presence of 50g/L polyvinyl pyrrolidone) or gentamicine sulfate and air dried. The samples are characterized by determining their contents of antibiotics, swelling, and shrinkage. Evaluation is achieved by assessing in vitro release of antibiotics in PBS at 37^°C and antibacterial activity, expressed as inhibition clear zone (ICZ), towards Staphylococcus aureus (G +ve) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (G -ve). It is found, for a given set of conditions, that: (a) TCH or gentamicine (G) content increased by increasing both of its concentration and carboxyl content, but decreased by increasing the% DN by Ca, (b) swelling and shrinkage slightly (or remarkably) decreased by increasing the content of TCH (or% DN by Ca), but noticeably increased by increasing the carboxyl content, (c) in vitro release is the highest on the first day, then decreased on prolonging the time up to the third day, and (d) in vitro release and ICZ (towards G+ve and G—ve bacteria) increased by increasing antibiotic and carboxyl contents, but decreased by increasing% DN by Ca. Properties of the TCH or G containing Ca/Na carboxymethylated samples make them suitable candidates as antibacterial moist wound healing dressings.

Patents

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST

Studies on Polyester/Waste Silk Core-spun Yarns and Fabrics

Rameshkumar, C., Rengasamy, R.S., Anbumani, N. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST

In this study, 100% polyester and silk yarns and core-spun polyester silk yarns with two core/sheath ratios are produced. Fabrics are knitted from these yarns. Effect of core positioning on sheath coverage and core-sheath ratios and plying on various properties of yarns is analyzed. High level of unevenness is observed for core-spun yarns and plying improves many of the yarn characteristics. Z-twisted core-spun yarn produced with core filaments positioned left to the silk fibers during spinning has poor sheath coverage. Tenacity, elongation, and their CV are improved with increased percentage of core. It is observed that in a core-spun yarn sheath also contribute substantially to the yarn strength. The yarn to metal friction increases with increasing polyester content. Silk-rich core-spun yarn has less hairiness and better uniformity than the yarn with less silk content. Thermal comfort and wicking behavior of these fabrics are investigated in terms of fabric thickness, yarn structure, and fiber properties. The thermal conductivity of silk fabrics is the highest followed by silk rich and then polyester-rich fabrics. The thermal resistance of the fabrics is directly proportional to fabric thickness. The higher water vapor permeability, wicking, and transient heat flow observed for polyester and polyester rich fabrics indicate that they give an unpleasant cool effect to skin.

Surgical Gown: A Critical Review

Behera, B.K., Arora, H. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST

With increasing awareness about the highly communicable bacteria and viruses, medical professionals and associations are making it mandatory to use protective surgical gowns to barrier the spreading of various diseases like SARS, HIV, hepatitis, etc. These diseases, which may be caused by a variety of microorganisms, can pose significant risks to human life and health unless sufficient measures are taken. Are medical professionals really feeling safe with existing surgical gowns prevalent in the market? Do these gowns provide absolute barrier to viruses along with providing comfort? Can we rely on the performance or is there something else we need to understand and modify? This article reveals some facts pertaining to these questions and precisely highlights various issues related to the development, application, and quality evaluation of surgical gowns. It also deals with the types of gowns available, their classification, technology behind them, technical aspects, testing means, their limitations, and future course of action to satisfy the growing needs of our health care professionals.

Effect of Manufacturing Parameters on the Tensile Properties and Yarn Damage of Glass Fiber Warp-knitted Net Preforms

Liu, X.-M., Jiang, J.-H., Chen, N.-L., Feng, X.-W. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST

Knitted fabric reinforcements gain interest in the composite industry for their excellent drapability, impact resistance, and net-shape manufacturability. Much research on the mechanical properties of knitted fabric reinforced thermoset and thermoplastic composites are available in the literature. However, to reduce the complexity in analysis and calculation, the loop architectures studied in these researches, either weft-knit or warp-knit, were very simple and lack of diversity. Additionally, limited attention has been given to the glass yarn damage during knitting, which have been proved to have a significant effect on the performance of the final composites. In this article, six-bar warp-knitted net preforms fabricated of glass plied yarns were studied. Eleven kinds of net preforms with different lapping movements, different take-up values, and different run-in ratios were fabricated and their mechanical performances as well as yarn damage during knitting were evaluated. The results showed that yarn damage and preform performance are highly related with the manufacture parameters from which optimum machine settings for each kind of preform could be delivered.

Processing and Characterization of Flame Retardant Cotton Blend Nonwovens for Soft Furnishings to Meet Federal Flammability Standards

Kamath, M.G., Bhat, G.S., Parikh, D.V., Condon, B.D. — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST

Effective from July 1, 2007 it is mandatory that all mattress sets meet the federal flammability standard CFR 1633. It is necessary to impart flame resistance that would provide at least 30 min for occupants to escape fire. Changes in the flammability laws are expected on other soft furnishings of sleep products like comforters and pillows. Generally these products are often the first to be engulfed by the fire. Currently many inherently flame retardant (FR) fibers and chemicals are available in the market. We have developed barrier fabrics with FR properties by incorporating these fibers in blends with cotton that either meet or exceed the standard. Results from this ongoing research are discussed in this article.

Thanks to Reviewers

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 08:11:52 PST