Investigating the effect of different filaments and yarn structures on mechanical and physical properties of dual-core elastane composite yarns.

Dual-core yarns, containing two filaments within the core of the yarn, have gained increasing commercial and research interest recently, especially in denim manufacturing. The use of multi-components in dual-core yarns allows for tailoring the properties of the yarn and denim fabric. The type of filaments and fibers and their surface characteristics play a role in fiber-to-fiber cohesion within yarn structure. However, little has been reported regarding the effect of different filaments on the properties of dual-core yarns. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of three different filaments, T400, polyester flat (PET flat) and polyester textured (PET textured) as well as two yarn structures, siro versus non-siro, on tensile, elastic and other properties of dual-core yarns at same twist level and linear density of the yarn. The results showed that the siro spun dual-core yarn containing T400 exhibited 25% higher tenacity compared with yarns containing other filaments. However, the plastic deformation of the yarn containing PET flat filament, having a higher initial modulus, was at a relatively lower level compared with T400 and PET textured. Overall, the siro yarn structure showed lower imperfections and higher tenacity compared with the non-siro yarn structure. The dual-core yarn containing T400 showed a higher level of moisture wicking compared with other filaments which can add to the comfort properties but a similar hairiness level. The findings of this study suggest that the use of a filament with a higher initial modulus can improve the stretch and recovery behavior of the dual-core yarns.

Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Flux of Nanofibre Membranes for Water Filtration.

Nanofibres have gained attention for their highly porous structure, narrow pore size, and high specific surface area. One of the most efficient techniques for producing nanofibres is electrospinning. These fibres are used in various fields, including water filtration. Although they possess the ability to filter various components, the fibres generally have low mechanical strength, which can mitigate their performance over time. To address this, studies have focused on enhancing nanofibre membrane strength for water filtration. Previous analyses show that the mechanical properties of nanofibre mats can be improved through solvent vapour treatment, thermal treatment, and chemical crosslinking. These treatments promote interfibre bonding, leading to the improvement of mechanical strength. However, excessive treatment alters nanofibre behaviour. Excessive heat exposure reduces interfibre bonding, while too much solvent vapour decreases pore size and mechanical strength. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of these post-treatments is crucial. This review examines post-treatments aiming to increase the mechanical strength of nanofibre mats, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these treatments is essential for optimising nanofibre membrane performance in water filtration and other applications.

Interdisciplinary Research to Advance Digital Imagery and Natural Compounds for Eco-Cleaning and for Preserving Textile Cultural Heritage.

The old fibers that make up heritage textiles displayed in museums are degraded by the aging process, environmental conditions (microclimates, particulate matter, pollutants, sunlight) and the action of microorganisms. In order to counteract these processes and keep the textile exhibits in good condition for as long as possible, both reactive and preventive interventions on them are necessary. Based on these ideas, the present study aims to test a natural and non-invasive method of cleaning historic textiles, which includes the use of a natural substance with a known antifungal effect (being traditionally used in various rural communities)-lye. The design of the study was aimed at examining a traditional women's shirt that is aged between 80-100 years, using artificial intelligence techniques for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imagery analysis and X-ray powder diffraction technique in order to achieve a complex and accurate investigation and monitoring of the object's realities. The determinations were performed both before and after washing the material with lye. SEM microscopy investigations of the ecologically washed textile specimens showed that the number of microorganism colonies, as well as the amount of dust, decreased. It was also observed that the surface cellulose fibers lost their integrity, eventually being loosened on cellulose fibers of cotton threads. This could better visualize the presence of microfibrils that connect the cellulose fibers in cotton textiles. The results obtained could be of real value both for the restorers, the textile collections of the different museums, and for the researchers in the field of cultural heritage. By applying such a methodology, cotton tests can be effectively cleaned without compromising the integrity of the material.

Morphological Structures and Self-Cleaning Properties of Nano-TiO2 Coated Cotton Yarn at Different Washing Cycles.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has an extraordinary photocatalytic activity and it effectively provides self-cleaning properties for cotton products. With the presence of succinic acid, it helps the adherence of the TiO2 nanoparticles on cotton surfaces. However, the ability of succinic acid to keep the TiO2 adhered on cotton after washing is not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of washing cycles on nano-TiO2 coated cotton yarn with the aid of succinic acid on the morphological structures and self-cleaning properties. In this study, the nano-TiO2 was synthesized using a hydrothermal method. The cotton yarn was coated with succinic acid and was later dipped in a nano-TiO2 nanoparticles suspension. The nano-TiO2 coated yarn samples then underwent the 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th wash cycles and were tested for morphological structures and self-cleaning. The self-cleaning properties of the nano-TiO2 coated yarn were determined using the depth of colour stain. The depth of the colour stain was presented as K/S value, where K and S are corresponded to the absorption and scattering coefficients of the stained fabric, respectively. From the analysis, our synthesized nano-TiO2 had a size of 20-50 nm range with a band gap of 3.06 eV. After coating, the nano-TiO2 coated cotton yarn changed in its morphological structure at 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th wash cycles, respectively. At the 20th wash cycle, the weight (%) of the Ti element continued to decrease up to 4.45%, reducing the photocatalytic activity with the K/S value close to the stained yarn, which was about 0.4. The 5th wash cycle maintained a good photocatalytic activity with the K/S value of 0.06 near to the K/S value of the unstained cotton yarn. The presence of succinic acid in the nano-TiO2 coated cotton yarn provided good self-cleaning properties up to the 15th wash cycle. By undertaking this study, an enhanced cotton property has been developed that will benefit the textile and clothing industry. This nano-TiO2 coated cotton the has potential to be used for daily apparel and sportwear.

Microbiological, Health and Comfort Aspects of Indoor Air Quality in a Romanian Historical Wooden Church.

Monitoring the indoor microclimate in old buildings of cultural heritage and significance is a practice of great importance because of the importance of their identity for local communities and national consciousness. Most aged heritage buildings, especially those made of wood, develop an indoor microclimate conducive to the development of microorganisms. This study aims to analyze one wooden church dating back to the 1710s in Romania from the microclimatic perspective, i.e., temperature and relative humidity and the fungal load of the air and surfaces. One further aim was to determine if the internal microclimate of the monument is favorable for the health of parishioners and visitors, as well as for the integrity of the church itself. The research methodology involved monitoring of the microclimate for a period of nine weeks (November 2020-January 2021) and evaluating the fungal load in indoor air as well as on the surfaces. The results show a very high contamination of air and surfaces (>2000 CFU/m3). In terms of fungal contamination, Aspergillus spp. (two different species), Alternaria spp., Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp., Penicillium spp. (two different species) and Trichopyton spp. were the genera of fungi identified in the indoor wooden church air and Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp., Penicillium spp. (two different species) and Botrytis spp. on the surfaces (church walls and iconostasis). The results obtained reveal that the internal microclimate not only imposes a potential risk factor for the parishioners and visitors, but also for the preservation of the wooden church as a historical monument, which is facing a crisis of biodeterioration of its artwork.