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A novel facile and eco-friendly procedure for fabrication of multifunctional antibacterial and ultraviolet (UV) protective cotton surface was presented, including premodification of cellulose fibres with a polysiloxane matrix, followed by green in situ biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the presence of sumac leaf extract as a reducing and stabilising agent. During the biosynthesis, face-centred cubic Ag NPs with an average size of 52–105 nm were generated on the cotton fibres. Increasing the concentration of the AgNO3 precursor resulted in increased concentration of Ag NPs of 50–11,000 mg/kg. The chemically modified cotton surface exhibited excellent antimicrobial and UV protection properties. The additive antibacterial activity of Ag NPs and sumac leaf extract showed biocidal activity against S. aureus even at the lowest Ag NP concentration of 50 mg/kg, and in the case of E. coli, biocidal activity was achieved at a concentration of 340 mg/kg. The presence of both Ag NPs and sumac leaf extract provided UV protection factor greater than 40, irrespective of Ag NP concentration. The increase in Ag NP concentration significantly improved the durability of the coating.

In this paper, the bifunctional monomer glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) was employed in a simple two-step synthetic strategy with the aim of developing a Nitrazine Yellow-based pH-meter wearable sensor. The catalyzed epoxy ring-opening of GMA allowed the formation of a covalent bond with the sulfonate groups of the halochromic dyestuff, while potassium persulfate thermally initiated the radical grafting of the functionalized NY onto cellulose. Both reactions have been confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and by Infrared Spectroscopy, respectively. Furthermore, the morphology of the treated cotton samples was studied by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy. The pH-halochromic behaviour of the functionalized NY molecule was studied both in solution and onto the fabrics, by means of UV-Vis Spectroscopy, UV-Vis reflectance measurements and CIELAB colour changes. All experimental findings confirmed that the immobilized NY dyestuff still pertains consistent and typical halochromic properties in the pH range 6.0-7.0. The novel functional fabric developed in this work paves the way to non-disposable and reversible wearable pH sensors in smart textiles. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

The reduction of energy consumption by household appliances is a global concern. In Europe, energy efficiency of clothe washing has increased significantly largely because of lower water wash temperatures, more efficient detergents, and the adoption of electronic control techniques. This paper addresses the problem of limestone formation on domestic appliances, in particular on the heating element of washing machines. An experimental study was conducted with the aim to assess the impact of an encrusted heating element in terms of energy consumption. The experiments were performed by following the instructions given by the regulation IEC 60456, which defines the main performance characteristics of electric household washing machines and describes the test methods for their measurement. Analysis of experimental data shows that limestone incrustation of the heating element causes a longer duration of the heating phase and a significant increase of energy consumption.

This study presents a sustainable approach to the fabrication of multifunctional polyester fabric with bioactive natural colourant curcumin through a water free supercritical CO2 dyeing technique. ...

In the field of pharmaceutical technology, significant attention has been paid on exploiting skin as a drug administration route. Considering the structural and chemical complexity of the skin barrier, many research works focused on developing an innovative way to enhance skin drug permeation. In this context, a new class of materials called bio-functional textiles has been developed. Such materials consist of the combination of advanced pharmaceutical carriers with textile materials. Therefore, they own the possibility of providing a wearable platform for continuous and controlled drug release. Notwithstanding the great potential of these materials, their large-scale application still faces some challenges. The present review provides a state-of-the-art perspective on the bio-functional textile technology analyzing the several issues involved. Firstly, the skin physiology, together with the dermatological delivery strategy, is keenly described in order to provide an overview of the problems tackled by bio-functional textiles technology. Secondly, an overview of the main dermatological nanocarriers is provided; thereafter the application of these nanomaterial to textiles is presented. Finally, the bio-functional textile technology is framed in the context of the different dermatological administration strategies; a comparative analysis that also considers how pharmaceutical regulation is conducted.

Colouration and bio-activation of polyester fabric with curcumin in supercritical CO2: Part I - Investigating colouration properties

Photochromic textiles are of considerable interest for smart and functional textile applications due to their remarkable dynamic colour changing effect when irradiated with light of a certain wavelength. The use of resource efficient processes, such as digital inkjet printing and supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) dyeing techniques enables an economic production of those high-end functional products with high material costs. In this study, photochromic polyester fabric has been prepared by applying two commercially important photochromic dyes from spirooxazine (SO) and naphthopyran (NP) dye classes using scCO2-dyeing technique. The properties of scCO2 dyed photochromic fabrics were compared with the properties of the same dyes in a non-polar solvent, hexane. UV-Vis spectroscopy and a specially designed online colour measurement system capable of simultaneous UV irradiation and colour measurement were used to evaluate the photochromic colour behaviour. Both photochromic dye types embedded in textile as well as in solution showed significant reversible colour changing properties when exposed to UV light and revert to their original non-coloured form when the UV light is removed. The scCO2 dyed polyester fabrics exhibited similar trends of colour build-up as in solution, while contrasting behaviour was observed in terms of colour changing rates compared to their behaviour in solution. SMDTex

In recent years, the textile industry has been moving to novel concepts of products, which could deliver to the user, improved performances. Such smart textiles have been proven to have the potential to integrate within a commodity garment advanced feature and functional properties of different kinds. Among those functionalities, considerable interest has been played in functionalizing commodity garments in order to make them positively interact with the human body and therefore being beneficial to the user health. This kind of functionalization generally exploits biopolymers, a class of materials that possess peculiar properties such as biocompatibility and biodegradability that make them suitable for bio-functional textile production. In the context of biopolymer chitosan has been proved to be an excellent potential candidate for this kind of application given its abundant availability and its chemical properties that it positively interacts with biological tissue. Notwithstanding the high potential of chitosan-based technologies in the textile sectors, several issues limit the large-scale production of such innovative garments. In facts the morphologies of chitosan structures should be optimized in order to make them better exploit the biological activity; moreover a suitable process for the application of chitosan structures to the textile must be designed. The application process should indeed not only allow an effective and durable fixation of chitosan to textile but also comply with environmental rules concerning pollution emission and utilization of harmful substances.

The textile industry is not considered among those at high dust explosion risk, as official statistics (CSB 2010, Abbasi and Abbasi 2007, Yuan et al. 2015) account for a low incidence of episodes. Despite these data, there is also evidence that dust explosions may affect the textile industry with severe consequences. The Harbin linen explosion in China ( Hailin, 1988, Bowen 1988, Eckhoff 2003) is probably recognized as having been the most severe episode. Marmo et al. (2010), Piccinini (2008), Salatino et al. (2012) and the U.S. Fire Administration (1995) have discussed dust explosion episodes involving the textile compartment, with nylon flock and wool dust explosions. Amyotte summarized the state-of-the-art knowledge about flocculent materials (which mainly originate from the textile industry), explosion hazards, and the related studies in chapter thirteen of his well-known book (Amyotte 2013). The textile industry has two particular features regarding the dust explosion risk: a. The dust produced as a by-product of the textile process often belongs to the non-traditional dust category, as a result of the type of materials being handled, which are characterized by a marked flocculent attitude. Amyotte and his co-workers discussed flocculent dust behavior and the related risks in detail (Amyotte et al. 2011, 2012a, 2012b); b. The textile industry often needs control of the ambient moisture, which is generally accomplished using ventilation and environment humidification; the latter naturally implies a reduction in the risk of explosions. These particular features suggest that the risk of dust explosions in the textile industry deserves a dedicated discussion. The number of flocculent dust studies is somewhat limited. The role played by the particle size and aspect ratio (namely the diameter-to-length ratio) in explosibility proneness is still unclear. Worsfold et al. (2012) reported the importance of enlarging the knowledge on the hazards related to unconventional dust since most studies have focused on traditional dust. This work investigates the explosion hazards related to dust generated in the textile industry. Moreover, it presents some experimental results obtained by the authors, and detailed in Marmo et al. (2016, 2018), and illustrates the perspective of the study to increase the safety culture of these particular materials.

The textile industry has recently been developing innovative products that integrate functional properties within commodity textiles. In particular, research has focussed on the concept of biofunctional textiles, i.e., textile materials possessing beneficial properties for human health. Biofunctional textiles are synthesised by functionalization of fabric surfaces with biopolymers. As an example, the chitosan biopolymer is promising for textile functionalization due to chitosan availability, low cost, safety and unique properties. Yet several challenges have to be overcome. Firstly, the morphology of chitosan must be optimized prior chitosan application to the textile surface. Secondly, the last treatment must be carefully designed in order to achieve an effective and durable functionalization. Lastly, the overall production process must comply with environmental rules concerning pollution emission and utilization of harmful substances. This review describes microencapsulation as a strategy to overcome limitations and to confer better properties to the textile material. The properties of chitosan and the concept of microencapsulation are presented. Then we present the main techniques of chitosan encapsulation. Furthermore, we detail the textile finishing processes and the textile products. Last, the perspectives are discussed in the context of green chemistry and compliance with an environmentally friendly approach.

Flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) is a widely used technique to prepare particulate carriers based on various polymers, and it was proven to be a promising technology for the industrial production of drug loaded nanoparticles. However, up to now, only its application to hydrophobic compounds has been deeply studied and the encapsulation of some strongly hydrophilic compounds, such as caffeine, remains a challenge. Caffeine loaded poly-&epsilon, caprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles were produced in a confined impinging jet mixer using acetone as the solvent and water as the antisolvent. Caffeine was dissolved either in acetone or in water to assess the effects of two different process conditions. Nanoparticles properties were assessed in terms of loading capacity (LC%), encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and in vitro release kinetics. Samples were further characterized by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, and infrared spectroscopy to determine the size, morphology, and structure of nanoparticles. FNP was proved an effective technique for entrapping caffeine in PCL and to control its release behavior. The solvent used to solubilize caffeine influences the final structure of the obtained particles. It was observed that the active principle was preferentially adsorbed at the surface when using acetone, while with water, it was embedded in the matrix structure. The present research highlights the possibility of extending the range of applications of FNP to hydrophilic molecules.

A series of chitosan/gelatin based microcapsules containing n-hexadecane was synthesized through complex phase coacervation from chitosan (CH) and type-B gelatin (GB), and crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GTA). This research was conducted to clarify the influence of different parameters on the encapsulation process, i.e., the emulsion formation and the shell formation, using zeta potential and surface tension measurements, attenuated total reflectance (ATR), and thermal analysis such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimal values of biopolymer ratios (TBP), crosslinker amount, emulsion time and feeding weight ratio of core/shell polymer (RCS) were identified. The stability of the emulsion was depended on the surface activity and TBP ratio, which also affected the droplet size distribution and the thickness of the shell. Furthermore, core content, encapsulation efficiency and thermal properties of the microcapsules were related to TBP and RCS; with the lowest RCS giving the best microcapsules features.

In recent years transdermal drug delivery has aroused significant interest as a sustained and non-invasive way of administering active substances. The advancements of nanotechnology allowed the development of novel pharmaceutical formulations overcoming skin barrier. Furthermore, such nano-system can be combined with conventional fabrics to pave the way to a new generation of wearable drug delivery devices: bio-functional garments. First the NP were produced by flash nanoprecipitation technique (FNP), the production process was optimized to produce particles with suitable size for transdermal applications. The nanoparticles were characterized in terms of drug content by UV-visible spectroscopy and in term of antioxidant activity by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy (EPR) coupled with spin trapping technique. The NPs were used to functionalize cotton and viscose-micromodal fabrics and the transdermal release properties were tested in vitro by Franz's Cell experiment. FNP was proven to be an effective technique to produce tunable size particles. Moreover, the nanoencapsulated drug exhibited antioxidant activity. The Franz's Cell test evidenced a controlled release behavior, providing evidence that the bio-functional textile is suitable for applications where sustained release and antioxidant properties are required.

The aim of this work is a preliminary investigation of the manufacturing process of Ni-Ti and Ni-Ti-Cr wires and strands to be applied in mechanical applications. The diamond wires for stone cutting were used as a case study. A prototype of multi-wire Ni-Ti strand has been prepared, characterized and thermally treated in this research. The pseudoelastic strands have not been widely investigated in literature until now and they are not available in the market with this size (final diameter in the 1-2 mm range). A mechanical characterization (tensile and three-point bending tests), as well as surface analysis (SEM, XPS, EDS, dynamic wettability), of a single wire and multiwire strand has been performed. Moreover, different surface treatments to be used during the manufacturing process have been tested for improving the adhesion of a polymeric coating (polyurethane) as protection against abrasion and as the binding element of the diamond beads assembled on the strand. The surfaces have been treated by mechanical roughening and different chemical modifications (acid and peroxide etching) and characterized.

In this work, the special design of a pair of ski gloves has been assessed in terms of thermal comfort. The glove 2in1 Gore-Tex has a dual-chamber construction, with two possible wearing configurations: one called "grip" to maximize finger flexibility and one called "warm" to maximize thermal insulation in extremely cold conditions. The dual-chamber gloves has been compared with two regular ski gloves produced by the same company. An intermittent test on a treadmill was carried out in a climatic chamber: it was made of four intense activity phases, during which the volunteer ran at 9 km/h on a 5% slope for 4 minutes, spaced out by 5- min resting phases. Finger temperature measurements were compared with the thermal sensations expressed by two volunteers during the test.

Waste of fruits in their supply chain is an issue that is drawing increasing interest. Postharvest ripening processes enable better control of the ripening and diminish the loss of produce. Many of these techniques consist of exposure of fruits to controlled concentrations of ethylene, which acts as a phytohormone and trigger the ripening process. In this work, a new way to control the ethylene administration is studied. Inclusion complexes of ethylene in α-cyclodextrin are produced by molecular encapsulation and the crystals obtained are dispersed in thermosetting films made of Poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate polymerized by UV-curing. The samples are then characterized with respect to thermal behavior, complex crystalline structure and ethylene release kinetics both from the loose crystals and those embedded into the polymeric films.

The aim of the study was to investigate thermo-physiological comfort of three back protectors identifying design features affecting heat loss and moisture management. Five volunteers tested the back protectors in a climatic chamber during an intermittent physical activity. Heart rate, average skin temperature, sweat production, microclimate temperature and humidity have been monitored during the test. The sources of heat losses have been identified using infrared thermography and the participants answered a questionnaire to express their subjective sensations associated with their thermo-physiological condition. The results have shown that locally torso skin temperature and microclimate depended on the type of back protector, whose design allowed different extent of perspiration and thermal insulation. Coupling physiological measurements with the questionnaire, it was found that overall comfort was dependent more on skin wetness than skin temperature: the participants preferred the back protector with the highest level of ventilation through the shell and the lowest level of microclimate humidity.

Biofunctional textiles are a new category of advanced materials which combine conventional textiles with advanced drug delivery systems to obtain fabrics able to release active principles through skin. The work presents the synthesis of hyper cross-linked β-cyclodextrins nanosponges with the carbonyl group acting as bridge between cyclodextrin molecules. The result of the synthesis is a 3-D porous structure, where melatonin molecules have been complexed. The complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, DSC, SEM, XRD and FT-IR spectroscopy and the results confirm that melatonin interacts with the synthesized nanosponge at molecular level. Melatonin loaded nanosponges have been dispersed on cotton fibres, which have proved to be a suitable substrate for durable nanosponge adsorption. The in vitro release tests from the funtionalized fabrics have shown a zero order kinetics, which is typical of a reservoir diffusion controlled system.

In modern fruit supply chain a common method to trigger ripening is to keep fruits inside special chambers and initiate the ripening process through administration of ethylene. Ethylene is usually administered through cylinders with inadequate control of its final concentration in the chamber. The aim of this study is the development of intelligent polymeric supports able to accurately regulate ethylene concentration in the atmosphere where fruits are preserved. Two different technologies were proposed: a polymeric (PEGDA) film and a polymeric (PLA) bag filled with inclusion complex of ethylene/α-cyclodextrin. The complex was prepared by molecular encapsulation which allows the entrapment of ethylene into the cavity of α-cyclodextrin. After encapsulation, ethylene can be gradually released from the inclusion complex and its release rate can be regulated by temperature and humidity. Intelligent polymeric film was prepared by dispersing inclusion complex into a thin polymeric film produced by UV-curing. Intelligent polymeric bag was made by inserting inclusion complex into heat sealed bag. The kinetics of ethylene release was studied for both systems, showing that it can effectively possible to control the release of ethylene within confined volume. Furthermore, modelling and simulations of ethylene release in a food container were made, demonstrating that it is possible to modulate release rate and, thus, control ripening.

To identify key features in the perception of consumer satisfaction of washing performance, a survey among detergent users from five European countries was run. Respondents from each country were volunteers recruited through the Internet without previous selection criteria. The size of the sample (over 4,000 participants) and the wide geographical distribution of the respondents delivered a large set of data. According to the collected answers, respondents show a significant degree of satisfaction with the detergents they use, regardless of type and country. They were only dissatisfied by tough stains and exceptional problems with their wash loads. Detergent additives are widely used but the use and type of laundry additive showed significant differences from country to country. Respondents understood the usefulness of stain removers and showed a high degree of satisfaction using them. Damages to textiles, when it occurs, are not usually associated with the quality of the detergent used but with other factors in the washing process.

Two different production ways of antibacterial cotton fabrics by means of triclosan inclusion into a β-cyclodextrin cavity have been compared. On the one hand, triclosan has been dissolved into an aqueous solution of a β-cyclodextrin derivative with the aim of including the antibacterial agent into the cavity before grafting the β-cyclodextrin on a cotton fabric. On the other hand, the same β-cyclodextrin derivative has been grafted onto cotton and, subsequently, the fabric has been immersed into a triclosan water–ethanol solution to allow the inclusion complex formation. The antibacterial properties have been evaluated according to AATCC Test Method 100–1993 before and after two washing cycles at 60 °C. It has been shown that the durability of the antibacterial finishing depends on the production method, obtaining a more durable antibacterial action in case of prior triclosan inclusion followed by grafting. This suggests that the immobilization onto the fiber has affected the cyclodextrin cavity accessibility.

a b s t r a c t The cotton used to produce an interlock knitted fabric is alkaline boiled, bleached and after drying, it is grafted with monochlorotriazinyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCT--CD) as a support of an inclusion com- pound (IC) with natural anti-allergic active principles, in order to improve the curative properties and the comfort. Are used: extract of Viola tricolor Herb (VtH), solution of propolis (P) and of menthol (M), as well as the pharmacologic products: advantan (AD), hydrocortisone (HYD) and pimechrolimus (PI). The dimensions of the active compound molecules were established with software. The textile material grafted with MCT--CD and with active principles absorbed in the cyclodextrin cavity is investigated by EDX. The anti-microbial activity of VtH, P and M was tested. Tactile determinations of softness were performed with human appraisers. By assembling the anti-allergic knitted fabric with untreated fabric, therapeutic pajamas were obtained. The manner to process and manufacture the pajamas for patients with contact and atopic (DA) dermatitis (DC) is presented.

Cotton yarns bobbins were treated in a water bath with different concentrations of a reactive β-cyclodextrin derivative. To quantify the amount of cyclodextrin fixed on the fiber different analytical methods were tested but none of them was reliable enough in the concentration range under investigation. Therefore, a new analytical method, fast and effective, was developed. From the measurement of cyclodextrin bath exhaustion, the amount of cyclodextrin chemically fixed and that physically adsorbed on the textile substrate was estimated. Two washing cycles were carried out to investigate the cyclodextrin washing fastness.

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to consider the thermal‐physiological comfort performances of a sport shirt made of a polyester (PES) fabric with incorporated activated carbon. After having characterized the modified PES fabric in Part I, the results of a wear trial campaign are shown and discussed in this work.Design/methodology/approachThe wear trials have been carried out under a controlled physical activity. A short‐and‐intense effort and an intermittent effort of milder intensity were carried out twice by each volunteer: once wearing a shirt made of the modified PES fabric and the other one wearing an analogous shirt made of a conventional PES fabric.FindingsWhen sweating was moderate, the modified PES shirt was judged as more comfortable on the average. As the effort became harder, the modified PES fabric turned out to be less comfortable than the conventional one. In the final recovery stage, the conventional PES was still more comfortable than the modified PES. This behaviour was justified according to the findings of Part I: at the beginning, the prevailing effect was the adsorbing ability of carbon particles that buffer sweat impulses, giving the user a pleasant dry sensation. Then, when sweating became intense, the lower evaporative cooling of the modified PES fabric became the key factor governing the physiological comfort of the garment. This is confirmed by a slightly higher skin temperature measured during the modified PES fabric trials. Finally, a post‐exercise chill sensation was felt with the modified PES fabric, due to a longer drying time.Originality/valueThe paper presents a comprehensive study of the thermo‐physiological comfort of a fabric containing activated carbon particles.

Piroxicam is a crystalline anti-inflammatory drug with very low solubility and dissolution rate in aqueous solutions. Experiments have been performed to enhance the drug dissolution rate by dispersing it into a poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) matrix using supercritical CO2. Various PVP/drug systems at different polymer molecular weights (PVP K-15, K-30, K-90) were tested to investigate the role of the polymer occurring during the supercritical treatment. The impregnated powders were analysed via X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the physical state of the drug and the molecular interactions among the components. Further experiments were conducted treating the pure components in supercritical CO2. In vitro release tests of the impregnated systems were also performed and compared with those of the physical mixtures with the same drug content. When the impregnation was conducted at 300 bar and 100 °C, no drug crystals were detected in the samples with a piroxicam content below 13–15%. The in vitro release tests showed a huge increase in the kinetics of release with respect to those of the physical mixtures, only for the completely amorphous PVP K-15/piroxicam samples. When PVP at higher molecular weight was employed, no changes or even a reduction in the kinetics of release were observed. This could be ascribed to the occurrence of higher molecular interactions between the drug and long-chain polymers treated under supercritical atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is becoming a promising alternative to perchloroethylene in dry cleaning. In this work, the effect of CO2 dry cleaning on some physical and mechanical properties of six different pure wool and wool/cashmere fabrics was investigated in order to detect any possible fabric modification. It was found that the CO2 dry cleaning process especially affected the thickness and compressional energy, making the fabrics thicker and fuller. A marked increase in shear hysteresis was detected, while no particular variations in bending and tensile properties or crease pressing performance were noted. Finally, there was a significant decrease in the air permeability of three of the six fabrics involved.