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In the production of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, the direction of needle barbs is towards the tip of the needle. When the needle penetrates into the fabric, the barbs carry some fibres into the fabric and when it returns the barbs are empty. This means that, the needle works when it penetrates into the fabric and doesn't work when it returns. Using a bi-directional barb needle in the needle-punch process was proposed as an idea with the theory that, the needle also works when returning (leaving the layer). This study investigates the physical properties of needle-punched nonwoven fabrics produced with unidirectional and bi-directional needle types. Effects of needle penetration depth (NPD), strokes per minute (SPM), and needle type (N1, N2) on properties such as gram per square meter (GSM), thickness, fabric density (FD), and static puncture resistance (SPR) are examined. An experiment with 19 runs was designed using response surface methodology and optimal design with two quantitative factors, including NPD and SPM, and one qualitative factor containing needle types. In addition, four responses were measured and reported, including GSM, thickness, FD, and SPR. Test results show that needle N2 produces a fabric with lower FD, higher GSM, thickness, and SPR in comparison to needle N1, and was selected in optimization process with a desirability value of 0.872 against 0.688 for needle N1. The improved fabric properties of needle N2 may be exploited for the economic benefits of the nonwoven fabric producers or textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the antibacterial and ultraviolet protection properties of the functionalized polypropylene nonwoven fabrics (PPNWF). Sulfur and nitrogen co-doped titanium dioxide (S–N–TiO2) sol was synthesized by sol–gel method and S–N–TiO2 films were coated on the surface of PPNWF with impregnating method. The tensile strength, mass per unit area, thickness, whiteness, and glossiness of the prepared simples were investigated. The ultraviolet protection properties of the samples were assessed by ultraviolet transmittance spectrum and Ultraviolet Protection Facto. The results show that ultraviolet protection properties, tensile strength, and mass per unit area of the functionalized fabrics increase whereas its whiteness and glossiness decrease. The structural analysis and chemical composition of S–N–TiO2 were made by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which indicate the successful doping of S and N into TiO2. The results of Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy show that S–N–TiO2 nano-films have been well dispersed on the surface of the PPNWF, which is beneficial to the ultraviolet protection property and antibacterial activity of the samples. The antibacterial activities were evaluated by shake flask method. It is found that the S–N–TiO2 nano-films coated PPNWF (S–N–TiO2/PPNWF) exhibit excellent antibacterial activities against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and the antibacterial rate of 96.8% and 98.4% against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. After 50 cycles of consecutive laundering, the antibacterial rates remain over 85.48% and 84.4% for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. It indicates that the antibacterial performance of the S–N–TiO2/PPNWF fabrics is also durable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work highlights the relevance of punch density, needle penetration depth and basis weight on the nonwoven fabric's properties. Fibre fineness-specific optimised carding parameters, that is feeder, cylinder and doffer speeds were used for the preparation of carded web to produce considered basis weight of carded batts. Fabric thickness, bursting strength, mean flow pore size, air permeability, air filtration efficiency and pressure drop were extensively investigated, and a relationship was developed using the Box–Behnken design. The punch density and needle penetration depth were optimised to achieve the required levels of mean flow pore size at constant basis weight for enhancing the air filtration behaviour of non-woven fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) hold promise as the next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their ultra-high theoretical capacity and remarkable cost-efficiency. However, these batteries suffer from the serious shuttle effect, challenging their practical application. To address this challenge, we have developed a unique interlayer (HCON@CNWF) composed of hollow cerium oxide nanorods (CeO 2) anchored to carbonized non-woven viscose fabric (CNWF), utilizing a straightforward template method. The prepared interlayer features a three-dimensional (3D) conductive network that serves as a protective barrier and enhances electron/ion transport. Additionally, the CeO 2 component effectively chemisorbs and catalytically transforms lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), offering robust chemisorption and activation sites. Moreover, the unique porous structure of the HCON@CNWF not only physically adsorbs LiPSs but also provides ample space for sulfur's volume expansion, thus mitigating the shuttle effect and safeguarding the electrode against damage. These advantages collectively contribute to the battery's outstanding electrochemical performance, notably in retaining a reversible capacity of 80.82 % (792 ± 5.60 mAh g−1) of the initial value after 200 charge/discharge cycles at 0.5C. In addition, the battery with HCON@CNWF interlayer has excellent electrochemical performance at high sulfur loading (4 mg cm−2) and low liquid/sulfur ratio (7.5 µL mg−1). This study, thus, offers a novel approach to designing advanced interlayers that can enhance the performance of LSBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into Cu(II) adsorption from contaminated water utilizing a trickle tray column that has been upscaled from batch-scale adsorption was performed to understand the efficacy of the adsorbent when used in a continuous system—which is more common in actual use in an industry. The size of the functionalized fabric adsorbent selected in a pilot-scale is about four times larger than a batch-scale. The continuous Cu(II) adsorption was analyzed using three parameters: initial Cu(II) concentration in solution; inlet solution flow rate and number of adsorbent sheets in the column to estimate the adsorption process's breakthrough curve results. The breakthrough curve results were fitted with three mathematical models by Thomas, Yoon-Nelson and Adams-Bohart to comprehend the mechanisms of the adsorption process. All three mathematical models can be used to reliably describe the continuous adsorption process using diverse conditions applied in this study. Overall results showed that PBMEP-g-PE/PP adsorbent using the trickle tray column demonstrated as high as 97% efficiency of Cu(II) adsorption during the first 6 h. Three-cycle reutilization of the adsorbent through a process of adsorption-desorption revealed that Cu(II) removal efficiency surpassed 70% after 6 h of each cycle, confirming the suitability of this system for practical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of industrialization and population surge in modern society, noise pollution has been considered as a serious threat to human beings. In order to effectively reduce noise, the application of sound absorbing textile materials has gradually increased, also the rapid development of acoustic coating consists of conventional fiber layers and polymers. In this work, the surface morphology, micro‐structure and sound absorption properties of polyvinyl alcohol coated fabric and its composites were studied. It was found that the addition of nano‐TiO2 particles can obviously improve the sound absorption properties, and the absorption coefficient is related to fabric thickness. Furthermore, the surface of the coated fabric was compounded with melt‐blown nonwoven fabric, thus to fabricate composite sound absorber. This work indicates the good feasibility and promising application prospect of lightweight polyvinyl alcohol coated fabrics in noise reduction engineering. Highlights: Combination of fiber layers and polymers for acoustic coating materials.Adding inorganic nano‐TiO2 particles with different contents.Different modification methods to improve the dispersion of coating.Composite structure with reduced thickness and increased sound absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient cutting of non-woven fabric shows great significance to the development of the textile industry. In recent years, laser cutting technology has been widely applied in the clothing industry due to its high efficiency and cutting quality. In this work, a UV nanosecond pulsed laser with a wavelength of 355 nm and a max power of 6.5 W is used to cut non-woven fabric with a thickness of 0.15 mm. The variation of kerf width, surface morphology, and chemical contents are investigated under different laser processing parameters, and the optimal processing parameter is determined. The experimental results demonstrate that the degree of crystallization and chemical composition of the kerf on the non-woven fabric surface is significantly influenced by laser cutting parameters such as laser scanning speed (from 100 to 700 mm/s) and frequency (from 20 to 70 kHz). The scanning speed of 500 mm/s and frequency of 30 kHz are considered the best parameters for achieving abundant energy for the complete and efficient cutting of non-woven fabric. In addition, the level of carbonization and oxidation reaches a relatively low value, and the kerf width is 0.214 mm, which is considered a reasonable value under the optimal processing parameters, showing high cutting quality. Furthermore, the effect of different cutting treatments on surface morphology and chemical contents is also studied. The experimental results present that the non-woven fabric cut by laser possesses a flat kerf, showing a similar effect to that of scissor cutting. Moreover, due to the programmability of laser processing patterns, it is possible to create more intricate designs on non-woven fabric. This facilitates the application and promotion of laser-cut non-woven fabrics. These results can provide a certain reference for laser cutting in the textile industry and are expected to allow for the cutting of high-quality kerf with low carbonization and oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonwoven fabrics, especially spunlace varieties, find application across diverse fields. This study presents an analytical model that utilizes the energy method, factoring in bending and torsion strain energies. This model is integrated with the dynamic recursive splitting (DYRES) algorithm to predict the flexural rigidity by estimating fiber-to-fiber contacts within spunlace nonwoven fabrics. The input parameters for this proposed model encompass the number of bending couples, the bending stiffness of fibers, and the orientation characteristics of spunlace nonwoven fabrics. To validate the predictive capability of the model, six samples with varying fiber types, basis weights, and thicknesses were fabricated. A comparison between experimental and theoretical values reveals a consistent trend but with overestimated values in both the machine direction (MD) and cross-machine direction (CD). Through the utilization of two coefficients (0.7854 and 0.7823) to refine the presented model, an average relative error of 4.22% and 8.92% was achieved for the MD and CD directions, respectively. This research proposes a theory that utilizes fewer parameters compared to other studies in the field of nonwoven textiles. The proposed approach offers a more convenient and accessible method for obtaining these parameters, as well as determining the bending stiffness of the fabric. Moreover, advanced and more suitable techniques, including knot theory and image processing, have been employed to obtain accurate parameter measurements. This work is believed to lay the foundation for future investigations into the mechanical behavior of nonwoven fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selection of an appropriate fabric for technical applications, such as protective masks, hinges on a thorough understanding of the fabric's physical and mechanical properties. This study addresses the challenge of selecting the optimal material structure for the upper layer of a protective mask, aiming to ensure adequate breathability while providing effective filtration against airborne particles and contaminants. We assessed and compared the physical–mechanical properties of five polymer spun-bond nonwoven fabrics from different suppliers. Our comprehensive evaluation included, as follows: a visual inspection; light permeability analysis; mass and thickness measurements; elongation and tensile strength tests; breathing resistance assessments; and filter penetration tests with paraffin oil. The results revealed significant variations in performance among the samples, with one fabric consistently outperforming the others across multiple parameters. Notably, this top-performing fabric met or exceeded the EN 149:2001+A1:2009 standard for breathing resistance and filtration efficiency and, in combination with additional filter layers, met the requirements or exceeded class FFP2 (filtering face piece). This study underscores the importance of meticulous material selection and quality control in optimizing PPE (personal protective equipment) performance and user safety, providing valuable insights for mask manufacturers and healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is currently the most significant environmental factor posing a threat to the health and lives of European residents. It is a key cause of poor health, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The primary aim of the study was to numerically determine the impact of the air purifier model's geometry on the distribution of air within a room and to conduct experimental tests on the filtration efficiency and preliminary antibacterial activity of filtration composites. The scope of the work included designing an air purifier model in the form of a pendant lamp and performing computer simulations in Ansys software to identify the optimal shape. The experimental research focused on developing filtration composites consisting of nonwoven fabric with an active hydrosol layer, meltblown nonwovens and a carbon filter. The study results showed that the SMMS composite with 50% thyme and carbon nonwoven exhibited the highest filtration efficiency for both small and large particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made to optimize areal density and number of layers of needle-punched jute nonwoven fabric for the development of a rigid composite with desirable performance properties using Taguchi L9 experimental design. The hand lay-up followed by compression molding protocol was used to prepare composite sheet with jute nonwoven fabric as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester resin as matrix. We evaluated the tensile strength, flexural strength, and volume of reinforcement of the developed composites, and analyzed the data in Minitab 18.0 software to optimize the processing conditions. Results inferred that the areal density of jute fabric reinforcement positively influenced the mechanical properties of the composite sheet, while the number of layers had a negative impact. Statistical analysis revealed that 400 GSM jute nonwoven fabric in three layers could be an optimum condition to develop a rigid composite sheet with the desirable properties of an automobile product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to create thermally curable, water-borne polyurethane/zinc oxide (WPU/ZnO) composite coating pastes with varying ZnO concentrations. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a wet chemical process, and the resulting WPU/ZnO coating pastes were applied to PLA nonwoven fabrics (NWFs). In characterization studies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses were conducted. Ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial activity of fabrics were investigated. With WPU/ZnO composite coatings, the UV protection properties of the coated fabrics were enhanced compared to the uncoated fabric. The highest UPF value of 53.57 was obtained with the fabric coated with the formulation containing a ZnO concentration of 10%. This fabric also demonstrated more effective antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. Inhibition zone diameters against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were measured as 15.5 ± 0.70 mm and 18.25 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. The results of this study illustrate that functional composite coatings for bio-based NWF structures hold great promise for producing effective UV protective and antibacterial materials, potentially setting the stage for future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The long-term use of air filters causes dust to accumulate on their surfaces or fill in the fibers of their internal filtering materials over time, thereby greatly reducing their effectiveness; therefore, the cleaning and replacement of air filter materials in public buildings are of great concern. The most commonly used non-woven fabric materials currently on the market are taken as the research object for this work, in which experiments are conducted on ultrasonic cleaning parameters, cleaning performance, regeneration effects, etc. The results showed that the best cleaning performance was achieved when the ultrasonic cleaning parameter was set to 120 W, and the cleaning time to 11.2 s, with a significant effect on particulate matter with a particle size of less than 2.5 μm. Under the premise of repeated dust containment, when PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 are cleaned nine, six, and seven times, respectively, the filtration performance for these particles can also recover to over 85% of the performance of the fresh filter material before cleaning; however, after ten ultrasonic cleanings, the filtration resistance decreased within the range of 4.6~20.7 Pa. In this study, we aim to effectively reduce the replacement of old filters and the generation of incineration pollution, thereby reducing carbon-dioxide-equivalent emissions and providing a reference value for achieving the efficient utilization of filter materials in public buildings under the dual carbon target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to create composite nonwoven fabric from polylactic acid (PLA) and nano-silver coated titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO2) for the degradation of carbaryl insecticide in water under UV irradiation. The obtained composite nonwoven exhibited a yellow-gold color and similar thermal and physical characteristics, including fiber size and a narrow size distribution, to the PLA nonwoven. Furthermore, it exhibited superior mechanical properties compared to the PLA nonwoven, particularly in terms of breaking strength. Among the composite nonwovens, the one with the masterbatch added at 10 phr (PLA-2) demonstrated the highest breaking strength. Additionally, it was noteworthy that all ratios of the composite nonwoven displayed excellent carbaryl insecticide decomposition efficiency under UV light, consistently achieving around 40% degradation. Furthermore, these composite nonwovens proved reusable for up to three cycles without a loss in efficiency. These findings suggest that composite nonwovens made from nano-silver coated titanium dioxide photocatalysts and biodegradable polylactic acid hold promise as alternative materials for the decomposition of carbaryl insecticide in natural water sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have designed and developed nonwoven fabric supported electrospun polymeric nanofibrous‐based membrane for robust filtration system for ecological sustainability of clean water. The fabricated nanocomposites filters were tested for the removal of chromium (VI) toxic heavy metal ions from contaminated feedstock water. The interpenetrating network like morphological structure obtained from pure and composite nanofibers‐based membranes have been thoroughly investigated to understand the structure–properties of highly entangled system. It has been found that incorporating functional moieties onto nanocomposite membranes significantly impacts the absorption efficiency of toxic metals. The pore sizes of the hierarchical geometries have been varied to insight into its impact on flow rate and efficiency of filtration. The strategy of interfacing the multifunctional composite polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber membrane supported on nonwoven fabric to generate heterostructures has found to provide mechanically stable platform for efficient metal ion removal. It has been found by BET surface area analysis that the nanofibers reinforced with functional nanomaterials has controlled pore geometry compared to pristine PET electrospun nanofibers which lead to higher absorption of metal ions. We have highlighted the importance of mechanically stable electrospun polymeric nanofibers membrane‐based mitigation strategies to meet the huge demand of potable water for long‐term environmental sustainability. Highlights: Mechanically toughened freestanding nanofibers mat supported on nonwoven fabric.Functionally upgrade nanofibers by incorporation of carbon based nanofillers.Controlled porosity by morphological optimization for removal of contaminates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thin sound-absorbing materials are particularly desired in space-constrained applications, such as in the automotive industry. In this study, we theoretically analyzed the structure of relatively thin glass wool or polyester wool laminated with a nonpermeable polyethylene membrane and a permeable nonwoven fabric sheet. We also measured and compared the sound-absorption coefficients of these samples between experimental and theoretical values. The sound-absorption coefficient was derived using the transfer matrix method. The Rayleigh model was applied to describe the acoustic behavior of glass wool and nonwoven sheet, while the Miki model was used for polyester wool. Mathematical formulas were employed to model an air layer without damping and a vibrating membrane. These acoustic components were integrated into a transfer matrix framework to calculate the sound-absorption coefficient. The sound-absorption coefficients of glass wool and polyester wool were progressively enhanced by sequentially adding suitable nonwoven fabric and PE membranes. A sample approximately 10 mm thick, featuring permeable and nonpermeable membranes as outer layers of porous sound-absorbing material, achieved a sound-absorption coefficient equivalent to that of a sample occupying 20 mm thickness (10 mm of porous sound-absorbing material with a 10 mm back air layer). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, multifunctional MXene‐integrated wearable textiles (MWTs) are particularly appealing due to their various applications such as health monitoring, smart protection, and medical treatment. However, scalable manufacture of durable, stable, and high‐performance multifunctional MWTs still face challenges due to the poor oxidation stability of MXene and low utilization of precursor titanium aluminum carbide (MAX). Herein, an improved preparation strategy for zinc ion (Zn2+) intercalation is proposed to create high antioxidative MXene (ZM) and exceptionally conductive and printable gel ink based on MXene sediments (ZMS‐ink), while multifunctional wearable textiles are fabricated using spray‐coating and screen‐printing techniques on cellulosic nonwoven textiles (CNWs), achieving the complete utilization of MXene precursor. Benefiting from the inherent disordered stacking and porous structure of CNWs, along with the highly conductive ZM and ZMS‐ink, as‐prepared smart, wearable and green‐based pressure sensor offered proper breathability, high sensitivity (2602.26 kPa−1), wide sensing range (0–141 kPa), and excellent cycling stability (>5000 cycles). Additionally, the sensor exhibited efficient photothermal/photodynamic therapy antibacterial activity and exceptional electromagnetic interference shielding performance (57.5 dB). Therefore, this work paves the way for the future development of integrated and scalable multifunctional wearable devices building on the environmental‐friendly CNWs incorporated with fully utilized MAX, offering a green and cost‐effective approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to characterize ramie-low melt polyester nonwoven fabrics treated with low-temperature plasma and to analyze 3-D images based on object-depth mapping (ODM) using the MATLAB® R2022a software. We examined the low-temperature plasma treatment of nonwoven ramie fabrics using a plasma generator with 30 kV output power, six-minute treatment times, and a 4.5 cm distance between electrodes. The fabric's chemical properties and surface topography were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). An analysis of the SEM images was performed using a statistical approach and image processing to determine the level of surface roughness. FTIR analysis revealed that fabrics exposed for six minutes differed from those that were not. Our findings indicated that plasma treatment caused the following: 1) Ramie fabrics to become more hydrophilic, as shown by their increased T% in the FTIR of hydrophilic functional groups such as hydroxyl (O-H), carboxyl (-COOH), and carbonyl (C=O); 2) A higher surface roughness was observed in nonwoven fabric during SEM testing and image processing; 3) Plasma treatment of fabrics resulted in a higher coefficient of variation (CV) than untreated fabrics; 4) Nonwoven fabric mass reduction. Based on this study, we found the relationship between plasma-treated ramie fabric and textiles in biomechanics. Plasma treatment reduced the mass of ramie fabric by 0.11 %, according to our findings. We found that the greater the mass reduction, the greater the surface roughness value. The novelty of this study is the use of 3-D images based on object-depth mapping (ODM) using the MATLAB® R2022a software in SEM to observe surface roughness to the physical properties of ramie fabric for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural-based and synthetic tissue adhesives have attracted extensive attention in the last two decades for their ability to stabilize uncontrolled bleeding instances. However; these materials present several drawbacks during use that scientists have tried to minimize in order to optimize their usage. This study comprises the development of a novel wound dressing, combining the excellent properties of polylactic acid (PLA) non-woven textile, as substrate, obtained through electrospinning, and a cyanoacrylate-based (CA) tissue adhesive, for rapid hemostatic action. Thus, the fabrication of electrospun PLA membranes at three different PLA concentrations, the design and manufacturing of the support system and the production of surgical patches were carried out. SEM and FT-IR methods were employed for analyzing the morphology as well as the indicative markers for the shelf life evolution of the obtained patches. PLA fibers with well-defined structures and a mean diameter varying between 4.6 and 7.24 μm were obtained with the increase of the concentration of the PLA solutions. In vivo tests on a rat model as well as peeling tests for good patch adhesion on liver fragments harvested from the test animals, with a limit for the strength of the liver tissue of 1.5 N, were carried out. The devices exhibited excellent adhesion to the parenchymal tissue and a long enough shelf life to be used with success in surgical procedures, also facilitating prompt hemostatic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, recycled carbon fibers (rCFs) recovered from waste carbon composites were used to manufacture wet-laid nonwoven fabrics. The aim was to improve dispersibility by investigating the changes in the dispersibility of carbon fibers (CFs) based on the content of the dispersant carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and the binder polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and the length and basis weight of the CFs. In addition, the chemical property changes and oxygen functional group mechanisms based on the content of the CMC dispersant and PVA binder were investigated. The nonwoven fabrics made with desized CFs exhibited significantly improved dispersibility. For nonwoven fabrics produced with a fixed binder PVA content of 10%, optimal dispersibility was achieved at a dispersant CMC concentration of 0.4%. When the dispersant CMC concentration was fixed at 0.4% and the binder PVA content at 10%, the best dispersibility was observed at a CF length of 3 mm, while the maximum tensile strength was achieved at a fiber length of 6 mm. Dispersibility remained almost consistent across different basis weights. As the dispersant CMC concentration increased from 0.2% to 0.6%, the oxygen functional groups, such as carbonyl group (C=O), lactone group (O=C-O), and natrium hydroxide (NaOH), also increased. However, hydroxyl group (C-O) decreased. Moreover, the contact angle decreased, while the surface free energy increased. On the other hand, when the dispersant CMC concentration was fixed at 0.4%, the optimal binder PVA content was found to be 3%. As the binder PVA content increased from 0% to 10%, the formation of hydrogen bonds between the CMC dispersant and the PVA binder led to an increase in C=O and O=C-O bonds, while C-O and NaOH decreased. As the amount of oxygen increased, the contact angle decreased and the surface free energy increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rayon is an extremely valuable cellulosic fiber in the global textile industry. Since cuprammonium rayon is more eco-friendly than other types of rayon fabrics, it was synthesized by regenerating α–cellulose isolated from wastepaper using a novel gaseous-ammoniation injection (GAI) process. This was achieved by preparing tetra–ammine copper hydroxide (cuoxam solution) via reacting copper sulfate and sodium hydroxide to produce copper hydroxide that was, finally, ammoniated by injecting the gas directly to the reaction vessel instead of using ammonium hydroxide applied by prior art. After that, the air-dried cellulose was chemically generated by dissolving it in a freshly prepared cuoxam solution and, subsequently, was regenerated by extruding it within a hardening bath constituted mainly from citric acid, producing the cuprammonium rayon (c. rayon). The properties of the fibrous, structural (XRD and mechanical), physical, and chemical features were investigated. It was found that the rayon was produced in a high yield (90.3%) with accepted properties. The fibrous properties of the rayon staple length, linear density, and fiber diameter were found to be 44 mm, 235 Tex, and 19.4 µm, respectively. In addition, the mechanical properties determined, namely tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, and breaking tenacity, were found to be 218.3 MPa, 14.3 GPa, 16.1%, and 27.53 cN/Tex, respectively. Based on this finding, and upon injecting the ammonia gas through the α–cellulose saturated and immersed in the Cu (OH)2 to complete producing the cuoxam solvent, we find that theuse of an injection rate of 120 mL/minute to obtain the highest fibers' tensile strength for the final product of the c. rayon is preferable. Utilization of higher rates will consume more amounts of the ammonia gas without gaining noticeable enhancement in the c. rayon's mechanical quality. Accordingly, the GAI invention rendered the c. rayon favorable for use in making sustainable semisynthetic floss for either insulation purposes or spun threads for woven and nonwoven textile clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the applicability and performance of a non-woven fabric filter designed as a biological post-treatment for an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor in wastewater treatment, with a specific focus on nitrification. The filter was set up to operate intermittently with a downward flow. It was constructed using polyvinyl chloride pipe with a diameter of 100 mm and a total height of 2 m. The filter medium comprised multiple non-woven fabric layers in discs forms, totaling 30 cm height, and covering the entire diameter of the reactor. Two distinct application rates were assessed in two phases: Phase I with a flow rate of 6 L·day−1 and an applied surface load of 0.76 m3·m−2·d−1 and Phase II with a flow rate of 9 L·day−1 and applied surface load of 1 m3·m−2·d−1. Chemical characterization was conducted on the influent and effluent of the filter, and quantification of nitrifying bacteria (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria [AOB] and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria [NOB]) was also performed. The results indicate that the average pH values of the effluent for both phases remained similar to the influent, at approximately eight, indicating that the flow rate difference did not significantly affect pH. However, significant alkalinity consumption was observed in both phases, with an average variation between influent and effluent of 186 (28%) and 169 mgCaCO3L−1 (31%) for Phases I and II, respectively. Ammonium nitrogen reduction was substantial: Phase I achieved 36% ammonia removal, with nitrite concentrations of 9.8 mgN.L−1 and nitrate concentrations of 13.7 mgN.L−1. Phase II achieved 54% ammonia removal, with nitrite concentrations of 2.1 mgN.L−1 and nitrate concentrations of 3.7 mgN.L−1. Regarding the quantification of AOB resulted in most probable numbers (MPN) of 8.3 × 105 and 1.6 × 108 per 100 mL, for Phases I and II, respectively. NOB were quantified at 2.5 × 103 MPN·100 mL−1 during the second phase. The findings demonstrate the potential of non-woven fabric filter as an effective post-treatment option for UASB reactor effluent, improving the quality of treated wastewater by physically removing organic products and enhancing nitrification processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonwovens have wide application areas due to their advantageous properties like low cost, high production efficiency, and tuneable properties. They are mostly used for disposable products. Combining bicomponent fiber spinning with hydroentanglement method is one of the innovative methods to obtain nonwovens for durable applications. On the other hand, ultrasonic welding is an alternative assembling method for disposable products made of low weight nonwovens. In this study, the ultrasonic weldability of relatively heavier weight and thicker nonwoven fabrics made of polyester: polyamide bicomponent microfilaments were examined in order to combine the advantages of nonwovens and ultrasonic welding. Relatively higher thickness and weight, and also fiber composition of the nonwoven fabrics were compelling effects of the study that drove the motivation. Overall 60 samples were produced using five nonwoven fabrics with varying unit masses and 12 selected ultrasonic welding types. Seam strength and strain assessments were supported with stereomicroscope and visual inspections in evaluating the welds. Results showed that despite having thick seam lines up to 1.6 mm, successful welded seams could be obtained. Depending on the welding parameters, seam lines of some samples exhibited waviness, color changes, and deformations but these situations did not drastically affect the seam strength of samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work investigates the performance of a biofilm reactor filled with a new type of combined packing used to treat wastewater and explores a new technology approach for the application of coral sand and waste non-woven fabric. The combined packing was made of coral sand and waste non-woven fabric, which was used as a biofilm carrier to treat sewage. The experimental results showed that the removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+-N and TN in the biofilm reactor containing the combined packing were 92.9%, 72.9% and 63.2%, respectively. The maximum removal efficiencies of COD, NH4+-N and TN in the biofilm reactor containing single packing were 89.0%, 63.4% and 55.2%, respectively. The properties of the combined packing were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), specific surface area, SEM and dehydrogenase activity. Infrared analysis showed that there were hydroxyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups on the surface of coral sand and non-woven fabric which were beneficial for biofilm growth and wastewater treatment. The large pores in the interior of coral sand and non-woven fabric could provide a comfortable environment for microbes to grow and reproduce. The dehydrogenase activity of the biofilm on the surface of coral sand in the third biofilm reactor was 49.91 μgTF·g−1·h−1, which was significantly higher than that of the other two biofilm reactors. The new type of combined packing is suitable for biofilm carriers with low cost, which can be applied to actual sewage treatment projects. This study provides a reference for the practical application of the technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focus of this study is to conduct pioneering research on utilizing poplar seed hair fibers in needle punched nonwovens. These fibers were blended with hollow PET fibers at two different weight ratios to obtain needle punched webs for the first time. The weight, thickness, abrasion resistance, bursting and tensile properties, hydrophobic/oleophilic surface characteristics of the nonwovens are analyzed elaborately. Finally, it has been demonstrated that poplar fiber-containing nonwovens have superior rose oil absorption compared to solely PET nonwoven fabrics. When compared the maximum adsorption capacities, the incorporation of 37.3 wt.% and 21.7 wt.% poplar fiber into PET nonwoven increased the oil absorption by approximately 35 and 24 times, respectively. Although pristine PET nonwoven was able to remove only 16% of MB dye from aqueous dye solution, addition of poplar fiber enhanced the removal process and the solution had been decolorized to nearly colorless. The results indicated that poplar blended nonwoven fabrics treated with NaClO2 show the high-performance removal of MB dye from wastewater, with the increased percentage of 40% and 67% for PET-PO30 and PET-PO60 fabric, respectively. Therefore, developing industrial scale surfaces with non-traditional and sustainable poplar seed fibers, marks a significant advancement for the textile industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the substantial growth of the smart textiles market, electrical properties are becoming a basic requirement for most of the advanced textiles used in the development of wearable solutions and other textile-based smart applications. Depending on the textile substrate, the test method to determine the electrical properties can be different. Unlike smart fibers and yarns, the characterization of the electrical properties of fabrics cannot be tested between two connection points because the result would not represent the behavior of the entire fabric, so the electrical properties must be related to an area. The parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of the fabrics include resistance, resistivity, and conductivity. Although all of them can be used to indicate electrical performance, there are significant differences between them and different methods available for their determination, whose suitability will depend on the function and the textile substrate. This paper revises the main parameters used to characterize the electrical properties of conductive fabrics and summarizes the most common methods used to test them. It also discusses the suitability of each method according to several intervening factors, such as the type of conductive fabric (intrinsically or extrinsically conductive), its conductivity range, other fabric parameters, or the final intended application. For intrinsically conductive woven fabrics, all the methods are suitable, but depending on the requirements of conductivity accuracy, the contact resistance from the measuring system should be determined. For intrinsically conductive knitted fabrics, two-point probe, Van der Pauw, and eddy current methods are the most suitable. And for intrinsically conductive nonwoven fabrics, two-point probe and four-point probe methods are the most appropriate. In the case of extrinsically conductive fabrics, the applied method should depend on the substrate and the properties of the conductive layer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustic absorption consists basically of the transformation of mechanical energy into thermal energy, carried out through the interaction of the fibers with the sound wave through the breaking of such waves and their meeting with the surface of the fibers. Among the various materials that may be employed to this end, the use of non-woven fabrics has stood out. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the number of carded non-woven web layers on the mechanical and sound absorption capacity. For this purpose, three groups of non-woven fabrics were produced with different numbers of web layers (24, 40, and 58 layers) of equal thickness and density, composed of a mixture of polyester fibers. Standard test procedures were used to measure the physical properties of the non-woven fabrics, the linear density of the fibers used as raw material, the tensile strength, and air permeability and to assess the sound absorption capacity. In addition, to identify a balance point between sound absorption and equipment productivity, the relationship between the acoustic performance of the non-woven fabrics produced and their production speed was evaluated. The greater the number of web layers is, the higher the absorption coefficient of the non-woven. However, the variation was not significant when the various sound absorption frequencies were observed. In this regard, developing a non-woven fabric with fewer layers was more productive and cost-effective without losing technical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As nonwovens have advantages like low cost and tunable properties, their implementation to apparels can create advantages. Weakness of nonwoven fabrics for apparel applications arises from their low mechanical properties and drape. However, their properties can be designed by changing the raw materials and production methods. Bicomponent fiber spinning combined with hydroentangling can create advantages by forming microfilaments within the fabric structure, in this regard. Therefore, in this study, nonwoven fabrics of polyester:polyamide 6 (PET/PA6) bicomponent fibers exposed to hydroentangling were tested for their mechanical and in-use properties in order to reveal their usability as apparel fabrics. Results show that mechanical properties of samples reached to a certain level compared to a woven reference fabric. Also, their breathability properties are better than the woven competitor. However, bending and drape properties still require improvements to be used for leisure wear. Apparel models with lower drapes can be selected for nonwoven fabric applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigates the unique characteristics and benefits of using nonwoven fabrics and polymer I cross-section composites in concrete beams. These materials show improved strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance compared to conventional steel-reinforced beams, offering promising solutions for various construction applications. This study constructed an I-beam structure using a nonwoven polyester fabric/polyester composite cast in a concrete beam. Other designs included woven carbon fabric or Kevlar nonwoven fabric applied to the bottom flange of the I-beam for reinforcement. The flexural behavior of an I-beam polyester nonwoven/polyester composite with Kevlar or carbon-reinforced concrete beams was examined. The comparison between the different samples indicates that: flexural strength: the carbon sheet-reinforced sample exhibits the highest flexural strength, followed by the steel rebar and Kevlar-reinforced samples. The ductility: The steel rebar-reinforced sample shows the highest ductility, indicating better deformation capacity before failure. Carbon sheet reinforcement also provides substantial ductility. Bending stiffness: The highest bending stiffness is observed in the Kevlar-reinforced sample, suggesting a stiffer and less flexible beam. These observations highlight the trade-offs between stiffness, strength, and ductility in reinforced concrete beams. The reinforcement material choice depends on the application-specific requirements, such as the need for higher bending strength, better flexibility, or greater stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA gel (SNA-Ag) loaded with nanoscale silver particles and a pH-responsive agent was prepared using N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) as the first network structure, silk sericin (SS) as the second network structure and reducing agent, alizarin as the pH indicator and co-reducing agent, N, N-methylene bisacrylamide (BIS) as the crosslinking agent, ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator and N, N, N, N-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) as co-initiator. To improve the breaking strength of the gel, the temperature and pH-responsive antibacterial (V/SNA-Ag) composite dressing was prepared by crosslinking the SNA-Ag gel with viscose non-woven fabric using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the SNA-Ag hydrogel was successfully crosslinked with the viscose non-woven fabric. Meanwhile, a gel coating was formed on the fabric, and the coating thickness increased when the crosslinking time was extended. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and pH response tests confirmed that the dressing was temperature sensitive, and the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST) of the dressing was about 35 °C. When the pH of the dressing was changed from acidic to alkaline, its color was changed from yellow to purple, indicating that its color presented pH response characteristics. The dressing not only had excellent swelling performance but also had outstanding antibacterial activity; the antibacterial degree for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was up to 99%. A cytotoxicity test suggested that the survival degree of mouse cells after incubation for 96 h was more than 75%, proving that it was safe and nontoxic. In addition, compared with viscose non-woven fabric, the breaking strength of composite dressing was increased, and the air permeability was decreased. In conclusion, we suggest that V/SNA-Ag composite dressings have great potential for monitoring and treating wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonwoven upholstery fabric is a waste product which is mainly generated during upholstered furniture production. The polyester composition makes it problematic to recycle and reuse this product. This study examined the manufacturing process of nonwoven fabric-reinforced plywood composites and their selected mechanical and physical properties. Nonwoven fabric was integrated between veneers bound with urea–formaldehyde resin to improve standard layered composites' mechanical and physical properties. Several board variants were produced, differing in the position of the nonwoven layers in the composite structure. The composites were evaluated for modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond, and screw withdrawal resistance, among others. The results showed that the addition of nonwoven fabric significantly improved some properties, like internal bond and screw withdrawal resistance. Variants with strategically placed nonwoven layers showed the highest performance increases. The results underscore the potential of nonwoven fabric as an effective reinforcing material, offering a path to developing high-performance plywood composites suitable for demanding applications. Another environmental advantage is that the nonwoven fabric waste used in the tested plywood production has not been subjected to burning or landfilling but, through its incorporation into plywood structure, has positively contributed to the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) policy. The findings advocate for a circular economy approach, in which industrial waste is effectively repurposed, contributing to the development of green materials in the wood-based composite industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An open field experiment from November 2022 to May 2023 in Croatia, which is characterized by a continental humid climate, evaluated nonwoven mulches made from viscose, jute, and hemp fibres blended with PLA fibres. The blends of viscose and jute fibres (90:10, 80:20, and 70:30 ratios) were produced using mechanical web formation on cards with needle punching for bonding webs. Additionally, hemp fibres were blended with PLA fibres in a ratio of 80:20. Winter conditions caused significant structural changes in the mulches, including shrinkage, increased mass per unit area, thickness, and reduced air permeability. The amount of PLA fibre in the nonwoven mulch blends significantly affected nonwoven fabric structure change during exposure to winter conditions. After 180 days, the breaking force of all mulches increased by 30% to 277%. The soil beneath jute and hemp mulches maintained higher temperatures and moisture levels compared to viscose mulches. Soil organic carbon content varied with fibre type and was higher under jute and hemp mulches. K2O content was significantly higher in soils covered by mulches. All mulches effectively suppressed weeds. The experiment results showed that the newly produced nonwoven mulches could replace the conventional agro foil. Results also suggest that choosing biodegradable nonwoven mulches produced from fibres obtained from natural and renewable sources can influence soil fertility and the availability of nutrients, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coffee industry is developing rapidly in the world, and the use of coffee filtration nonwovens (CFNs) is becoming more and more extensive; however, there is a lack of standards and research for its production and trade, and the quality of related products on the market is uneven at present. Here, eight double-layer composite coffee filtration nonwovens (D-LCCFNs) were prepared by using 5 g/m2 and 10 g/m2 polypropylene (PP) melt-blown nonwovens (MNs), 20 g/m2 PP spunbonded nonwovens and 20 g/m2 viscose/ES fiber chemically bonded nonwovens, and the physical properties, morphology and the filtration effect of coffee and purified water for the prepared samples were tested. It was found that the surface density of the microfiber layer (MNs) in the D-LCCFNs was negatively correlated with the coffee filtration rate; when the microfiber layer in the D-LCCFNs was in direct contact with the coffee, the liquid started to drip later, and the filtration rate of the coffee was slower; the filtration rate of the samples with the viscose/ES chemically bonded nonwovens was very fast. However, the samples without viscose/ES fibers basically did not filter pure water much, but they could filter out the coffee liquid normally, and the samples' hydrophilicity increased significantly after filtering coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD) is crucial in many industries and everyday life. The results described in this paper have the potential to be helpful for the design process of ESD textiles. The described modeling process, along with the simulator settings leading to convergent results and the provided plots and illustrations, allow for an understanding of the charge decay phenomenon occurring in textiles. This article discusses the important issue of designing textiles for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. ESD protective textiles are used to prevent the failure of electronic circuits. They also safeguard human health and life in explosive environments. The textiles are usually made of woven, knitted, or nonwoven fabrics incorporating a grid or strips of conductive fibers within a base material made of cotton, polyester, or blends of these materials. Various testing standards have been developed to evaluate the suitability of textiles for ESD protection. One of the most widely used is the EN 1149-3 standard, which outlines procedures for recording charge decay plots. The procedure can be used to evaluate all types of textiles. This paper discusses models corresponding to the standard developed in the general-purpose COMSOL Multiphysics software. Using the advanced numerical methods of the software, it is possible to graphically present the phenomena occurring during the application of the standard procedure and to determine the influence of the grid and material parameters on the shape of the charge decay plots. Furthermore, this article compares charge decay plots and shielding effectiveness measured in an accredited laboratory with simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid advancements and proliferation of electronic devices in the past decades have significantly intensified electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues, driving the demand for more effective shielding materials. Herein, we introduce a novel two-layer graphene nonwoven fabric (2-gNWF) that shows excellent EMI shielding properties. The 2-gNWF fabric comprises a porous fibrous upper layer and a dense conductive film-like lower layer, specifically designed to enhance EMI shielding through the combined mechanisms of reflection, multiple internal reflections, and absorption of electromagnetic waves. The 2-gNWF exhibits a remarkable EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 80 dB while maintaining an impressively low density of 0.039 g/cm3, surpassing the performance of many existing graphene-based materials. The excellent EMI shielding performance of 2-gNWF is attributed to the multiple interactions of incident electromagnetic waves with its highly conductive network and porous structure, leading to efficient energy dissipation. The combination of high EMI SE and low density makes 2-gNWF ideal for applications that require lightweight yet effective shielding properties, demonstrating the significant potential for advanced EMI shielding applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect detection is vital in the nonwoven material industry, ensuring surface quality before producing finished products. Recently, deep learning and computer vision advancements have revolutionized defect detection, making it a widely adopted approach in various industrial fields. This paper mainly studied the defect detection method for nonwoven materials based on the improved NanoDet-Plus model. Using the constructed samples of defects in nonwoven materials as the research objects, transfer learning experiments were conducted based on the NanoDet-Plus object detection framework. Within this framework, the Backbone, path aggregation feature pyramid network (PAFPN) and Head network models were compared and trained through a process of freezing, with the ultimate aim of bolstering the model's feature extraction abilities and elevating detection accuracy. The half-precision quantization method was used to optimize the model after transfer learning experiments, reducing model weights and computational complexity to improve the detection speed. Performance comparisons were conducted between the improved model and the original NanoDet-Plus model, YOLO, SSD and other common industrial defect detection algorithms, validating that the improved methods based on transfer learning and semi-precision quantization enabled the model to meet the practical requirements of industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hexahedron reverberation box was utilized to measure the reverberation time of samples in a diffuse acoustic field. The aim of this study is to design a mathematical model that accurately represents the correlation between frequency and absorption coefficient for analysis. The same was obtained by aligning the noise absorption coefficients (NACs) determined through an impedance tube and calculated based on the reverberation time. The analysis indicated that jute fiber exhibits superior performance compared to other natural fibers, such as rock and glass wool, in the attenuation of sound frequencies above 2200 Hz. The results motivated further investigation over jute nonwoven fabric to conduct layer analysis (1–7) and to examine the impact of thickness. Thereby, a dataset was compiled consisting of 11 fibrous samples (nine natural and two commercial fibers) and jute nonwoven fabric. The empirical model was developed regardless of the type of fiber or thickness of the nonwoven fabric, and it was successfully validated for three additional fibers (banana, pineapple, and ramie). The predictive model exhibited a high level of accuracy in estimating the NAC, displaying a strong similarity to that of impedance tube measurements. The achieved mean absolute error ranges for the predictions are between 0.02 and 0.03 only. The main discovery of this study revolves around the recognition of frequency of sound as a crucial variable and its application in predicting the NAC for the samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, waste masks were modified by coating them with polyethersulfone (PES) to prepare a hydrophilic and oleophobic membrane for oil/water emulsion separation. Optimal performance was achieved when the PES concentration in the waste masks was 17 wt%. The water flux of the modified membrane reached 8131 L/(m2·h·bar), with an oil/water emulsion separation efficiency of 98.8% for a 1‰ concentration. The maximum tensile force was measured as 0.8 N. Even after two cleaning cycles, the modified membrane retained an oil retention rate of over 80%. This technology not only enables the resource utilization of waste masks but also offers potential for modifying industrial melt‐blown nonwoven fabrics. Highlights: The WM/PES membrane exhibits high mechanical properties and high roughness.The WM/PES membrane exhibits superior oil/water emulsion separation performance and contamination resistance compared with PES membranes.The WM/PES membrane exhibits significantly higher water and oil/water emulsion flux compared with PES membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated the biological properties of a composite material composed of poly(lactide) (PLA) and iron (Fe) produced by sputtering iron onto melt-blown poly(lactide) nonwoven fabrics. The research aimed to thoroughly understand the structure and properties of these materials and their potential applications in biomedicine. We conducted comprehensive chemical and structural analyses using techniques such as microscopic analysis, flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis to precisely determine the properties of PLA-Fe materials. Additionally, we evaluated their impact on blood coagulation processes by measuring activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT). We also performed biological analyses on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBM cells) including cell viability and DNA damage. Our results clearly demonstrate that PLA-Fe materials do not significantly influence blood coagulation mechanisms, as they only slightly prolong aPTT time and have no effect on PT. This suggests their potential in biomedical applications. Our results indicate the absence of cyto- and genotoxic properties of PLA-Fe materials against normal blood cells. In conclusion, the research findings suggest that the novel poly(lactide) and iron-sputtered nonwoven fabrics are promising tools in the field of biomedicine, offering potentially innovative therapeutic solutions for the treatment of wounds and injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a widely used U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved implantable biomaterial that also possesses strong piezoelectricity. However, the intrinsically low stability of its high-energy piezoelectric β phase and random domain orientations associated with current synthesis approaches remain a critical roadblock to practical applications. Here, we report an interfacial anchoring strategy for fabricating core/shell PLLA/glycine (Gly) nanofibers (NFs) by electrospinning, which show a high ratio of piezoelectric β phase and excellent orientation alignment. The self-assembled core/shell structure offers strong intermolecular interactions between the -OH groups on Gly and C=O groups on PLLA, which promotes the crystallization of oriented PLLA polymer chains and stabilizes the β phase structure. As-received core/shell NFs exhibit substantially enhanced piezoelectric performance and excellent stability. An all NF-based nonwoven fabric is fabricated and assembled as a flexible nanogenerator. The device offers excellent conformality to heavily wrinkled surfaces and thus can precisely detect complex physiological motions often found from biological organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous MnO x -Y and LnO x /MnO x ozone decomposition catalysts were prepared by calcination of Mn-BTC (BTC = 1,3,5-benzentricarboxylate) and doping of lanthanide elements (Ln = La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Er). Compared to MnO x -Y catalysts, the LnO x /MnO x catalysts showed higher ozone catalytic activity, the mutual conversion between Lnn+ and Mnn+ was helpful to improve ozone decomposition. The CeO x /MnO x catalyst showed the highest catalytic that showed 93% conversion of 40 ppm O 3 in the relative humidity (RH) = 65% after 360 min, which was attributed to the largest specific surface area, more oxygen vacancies, Mn3+ and O ads. In addition, the CeO x /MnO x catalyst was loaded into the non-woven fabric to obtain CeO x /MnO x -NWF catalyst, which showed a highly efficient and stable ozone conversion under the RH range from less than 5%–85%. This work will promote the practical application of Mn-BTC derived catalysts. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns promote demand for biodegradable packaging on a global scale. Jute fiber packaging could be a viable and sustainable alternative to pure synthetic materials. In this study, sustainable antimicrobial jute-polyethylene nonwoven fabric is developed by the heat press of jute web and polyethylene pellets. The performance of the developed samples was evaluated by analyzing their morphological, mechanical, thermal, moisture management, and antibacterial properties. SEM confirmed the homogeneous interfacial adhesion between jute-polyethylene. FTIR spectra proved the existence of jute, polyethylene, and peppermint oil in the developed samples. Mechanical property was investigated using a universal strength tester while tensile strength and elongation (%) were sufficient. The low thermal conductivities were observed in the samples. The moisture management tester confirmed the unavailability of the moisture in the inner surface from the outer surface. Furthermore, the samples exhibited significant antibacterial properties because of the application of peppermint essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soft on‐skin electrodes play an important role in wearable technologies, requiring attributes such as wearing comfort, high conductivity, and gas permeability. However, conventional fabrication methods often compromise simplicity, cost‐effectiveness, or mechanical resilience. In this study, a mechanically robust and gas‐permeable on‐skin electrode is presented that incorporates Flash Graphene (FG) integrated with a bioinspired armor design. FG, synthesized through Flash Joule Heating process, offers a small‐sized and turbostratic arrangement that is ideal for the assembly of a conductive network with nanopore structures. Screen‐printing is used to embed the FG assembly into the framework of polypropylene melt‐blown nonwoven fabrics (PPMF), forming a soft on‐skin electrode with low sheet resistance (125.2 ± 4.7 Ω/□) and high gas permeability (≈10.08 mg cm⁻2 h⁻¹). The "armor" framework ensures enduring mechanical stability through adhesion, washability, and 10,000 cycles of mechanical contact friction tests. Demonstrating capabilities in electrocardiogram (ECG) and electromyogram (EMG) monitoring, along with serving as a self‐powered triboelectric sensor, the FG/PPMF electrode holds promise for scalable, high‐performance flexible sensing applications, thereby enriching the landscape of integrated wearable technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) received more attention for its ability to recover ammonium. This study investigated the possibility of low-frequency infrared electromagnetic field (IR-EMF) to improve DNRA. The optimal IR-EMF intensity of 0.04 μT could effectively improve DNRA activity of nonwoven fabric membrane bioreactors. In the long-term operation, the average ammonium conversion efficiency was enhanced by 117.7% and 62.5% under 0.04 μT and 0.06 μT IR-EMF, respectively. The highest nrfA-gene abundance and potential DNRA rate were obtained under 0.04 μT IR-EMF exposure. Bacteroidetes fragilis, Shewanelle oneidensis MR-1, and Thauera sp. RT1901 were selected to investigate the dynamic response of nitrogen transformation and energy metabolism to IR-EMF. The transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR results suggested that IR-EMF could enhance both denitrification and DNRA process, mainly by improving ATP synthesis to boost metabolic activity. This study provided an efficient method for the nitrogen recovery via DNRA process by applying IR-EMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membrane photobioreactors (MPBRs) have gained significant attention due to their ability to support microalgae activities such as cultivation, harvesting, and production of beneficial products. Despite various efforts to mitigate membrane fouling, a fundamental issue in membrane processes, in these systems, a cost-effective and less energy-consuming method is still needed. This study examines the impact of the cross-sectional area of the riser and the baffle material on membrane fouling in an internal loop airlift MPBR. The use of hydrophilic polyester-polypropylene (PES–PP) baffles proves to be more effective than plexiglass baffles. Specifically, in configurations with d = 0.7 cm and d = 1.4 cm, RC/RT decreased by approximately 20% and 13%, respectively, compared to plexiglass baffles. As for the values of RP/RT at a distance of d = 0.7, nearly a 5% increase was observed, and at a distance of d = 1.4, an increase of approximately 11% was observed. This is due to the development of the cake layer on the matrix structure of the PES–PP baffles instead of the membrane itself. The most optimal outcomes were reached while working with PES–PP at a distance of 0.7 cm, as it prolonged the membrane fouling time to 46 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition metals, one of the many modifiers used in enzyme-free sensors, have received impressive attention among the various modification materials for urea electrochemical sensors with low cost. Textiles represent a flexible material for collecting sweat samples for non-invasive urea detection. In our study, we developed a nonwoven fabric-based modified carbon paste electrode using Ag-doped NiO (Ag/NiO) as a sensitive non-enzymatic electrochemical urea sensor. A variety of techniques were used to characterize synthesized Ag/NiO, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The electrochemical properties of the Ag/NiO nanocomposite modified carbon paste on a textile electrode were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and amperometry. The electrode was able to oxidize urea in alkaline solutions with high sensitivity, a wide linear range (2.5 × 10–3 to 5 mM), a low detection limit (8 µM), long-term stability, and good selectivity. Finally, urea concentrations in human sweat samples and plasma were determined by the sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, a laminate was produced by assembling five textile layers. These layers were a coated double-sided knitted structure, a non-woven fabric, a hydrophilic membrane that was thermally assembled to a surface veil, and an open-work knitted fabric. The laminated textile's breathability, windproofness, and waterproofness were evaluated. The multi-layered fabric was windproof, and its water vapor permeability was 347.297 g m-2 s-1 (CV= 8.902%). Its resistance to water penetration was equal to 117.68 Schmerber (CV = 7.81%). The assembled fabric's mechanical properties were also evaluated. Young's modulus values were equal to 2 MPa (CV= 8.613%) and 1.6 MPa (CV= 8.349%) for both fabric directions. Its flexural rigidity was 5056.659 mg cm and its surface total deformation was lower than 450 µm when measured under 20, 40, 60, and 80 mN loads. Based on the results obtained, it was concluded that the developed multi-layered fabric could be used to produce raincoats and jackets to protect the wearer from light rain and drizzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Activated carbon nonwoven nanofibres (ACNN) mat derived from polyacrylonitrile was manufactured through the electrospinning method followed by thermal treatment steps. The ACNN ability to adsorb Pb(II) from a liquid solution was evaluated. The fabricated ACNN was characterized using scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. The resulting ACNN exhibited nanofibres with a diameter of 530 nm and a surface area of 550 m2/g. Various adsorption experiments were performed in batch scale to study the impact of factors like contact time, initial Pb(II) ions concentration, and pH. At pH 5, ACNN achieved a removal efficiency of 98% of Pb(II). The equilibrium data for Pb(II) ions was analysed using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models. Both kinetic models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order) and isotherm models were tested. Results revealed that the Langmuir model accurately described the adsorption isotherm of Pb(II) with a maximum capacity of 15.72 mg/g. Data analysis suggested that the pseudo-second-order model better represented the kinetic adsorption behaviour of Pb(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]