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Phosphorus-containing polymers are very promising because of the versatility of their applications. Polyphosphates and polyphosphonates are well-known for their excellent fire-retardant properties. In this work, a cotton fabric was grafted by oxygen-tolerant photochemically induced atom transfer radical polymerization (photoATRP) of dimethyl(methacryloyloxymethyl) phosphonate (MAPC1) in order to prepare flame resistant fabric. The photoATRP of MAPC1 was first optimized in solution and subsequently used for surface-initiated polymerization from of cotton fabric pre-functionalized by ATRP initiator in order to achieve PMAPC1 brushes onto the surface. The modified cotton fabrics were characterized by attenuated total reflection–Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to prove successful grafting. Minimal effect of grafting on mechanical properties of the cotton fabric was confirmed by tensile tests. The thermal properties and flammability of the modified fabric were tested by thermogravimetric analysis, horizontal and vertical flame tests. Limiting oxygen index and microscale cone calorimeter were performed as well. The results show that modified fabric has a high flame resistance making it a good candidate for flame-retardant application. Washing tests confirmed that the grafted layer on the fabric has good durability from the point of view of retention of high flame resistance.

To overcome the flammability of polyamide, an intumescent ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and chitosan (CH) system, with and without thiourea (THU) and urea (U) dissolved into the chitosan solution, was deposited on an enzymatically modified textile via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. Fifteen bilayers (BL) of APP/CH:THU, or 15 BL APP/CH:U, deposited onto the polyamide results in self-extinguishing behavior in horizontal flame testing and a 35% reduction in peak heat release rate (pkHRR). The urea-based additives serve as blowing agents that, upon heating, create gas that increases the bubbled- char structure that acts as a physical barrier. The addition of these low-molecular weight molecules, combined with enzymatic modification of the polyamide fiber surface, is a new opportunity to impart flame retardancy to this highly flammable and widely-used polymer.

A detailed review of recent developments of layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition as a promising approach to reduce flammability of the most widely used fibers (cotton, polyester, polyamide and their blends) is presented. LbL deposition is an emerging green technology, showing numerous advantages over current commercially available finishing processes due to the use of water as a solvent for a variety of active substances. For flame-retardant (FR) purposes, different ingredients are able to build oppositely charged layers at very low concentrations in water (e.g., small organic molecules and macromolecules from renewable sources, inorganic compounds, metallic or oxide colloids, etc.). Since the layers on a textile substrate are bonded with pH and ion-sensitive electrostatic forces, the greatest technological drawback of LbL deposition for FR finishing is its non-resistance to washing cycles. Several possibilities of laundering durability improvements by different pre-treatments, as well as post-treatments to form covalent bonds between the layers, are presented in this review.

Different chemical pre-treatments of Spartium junceum L. fibres using alkali (NaOH), nanoclay (MMT) and Citric acid (CA) with the aim of producing biodegradable composite material are discussed. As environmental requirements in processing technologies have been higher in recent years, the Polylactic acid (PLA) is used in this research as a matrix, due to its renewability, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Biocomposites are prepared by reinforcing PLA with randomly oriented, short Spartium junceum L. fibres in order to increase material strength. The effects of different pre-treatments of Spartium junceum L. fibres on the mechanical properties of final biocomposite material are examined. Fibre tenacity is studied using Vibroscop and Vibrodyn devices. Tensile strength of biocomposite material was measured on the universal electromechanical testing machine Instron 5584. The results indicate that biocomposites reinforced with fibres modified with MMT and CA show upgraded mechanical properties of the final composite material in comparison with the composite materials reinforced with referenced (nontreated) fibres. Infrared spectra of tested fibres and biocomposites were determined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy using Attenuated total reflection (FT-IR ATR) sampling technique and the influence of fibre modifications on the fibre/polymer interfacial bonding was investigated. The interface of Spartium/PLA composites was observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and it was clearly visible that biocomposites reinforced with fibres modified by MMT and CA showed better interaction of fibres and matrix. Keywords: Fibres, Polymer-matrix composites (PMCs), Mechanical properties, Mechanical testing

In this study, the natural dye was extracted from Spartium junceum L. (SJL) flowers and applied on cellulose (cotton) and protein (wool) fabric. Fabrics were pre-mordant with alum prior to the dyeing process. Considering the global requirements on zero waste and green policy, the dyeing process was intended to be as much as possible environmentally friendly but still effective. Therefore, mordant concentration was optimized due to the reduction of the negative impact. The efficiency of the dyeing process was investigated by examination of fabrics’ color characteristics and colorfastness to washing properties. In this paper, we have proved that the extracted dye from Spartium junceum L. is an acidic dye (mordant dye) which is more applicable for the treatment of wool fabrics. In this paper, it was proved that phytochemicals responsible for coloring are part of the flavonoids group. The UV absorption spectra of extracted dye show 4 bands in the region of λmax 224, 268, 308 and 346 nm which are ascribed to bands characteristic for flavonoids. Wool fabric pre-mordant with 3% alum and dyed shows great chromatic (C*) properties where C* value is in a range from 47.76 for unwashed samples to 47.50 for samples after 5 washing cycles and color hue (h°) is in a range 82.13 for unwashed samples to 81.52 for samples after 5 washing cycles. The best result regarding the colorfastness properties is shown by the wool sample treated with 3% alum after 5 washing cycles (total difference in color (Delta E*) = 0.87). These results confirm that metal (Al) from alum mordant make strong chemical bonds with wool substrate and dye since Delta E* values decrease in comparison to Delta E* values of the cotton samples treated the same way. The results revealed it is possible to reduce the concentration of mordant up to 3% and obtain satisfactory results regarding the colorfastness. Nevertheless, future research will go in the direction of replacing synthetic mordant with a more environmentally friendly one.

This paper summarizes the results obtained in the course of the development of a specific group of biocomposites with high functionality of flame retardancy, which are environmentally ac-ceptable at the same time. Conventional biocomposites have to be altered through different modifications, to be able to respond to the stringent standards and environmental requests of the circular economy. The most commonly produced types of biocomposites are those composed of a biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) matrix and plant bast fibres. Despite of numerous posi-tive properties of natural fibres, flammability of plant fibres is one of the most pronounced drawbacks for their wider usage in biocomposites production. Most recent novelties regarding the flame retardancy of nanocomposites are presented, with the accent on the agents of nanosize (nanofillers), which have been chosen as they have low or non- toxic environmental impact, but still offer enhanced flame retardant (FR) properties. The importance of a nanofiller’s geometry and shape (e.g., nanodispersion of nanoclay) and increase in polymer viscosity, on flame retard-ancy has been stressed. Although metal oxydes are considered the most commonly used nano-fillers there are numerous other possibilities presented within the paper. Combinations of clay based nanofillers with other nanosized or microsized FR agents can significantly improve the thermal stability and FR properties of nanocomposite materials. Further research is still needed on optimizing the parameters of FR compounds to meet numerous requirements, from the im-provement of thermal and mechanical properties to the biodegradability of the composite prod-ucts. Presented research initiatives provide genuine new opportunities for manufacturers, con-sumers and society as a whole to create a new class of bionanocomposite materials with added benefits of environmental improvement.

Functionality and appearance are key aspects of good footwear. Developments in recent science and technology offer a wider scope of innovations, contributing to diversity and higher complexity of the production concept of footwear. Contemporary industrial footwear market offers a practically limitless number of new design and fashion solutions, often of quite similar appearance, but with significant differences in quality level, both regarding manufacture, raw material content, durability, and in some special functional finishes. The materials for footwear manufacture are functionalized for functional protective purposes, such as antimicrobial, waterproofing, fire resistant, wear and tear resistant, and recently for some therapeutical purposes. Novelties in material functionalization for the materials built in the footwear are most often promoted and presented on tags and labels and are used as advertisement issues, while some functionalities have become a logo for some brands.

Chemically bleached cotton fabric was treated with phytic acid (PA), chitosan (CH) and urea by means of layer-by-layer (LbL) deposition to impart flame retardant (FR) behavior using only benign and renewable molecules. Samples were treated with 8, 10, 12 and 15 bilayers (BL) of anionic PA and cationic CH, with urea mixed into the aqueous CH solution. Flammability was evaluated by measuring limiting oxygen index (LOI) and through vertical flame testing. LOI values are comparable to those obtained with commercial flame-retardant finishes, and applying 10 or more bilayers renders cotton self-extinguishing and able to pass the vertical flame test. Microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) measurements show the average reduction of peak heat release rate (pHRR) of all treated fabrics of ~61% and the reduction of total heat release (THR) of ~74%, in comparison to untreated cotton. Decomposition temperatures peaks (T1max) measured by thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) decreased by approximately 62 &deg, C, while an average residue at 650 &deg, C is ~21% for 10 and more bilayers. Images of post-burn char indicate that PA/CH-urea treatment is intumescent. The ability to deposit such a safe and effective FR treatment, with relatively few layers, makes LbL an alternative to current commercial treatments.

This research involves antimicrobial modifications of biodegradable Polylactide (PLA) using environment friendly antimicrobial agents (silver and chitosan) and bio based alcohol (glycerol and polyethylene glycol). Silver (Ag) is an efficacious and useful antibacterial agent and is incorporated to PLA polymer by surface modifications using plasma technology. Antimicrobial activity of PLA films was measured against Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (DSMZ 30083). Further characterization of modified PLA films was performed by contact angle method in order to determine their hydrophilicity. The plasma modification conditions and parameters showed a strong influence on plasma-deposited thin films, which resulted in the improvement of hydrophilicity and antimicrobial properties. Silver release of coatings on the films was investigated by using Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The modified PLA films were particularly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and thus may find future application in biomedical and food packaging areas. Antimicrobial films produced from biodegradable PLA offers sustainable solution for biomedical and food packaging industry.

Znanstveno-istraživački centar za tekstil (Textile Science Research Centre – TSRC), koji od 2008. djeluje na Sveučilištu u Zagrebu Tekstilno-tehnološkom fakultetu već tradicionalno godišnje organizira: Dan otvorenih vrata znanstveno-istraživačkog centra za tekstil - TSRC dan. 2019. godine su 25. rujna u Tehničkom muzeju Nikola Tesla u Zagrebu predstavljeni istraživački i umjetnički potencijali, uz popularizaciju tekstilne znanosti kroz temu: Kružno gospodarstvo – izazov za sektor tekstila/odjeće/kože/obuće.

Spanish Broom (Spartium junceum L.) is a Mediterranean plant of various usage possibilities. Its fibres were known since ancient time but in some point of last century, more accurately in 1950s, their production was abandoned due to the negative economic effect. Another drawback was large time consumption, especially during the old tradition method – Spanish Broom maceration in salt water. Nowadays, due to technology development and ecological awareness, it is much easier to produce Spanish Broom fibres of enhanced quality. One of the fibre extraction methods is the one assisted with microwave oven. Demerit of such fibre production is in large residue content after obtaining fibres - approx. 90 % of initial Spanish Broom weight. Due to the need for finding sustainable solutions in the development of new materials, the usage of Spanish Broom fibres in the service of reinforcement for biopolymer poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix was investigated. Obtained results target our further research into the direction of Spanish Broom fibres and PLA application in the production of green composites. The aim of this research was to prove that developed product can be categorized under the biodegradable group by investigating its degradation properties using serine endopeptidase enzyme. The results show positive degradation effect while using 50 wt.% (on weight of material) enzyme concentration during a 5-day treatment. Stem residues of Spanish Broom plant derived from salty water and microwave maceration were further investigated for their potential as raw material for second-generation biofuel production. Examination of its energy properties consisted of determination of proximate and ultimate properties of the biomass. The results show low moisture content (6.5 % - 7.5 %), ash content below 5 % and higher values of fixed carbon and volatile matter content of 13.2 % and 75 %, respectively. Higher heating values that were determined (17.2 - 18.8 MJ/kg) indicate a high quality biomass that can be used most effectively in solid biofuel production.

An intumescent nanocoating composed of chitosan (CH) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP), with and without low-molecular weight nitrogen and nitrogen/sulphur based derivatives, was deposited on polyester fabric using the layer-by-layer technique. Guanidine sulfamate (GSM), urea and thiourea were added to the aqueous chitosan deposition solution in an effort to improve flame retardancy. Exceptional self-extinguishing behavior is observed with a 10 bilayer (BL) CH:GSM/APP coated fabric. This water-based coating added 19.6 wt% to the polyester and reduced peak heat release rate by 61.7%, relative to uncoated fabric. Furthermore, the polyester is not fully ignitable because of earlier decomposition of GSM that helps to generate a thicker sponge-like char that acts as a physical barrier. This unique addition of low-molecular weight molecules in traditional intumescent polyelectrolyte pairs is a new opportunity for imparting flame retardancy to highly flammable synthetic fibers used in clothing and home furnishing.

Ovaj rad ima za cilj deskriptivnom, komparativnom analizom, ukazati na razlike između udruge i zadruge s isticanjem prednosti studenskog zadružnog organiziranja i zadruge kao start-up poslovnog vježbališta u tekstilnom poduzetništvu. Iako u poslovnim poduhvatima postoji neizbježni rizik - kao rizik poduzetništva - na njegovo se umanjenje može utjecati, stjecanjem poslovnog iskustva, prije osnivanja start-up tvrtke. Studensko poslovno organiziranje na fakultetima, sa širom potporom Fakulteta i Sveučilišta, moglo bi biti, na konceptualnoj ali i operativnoj razini model, za ublažavanje početničkih poslovnih rizika pri samozapošljavanju po završetku studija. Kao vrlo prihvatljiva forma, nudi se zadruga, nositelj zadružnog studenskog organiziranja, te prikladni model poduzetničkog vježbališta i možebitno „čvorište“ u izgradnji komplementarne zadružne studenske mreže.ENG:The aim of this paper is to point out the differences between the association and cooperative with an emphasis on the benefits of student cooperative organizing and a cooperative as a start-up business training in the textile enterprises through the descriptive and comparative analysis. Although in business projects there is an inevitable risk - the risk of entrepreneurship - it is possible to reduce it by gaining the business experience before founding a start-up company. Student business organization at faculties, with wide support of the Faculty and the University, could be a model at the conceptual and operational level for an easing the initial business risks in self- employment after graduation. Cooperative is a very acceptable form since the holder of the cooperative is a student organization. It is a suitable model of entrepreneurial training and potentially "hub" in the construction of complementary cooperative student networks.

Fabric flammability is affected by various factors such as the fibre composition, fabric construction, FR (flame retardant) finish, oxygen concentration and environmental conditions (moisture content, heat.). Inherently FR fabrics are synthetics which have been changed at the molecular level to make the fabrics thermally stable and able to pass FR tests. The thermal properties of knitted fabrics produced from cotton, modacryl and their blends were investigated in this paper. The design of FR knitted fabrics and an optimal blend ratio were evaluated by different thermoanalytical methods: the flame behaviour and thermal stability with the limited oxygen index (LOI), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), coupled thermal gravimetry - Fourier transform infrared technique (TG-FTIR) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). Surface characterisation of the knitted fabrics designed was evaluated by the streaming potential method. Knitted fabric in the blend ratio C50:M50 proved to possess the most favourable FR characteristics, additionally confirmed by optimal hydrophilic properties evaluated through zeta potential measurement.

After a long break, Spanish broom gained interest as a natural, sustainable and renewable fibre for textile and technical applications. This paper describes the characterization of Spanish broom fibres ( Spartium junceum L.) in comparison to the flax fibres ( Linum usitatissimum). Spanish broom fibres were obtained by two different methods of maceration and some of the most significant chemical and physical properties of tested fibres are reported. Scanning electron microscopy has proven to be a useful tool for the determination of morphological characteristics of elementary and technical fibres. Other physical-chemical properties of fibres were determined by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fineness and tensile strength methods.

Coating of zeolite nanoparticles, previously dispersed in Polycarboxylic acid (PCA) solution, on cellulose textile surface has several advanced technological applications. One of the possible usages is for the Durable Press finishing enabling simultaneous enhanced antimicrobial or flame retardant properties. In this study, one of the polycarboxylic acid crosslinking agents, Citric acid (CA) is used to coat cotton fabric in the presence of synthesized zeolite applied as a catalyst. Cotton fabric samples were padded with a suspension containing zeolite powder in aqueous solution of CA crosslinking agent. Drying and curing of coated samples was performed at different curing conditions, either in a microwave oven or in conventional dryer. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to characterize the surface morphology and confirm bonding of zeolite particles to cellulose fibers. Further characterization of coated surface is performed by attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy while the effects of microwave irradiation on zeolite nanoparticles bonding is estimated by thermogravimetric analysis.

Zahtjevi današnjice nameću sve veću potražnju za inovativnim i viskoučinkovitim tekstilijama koje mogu olakšati i poboljšati stil života. Iz razloga što su kozmetički proizvodi široko dostupni te dodatno što njihova primjena ponekad zahtijeva izdvajanje puno vremena, proizašla je ideja o jednostavnoj aplikaciji kozmetičkih proizvoda na tekstil. Način vezanja tekstila i kozmetičkog sredstva omogućava kontrolirano otpuštanje kozmetičkog sredstva s tekstila. Svrha ove obrade je otpuštanje aktivnih tvari u željenom trenutku ili određenom vremenskom razdoblju uz istovremeno postizanje zadovoljavajuće postojanosti na pranje. Pritom je kemizam otpuštanja problematika kojoj treba posvetiti posebnu pažnju. U ovom radu je detaljnije opisan pojam kozmetičkog tekstila ili kozmetotekstilija, prikazana je njihova podjela, namjena, a dodatno je obrađena i problematika otpuštanja aktivnih tvari i postojanosti obrade. Na kraju je dan osvrt na moguće smjerove razvoja ove sve popularnije završne obrade tekstilnih materijala kojima tekstil dobiva dodatna svojstva i postaje proizvod visoke vrijednosti., Current requirements ask for innovative and high-performance textiles which could improve our life style and make it more comfortable. The facts that cosmetic products are widely available and their application and use are sometimes time-consuming, have given rise to idea of applying them to textiles in a simpler but efficient manner. Proper manner of attaching a cosmetic preparation on a textile substrate would enable its controlled release through a period of time. This treatment is aimed at simultaneous release of active substance at desirable moment or in a given time frame, and at achievement of satisfactory durability in washing. The chemistry of the release is a problem that should be particularly dealt with in this context. This paper offers a definition of cosmetotextiles; division and their purpose are defined, while the problems of active substance release and fastness of the treatment have been also explained. Finally, a review of the possible development trends has been given for these increasingly popular finishing treatments of textiles, which offer additional properties to textiles and give textile products high added value.

Wood specimens of fir (Abies alba Mill) and beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) were chemically modified using polycarboxylic acids (PCA), cured by convection heating or microwave treatment and analyzed by HPLC. A new non-formaldehyde cross-linking system was composed of citric acid (CA) and 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), which are representative polycarboxylic acids (PCAs). These reagents require phosphono-based catalysts, so a sodium hypophosphite (SHP) catalyst was used in this study. The effects of PCA treatment were compared with a previously introduced 1,3-dimethylol 4,5-dihydroxy ethylene urea (DMDHEU) treatment. The dimensional stability of the modified wood was determined in terms of the anti-swelling efficiency (ASE) using the water soak/oven dry method. The results revealed an improvement in ASE for wood modified with PCA compared to modification with DMDHEU. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of bound acids were performed by HPLC. Further intensification of the wood modification process and an increase in the quality of wood-based materials were achieved using microwave treatment. Among other benefits, the formation of cross-links between the wood and the reagent components led to an improvement in the tensile strength retention, particularly in combination with the microwave treatment.

An alternative approach to the application of formaldehyde releasing conventional N-methylol compounds is based upon the use of non-formaldehyde Durable Press (DP) finishing agents – polycarboxlic acids (PCA). Another alternative approach, investigated here, is the application of microwave energy to impart durable crease resistance to dyed cotton fabric. Bifunctional dyes: C.I. Reactive Red 195, C.I. Reactive Yellow 145 and C.I. Reactive Blue 221 are applied in the study. Isocratic HPLC method is applied to quantify the PCA reacted with the cellulosic material under two different curing procedures. Shade change evaluation reveals that microwave way of curing has greater influence on the dE values than conventional one. In all other aspects, primarily in the wrinkle recovery and resistance to deformation, microwave way of curing offers much better results.

Novel bionanocomposite material has been developed using nanoclay modified Spartium junceum L. fibres and PLA matrix. Its potential for the automotive industry was examined. Spartium junceum L. fibres were previously treated with montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) and citric acid (CA) in order to enhance bionanocomposite thermal and mechanical properties to comply with the automotive industry requirements. After a macromechanics analysis, a comparison was made between experimental and theoretical modelling results. The evaluated tensile modulus and tensile strength of theoretical Hirsch model were in good agreement with those of the tested composites. Tensile strength and modulus of the newly developed advanced material were improved by 164% and 86% respectively, as compared to the pure PLA matrix.

Biocomposites were prepared by reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) with randomly oriented, short Spartium junceum L. fibres. Prior to the composite production, the fibres were treated with montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) in order to increase biocomposites resistance to the fire. Characterizations of the biocomposites in the presence and absence of MMT and Citric acid (CA) were performed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Microscale Combustion Calorimetry (MCC). The results indicated that biocomposites reinforced with fibres modified with MMT enhanced some of its thermal properties. Degradation level of residual fibres (char) after the TGA treatment at 800 °C was observed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The work provided us with the idea of using MMT in the presence of CA as a crosslinker in biocomposites for possible applications.

U svijetu se u posljednjih 20 godina provode intenzivna istraživanja mogućnosti nanošenja tankih nanosa sloj po sloj na podlogu čime se bitno mijenjaju njena svojstva. Nanosi su debljine nekoliko nanometara, a nanose se izmjenično najčešće tako da najprije dođe nanos s pozitivnim slojem, zatim se ispire, pa zatim nanos s negativnim slojem. Može biti i obrnuto. Takva obrada se ponavlja više puta pa se dobivaju višeslojni nanosi. Materijalima s višeslojnim nanosima poboljšavaju se željena svojstva. Ova tehnika moguća je i na tekstilu čime se na obrađenom materijalu dobiva povećana hidrofilnost ili bolja otpornost na gorenje, otpornost na bakterije, zaštita od UV zračenja i drugo. Postojanost tih svojstava na pranje je predmet intenzivnog istraživanja. Laboratorijskim obradama dobiveni su dobri rezultati, ali ova obrada još nije provedena u pogonu, te se očekuje da će se i to uspjeti u bližoj budućnosti., Intensive research of layer-by-layer deposition on various substrates, whose properties are thereby substantially changed, has been carried out over the past 20 years. Deposits of only several nanometers in thickness are deposited by alternate applying of differently charged layers. This process is repeated several times resulting in multi-layered films. This kind of functionalism enhances initial properties of materials. The application of this technique is also possible on textiles, which improves the hydrophility of the treated material or better fire retardancy, bacterial resistance, UV resistance etc. Wash fastness of the mentioned properties is the subject of intensive research. Laboratory treatments yielded good results, but this kind of treatment has not yet been introduced into practice, but it is expected in near future.

Polycarboxylic acids BTCA (1, 2, 3, 4-butanetetracarboxylic acid) and CA (citric acid) are used as non-formaldehyde durable press finishing agents instead of the formaldehyde-releasing N-methylol compounds, such as DMDHEU. Isocratic HPLC is applied in an attempt to quantify the PCA that have reacted with the cellulosic material dyed with C.I. Reactive Red 195, C.I. Reactive Yellow 145 and C.I. Reactive Blue 221. Subsequently, the fabrics are cured with formulations containing 60 g/L BTCA or 60 g/L CA and a combination of 15 g/L BTCA and 45 g/L CA. The chromatographic determination reveals that an increase in the shade depth results in the decrease of the amount of BTCA, except in the case when the cotton sample is dyed with C.I. Reactive Blue 221, a copper formazan complex-based dyestuff. The evaluation of the color measurements indicates that the  E* values decrease in order of C.I. Reactive Yellow 145, C.I. Reactive Red 195 and C.I. Reactive Blue 221.

U radu su istraženi intenziteti i sastav plinovitih produkata razgradnje nastali tijekom termogravimetrijske analize neobrađenog i celuloznog materijala obrađenog protiv gorenja. To je vrlo važan parametar, jer jedan od glavnih uzroka stradanja tijekom požara je upravo toksičnost nastalih plinovitih produkata. Rezultati TG-FTIR pokazuju da pri niskoj temperaturi, oba sredstva za obradu protiv gorenja stimuliraju dehidrataciju celuloze, te proizvode plin koji je koristan za tvorbu pougljenjenja. Osim toga, ostatak pri visokoj temperaturi oslobađa male količine gorivih plinova i dobar je izolacijski sloj na površini uzorka, koji štiti osnovni materijal od požara. Celulozni uzorci obrađeni ekološki prihvatljivim bez halogenim organofosfornim spojem pokazuju manju količinu razvijenih plinovitih produkata što im svakako daje prednost.

Aim To study the antimicrobial activity of citric acid (CA) and sodium hypophosphite monohydrate (SHP) against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and to determine the influence of conventional and microwave thermal treatments on the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatment of cotton textiles. Method Textile material was impregnated with CA and SHP solution and thermally treated by either conventional or microwave drying/curing treatment. Antibacterial effectiveness was tested according to the ISO 20743:2009 standard, using absorption method. The surfaces were morphologically observed by scanning electron microscopy, while physical characteristics were determined by wrinkle recovery angles method (DIN 53 891), tensile strength (DIN 53 837), and whiteness degree method (AATCC 110-2000). Results Cotton fabric treated with CA and SHP showed significant antibacterial activity against MRSA (6.38 log10 treated by conventional drying and 6.46 log10 treated by microwave drying before washing, and 6.90 log10 and 7.86 log10, respectively, after 1 cycle of home domestic laundering washing [HDLW]). Antibacterial activity was also remarkable against S. aureus (4.25 log10 by conventional drying, 4.58 log10 by microwave drying) and against P. aeruginosa (1.93 log10 by conventional and 4.66 log10 by microwave drying). Antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa was higher in samples subjected to microwave drying/curing than in those subjected to conventional drying/curing. As expected, antibacterial activity was reduced after 10 HDLW cycles but the compound was still effective. The surface of the untreated cotton polymer was smooth, while minor erosion stripes appeared on the surfaces treated with antimicrobial agent, and long and deep stripes were found on the surface of the washed sample. Conclusion CA can be used both for the disposable (non-durable) materials (gowns, masks, and cuffs for blood pressure measurement) and the materials that require durability to laundering. The current protocols and initiatives in infection control could be improved by the use of antimicrobial agents applied on cotton carbohydrate polymer.

Polylactide( PLA) is a biobased polymer which has created a lot of interest in scientific and industrial community due to its biodegradability and sustainable nature. It is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester and can be easily spun into fibers and made into films. PLA currently finds use in diverse areas such as biomedical application, textiles, composite and food packaging. There have been only few reports in the literature on development of antimicrobial PLA. In this research we have carried out surface and bulk modification of PLA to achieve antimicrobial functionality. Antimicrobial PLA surfaces would prevent the risk of biofilms formation and improve its utility in biomedical and food packaging applications. Antimicrobial activity of PLA films was measured against two gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes (DMSZ15675) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538)) and two gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium (TA100) and Escherichia coli (DSMZ30083)) using a viable cell count method. Surface modifications with silver, either as pure silver deposit or as silver nano-composite, render the films with substantial antimicrobial property.

In this study the esterification of cotton fabrics with citric acid (CA) in the presence of zeolite as a catalyst is presented. Ester crosslinking of cellulose chains imparts wrinkle resistance, shrinkage resistance and smooth drying properties to cotton fabrics. The goal was obtaining an eco-sustainable esterification system consisting of an environmentally friendly agent and catalyst. The result was the improved flame retarding properties of cotton in view of the fact that a considerable amount of zeolite remains strongly bonded to cellulose. Several techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and scanning electron microscopy were used to verify the degree of esterification.

The paper describes our research of microwave usage in drying the size pick-up. An analysis of three different drying processes in relation to physical-mechanical properties of sized yarn has been carried out. Under the same sizing conditions, but different drying methods, the following parameters were determined: breaking force, elongation at break, abrasion resistance and yarn hairiness. The application of microwave (MW) drying method for warp sizing had no significant influence on size pick-up. It showed the best results of breaking force on single-thread yarns, compared to convection and contact drying.

Analiziran je utjecaj različitih način sušenja škrobljene pamučne konvencionalne pređe na njezina fizikalno-mehanička svojstva. Ispitivanja su provedena na pamučnoj pređi različitih finoća na novokonstruiranom laboratorijskom stroju za škrobljenje. Nakon škrobljenja pređa je sušena na tri načina: konvekcijskim, kontaktnim i mikrovalnim sušenjem. Prema dobivenim rezultatima, način sušenja škrobljene pređe ne utječe bitno na fizikalno-mehanička svojstva pređe. Najveći utjecaj načina sušenja primjetan je kod svojstva dlakavosti pri čemu je ona smanjena u slučaju primjene kontaktnog sušionika. Najveći doprinos mikrovalnog sušenja je u njegovoj ekonomičnosti i jednoličnosti sušenja, dok su postignuti efekti škrobljenja podjednaki efektima postignutima, danas najčešće primjenjivanim, kontaktnim načinom sušenja.

Tekstilno-tehnološki fakultet (TTF) Sveučilišta u Zagrebu je uvidio važnost pravovremenog uključivanja svojih djelatnika u EU projekte i uspostavom Servisa tekstilnih europskih projekata (STEP-a) napravio značajan pomak sa stanovišta koordinacije ove aktivnosti. Glavni cilj STEP-a je pružanje podrške, prvenstveno djelatnicima TTF-a ali i suradnicima iz gospodarstva, prilikom prijave međunarodnih projekata, te edukacija potencijalnih voditelja EU projekata s nastojanjem uključivanja hrvatske tekstilne znanosti i privrede u EU tokove. U radu je prikazano djelovanje djelatnika TTF-a u Europskoj tehnološkoj platformi za budućnost tekstila i odjeće prvenstveno u okviru projektnih prijava. Udruženje EURATEX je nedavno uspostavilo novi sustav izmjene podataka vezanih za prijave FP7 projekata unutar tekstilnog područja – TEPPIES (Textile Project Proposal Information Exchange System). Najznačajniji zadatak STEP-a je inicijacija projektnih prijava koja je znatno porasla s uspostavom STEP-a, ali i sa učestvovanjem TTF-a u sustavu TEPPIES., Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF) University of Zagreb has realized the significance of early involvement of its employees into the EU projects and by establishing Service for Textile European Projects (STEP) has made a significant step towards coordination of this activity. Main objective of STEP is giving support to TTF’s employees, as well as to partners from industry, for preparation of international project proposals, education of EU project managers and inclusion of Croatian textile science and industry into the EU processes. This paper presents participation of TTF in the European Technology Platform for the future of textiles and clothes in the framework of projects. The European Apparel and Textile Organisation (EURATEX) has recently established new Textile Project Proposal Information Exchange System (TEPPIES). The most important task of STEP is initiation of project proposals which has increased after the establishment of STEP, so as with the participation in TEPPIES.