Volume 15, Issue 2

Preparation of electroconductive fine fibres containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by melt spinning was the main goal of the present study. In this regard, the influence of the main operating parameters such as type of polymer used (polyester, polypropylene and polyamide), type and concentration of the CNTs on conductivity, and mechanical and thermal properties of the melt spun fibres was studied. The conductivity of melt spun fibres was measured based on the method developed by Morton and Hearl. The morphologies of the CNTs–polymer composite fibres were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal behaviours and mechanical properties of the CNTs–polymer composite fibres were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and tearing tester, respectively. The results reveal that using CNTs had tangible effect on electrical, thermal and mechanical properties of the melt spun fibres. Also, polyamide had a better dispersion of CNTs and correspondingly lower surface resistivity.

Colour is one of the most important properties of cotton raw materials. It helps in determining and classifying the quality of fibres according to the Universal Cotton Standards. Organoleptic and instrumental techniques are applied to assess the color of cotton. Worldwide, the colour parameters of cotton are measured by the High Volume Instrument (HVI), which provides information on reflectance (Rd) and yellowness (+b) that is specific for cotton, but are not the typical and globally recognized colour characteristics. Usually, worldwide, the colour of textile products and other goods is assessed utilizing the spectrophotometer, which provides the colour data that is widely recognized and accepted by the CIE L*a*b* colour space. This paper discusses utilizing the DigiEye system to measure the colour parameters of cotton samples and compares the results with the colour parameters from the HVI.

The portable and wearable instrumented fabrics capable of measuring biothermal variable is essential for drivers, especially long-distance drivers. Here we report on portable and wearable devices that are able to read the temperature of human body within the woven fabric. The sensory function of the fabric is achieved by temperature sensors, soldered on conductive threads coated with cotton. The presence of stainless steel wires gives these materials conductive properties, enabling the detection of human body temperature and transmitting the signal form sensors to the motors on the fabric. When body temperature decreases, hardware/software platforms send a signal to the vibration motors in order to stimulate the driver. The ‘smart woven fabric’-sensing architecture can be divided into two parts: a textile platform, where portable and wearable devices acquire thermal signals, and hardware/software platforms, to which a sensor sends the acquired data, which send the signals to the vibration motors.

This study evaluates the wrinkle behaviour and wrinkle resistant properties of cotton fabrics dyed by Direct Blue 2B in the presence and absence of nano-TiO 2 particles. A finishing process on samples was performed before dyeing by means of 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and sodium hypophosphite (SHP) using a pad dry cure method. Such experiments as wrinkle recovery test (AATCC-128), water drop test and dye fastness determination (ISO 105-C01) were conducted to understand how current treatment impacted the cotton fabrics’ properties. Finally, samples were characterised using the X-ray diffractometery method to scrutinise how crystallinity changes and dominates the structural parameter (wrinkle behaviour) of cotton fabrics. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualise the surface variations of the samples before and after dyeing process. The results showed that the wrinkle resistant of cross-linked fabrics have been improved after direct dyeing. Furthermore, levelness dyeing and good fastness properties of dyes on cross-linked fabrics were observed.

Flex fatigue behaviour of plastic optical fibres (POFs) with the diameters of 0.2 and 0.3 mm under different pretensions is measured with fatigue life curve by flexometer. The fatigue sensitivity coefficient is calculated by the linear fitting curve of normalised stress versus logarithm of bending cycles. The residual modulus is investigated during the flex fatigue processes. The results exhibit the exponential relationship between applied pretension and numbers of bending cycles at break. It is indicated that the flex fatigue of POFs might be sensitive with high swing angle or swing speed. There is an evident loss of modulus for two POFs with pretensions of 4 and 10% of ultimate tensile strength during 10-times bending cycles. The values of residual modulus of two POFs almost keep constant after 10-times bending cycles.

This paper focuses on the assessment of whiteness indices (WI) changes that occurred in white polyester fabrics according to different fabric layers. Yellowness indices (YI) were also assessed with the WI of fabric samples. White polyester fabrics having different constructional parameters were used, the results showed that WI of polyester fabrics increased up to a certain layer of fabric depending on constructional parameters and compactness of fabric. After a certain layer, WI of fabrics remained almost constant or steeply decreased. YI changed in good relation with whiteness changes. The results showed that the suitable number of fabric layer could be determined for WI measurements according to the compactness and to the structural parameters of the fabric samples. The suitable choice of the fabric layers for whiteness measurement depended on fabric constructional properties and could be made by considering the certain layer number, which could be obtained at the point of the maximum value of whiteness.

The aim of the study was to determine the rheological properties of solutions of two types of sodium alginate in water. Rheological studies were carried out to determine the rheological properties of the spinning solutions. Polymer solutions of different concentrations were obtained. Based on the preliminary research of the concentrations of solutions, the proper n and k parameters were selected in order to obtain fibre by wet spinning from solution method. For selected concentrations of polymer solutions, the calcium alginate fibres were obtained.

In this paper, the mechanical properties (compression and impact behaviours) of three-dimension structure (3D-structure) composites based on warp-knitted spacer fabrics have been thoroughly investigated. In order to discuss the effect of fabric structural parameters on the mechanical performance of composites, six different types of warp-knitted spacer fabrics having different structural parameters (such as outer layer structure, diameter of spacer yarn, spacer yarn inclination angle and thickness) were involved for comparison study. The 3D-structure composites were fabricated based on a flexible polyurethane foam. The produced composites were characterised for compression and impact properties. The findings obtained indicate that the fabric structural parameters have strong influence on the compression and impact responses of 3D-structure composites. Additionally, the impact test carried out on the 3D-structure composites shows that the impact loads do not affect the integrity of composite structure. All the results reveal that the product exhibits promising mechanical performance and its service life can be sustained.

This paper analyzes the relationship between technological parameters of spinning of 100% CV Vortex yarns of different counts and its selected geometrical parameters (a lead of helix of wrapping fibre ribbon, yarn diameter) as well as yarn properties. The number of twist of wrapping fibre layer is determined. The effect of the yarn delivery speed, hollow spindle diameter, and the main draft on the hairiness, mass irregularity, tenacity, elongation, resistance to abrasion and bending rigidity of Vortex yarn is observed. The yarn properties are compared with the properties of open-end rotor spun yarns. Slivers of the same spinning lot were used for the production of both kinds of yarn. The results showed that the delivery speed in combination with spindle diameter affects yarn diameter, hairiness and abrasion resistance. Mass irregularity and imperfections of yarn is mainly affected by the main draft of drafting unit. Technological parameters of spinning do not affect the level of bending rigidity of the Vortex yarn. Tested rotor spun yarns had a larger diameter, higher hairiness, lower tenacity and higher elongation, lower mass irregularity and number of imperfections, higher abrasion resistance and lower bending rigidity compared to tested Vortex spun yarns.

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) have become very serious in a variety of different electronic equipments, such as personal computers (frequency at several GHz), mobile devices (0.9 – 2.4 GHz) and similar. This imposes the need for setting boundaries for EM emission of electric and electronic devices in order to minimize the possibility of interference with radio and wireless communications. Functional textiles can offer protective properties against EM radiation. The aim of this study is to investigate the degree of protection against EM radiation provided by polyamide copper-coated interlining fabric before and after dry cleaning treatment. EM protection efficiency of the interlining functional fabric is explored on both sides at the frequencies of 0.9; 1.8; 2.1 and 2.4 GHz. The results obtained have shown that the interlining fabric has good protective properties against EM radiation, but after dry cleaning, treatment reduction is observed. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of the interlining surface confirms shield effect decline due to degradation and firing of the copper layers during the process of dry cleaning.

This paper introduces a 3D woven fabric-based approach for the development of pressure switch. A fabric substrate, being elastic and extendable is very useful in addition to its high breaking strength and low cost. The developed resistive-type switch is based on the multilayer interlock 3D fabrics. In the top and bottom layers, certain number of conductive yarns are woven separated by cotton yarns in both transversal and thickness direction. Application of pressure makes the layers of conductive yarn to come in contact, resulting in a short circuit, which may be recorded using multi-meters. Removing the pressure cause the connection points to separate away and it depends on the weave design. Such switch can be used as an on/off switch for usage in security systems, can be sewn into carpets and wearable garments for a number of purposes.