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Article
Publication date: 16 October 2023

Nonsikelelo Sheron Mpofu, Josphat Igadwa Mwasiagi, Cleophas Achisa Mecha and Eric Oyondi Nganyi

This study aims to investigate the potential use of potato peel extracts as antibacterial finishes for cotton fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Potato…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential use of potato peel extracts as antibacterial finishes for cotton fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Potato peels are abundant as waste and provide a natural, cheaper and sustainable alternative means of preventing the spread of bacterial infections on cotton fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

This research included the characterization of potato peel extracts, application of the extract onto cotton fabric and efficacy testing of the treated cotton fabric against bacteria. Phytochemical screening, agar well diffusion antibacterial test, minimum inhibitory concentration and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests were used to characterize the extract. Antibacterial efficacy of the treated fabric was determined qualitatively using the disc diffusion assay and quantitatively using the bacteria reduction test.

Findings

Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of several secondary metabolites including phenols and flavonoids. Antibacterial tests revealed a positive response in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 6.50 mm and 5.60 mm, respectively. Additional peaks on the FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of potato peel extract on the treated cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabrics showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli up to 20 washes.

Originality/value

This study introduced the application of potato peel extracts onto cotton fabrics and assessment of the antibacterial properties before and after washing. Results of this study suggest that potato peel extracts can be used as an organic eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2011

A. Hebeish, M.A. Ramadan, M.E. El-Naggar and M.H. El-Rafie

Nano-sized silver particles at a concentration of 1620 ppm were prepared using hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) as a reductant of silver nitrate and a stabilizer for silver…

Abstract

Nano-sized silver particles at a concentration of 1620 ppm were prepared using hydroxypropyl starch (HPS) as a reductant of silver nitrate and a stabilizer for silver nanoparticles. A solution containing 1620 ppm silver nanoparticles was diluted to 50 ppm and 100 ppm. The diluted solution was applied to cotton fabrics in the presence and absence of a binder to impart antibacterial properties to the fabrics. The solution containing 50 ppm silver nanoparticles with 1% binder (Printofix® Binder MTB EG liquid) induces excellent and durable bactericidal activity in cotton fabrics. The finished fabrics were examined for morphological features and surface characteristics by making use of the SEM. The SEM pictures reveal that silver nanoparticles are deposited on the surface of fibrils (fabric fibres).

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 April 2017

M. Janarthanan and M. Senthil Kumar

The healthcare and hygiene textiles are gaining more importance for their eco-friendly and effective antimicrobial properties that have become essential to safeguard human beings…

Abstract

Purpose

The healthcare and hygiene textiles are gaining more importance for their eco-friendly and effective antimicrobial properties that have become essential to safeguard human beings from harmful microorganisms. The fabrics finished with chemical-based antimicrobial agents lead to environmental issues and are harmful to human beings. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The present investigation is to develop a fabric with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties using the extracts of brown algae. Antimicrobial property has been imparted to the cotton fabric using microcapsules of brown seaweed extracts using the pad-dry-cure method. The presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of brown algae extracts was evaluated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging technique, respectively. The total phenolic content of the seaweed extract was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The minimum bactericidal concentration and minimum inhibitory concentration methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity of the bacterial reduction percentage and parallel streak methods were used evaluate the antibacterial activity of seaweed-treated fabrics.

Findings

The methanol fraction of the treated fabric had the highest antioxidant activity (42.5+1.21 per cent), because the higher phenolic content traps the reactive oxygen species and develops the cells present in the skin. The results show that the lower inhibition (250 µg/mL) and bactericidal concentrations (1,000 µg/mL) possess higher antibacterial activity. The results also show that the treated fabric possess higher bacterial reduction of 96 per cent and higher zone of inhibition against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus which was about 35 mm and 40 mm. The air permeability, bending length and the wicking behaviour of the treated fabric were slightly reduced, but it has good bursting strength compared with the untreated fabric.

Originality/value

Such treated fabric is used for making wound dressing, surgical gowns, antibacterial socks and gauze bandage products in healthcare and hygiene textiles.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 29 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Pragnya Kanade and Bharat H. Patel

The main purpose of taking up this work was to see the influence of metallic nanoparticles on various fabric properties. This paper emphasizes on mechanical, aesthetic and…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of taking up this work was to see the influence of metallic nanoparticles on various fabric properties. This paper emphasizes on mechanical, aesthetic and anti-bacterial properties of the polyester, cotton and polyester cotton-blended fabric samples.

Design/methodology/approach

Three fabrics, 100 per cent polyester, 100 per cent cotton and polyester cotton-blended (50:50), were procured from the market. They were subjected to mild washing treatment so that the fabrics could be impregnated with copper (Cu) nanoparticles following standard procedure. The characterization of Cu nano-loaded textiles has been done using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for chemical composition. However in this paper, the focus is on various fabric properties and influence of this treatment on them. Antimicrobial activity was measured as per AATCC 100 quantitative method.

Findings

The structural properties showed changes but not major ones. The impregnation of Cu nanoparticles is nothing but a chemical treatment, and it is not uncommon to find reduction in the mechanical properties of the specimen. Here also, the mechanical properties were studied but did not reveal any significant change. The aesthetic properties for cotton fabrics showed an improvement. Improvement in the anti-bacterial activity was observed for all the fabric samples but the improvement in cotton fabric is worth mentioning. Thus, nano treatment imparts anti-bacterial property without hampering the mechanical properties of the parent textiles.

Research limitations/implications

It is usual to find changes in the various properties of the materials subjected to nano treatment or treatment of any sort. Though the fabric samples were subjected to similar treatment, the quantity of nanoparticles taken up by each of them was different. The reason behind this could be the difference in the crystallinity of the fabric samples. Polyester fabric showed the highest resistance, as it was least affected by the nano treatment given. Cotton fabrics composed of cotton fibers are amorphous in nature, hence showed better take-up and hence were more affected by the said treatment.

Practical implications

Cotton fabrics are the most favored fabric, especially in regions with hot climatic conditions. Even though these fabrics are very sought after, they have a major drawback related to the aesthetic appeal of the fabric. These fabrics have very poor resistance to the crease formation, as well as their ability to recover from the external deformation. But the study conducted on the fabric samples has shown favorable results for the cotton fabric. A significant improvement in their aesthetic and anti-bacterial activity was found. At present, textiles with nano finishing fall in niche market due to its higher cost. But finishing with in-house Cu nanoparticles may open up hygiene textiles for consumers at affordable rates.

Social implications

Cotton is still the most popular natural fiber in most of the tropical and sub-tropical regions. People located in these places have a natural urge to wear fabrics made from cotton fibers. Due to the hot weather, sweating is natural. However, this tends to keep the skin in humid state resulting in various skin problems, as cotton is also prone to bacterial attack. But this work has shown positive results, meaning to say that cotton fabrics show improved resistance to the bacterial activity. Hence, its suitability for hygiene applications may soon become a reality.

Originality/value

It is true that a lot of work is being reported on nano materials and their application to textiles for various reasons. Recently, many reports are available related to finishing of textiles using nanoparticles. However, most of the researchers are using silver nanoparticles for the same. In this work, use of in-house Cu nanoparticles has been done to treat fabric samples, which is more economical than silver nano. Also quantity required to meet desired property with Cu nanoparticles is less than the conventional treatment. This work is a sincere attempt to prepare hygienic common textiles at economical rates using continuous application technique which offers durable efficacy against human pathogenic bacterium.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 21 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2022

Khaled Mostafa, Mohamed Ramadan and Azza El-Sanabary

This study aims to address a comprehensive and integrated investigations pertaining to the preparation of AgNPs with well-defined nano-sized scale using the aforementioned poly…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address a comprehensive and integrated investigations pertaining to the preparation of AgNPs with well-defined nano-sized scale using the aforementioned poly (meth acrylic acid [MAA])–chitosan graft copolymer, which is cheap, nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible agent as a substitute for the traditionally used toxic reducing agents.

Design/methodology/approach

AgNPs are prepared under a range of conditions, containing silver nitrate and poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer concentrations, time, temperature and pH of the preparation medium. To classify AgNPs obtained under the various conditions, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy spectra and transmission electron microscopy images are used for characterization of AgNPs instrumentally in addition to the visual color change throughout the work. The work was further extended to study the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric to see their suitability as antibacterial agent as well as their durability after certain washing cycles.

Findings

According to the current investigation, the optimal conditions for AgNPs formation of nearly 3–15 nm in size are 5 g/l, poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer and 300 ppm AgNO3 in addition to carrying out the reaction at 60°C for 30 min at pH 12. Besides, the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric displayed a substantial reduction in antibacterial efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria estimated even after 10 washing cycles in comparison with untreated one.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ information, no comprehensive study of the synthesis of AgNPs using poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer with a graft yield of 48% has been identified in the literature.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 October 2019

Khaled Mostafa and Azza El-Sanabary

This study aims to explore the incorporation of the authors previously prepared chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) of size around 60-100 nm in the cross-linking formulation of viscose…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the incorporation of the authors previously prepared chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) of size around 60-100 nm in the cross-linking formulation of viscose fabrics to see CNPs impact in terms of imparting multi-functional characteristics such as tensile strength, dry wrinkle recovery angles and antibacterial properties.

Design/methodology/approach

CNPs of size around 60-100 nm were incorporated in cross-linking formulations for viscose fabrics, including different concentrations of glutaraldehyde as a non-formaldehyde cross-linking agent and magnesium chloride hexahydrate as a catalyst. The formulations were applied at different curing times and temperatures in 100 mL distilled water, giving rise to a wet pickup of ca. 85 per cent. The fabrics were dried for 3 min at 85°C and cured at specified temperatures for fixed time intervals in thermo fixing oven according to the traditional pad-dry-cure method.

Findings

The above eco-friendly method for finished viscose fabrics was found to obtain high dry wrinkle recovery angle and maintain the tensile strength of the finished fabric within the acceptable range, as well as antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as a gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively. Both, scanning electron microscope and nitrogen percent on the finished fabric confirm the penetration of CNPs inside the fabric structure. Finally, viscose fabrics pageant antibacterial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria assessed even after 20 washing cycle.

Research limitations/implications

CNPs with its flourishing effect with respect to cationic nature, biodegradability, reactivity, higher surface area and antimicrobial activity; in addition to glutaraldehyde as non-formaldehyde finishing agent can be used as multi-functional agents for viscose fabrics instead of DMDHEU, polyacrylate and monomeric composites as hazardous materials.

Practical implications

CNPs as cationic biopolymers were expected to impart multi-functional properties to viscose fabrics especially with obtaining reasonable dry wrinkle recovery angle and tensile strength in addition to antibacterial properties.

Originality/value

The novelty addressed here is undertaken with a view to impart easy care characteristics and antibacterial activities onto viscose fabrics using CNPs as antimicrobial agent and glutaraldehyde as non-formaldehyde durable press finishes to-replace the traditional formaldehyde-based resins. Besides, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no published work so far using the above cross-linking formulation written above.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 December 2020

Kh M. Mostafa and A.A. El-Sanabary

This study aims to use multi-functional viscose fabric that was facilely developed with with respect to ease and care characteristics, reinforcement effect and antibacterial

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to use multi-functional viscose fabric that was facilely developed with with respect to ease and care characteristics, reinforcement effect and antibacterial activity by using novel echo friendly antibacterial finish based on citric acid/sodium hypophosphite and the authors’ previously tailor-made poly meth acrylic acid (MAA)-chitosan graft copolymer via alternative microwave curing approach instead of traditional high-temperature cure one.

Design/methodology/approach

Viscose fabric was paddled twice in the cross-linking formulations containing different concentrations of citric acid, poly (MAA)-chitosan graft copolymer and sodium hypophosphite to 90 % wet pick up and dried at 100°C for 3 min in an electric oven. Then, the treated fabrics were placed on the disk spinner of the microwave oven and cured at different power (100–800 Watt) for various durations (60–180 s). The fabric was then water-rinsed and dried at ambient condition before use.

Findings

Results revealed that the above echo friendly method for finished viscose fabrics was found to achieve relatively high dry wrinkle recovery angle and maintain the loss in tensile strength within the acceptable range, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as a gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, respectively; in addition to durability up to ten washing cycles. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope images, nitrogen content and add on % of the finished fabric confirmed the penetration of grafted chitosan inside the fabric structure. The tentative mechanism for these reactions is advocated.

Originality/value

The novelty addressed here is undertaken with the advantages of using citric acid as a nonformaldehyde, safe and cheap poly carboxylic acid as a crosslinking agent and sodium hypophosphite as a potential catalyst, in addition to the authors’ noncitable multifunctional echo friendly tailor-made poly (MAA)-chitosan graft copolymer for imparting reinforcement and antibacterial characteristics to viscose fabric that uses the pad-dry/cure microwave fixation for progressively persuaded heat within the fabric during curing.

Research limitations/implications

This was done to see the impact of microwave as green and efficient tool with respect to reduction in organic solvents, chemicals and exposer time as well as fixation temperature on the finishing reaction in comparison with traditional pad-dry-cure method.

Practical implications

Poly (MAA)-chitosan graft copolymer as amphoteric biopolymer was expected to impart multifunctional properties to viscose fabrics especially with comparable dry wrinkle recovery angle and minimize the loss in tensile strength in addition to antibacterial properties in comparison with untreated one.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 50 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2019

Jia Xu, Jing Yu Zhang, Jiahan Xu, Yuqi Chang, Feilong Shi, Zhanzhu Zhang and Huanxia Zhang

One of the intensively developed in recent years new materials are hybrid textiles modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT). In this paper, CNTs was modified by grafting dimethyl…

Abstract

Purpose

One of the intensively developed in recent years new materials are hybrid textiles modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT). In this paper, CNTs was modified by grafting dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine. It was applied to the cotton to obtain the flame-retardant, water-repellent, ultraviolet-resistant and conductive multifunctional fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The modified CNTs were loaded onto cotton fabric by impregnation and drying. The CNTs-multi was synthesized by grafted dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chain and applied to the cotton by dipping-drying method. The surface chemistry of functionalized CNTs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The combustion properties were evaluated using a microscale combustion calorimeter, match test and TGA analysis. Surface hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of fabric surface was characterized by static contact angle, and the UV resistance of the fabric was represented by the UPF value.

Findings

Dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chain were grafted on the surface of CNTs successively. The quantity of each component on the surface of CNTs was calculated according to XPS results. According to miniature combustion calorimeter data, both the value of maximum heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of CNTs -multi/cotton was about 65% lower than that of untreated cotton fabric. The residue after combustion of CNTs -multi/ cotton in the match test was more compact. The electrical conductivity of multi/ cotton is 225.6 kΩ/□, which is better than that of untreated cotton fabric. The UPF value of CNTs-multi/cotton reached 121, which was indicated that the anti-ultraviolet performance of CNTs-multi was greatly improved.

Research limitations/implications

Modifying method to increase the functional component amuount on the CNTs surface still need to be explored, which could increase the hydrophobicity. How to further improve the functional effect and the general synthetic steps will be of great significance to the preparation of multifunctional modified cotton fabric.

Practical implications

This modifying method can be used in any of multifunctional textile preparation process. The UV-resistant and flame retardant cotton fabric was revealed as a sample for use in outdoor sports such as clothes and tents.

Originality/value

To meet the needs of multifunctional cotton fabric, the modification of CNTs with dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine has not been reported. The modified fabric has flame-retardant, UV-resistant conductive and conductive properties.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2019

Jia Xu, Jingyu Zhang, Jiahan Xu, Guangyuan Miao, Long Feng, Zhanzhu Zhang and Huanxia Zhang

Nanotechnology has been able to bind to a wide range of functional textiles in recently. This paper aims to modify graphene oxide (GO) by grafting dimethyl phosphite and…

Abstract

Purpose

Nanotechnology has been able to bind to a wide range of functional textiles in recently. This paper aims to modify graphene oxide (GO) by grafting dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine. It was applied to cotton to obtain a flame-retardant, water-repellent and ultraviolet-resistant multifunctional fabric.

Design/methodology/approach

The GO-multi was synthesized by grafted dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chain and applied to cotton by the dipping-drying method. The surface chemistry of functionalized GO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the fabric was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The combustion properties were evaluated using a microscale combustion calorimeter, match test and TGA. Hydrophobicity of film and fabric surface was characterized by static contact angle, and the UV resistance of the fabric was represented by the ultroviolet procetion factor (UPF) value.

Findings

Dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chains were grafted on the surface of GO successively. In the match test, the GO-multi/cotton kept the original outline of the fabric. According to the micro-scale combustion calorimetry (MCC) data, the value of PHRR and THR of GO-multi/cotton was about 45 per cent lower than that of untreated cotton fabric. It was found from the field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pictures that the residue of GO-multi/ cotton burned by the match method was more compact and the graphene lamellar structure remained more complete. The hydrophobic effect of GO-multi/cotton was improved compared to untreated cotton, but not better than the fabric treated by the perfluorohexyl chain-grafted GO. The UPF value of GO-multi/cotton reached 253, which indicated that the anti-ultraviolet performance of GO-multi was greatly improved after it was deposited on the cotton fabric.

Research limitations/implications

Although the hydrophobic effect was much higher than that of untreated cotton fabric, its hydrophobic effect was not satisfied, which may be due to the fact that the content of F element content was low. So, it is still needed to explore the modifying method to increase the functional component amount on the GO nanosheet.

Practical implications

This modifying method can be used in any of multifunctional textile preparation process. The hydrophobic and flame-retardant cotton fabric revealed a sample for use in outdoor sports such as clothes and tents.

Originality/value

To meet the needs of multifunctional cotton fabrics, the modification of GO with dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine has not been reported. The modified fabric has flame-retardant, UV-resistant and hydrophobic properties.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2017

Siamak Nazemi, Ramin Khajavi, Hamidreza Rabie Far, Mohammad Esmail Yazdanshenas and Manouchehr Raad

During 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps had a record-breaking performance. One contributing factor to his success was the full-body swimsuit he was wearing. Cases like these were the…

Abstract

Purpose

During 2008 Olympics, Michael Phelps had a record-breaking performance. One contributing factor to his success was the full-body swimsuit he was wearing. Cases like these were the reason for the initiation of study and research for improvement in the new generation of sport gears. The purpose of this paper is to show that drag force plays a significant role in swimmers’ speed through the water; thus, using swimsuit with minimized drag force becomes imperative for Olympians like Michael Phelps.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper shows a comparative evaluation of hydrodynamics of three PET fabrics with different finishings that have hydrophobic behavior over a range of Reynolds number 1.0218×103 and 1.365×103 in the air medium at 20°C ambient temperature, and Reynolds number ranging from 15.68856×103 to 20.958×103 in the water medium at 20°C ambient temperature under stable stretch conditions.

Findings

The results show that hydrophobic finishing reduces the drag force by 1.5 percent at the angles of attack of 0 and 90 degrees.

Originality/value

If all the factors are considered to be stable for the swimmer, the drag force reduces by 1.5 percent, thereby increasing the speed of swimmer by 1.22 percent, which means that the record of the swimmer improves by 0.819 seconds.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

1 – 10 of 213