Modelling the properties of one‐step pigment‐dyed and finished polyester/cotton fabrics using response surface methodology

Dyeing of polyester/cotton blended fabrics with two different classes of dyes for polyester and cotton is a lengthy and expensive procedure owing to different fibre contents that need different auxiliaries, pH, and temperature conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate and model the properties of a combined pigment dyeing and hand‐building finishing system for polyester/cotton blended fabrics. The one‐step process was investigated using response surface methodology, taking concentrations of pigment, softener, and hand‐building finish as experimental variables. It was found that increase in hand‐building finish helps to improve colour fastness at higher pigment concentrations but results in deterioration in fabric tear strength. However, the decrease in tear strength can be minimised by increasing the softener concentration. For a 15 g l^?1 pigment concentration, optimum fabric tear strength, crease recovery angle, bending length, and dry and wet rubbing fastness properties were obtained using 60 g l^?1 of softener and 65 g l^?1 of hand‐building finish. The prediction equations developed in this study can be used to determine the required amounts of softener and hand‐building finish to achieve commercially acceptable results at different pigment concentrations.     

Agent distribution and water remaining of polyester nonwoven fabrics after‐treated with polyurethane–citric acid

Polyester nonwoven fabric samples were used to treat with aqueous solutions of water‐soluble polyurethane (PU) containing the foaming agent, citric acid, or the mixtures of foaming agent and citric acid to examine the water remaining and the degradation of PU under the simulative condition of under ground. The results reveal that the viscosity of PU solutions could affect the values of pickup and add‐on. The water remaining values for PU containing citric acid are higher than those for PU containing the foaming agent and PU containing the foaming agent and citric acid. The pore structures, nonwoven construction, and the pores caused by the aggregation of PU within/on the treated nonwoven fabrics can affect the water remaining. From the observation of SEM and the comparison of FTIR, the degradation of water‐soluble PU resin is proved, which could form the rough porous surface of PU resin on the fiber surface as a factor improving the water remaining. The value of water remaining for PU containing citric after 60 weeks' treatment is significantly higher than the pristine nonwoven fabric (control). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 47–56, 2006     

Comfort and reflectance properties of viscose/polyester blend fabric printed by vat/disperse dyes in visible/near-infrared region

In this study, a viscose/polyester fabric was printed by disperse and vat dyes to match the reflectance characteristics of the NATO black and green hues with forest environment in the visible/near-infrared (Vis-NIR) reflection spectrum. The black and activated carbon nanoparticles were also added to the printing paste to match the reflectance of hues. Color components and Vis-NIR reflective behavior of printed fabrics were measured by reflection spectrophotometer. The rubbing, washing and light fastness, water absorption time, air permeability, bending length, and crease recovery angle of printed fabrics were also studied. Additionally, the strength properties of samples were measured. The reflectance behavior of the samples showed that the use of the black and activated carbon nanoparticles results in diminution of the Vis-NIR reflection. The strength, air permeability, and bending length of printed fabrics have decreased, while the angle of crease recovery and the time of water droplet absorption have increased. The rubbing, washing, and light stabilities of printed samples were also measured as appropriate.     

Synthesis of polymeric electrospun nanofibers for application in waterproof‐breathable fabrics

This study focuses waterproof‐breathable fabric development by applying electrospun web of polyurethane (PU), PAN, and PES directly onto the substrate fabric. Advantages of textile fabrics of elastomeric nanofibrous membranes over gortex specimen are the mass production feasibility, high elastomeric properties, more body comfort parameters, and fabric production without holes and needle traces formation. In this work, we identified the PU nanofibrous membrane as the best and useful web for application in waterproof‐breathable fabrics. Air permeability, water vapor transport rate, and resistance to water penetration average value for the prepared PU fibers web (sample of S1) were about 10 ml/s, 430 g/m²/24 h, 15 cm H₂O. To improve waterproof‐breathable characteristics of the membrane, the effects of electrospinning parameters on the fibers morphology and waterproof‐breathable characteristics were investigated. PU concentration of 12% (w/w) and electrospinning voltage of 12 kV were identified as optimal conditions to reach uniform and fine PU nanofibers formation without any beads. Air permeability, water vapor transport rate, and resistance to water penetration average value for the final sample were recorded as about 2.5 ml/s, 840 g/m²/24 h, and 44 cm H₂O, correspondingly. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 56:143–149, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effect of additives on durable‐press cotton fabrics treated with a glyoxal/glycol mixture

Cotton fabrics were treated with a glyoxal/glycol mixture for a nonformaldehyde durable‐press finish by a pad–dry–cure method. Aluminum sulfate was used as a catalyst. The effects of additives such as sodium hydrogen sulfate, polyurethane, and a silicone softener were examined. Sodium hydrogen sulfate improved the whiteness and strength retention of the treated fabrics. The degree of whiteness of the treated fabrics was similar to that of fabrics treated with 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid. Polyurethane improved the wrinkle recovery angle and tearing strength retention of the treated fabrics significantly but impaired the whiteness. The softening agent increased the retention of the tearing strength and abrasion resistance significantly. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 975–978, 2005     

混纺比对毛涤混纺织物性能的影响分析

毛涤混纺织物挺括、耐磨、抗皱、保型,但涤纶含量过多织物会显硬板、不丰满、容易起毛起球等。为了分析毛涤混纺比对织物性能的影响,测试了四种不同混纺比的毛涤混纺织物的悬垂性、抗折皱回复性、抗起毛起球性等。结果显示:在不影响织物外观性能和舒适感的条件下,随着涤纶含量的增加,毛涤混纺织物的耐磨性增强,抗折皱回复性能变好,但同时也会在一定程度上造成织物的起毛起球现象加重,悬垂性变差。     

Eco‐friendly durable press finishing of cellulose‐containing fabrics

To impart easy‐care properties to cellulose‐containing fabrics along with avoiding any harmful effects of formaldehyde on both the health and the environment, attempts have been made to use citric acid (CA) as an ester crosslinking agent along with different catalytic systems in the absence and presence of certain additives. Further, fixation conditions, type of crosslinking agent, as well as type of substrate have been studied. Results revealed that the enhancement in carboxyl content, performance properties, and the decrease in tear strength (TS) as well as in whiteness indices (WI) of the finished fabric samples were increased by increasing CA concentration up to 80 g/L and by raising thermofixation temperature from 140 up to 180°C for 90 s. Inclusion of triethanolamine hydrochloride (TEA. HCl), decreased the carboxyl content, TS, color strength K/S, as well as oily stain release rating (SRR) of the finished fabric samples along with an increase in bound nitrogen (%N), wrinkle recovery angle WRA, and an improvement in WI without affecting the durable press rating (DP). Within the range examined (0–30 g/L), increasing PEG‐600 concentration improved the wet resiliency, TS, as well as WI properties of the finished samples. Increasing DMDHEU ratio in the CA/DMDHEU crosslinking system gave rise to an increase in %N, WRA (dry and wet), DP, as well as in free CH₂O of finished fabrics, along with a slight improvement in WI values. On the other hand, the TS, carboxyl content, K/S, SRR values of the finished fabric samples were lower at a higher DMDHEU ratio. Increase in carboxyl content, %N, WRA (dry and wet), DP and SRR, as well as extent of post dyeing (K/S) of the treated fabric samples upon using different ester crosslinking agents followed the descending order: citric acid > pyromellitic dianhydride. The opposite holds true for the TS, and WI values. Among the esterifying catalysts used, and for a given set of finishing conditions, NaH₂PO₂ · H₂O proved to be the most effective one, and the following order of effectiveness may be drawn: NaH₂PO₂ · H₂O > K₂HPO₄ > Na₃–citrate > Na₂–tartrate. Inclusion of silicone softener in the finishing formulation brought about an improvement in softeness degree, WRA, %N, DP, TS as well as K/S values along with a decrease in carboxyl content, SRR, and WI values of the treated fabric samples, regardless of the used silicone softener.The performance properties of the finished fabric samples were determined by the type and nature of the substrate. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2243–2253, 2002     

Physical properties of crosslinked cellulose catalyzed with nano titanium dioxide

Four different carboxylic acids, 1,2,3,4‐butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA), maleic acid (MA), succinic acid (SUA), and citric acid (CA), were used as crosslinking agents to treat cotton fabrics in the presence of nanometer titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as a catalyst under UV irradiation. The dry crease recovery angle (DCRA) and wet crease recovery angle (WCRA) values of the treated fabrics were ranked BTCA > MA > CA > SUA and the tensile strength retention (TSR) values were ranked BTCA < MA < CA < SUA at a given resin concentration, catalyst concentration, and irradiation time period. The physical properties of the treated fabrics for nanometer silver/nanometer titanium dioxide (Ag/TiO₂) catalyst showed the same tendency. At a given DCRA, the WCRA values were ranked in the order BTCA ≒ MA > CA ≒ SUA; and at a given value of the TSR, the WCRA and DCRA values were both ranked in the order BTCA > MA > CA > SUA. The softness values of the carboxylic acid treated fabrics in the presence of nanometer TiO₂ catalyst were all better than that of the untreated fabric. Surface deposition of the treated fabrics for BTCA, which contains one vinyl double bond and four carboxylic acid groups, was higher than that for CA, which contains no vinyl double bond. IR spectra and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis survey spectra showed the ester bond crosslink between the cellulose molecule and the various acids used in this study. The values of DCRA, WCRA, and add‐on of the CA crosslinked fabrics for the mixed catalysts were in the order ZrO₂/TiO₂ < SiO₂/TiO₂ < Ag/TiO₂. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2450–2456, 2005     

Preparation of cationic polyurethane and its application to acrylic fabrics

The cationic aqueous polyurethane (CAPU) coatings were prepared by reacting isophoron diisocyanate with quaternized diethanolamine (DEA) and poly(ethylene glycol) of two different molecular weights (M_n = 600 and 1000 g/mol; CAPU₆₀₀ and CAPU₁₀₀₀). The quaternization of DEA and the formation of cationic polyurethane were investigated by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The pilling resistance and the antimicrobial property of the coated acrylic fabric were also studied. Obtained results showed that the pilling resistance of the treated fabrics increased with the increase in the concentration of the used CAPU. The acrylic fabrics treated with CAPU₁₀₀₀ shows higher value of pilling resistance, even at lower concentration in comparison with CAPU₆₀₀. The higher the curing temperature is, the higher the pilling resistance, fabric roughness, and yellowness of the treated acrylic fabrics are. The untreated fabric showed no antimicrobial property, while the treated fabrics with CAPU showed superior antimicrobial properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Water vapor permeability and mechanical properties of fabrics coated with shape‐memory polyurethane

Water vapor permeable fabrics were prepared by coating shape‐memory polyurethane (PU), which was synthesized from poly(tetramethylene glycol), 4,4′‐methylene bis(phenylisocyanate), and 1,4‐butanediol, onto polyester woven fabrics. Water vapor permeability and mechanical properties were investigated as a function of PU hard‐segment content or polymer concentration of the coating solution. Water vapor permeability of PU‐coated fabrics decreased dramatically with increased concentration of coating solution, whereas only a slight change was observed with the control of PU hard‐segment content. The coated fabric showed the clear appearance of a nonporous PU surface according to SEM measurements. Attainment of high water permeability in PU‐coated fabrics is considered to arise from the smart permeability characteristics of PU. Mechanical properties of coated fabrics, although there was some variation depending on the concentration of coating solution, were primarily affected by PU hard‐segment content. Fabrics coated with PU hard‐segment content of 40% showed the lowest breaking stress and modulus as well as the highest breaking elongation, which could be interpreted in terms of the dependency of mechanical properties of coated fabrics on PU hard‐segment content and the yarn mobility arising from a difference in penetrating degree of coating solution into the fabric. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 2812–2816, 2004     

Pretreatment of wool/polyester blended fabrics to enhance titanium dioxide nanoparticle adsorption and self‐cleaning properties

This research aims to enhance the self‐cleaning properties of fibre‐blended fabric using surface pretreatment prior to the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. To this end, the polyester/wool fabric was modified, in that the wool fibres were oxidised with potassium permanganate and the polyester fibres were hydrolysed with lipase before nano processing. Butane tetracarboxylic acid was also used to enhance the adsorption of the nanoparticles and also to stabilise them on the fabric surface. The self‐cleaning properties of the fabric were examined through staining of the fabric with CI Basic Blue 9 and then discolouring by exposing to ultraviolet and daylight irradiation. Some other properties of the treated fabrics, such as water drop absorption, crease recovery angle and bending were investigated and are discussed in detail. The colour changes of different samples indicated an appropriate discoloration on the titanium dioxide‐treated fabrics after ultraviolet and daylight irradiation. Overall, the surface pretreatment of the wool and polyester fibres improved the self‐cleaning properties of the fabric significantly.     

Characterization of the draping behavior of jute woven fabrics for applications of natural‐fiber/epoxy composites

In this study, we investigated the draping behavior of jute woven fabric to study the feasibility of using natural fabrics in place of synthetic glass‐fiber fabrics. Draping behavior describes the in‐mold deformation of fabrics, which is vital for the end appearance and performance of polymer composites. The draping coefficient was determined with a common drapemeter for fabrics with densities of 228–765 g/m² and thread counts under different humidity and static dynamic conditions. The results were compared to glass‐fiber fabrics with close areal densities. Characterization of the jute fabrics was carried out to fill the knowledge gap about natural‐fiber fabrics and to ease their modeling. The tensile and bending stiffnesses and the shear coupling were also characterized for a plain woven jute fabric with a tensile machine, Shirley bending tester, and picture frame, respectively. As a case study, the draping and resin‐transfer molding of the jute fabric over a complex asymmetric form was performed to measure the geometrical conformance. The adoption of natural fibers as a substitute for synthetic fibers, where the strength requirements are satisfied, would thus require no special considerations for tool design or common practices. However, the use of natural fibers would lead to weight and cost reductions. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1453–1465, 2013     

Effect of Silicone Nano,Nano/Micro and Nano/Macro‐Emulsion Softeners on Color Yield and Physical Characteristics of Dyed Cotton Fabric

The study of silicone nano‐emulsions and softeners to alter physical properties of undyed cotton fabric has recently gained a substantial interest. However, systematic investigation of silicon nano‐emulsion softeners on dyed cotton fabric has not so far been conducted. This paper deals with the application of silicone nano‐, micro‐, and macro‐emulsion softeners, and combinations of nano/micro and nano/macro, on dyed cotton fabric. We report the effect of silicon nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners on color yield and physical characteristics of dyed cotton fabric. All bleached fabrics were dyed with CI Reactive Black 5 and then treated with known concentrations of silicone softeners by the pad‐dry method. The silicone nano‐emulsion was combined with micro‐ and macro‐emulsion softeners using blending ratios of nano/micro (1:1) and nano/macro (1:1). Treated fabrics were compared in terms of physical properties such as fabric handling, wrinkle recovery angle, bending length, abrasion resistance and tensile strength. The color changes were evaluated by color yield (K/S) values and total color difference (ΔE_cmc). The results revealed that the silicon nano‐emulsion had better physical properties than micro‐, macro‐ and combination nano/micro‐ and nano/macro‐emulsion softeners. Among all treated samples, nano‐emulsion softeners showed better ΔE_cmc values. Scanning electron microscopy analysis suggests that the fiber morphology of treated fabrics was very smooth and uniform.     

Application of resins and crosslinking agents on fiber blend fabric to reduce pilling performance,optimized by response surface methodology

Resins and crosslinking agents have been used on textiles for a long time for various purposes. Fiber blend fabrics have a propensity to pill, thereby giving garments a spoiled surface appearance. The pilling should be reduced or prevented by application of an appropriate finishing method. Surface modification by using different chemicals is the most useful method. Here, various resins and crosslinking agents were used to reduce the pilling of viscose/polyester (35/65) fabric. A viscose/polyester knitted fabric was treated with different blends of aminoplast resins and crosslinking agents in order to obtain a fabric with permanent anti‐pilling performance. The concentrations of the resins were determined with a central composite design, and then different characteristics of the fabrics such as pilling rate, water absorption, air permeability, water vapor transmission, bending, tensile strength, whiteness, and washing durability were examined. The results showed that application of aminoplast resins along with a crosslinking agent helped to reduce pilling. Also, the amounts of different variables were optimized with response surface methodology, and their statistical models were obtained. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Pilling in cellulosic fabrics,Part 2: A study on kinetics of pilling in alkali‐treated lyocell fabrics

As pilling in textiles originates from many factors, the kinetic of pilling formation play an important role in the investigation and approaches of pilling. The single jersey‐knitted lyocell fabrics were treated with different alkaline solution concentrations and submitted to Rapid Pilling Test—a wet‐state Martindale test for cellulosic fabrics performed with increasing abrasion cycles. After each type of cycles, the pilling density was microscopically counted, and then pilling was visually rated. The changes in fiber properties were followed by water retention values (WRV), fibers swelling, fiber wet abrasion resistance (NSF), and fibers tenacity/elongation in wet and in dry states. The kinetics of pill formation—quantified by pills/cm²—occurred in the following steps: pills are promptly formed at first abrasion cycles, reached the pill plateau cycles, and are self‐removed from the fabric surface. The untreated and alkali‐treated lyocell fabrics followed a similar trend of pill formation. However, the pilling propensity is distinct depending on the concentrations. The changes in the swollen state of fiber properties and fiber–fiber friction mainly determined the pill kinetics in lyocell fabrics. The kinetic model aims to figure out the pilling mechanism and the appropriate treatment for pilling resistance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Antibacterial,flame retardant,and physico‐chemical properties of cotton fabric graft copolymerized with a binary mixture of acrylonitrile and 4‐vinylpyridine

Modification of cotton fabric has been carried out through chemically induced graft copolymerization of binary mixture of acrylonitrile (AN) and 4‐vinyl pyridine (4‐VP) using ceric ammonium nitrate, (CAN) as initiator. Maximum percentage of grafting (151.28%) has been obtained at [4‐VP] = 0.376 mol L^?1 and [AN] = 1.221 mol L^?1, [CAN] = 0.0255 mol L^?1 and [HNO₃] = 0.9585 mol L^?1 in 25mL of water at 70°C in 180 min. Post quarternization and phosphorylation reactions of the grey and grafted cotton fabrics have been carried out to study their antibacterial and flame retardant properties respectively. The fabrics have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The physico‐chemical properties such as wettability, moisture regain, crease recovery and tensile strength of the grey and grafted cotton fabric have also been evaluated. The modified fabric has been shown to exhibit excellent antibacterial and flame retarding properties with improved physico‐chemical properties except for the mechanical properties. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40415.     

Optimization of a Fabric Softener Formulation with an Electrochemical Sensor and Streaming Potential Measurements

An electrochemical, cationic, surfactant-selective sensor based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) functionalized with a sulfate group and the cetylpyridinium ion (MWCNT–OSO₃⁻CP⁺) as a sensing material was used for optimization of the formulation of a fabric softener. Potentiometric titrations were performed and response measurements were obtained using four cationic surfactants (CS) of technical grade and four CS of analytical grade. The slope closest to Nernstian was obtained for di-(tallow carboxyethyl) hydroxyethyl methylammonium methosulfate (MAS) (59.5 ± 1.1 mV/decade of activity in water and 57.5 ± 1.3 mV/decade of activity in CaCl₂). When using CS as analytes in potentiometric titrations, the best accuracy (99.8%) was obtained when using MAS; therefore, it was chosen as the CS for the fabric softener formulation. Due to the better properties of fabric softeners with silicone in their formulations, four silicones at several concentration levels were used as potential additives. Based on the stability and viscosity of the system, the diquaternary polydimethylsiloxane (DPS) (w = 0.19%) was chosen for the fabric softener formulation. The pH did not significantly influence the potential when in the range of 3–8 or the recovery of potentiometric titrations when in the range of 3–7. The application profile of the CS was assessed through streaming potential measurements of reference fabrics in an electrokinetic analyzer. The obtained electrokinetic parameters indicated on lag in adsorption of model fabric softener (MFS) based on MAS (w = 9%), with the addition of silicone DPS (MFS 3), on cotton and polyester fabrics, but advantage in stability when compared with other MFS investigated.     

Degree of crosslinking and physical properties of dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea/acrylic acid crosslinked cotton fabrics after treatment with various metallic salts

Three metallic salts were used to posttreat dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU)/acrylic acid (AA) crosslinked cotton fabrics, and the results showed that at a given value of the tensile strength retention (TSR), the dry crease recovery angle (DCRA) and wet crease recovery angle (WCRA) of the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were higher than those of the DMDHEU–AA‐treated fabrics, and those of the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were in the order of Ag⁺ > Cu⁺² > Al⁺³. The DCRA and TSR values for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were higher than those for the DMDHEU–AA‐crosslinked fabrics, and those for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were in the order of Ag⁺ > Cu⁺² > Al⁺³; however, WCRA values for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were lower than those for the DMDHEU–AA‐crosslinked fabrics, and those for the crosslinked and posttreated fabrics were ranked as Ag⁺ > Cu⁺² > Al⁺³ at a given number of crosslinks per anhydroglucose unit. IR spectra clearly revealed the different interactions and bonding states between the hydroxyl group of the cellulose and the various metallic ions and the strength of the interaction. All crosslinked and posttreated fabric samples showed good odor absorption and antibacterial and washing‐fastness properties. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 584–594, 2005     

Predicting the crease recovery performance and tear strength of cotton fabric treated with modified N‐methylol dihydroxyethylene urea and polyethylene softener

This study aimed at developing a model for predicting the crease recovery performance and tear strength of cotton fabric using modified N‐methylol dihydroxyethylene urea, polyethylene softener, catalyst, curing time and curing temperature as the predictor variables. A quarter factorial design was constructed and, based on the experimental results, regression models were built to predict crease recovery angle and tear strength of the treated fabric. All experimental design and statistical analysis steps were implemented, using Minitab statistical software.     

Modification of cellulose fabrics with reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes to improve their shape‐memory performance

Reactive polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (R‐POSS) containing multi‐N‐methylol is a functional and attractive staring monomer for new reinforcement materials. R‐POSS has excellent potential as a nanosized core for starburst dendrimers and highly reactive multi‐N‐methylol. R‐POSS can be used for cellulose fabric finishing to improve its shape‐memory performance. Factors affecting the crosslinking reaction of the cellulose with R‐POSS were investigated. The physical properties and morphological structure of the cellulose fabrics modified with R‐POSS are discussed with respect to the crease recovery angle, the whiteness index, micro‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the crease recovery angle of the fabric modified with R‐POSS obviously increased. With increasing R‐POSS concentration, the crease recovery angle of the modified fabric sharply increased. R‐POSS readily crosslinked to cellulose and improved the elastic recovery of the cellulose fabrics. The surfaces of the cellulose fibers modified with R‐POSS were smooth and full. The inclusion of R‐POSS with dimethylol dihydroxyl ethylene urea to modify the cellulose showed very interesting results. It showed a good combination of an increase of crease recovery angle and a decrease in tensile strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010