Natural functionalisation of a traditional textile “Ehram”

This study is focused on the natural functionalisation of a traditional woven fabric called “Ehram”. Which is a wool based woven fabric constituted from wool yarns that are originally coloured and used in different cities of the Eastern Anatolian Region, Turkey. Because these fabrics were originally coloured (pigmented), the study aimed to functionalise them with minimal colour changes from their original colour. For this aim; lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) which is also a natural source of pleasant odour was used in finishing of Ehram. The colour changes by the application of the lavender on Ehram and the benefits that come out from the use of lavender were then analysed and presented in the study. In this respect, antibacterial activities (against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) of dyed samples were tested within the scope of the study. In addition, colour measurements (K/S and CIE L*a*b* C* and h^o) and FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) microspectroscopy analyses of dyed fabric samples were made and microscope images were taken. It was observed that lavender with a copper-based mordanting agent can present antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli in Ehram.     

Novel feature of nano‐titanium dioxide on textiles: Antifelting and antibacterial wool

In this study, the antifelting and antibacterial features of wool samples treated with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) were evaluated. To examine the antifelting properties of the treated samples, the fabric shrinkage after washing was determined. The antimicrobial activity was assessed through the calculation of bacterial reduction against Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram‐positive) bacteria. TiO₂ was stabilized on the wool fabric surface by means of carboxylic acids, including citric acid (CA) and butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA). Both oxidized samples with potassium permanganate and nonoxidized wool fabrics were used in this study. The relations between both the TiO₂ and carboxylic acid concentrations in the impregnated bath and the antifelting and antibacterial properties are discussed. With increasing concentration in the impregnated bath, the amount of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of the wool increased; subsequently, lower shrinkage and higher antibacterial properties were obtained. The existence of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the surface of the treated samples was proven with scanning electron microscopy images and energy‐dispersive spectrometry. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

A Nonbactericidal Zinc‐Complexing Ligand as a Biofilm Inhibitor: Structure‐Guided Contrasting Effects on Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm

Zinc‐complexing ligands are prospective anti‐biofilm agents because of the pivotal role of zinc in the formation of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm. Accordingly, the potential of a thiosemicarbazone (compound C1) and a benzothiazole‐based ligand (compound C4) in the prevention of S. aureus biofilm formation was assessed. Compound C1 displayed a bimodal activity, hindering biofilm formation only at low concentrations and promoting biofilm growth at higher concentrations. In the case of C4, a dose‐dependent inhibition of S. aureus biofilm growth was observed. Atomic force microscopy analysis suggested that at higher concentrations C1 formed globular aggregates, which perhaps formed a substratum that favored adhesion of cells and biofilm formation. In the case of C4, zinc supplementation experiments validated zinc complexation as a plausible mechanism of inhibition of S. aureus biofilm. Interestingly, C4 was nontoxic to cultured HeLa cells and thus has promise as a therapeutic anti‐biofilm agent. The essential understanding of the structure‐driven implications of zinc‐complexing ligands acquired in this study might assist future screening regimes for identification of potent anti‐biofilm agents.     

Modification of carbon black pigment: Cotton fabric colouring and anti‐bacterial finishing

Functional polymer modified carbon black (CB) pigment (P‐(DMC‐co‐CHPMA)‐g‐MPTS/CB) with reactive epoxy and quaternary ammonium groups was designed and prepared via a thiol‐ene click chemistry reaction, and its dispersion ability in the aqueous phase, as well as its colouring and anti‐bacterial properties for cotton fabrics, were investigated. In considering both dispersion ability and reactive ability to cotton fabric, the mole ratio of the monomers (methacrylatoethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride [DMC] and 3‐chloro‐2‐hydroxypropyl methacrylate [CHPMA]) was discussed. Morphology and chemical properties of P‐(DMC‐co‐CHPMA)‐g‐MPTS/CB were tested by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, resulting in a weight content of copolymer (DMC‐co‐CHPMA) in P‐(DMC‐co‐CHPMA)‐g‐MPTS/CB of ca. 18%. P‐(DMC‐co‐CHPMA)‐g‐MPTS/CB was fixed onto cotton fabric via a nucleophilic‐substituted reaction between reactive epoxy groups on the CB surface and the hydroxyl groups of cotton fabric, which endowed good fastness to cotton fabric without either a fixing or an adhesive agent. Also, coloured cotton fabric demonstrated excellent anti‐bacterial activity towards Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7.     

Xanthoproteic reaction for the evaluation of wool antifelting treatments

The substances responsible for the yellowing of wool treated with nitric acid are two amino acid constituents of the fibre: tryptophan and tyrosine. Nitric acid penetrates the fibres and carries out electrophilic aromatic substitution on the two above‐mentioned amino acid residues, producing different colour yields. The intensity of yellowing depends in various ways on the treatment conditions (time, temperature, nitric acid concentration, agitation, and liquor ratio). Yellowing evaluation shows abnormal yellowing depending on acid concentration in the range 5.6–5.9 m . Working in this region makes it possible to use the chromatic reaction in order to show the damage done to wool fibres by the oxidising agents utilised in normal antifelting treatments. Wool damage by the oxidants is usually evaluated by dyeing methods based on different affinity of damaged fibres. By contrast, the xanthoproteic reaction yields chromogens as a function of the accessibility of tryptophan and tyrosine residues for the action of nitric acid on damaged fibres, and can be used for assessing the degree of antifelting treatment and its possible unevenness through the development on the treated wool of a yellow coloration more intense than on untreated wool.     

The effects of coloured base fabric on electrochromic textile

The colour of electrochromic fabric, and its colour transitions, was explored on the basis of variations in underlying fabric colour. A complete understanding of this phenomenon is essential for the fabric’s use in full‐colour wearable displays or other applications. Previous work in this area utilised only white‐coloured starting materials. Herein, a large colour swathe of fabrics was chosen. They were loaded with the commercially available conducting polymer, PEDOT‐PSS, and were coated with an electrochromic polymer. These all‐organic substrates were then switched between their two coloured states via reversible oxidation and reduction. At every stage, coordinates in the CIE Lu′v′ colour space were measured. It was found that darker colours decrease the overall contrast of the electrochromic, with black being entirely unobservable. More vibrant colours affected the observed colour through a subtractive mixing effect, as expected, but no adverse contrast effects between the two states of the electrochromic system was observed.     

Simultaneous coloration and functional finishing of cotton fabric using Ag/ZnO nanocomposite

In this study, colored cotton fabric with special functions, including self‐cleaning, anti‐bacterial, and ultraviolet (UV) blocking were prepared by applying zinc oxide as a photocatalyst and using silver nanoparticles as both a novel class of colorant for coloration and an agent capable of modifying the zinc oxide nanoparticles. The homogenous distribution of Ag/ZnO nanocomposite on the fibre surface was confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray mapping. X‐ray diffraction patterns showed the presence of the nanocomposite on the treated cotton fabric. The results indicated that adding silver nanoparticles to zinc oxide led to better self‐cleaning properties, even the photocatalytic activity of ZnO had no negative effect on fabric colour. Moreover, this process imparted proper anti‐bacterial properties and UV‐blocking activity to cotton fabrics.     

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.     

Development of antimicrobial membranes via the surface tethering of chitosan

To render the surface of ultrafiltration membranes biocidal, cellulose membranes were modified with chitosan, a naturally occurring polycationic biocide. Through the use of chitosans of different molecular weights and membranes with different pore sizes, the alteration of the morphological structure of tethered chitosan layers was achieved. The importance of such structural differences in the antimicrobial activity of the prepared membranes against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram‐negative Escherichia coli was studied. The antimicrobial efficiency improved with the use of chitosans with higher molecular weights and membranes with smaller pore sizes. This suggested that the surface location of the grafted chitosan chains was more preferential for a higher antimicrobial activity of the surface. Membranes modified with chitosan showed higher antimicrobial efficiency against gram‐positive S. aureus than against gram‐negative E. coli. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

The influence of copper(II) ions on wool photostability in the dry state

It has been hypothesised that the presence of trace metals in wool, notably copper and iron, has an influence on the formation of free radicals under irradiation and thereby affects the photostability of wool and wool products, particularly in the wet state. There has been limited research evaluating the influence of copper ions on wool photodiscoloration. This study examined the relative photodiscoloration of wool bound with varied amounts of copper(II) ions under UVA, UVB and blue light irradiation in the dry state. Total reflectance and visible/near‐infrared absorbance spectra, tryptophan‐type fluorescence (λ_ex = 295 nm, λ_em = 340 nm) and photoinduced chemiluminescence emissions of natural wool and copper(II)‐treated wool were characterised and contrasted. CIELAB colour space, D1925 yellowness and CIE whiteness values measured from irradiated wool samples indicate that wool treated with copper(II) solution at a higher concentration yellowed faster and experienced greater overall colour changes under UVA and UVB irradiation, whereas copper(II)‐treated wool seemed to be more photostable than untreated natural wool under blue light irradiation. It was also observed that binding copper ions to wool resulted in decreased tryptophan‐type fluorescence and photoinduced chemiluminescence emissions relative to untreated natural wool.     

Synthesis and application to cellulose of reactive dye precursor of anti‐bacterial N‐halamine

To achieve textile dyeing and functional finishing in one process, a bleach‐resistant reactive dye precursor to anti‐bacterial N‐halamine was synthesised by reacting a type of dichlorotriazine reactive dye with 4‐amino‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine. The synthesised compound, which can be transformed to an N‐halamine molecule by exposure to dilute bleach solution, was used to dye cotton fabrics. After exposure to a dilute sodium hypochlorite solution, dyed cotton fabrics showed excellent anti‐bacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli O157:H7, facilitating a ca. 6‐log reduction in bacteria within a short period of contact. Compared with the dichlorotriazine reactive dye, the reactive dye precursor demonstrated comparable dyeing properties including exhaustion and fixation values. No differences in rub fastness, wash fastness or bleach fastness were detected between fabrics dyed with, respectively, dichlorotriazine reactive dye and the reactive dye precursor to N‐halamine.     

Eco-friendly approach on wool pretreatment and effect on the wool structure and dyeability

This research investigated the effect of various proteolytic enzymatic pretreatment on morphological and chemical features and the dyeability properties of wool fibres. Scoured merino wool fibres are treated with protease, papain, trypsin, and pepsin in specified conditions. Each enzyme activity measurement was provided by appropriate methods such as Bradford, BAPNA (N-benzoyl-1-arginine-p-nitroanilide), and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin). Enzymatic processes were carried out for 24 h in the incubator set at 40°C, 100 rpm, and specified pH with 1 mg/ml enzyme concentration. Whiteness index (Stensby) and yellowness index (ASTM D 1925) were examined after enzymatic pretreatment. Pepsin and trypsin-treated wool fibres showed the highest whiteness index as 61.3 and 61.1, respectively whilst untreated wool fibres had 52.2. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed the increase in the intensity of amide-related bands and hydroxyl bands after enzymatic treatment. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs manifested the cuticle layer is partially removed in enzyme-treated fibres. Elemental identification was provided by SEM–energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). It appears that the sulphur bonds decreased after the treatment and the pepsin-treated fibres have fewer bonds of all. To examine the damage to the structure, photomicrographs were taken using fluorescence and light microscopes. The alkali solubility test (ASTM D1283) was also conducted to compare different enzyme types. Wool fibres were dyed in 2.0% concentration with reactive dyestuff. Dyeability and colorimetric features of fibres were measured by a spectrophotometer. The washing fastness test showed that all the samples have good results and the colour change after washing was better in enzyme-treated samples (grade 5) compared to untreated wool fibres (grade 4–5).     

Enhanced mechanical properties and bactericidal activity of polypropylene nanocomposite with dual‐function silica–silver core‐shell nanoparticles

Dual‐function silica–silver core‐shell (SiO₂@Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) with the core diameter of 17 ± 2 nm and the shell thickness of about 1.5 nm were produced using a green chemistry. The SiO₂@Ag NPs were tested in vitro against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli), both of which are human pathogens. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the SiO₂@Ag NPs based on Ag content are 4 and 10 μg mL^?1 against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. These values are similar to those of Ag NPs. SiO₂@Ag NPs were for the first time incorporated to a commodity polypropylene (PP) polymer. This yielded an advanced multifunctional polymer using current compounding technologies i.e., melt blending by twin‐screw extruder and solvent (toluene) blending. The composite containing 5 wt % SiO₂@Ag NPs (0.05 wt % Ag) exhibited efficient bactericidal activity with over 99.99% reduction in bacterial cell viability and significantly improved the flexural modulus of the PP. Anodic stripping voltammetry, used to investigate the antibacterial mechanism of the composite, indicated that a bactericidal Ag⁺ agent was released from the composite in an aqueous environment. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

A novel strategy to improve the dyeing properties in laccase-mediated coloration of wool fabric

Enzymatic coloration of fabrics has received worldwide attention in recent years. In order to improve the dyeing properties of enzymatically coloured fabrics, a novel strategy using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC), a biological coupling agent, to pretreat wool fabric was employed in this paper. Enzymatic coloration of wool fabrics with syringic acid was carried out in the presence of laccase from Trametes versicolor. The effect of different periods on laccase-catalysed polymerisation of syringic acid was examined by UV-vis spectroscopy. Enzymatic coloration results of dyed wool fabrics were evaluated by means of K/S value and colour difference (∆E*). Process parameters, including the dosages of syringic acid and incubation time, that influenced the colour depth were studied. Meanwhile, the colour fastness and levelness of dyed wool fabrics were tested. The results showed that the UV-vis absorbance of reaction solution increased as oxidation time elapsed, and a new peak appeared at 360 nm. After pretreatment, the K/S values and colour difference values of wool fabrics dyed with poly(syringic acid) improved appreciably compared with the control samples without any pretreatment. Moreover, pretreated wool fabrics showed better dyeing fastness and levelness than control samples.     

Assessment of the dyeing properties of pigments from five fungi and anti‐bacterial activity of dyed cotton fabric and leather

The present study was aimed to assess the anti‐bacterial activity and dyeing property of the pigments obtained from five fungal species. Cotton fabric and leather samples were dyed with the purified pigments and their anti‐bacterial activity was assayed under in‐vitro conditions. Post‐mordant cotton fabric and leather samples exhibited maximum bacterial reduction when compared with the pre‐mordant and dyed samples. Pigment exhaustion, colour coordinates and fastness properties of the dyed cotton fabric and leather samples were also assessed. The toxicity of the pigments was evaluated by seed germination assay.     

Natural dyeing and antibacterial activity of atmospheric‐plasma‐treated nylon 6 fabric

Atmospheric plasma treatment as an environmentally friendly method was employed to modify the surface properties and improve the absorption of natural cationic dye on to nylon 6 fabric. Nylon fabric was treated in atmospheric air plasma, and the surface characteristics of the fabric were evaluated using attenuated total reflection Fourier Transform‐infrared analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and a wicking test. The effects of plasma treatment and mordanting with copper sulfate on the dye uptake of the samples were investigated. Plasma‐treated and mordanted samples showed the highest colour strength when dyed. The antibacterial activity of samples was evaluated according to AATCC test method 100‐2004. Premordanting with copper sulfate showed a synergistic effect on the antibacterial properties of the dyed fabric. The plasma‐treated and copper‐sulfate‐mordanted sample showed acceptable antibacterial activity against both gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacteria when dyed with an extract from Berberis vulgaris, berberine.     

Publication Sponsored by the Society's Fastness Tests Co-ordinating Committee-51 Colour Fastness to Shampooing of Textile Floor Coverings

For over fifteen years the UK carpet industry has used a test method for controlling the colour fastness to shampooing of carpets. The carpet manufacturers, in conjunction with dye makers, originally developed the test for wool carpets of the Axminster type, in which deep colours lay side by side with ecru or pale colours. Later the procedure was extended to wool I nylon mixtures. In many cases at the end of the dyeing stage, the yarn is left in an acid condition, and to predict the effect of repeated shampooing the test solution is buffered in order to show what would happen as the carpet approaches a neutral pH condition. Throughout the use of this test, the laboratory procedure has been compared with domestic and contract shampooing. The following paper clearly shows this relationship and suggests that perhaps the title of the test method is misleading, since the major effect on the dyed carpets tested is due to the retention of the shampoo liquor and not to the method of shampooing.     

“In Situ” Enzymatically Prepared Polymers for Wool Coloration

Phenolic compounds such as hydroquinone, catechol and ferulic acid can polymerise and therefore develop deep colours when treated with peroxidase and laccase enzymes. We have attempted to apply this phenomenon for wool dyeing. Wool was padded with phenolic compounds and deep colours were developed by enzymatic treatment in buffer solutions. Mordant with chromium compounds or heating under the condition of acid catalysis was available for fixation of these coloured compounds on the wool fibres.     

Simultaneous antimicrobial and dyeing of wool: A facial method

This study is carried out to examine the effects of simultaneous dyeing and antimicrobial finishing of wool yarns. Wool yarns were dyed with acid dye along with colloidal silver nanoparticles through the exhaustion method in a one‐bath. Different concentrations of nanosilver were examined to evaluate its influences on the color and the antibacterial properties of the yarns. The antibacterial property of the sample has been tested by a Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a Gram‐positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Also, the tenacity of wool yarns, color, and rubbing fastness of the dyed yarns has been measured. The color fastness against washing and antibacterial property of the dyed yarns after 10 laundering cycles was also considered. The fiber morphology was studied by SEM pattern, EDX, and X‐ray diffractometer. The results showed that the wool yarns dyed with acid dye along with 25 ppm of silver nanoparticles exhibited a very good antimicrobial effect even after 10 laundering cycles on S. aureus while the rubbing fastness remained unchanged, and the color fastness and tenacity were even improved. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Citric acid used as a crosslinking agent for the grafting of chitosan onto woolen fabric

Modification of woolen fabrics was done by the grafting of low‐molecular‐weight deacetylated chitosan in the presence of citric acid as a crosslinking agent with the pad–dry cure method at different conditions (times and temperatures). The add‐on of chitosan and the optimum conditions were determined. The improved properties of modified wool by chitosan were evaluated with the urea bisulfite solubility test, crease recovery angle, yellowness index, and scanning electron microscopy. The dyeing properties of modified wool fabrics were studied with acid and reactive dyes. The biocidal activities of the modified and unmodified wool samples were evaluated and compared against some species of microorganisms, including Escherichia coli (Gram negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive), Candida albicans, and Aspergillus flavus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012