Antifungal activity of ionic liquid applied to linen fabric

This study aimed at improving the functionality of linen fabric by antimicrobial finishing with the use of ionic liquid, i.e., quaternary ammonium salt. Antimicrobial activity of ionic liquids strongly depends on their structure. An ammonium-based ionic liquid with nitrate anion named didecyldimethylammonium nitrate – [DDA][NO₃] –was tested. The study included testing the susceptibility of linen fabric protected with this salt to the biodeterioration process with special attention paid to fungi resistance. Finished linen fabric was tested in relation to the action of five mildew mixtures. The degree of microorganism growth and its effect on physical–mechanical properties of the fabrics were evaluated. The antimicrobial effectiveness of ionic liquid applied to linen fabric was determined by the use of SEM. Applying this biocide in the finishing processes of natural textile materials allows the attainment of antimicrobial barrier properties.     

Utilization of acrylates emulsion terpolymer with chitosan as a finishing agent for cotton fabrics

Cotton fabrics were treated with finishing bath formulation containing emulsion lattices based on acrylate monomers, chitosan and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to provide cotton fabrics with antibacterial, UV-protection as well as improvement of dyeing properties with direct, acid and reactive dyes. The terpolymer emulsion, chitosan and PEG concentrations as well as fabric pretreatment with alkali significantly affected the performance properties, antimicrobial activity, UV-protection and dyeing behavior of treated cotton fabric. The finished fabrics were characterized in terms of FTIR, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) as well as mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break (%), abrasion resistance and air permeability. The obtained data showed that the tested fabrics have appropriate antibacterial activity with highly UV-protection properties with increasing chitosan concentration up to 3%. The mechanical properties expressed as tensile strength and abrasion resistance increased after finishing treatment. Moreover, the performance of the finished fabrics and dyeing properties with different dyes classes were greatly influenced by the action of alkali pretreatment of cotton fabrics, adding the polyethylene glycol to the finishing bath formulation as well as emulsion and chitosan concentrations.     

An Improved Mechanical Testing Method to Assess Bone-implant Anchorage

Recent advances in material science have led to a substantial increase in the topographical complexity of implant surfaces, both on a micro- and a nano-scale. As such, traditional methods of describing implant surfaces - namely numerical determinants of surface roughness - are inadequate for predicting in vivo performance. Biomechanical testing provides an accurate and comparative platform to analyze the performance of biomaterial surfaces. An improved mechanical testing method to test the anchorage of bone to candidate implant surfaces is presented. The method is applicable to both early and later stages of healing and can be employed for any range of chemically or mechanically modified surfaces - but not smooth surfaces. Custom rectangular implants are placed bilaterally in the distal femora of male Wistar rats and collected with the surrounding bone. Test specimens are prepared and potted using a novel breakaway mold and the disruption test is conducted using a mechanical testing machine. This method allows for alignment of the disruption force exactly perpendicular, or parallel, to the plane of the implant surface, and provides an accurate and reproducible means for isolating an exact peri-implant region for testing.     

麻栎壳斗染料在羊毛染色中的应用

本文研究了提取自麻栎壳斗的植物染料(麻栎染料)的耐酸、碱稳定性,染浴pH值及铝、铁离子等环保型媒染剂对其染毛织物效果的影响,并且探究了其染色动力学.研究表明,麻栎染料在强酸性染浴(pH=3)中对羊毛织物直接性好,染色后毛织物得棕色,也可采用铝离子、铁离子对直接染色后的毛织物进行后媒染,以得到不同色相的毛织物,尤其是铁后...     

Thyme essential oil for antimicrobial protection of natural textiles

The study was aimed at increasing the resistance of lignocellulosic textiles to bacteria and mould action using a biocide of plant origin. The biocide used in the study was thyme essential oil. This kind of oil is characterized by low toxicity for humans and the environment. The antimicrobial efficiency of thyme essential oil applied to linen–cotton blended fabric and linen fabric was evaluated by determining bacterial growth, degree of mould growth, and their impact on fabric strength. Thyme essential oil applied as 8% concentration in methanol to linen–cotton blended fabric showed very high antibacterial and antifungal activity – no mould growth and no significant loss of breaking force were observed. Microscopic evaluation of the tested fabrics was also performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Applying the eco-friendly biocide to fabrics containing natural fibres in the finishing process produces antimicrobial barrier properties.     

Assessment of blue-stain resistance according to the EN 152 and a reverse test method using visual and computer-aided techniques

A computer technique for assessing blue-stained coated wood has been implemented for evaluating the discoloration of coatings and analysing the interior wood staining of samples subjected to testing according to European Standard EN 152. The comparison of visual assessment and computer-evaluated percentages of blue staining is based on a combination of correlation measures, principal components and cluster analysis. It appears difficult to imitate human evaluation with image processing, since computer ratings represent exact percentages, while subjective evaluations do not. Additionally, more specific techniques for exploring fungal growth in coated wood have been described. As EN 152 was specifically developed for testing efficacy of wood preservatives, a modified test methodology was elaborated for testing the efficacy of wood coatings, called here as the EN 152-reverse method. Furthermore three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is validated as a tool for in-depth analysis of blue-stain disfigurement. This 3D visualisation indicates important differences in fungal infestation and proves its suitability for blue-stain resistance testing.     

Antimicrobial and chemical detoxifying functions of cotton fabrics containing different benzophenone derivatives

Several benzophenone chromophoric groups were incorporated onto cotton fabrics by using 4-hydroxybenzophenone, 4,4′-dihydroxybenzophenone, 4-chloro-4′-hydroxybenzophenone, and 4-benzoylbenzoic acid as reagents. The fabric treatment was conducted by a pad-dry-cure method, and the benzophenone chromophoric group incorporated cotton fabrics were characterized and confirmed by FTIR. Tensile strengths of benzophenone chromophoric groups modified cotton fabrics were also measured. 4-Hydroxybenzophenone treated cotton fabric showed the most powerful antibacterial activity among all samples, and 4-benzoylbenzoic acid treated cotton fabric demonstrated pesticide degradation ability, under UV irradiation.     

Blood flow fluctuation underneath human forearm skin caused by local thermal stimuli of different fabrics

The aim of this study was to investigate physiological interactions between fabric and the human body via skin and the resultant disturbance to blood flow, which in turn influences the skin temperature and the sensation of warmth and chilliness, thus the feeling of comfort. We focussed on the effects on the forearm skin blood flow by different local physical stimuli from fabrics. The blood flows were examined under three protocols: (1) using fabrics of different fiber types and fiber blending, (2) different surface characteristics of the same fabric and fiber type, and (3) different moisture levels of the same fabric type. A total of five different fabrics were wrapped over the forearm of a female subject at a good health state for test. The fabric samples were preconditioned for 24 h, and the subject sat for 30 min, in both cold and dry ambient conditions (20.5±0.5 °C, 45±5 p.100 RH) to reach equilibrium before testing. The forearm skin blood flow and temperature were recorded by a laser-Doppler flowmeter (DP1T/7-V2) with two probes mounted on both forearms to eliminate any systematic common mode fluctuations. Several conclusions were drawn from our test data. First, the fabric impact on both skin temperature and blood flow can be significant. Also fabric surface characteristics play important role, especially during the transient heat exchange at the beginning of contact. Finally, moisture level in the samples exhibits considerable influences on skin temperature and blood flow, and the higher the moisture level, the longer the duration of the impact.     

Skeletal Ultrastructure in some Tubuliporine Cyclostome Bryozoans

The ultrastructure of the calcareous skeleton is described in twenty–one species of recent tubuliporine cyclostome bryozoans, using field emission SEM. The succession of skeletal fabrics in interior walls may be classified into four different fabric suites. The first–formed part of the calcitic skeleton in all species for which it has been observed is a precursory fabric of tiny, wedge–shaped crystallites. This is succeeded in about half of the species studied by a fabric of transverse fibres, followed by foliated fabric and often semi–nacre (fabric suite 1). Most of the remaining species lack transverse fibres and have interior walls largely comprising semi–nacre (fabric suite 2). A few species have skeletons consisting of predominantly distally–oriented, irregularly or regularly foliated fabric (fabric suite 3). A single species has a skeleton of proximally–oriented foliated fabric (fabric suite 4). Basal exterior walls in all species have a precursory fabric of tiny wedge–shaped crystallites without a strong preferred orientation, deposited directly upon the organic cuticle, followed by a layer of planar spherulitic structure, which in turn is succeeded by a similar fabric to that developed in the interior wall of the species concerned. Outermost layers of frontal exterior walls exhibit one of the following combinations of three fabrics: an outer layer of (1) finely granular or wedge–shaped crystallites; a thin dense granular layer followed by (2) distally accreting planar spherulitic fabric., or (3) obliquely accreting planar spherulitic fabric growing partly towards the midline of the frontal wall. Terminal diaphragms usually have outer layers dominated by planar spherulitic ultrastructure with centripetal growth directions. The fabric suites present in tubuliporines encompass most known fabrics found in the other cyclostome suborders and support the notion that this species–rich suborder occupies a central position in cyclostome evolution.     

Surface Modification and Characterisation of Silk Fibroin Fabric Produced by the Layer-by-Layer Self-Assembly of Multilayer Alginate/Regenerated Silk Fibroin

Silk-based medical products have a long history of use as a material for surgical sutures because of their desirable mechanical properties. However, silk fibroin fabric has been reported to be haemolytic when in direct contact with blood. The layer-by-layer self-assembly technique provides a method for surface modification to improve the biocompatibility of silk fibroin fabrics. Regenerated silk fibroin and alginate, which have excellent biocompatibility and low immunogenicity, are outstanding candidates for polyelectrolyte deposition. In this study, silk fabric was degummed and positively charged to create a silk fibroin fabric that could undergo self-assembly. The multilayer self-assembly of the silk fibroin fabric was achieved by alternating the polyelectrolyte deposition of a negatively charged alginate solution (pH = 8) and a positively charged regenerated silk fibroin solution (pH = 2). Finally, the negatively charged regenerated silk fibroin solution (pH = 8) was used to assemble the outermost layer of the fabric so that the surface would be negatively charged. A stable structural transition was induced using 75% ethanol. The thickness and morphology were characterised using atomic force microscopy. The properties of the self-assembled silk fibroin fabric, such as the bursting strength, thermal stability and flushing stability, indicated that the fabric was stable. In addition, the cytocompatibility and haemocompatibility of the self-assembled silk fibroin fabrics were evaluated. The results indicated that the biocompatibility of the self-assembled multilayers was acceptable and that it improved markedly. In particular, after the self-assembly, the fabric was able to prevent platelet adhesion. Furthermore, other non-haemolytic biomaterials can be created through self-assembly of more than 1.5 bilayers, and we propose that self-assembled silk fibroin fabric may be an attractive candidate for anticoagulation applications and for promoting endothelial cell adhesion for vascular prostheses.     

A Method for the Determination of Antimicrobial Properties of Treated Fabrics

A method has been presented for evaluating the effectiveness of fabrics treated with antimicrobial agents to resist growth of contaminating organisms. The method consists of direct inoculation of the fabric with suitable test organisms and the subsequent enumeration of growing colonies which develop when the fabric is implanted in a nutrient medium.The method is sensitive, versatile, easy to perform, highly reproducible, and realistically evaluates the practical effectiveness of residual antimicrobial agents on fabrics.Data are given which demonstrate the sensitivity of the method to small differences in antimicrobial concentrations. The versatility of the method is shown by the variety of antimicrobial agents and organisms which have been utilized. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity can be evaluated.     

SENSORY EVALUATION METHODS FOR TACTILE PROPERTIES OF FABRICS

Sensory evaluation of tactile properties of fabrics is a subject many researchers have studied for years and which still has importance and is also open to improvements. Particularly for suitings, the sensory evaluation of fabric handle or of other tactile properties has a greater importance. This article explains sensory evaluation techniques for stiffness, thickness and smoothness, which are the components of fabric handle of suitings. These sensory techniques are introduced by the authors and studied in 100% worsted wool suitings. The concordances of sensory test results are investigated by Kendall's concordance test, and correlation analyses are carried out to examine the relations between sensory results.     

Flame retardant finishing of cotton fabric based on synergistic compounds containing boron and nitrogen

Boric acid and compound containing nitrogen, 2,4,6-tri[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethyl-ammonium)propyl]-1,3,5-triazine chloride (Tri-HTAC) were used to finish cotton fabric. The flame retardant properties of the finished cotton fabrics and the synergetic effects of boron and nitrogen elements were investigated and evaluated by limited oxygen index (LOI) method. The mechanism of cross-linking reaction among cotton fiber, Tri-HTAC, and boric acid was discussed by FTIR and element analysis. The thermal stability and surface morphology of the finished cotton fabrics were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. The finishing system of the mixture containing boron and nitrogen showed excellent synergistic flame retardancy for cotton fabric. The cotton fabric finished with mixture system had excellent flame retardancy. The LOI value of the treated cotton fabric increased over 27.5. Tri-HTAC could form covalent bonds with cellulose fiber and boric acid. The flame retardant cotton fabric showed a slight decrease in tensile strength and whiteness. The surface morphology of flame retardant cotton fiber was smooth.     

The physical mechanisms of the perception of dampness in fabrics

1. 1. The detection of dampness in hygroscopic materials has been investigated both by subjective tests and by the application of a model of the physical mechanisms involved.

2. 2. Subjects were asked to rate the degree of dampness of a range of materials of different moisture contents after a short period of contact with the inner forearm.

3. 3. Skin and fabric inner surface temperatures were recorded

4. 4. It was found that highly hygroscopic wool fabrics were perceived as being dryer and maintained a higher temperature at the skin surface than polyester, a less hygroscopic fabric, during fabric-skin contact.

5. 5. A physical model of the sorption/desorption process in hygroscopic materials has been developed from knowledge of fibre sorption kinetics and has been used to study the physical processes which take place at the skin-fabric interface during transient contact.

6. 6. These predictions agree well with the subjective responses and the measured temperatures.

Preparation of rich handles soft cellulosic fabric using amino silicone based softener, part II: colorfastness properties

The preparation of amino silicone based softeners with different emulsifiers was carried out and adsorbed onto the surfaces of cotton and blends of cotton/polyester fabrics. The softened fabrics have high surface area, so poorly performance in washing and rubbing fastness. It is obvious from the results of colorfastness to rubbing and washing that some of the samples of the dyed fabric treated with prepared softeners have shown some poor rating as compared to the untreated fabrics. However the other two samples have shown acceptable rubbing fastness results without losing softness and permanent handle. It can be observed that washing of the printed treated fabric remains unaffected almost in all the studied samples. Moreover, the application of the prepared softeners has imparted anti pilling property to the fabric. It can be seen that there is a remarkable increase in weights of treated fabrics as compared to the untreated fabrics.     

Subfascial expansion and expanded two-flap method for microtia reconstruction

This article presents an improved two-flap method for microtia reconstruction. In the first stage of this method, a tissue expander is inserted in the mastoid region through a subfascial pocket, after which the overlying fascia and skin are expanded simultaneously with saline infusion for about 5 months. In the second stage, the expanded fascial and skin layers are split and prepared as anteriorly based skin and fascial flaps defined by their vascularity. An erect, three-dimensional, contour-accentuated ear framework fabricated with autogenous rib cartilage is inserted between the two flaps. The anteroauricular surface of the framework is draped with the thin, expanded skin, and the postauricular surface is draped with the thin, expanded fascia and overlying grafted skin. In the third stage, remnant auricular cartilage is removed and the crus helicis, tragus, intertragic notch, conchal floor, and a hollow mimicking the external auditory meatus are shaped. In this study, 146 microtias were reconstructed consecutively using the improved two-flap method. The final results were promising--major complications were minimal and most patients showed consistently favorable aesthetic results. This method married a two-flap procedure with a gradual tissue expansion, conveniently exploiting the advantages of both methods, but without the disadvantages.     

Incorporation of chlorohexidin diacetate into cotton fabrics grafted with glycidyl methacrylate and cyclodextrin

Linear electron beam radiation was used to induce grafting of glycidyl methacrylate/β-cyclodextrin mixture onto cotton fabric. Chlorohexidin diacetate was incorporated to the cavities of cyclodextrin fixed on the cotton fabric to form an inclusion complex having antimicrobial activity. After incorporating chlorohexidin diacetate, the fabric was subjected to several washing cycles to examine the durability of the antimicrobial finishing. Control and grafted cotton fabrics (before and after loading with antimicrobial agent) were characterized for their antimicrobial activity against different kinds of bacteria and fungi.Grafted fabrics loaded with antimicrobial agent were found to show good antimicrobial activity in comparison with control and grafted fabrics which are not loaded with antimicrobial agent. The grafted fabrics loaded with antimicrobial agent were found also to exhibit good antimicrobial activity after five washings and this lasting antimicrobial activity can be attributed to the inclusion complex formed between chlorohexidin diacetate molecules and the cavities of cyclodextrin.     

Experimental assessment and analytical 2D predictions of the stocking pressures induced on a model leg by Medical Compressive Stockings

Stocking supports have represented, for more than two millennia, the most efficient way to treat the veinous diseases and lymphatic disorders. Although this treatment consists solely in the application of a mechanical pressure to help the blood in reaching back the heart, very little is known on this mechanical effort exerted on a human limb by knitted fabrics. However, nowadays the precise assessment of this pressure distribution is crucial in fitting the treatment to the patient pathology and morphology. In order to describe rationally, for the first time, the pressure distribution induced on a leg, a combined experiment-simulation 2D methodology has been set to validate this mechanical approach. The present article is the first part of a two-papers communication. Experimental aspects are presented here, first to measure these stocking pressures on a rigid leg using the SIGaT((R)) device based on a pneumatic sensor. Then, the knitted fabric mechanical response is characterized under uniaxial tension for large strains, to evaluate the simplified Laplace-based pressure that can be compared with the pressure measurements, knowing the local curvature radii of a leg section. This experimental approach is to be completed with numerical simulations of the stocking mechanism on the same model leg.     

Elastic characterization of transversely isotropic soft materials by dynamic shear and asymmetric indentation

The mechanical characterization of soft anisotropic materials is a fundamental challenge because of difficulties in applying mechanical loads to soft matter and the need to combine information from multiple tests. A method to characterize the linear elastic properties of transversely isotropic soft materials is proposed, based on the combination of dynamic shear testing (DST) and asymmetric indentation. The procedure was demonstrated by characterizing a nearly incompressible transversely isotropic soft material. A soft gel with controlled anisotropy was obtained by polymerizing a mixture of fibrinogen and thrombin solutions in a high field magnet (B?=?11.7 T); fibrils in the resulting gel were predominantly aligned parallel to the magnetic field. Aligned fibrin gels were subject to dynamic (20-40 Hz) shear deformation in two orthogonal directions. The shear storage modulus was 1.08?±?0. 42 kPa (mean?±?std. dev.) for shear in a plane parallel to the dominant fiber direction, and 0.58?±?0.21 kPa for shear in the plane of isotropy. Gels were indented by a rectangular tip of a large aspect ratio, aligned either parallel or perpendicular to the normal to the plane of transverse isotropy. Aligned fibrin gels appeared stiffer when indented with the long axis of a rectangular tip perpendicular to the dominant fiber direction. Three-dimensional numerical simulations of asymmetric indentation were used to determine the relationship between direction-dependent differences in indentation stiffness and material parameters. This approach enables the estimation of a complete set of parameters for an incompressible, transversely isotropic, linear elastic material.