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Polymers
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Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application
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Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2018) | Viewed by 90889

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Chi-wai Kan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Interests: safety and health management; environmental management; textile product evaluation; textile testing instrumentation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is focused on polymer processing to enhance its feasibility and potential for textile applications. In the textile area, natural (e.g., cotton, wool, silk, etc.) and synthetic (polyester, nylon, acrylic, etc.) polymers are used extensively and are mainly used in wear apparel and home textiles due to their good properties. However, due to the development of technical textile opportunities, the original properties of such polymers may not be able to fit desired end uses. Therefore, different chemical and physical processes are used for processing textile polymers to change their original properties for diversified applications. Through different processes, e.g., cotton fibre may have dual properties of hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity at the same time. In addition, the new development of polymers for potential textile application (such as energy harvesting and storage) are drawing a great deal of attention recently, which would help in exploring new insights for the textile industry. This Special Issue will provide an open forum to draw the attention of academic researchers and industrial experts to different aspects of polymer processing for enhancing its textile applications. Topics in this Special Issue will include articles related, but not limited, to (i) polymer processing for enhancing its feasibility and potential for textile applications and (ii) new developments of polymers for potential textile applications. Articles, reviews, full papers, short notes or communications are welcome for this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Chi-wai Kan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Keywords

  • Polymer
  • Textile
  • Processing

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

10 pages, 2892 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of 3D PDMS Microchannels of Adjustable Cross-Sections via Versatile Gel Templates
by Pui Fai Ng, Ka I Lee, Mo Yang and Bin Fei
Polymers 2019, 11(1), 64; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym11010064 - 04 Jan 2019
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6273
Abstract
Flexible gel fibers with high stretchability were synthesized from physically cross-linked agar and covalently cross-linked polyacrylamide networks. Such gel material can withstand the temperature required for thermal curing of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), when the water in the gel was partially replaced with ethylene glycol. [...] Read more.
Flexible gel fibers with high stretchability were synthesized from physically cross-linked agar and covalently cross-linked polyacrylamide networks. Such gel material can withstand the temperature required for thermal curing of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), when the water in the gel was partially replaced with ethylene glycol. This gel template supported thermal replica molding of PDMS to produce high quality microchannels. Microchannels with different cross sections and representative 3D structures, including bifurcating junction, helical and weave networks, were smoothly fabricated, based on the versatile manipulation of gel templates. This gel material was confirmed as a flexible and reliable template in fabricating 3D microfluidic channels for potential devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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8 pages, 3058 KiB  
Article
Process Evaluation of the Metal-Organic Frameworks for the Application of Personal Protective Equipment with Filtration Function
by Yan Hong, Chunyu Liu, Xuechun Cao, Yu Chen, Chen Chen, Yan Chen and Zhijuan Pan
Polymers 2018, 10(12), 1386; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10121386 - 14 Dec 2018
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3257
Abstract
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been regarded as an ideal material for the development of functional textiles with filtration function. Such functional textiles with filtration function can be further used to develop personal protective equipment, such as protective masks. This paper focuses on the [...] Read more.
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been regarded as an ideal material for the development of functional textiles with filtration function. Such functional textiles with filtration function can be further used to develop personal protective equipment, such as protective masks. This paper focuses on the comparisons of different processes when applying MOFs to conventional textiles. Two different processes existing in the literature, namely the electrospinning method and hot-pressing method, are discussed in this paper. Materials loaded with MOFs developed with these two processes are evaluated and compared, regarding the adsorption of dyes in water and the removal of pollutants. Experiment results indicate that the hot-pressing method is more advantageous when applying MOF to textiles, in terms of adsorption and removal efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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14 pages, 3301 KiB  
Article
Inclusion Complexes of Citronella Oil with β-Cyclodextrin for Controlled Release in Biofunctional Textiles
by Manuel J. Lis, Óscar García Carmona, Carlos García Carmona and Fabricio Maestá Bezerra
Polymers 2018, 10(12), 1324; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10121324 - 29 Nov 2018
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5646
Abstract
Biofunctional textiles with integrated drug-delivery systems can help in the fight against vector-borne diseases. The use of repellent agents derived from plants and oils is an alternative to DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-methylbenzamide), which has disadvantages that include toxic reactions [...] Read more.
Biofunctional textiles with integrated drug-delivery systems can help in the fight against vector-borne diseases. The use of repellent agents derived from plants and oils is an alternative to DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-methylbenzamide), which has disadvantages that include toxic reactions and skin damage. However, some researchers report that oils can be ineffective due to reasons related to uncontrolled release. In this work, the mechanism of control of citronella oil (OC) complexed with β-cyclodextrin (βCD) on cotton (COT) and polyester (PES) textiles was investigated. The results obtained reveal that finishing cotton and polyester with β-cyclodextrin complexes allows for control of the release mechanism of the drug from the fabric. To assess the complexes formed, optical microscopy, SEM, and FTIR were carried out; the yield of complex formation was obtained by spectroscopy in the ultraviolet region; and controlled release was performed in vitro. Oil complexation with βCD had a yield of 63.79%, and it was observed that the release, which was in seconds, moved to hours when applied to fabrics. The results show that complexes seem to be a promising basis when it comes to immobilizing oils and controlling their release when modified with chemical crosslinking agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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12 pages, 7155 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Hot Melt Copolyester (PBTI) Ultrafine Particles and Their Effect on the Anti-Pilling Performance of Polyester/Cotton Fabrics
by Zhichao Huang and Wenxing Chen
Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1163; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10101163 - 18 Oct 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3791
Abstract
An ultrafine particle aqueous-phase system of hot melt copolyester was prepared by an inverse emulsion–precipitation method. Laser particle size analysis showed that the diameter of the obtained copolyester particles was mostly distributed between 20 and 100 nm. The structure of the copolymer was [...] Read more.
An ultrafine particle aqueous-phase system of hot melt copolyester was prepared by an inverse emulsion–precipitation method. Laser particle size analysis showed that the diameter of the obtained copolyester particles was mostly distributed between 20 and 100 nm. The structure of the copolymer was characterized by FT–IR and 1H-NMR, and the melting point of the particles was determined to be 125 °C, as measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Intrinsic viscosity analysis showed that the particle intrinsic viscosity decreased by 6.73% compared with that of the original copolyester. Polyester/cotton woven fabrics were padded with the ultrafine copolyester particles at different concentrations, and the corresponding SEM showed that the fibers were well bonded to each other. The pilling test results showed that these ultrafine copolyester granules improved the pilling performance of the polyester/cotton woven fabrics to a grade of 4.5–5. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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11 pages, 2029 KiB  
Article
Influence of Ethylene Oxide Content in Nonionic Surfactant to the Hydrolysis of Reactive Dye in Silicone Non-Aqueous Dyeing System
by Jiping Wang, Yongbo Zhang, Huashu Dou and Liujun Pei
Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1158; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10101158 - 17 Oct 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5689
Abstract
Silicone reverse dyeing technology provides an important means of saving water and salts-free in the textile dyeing industry. The interactions between dyes and surfactants may influence the hydrolysis of dye during dyeing. In this investigation, the effect of ethylene oxide content in nonionic [...] Read more.
Silicone reverse dyeing technology provides an important means of saving water and salts-free in the textile dyeing industry. The interactions between dyes and surfactants may influence the hydrolysis of dye during dyeing. In this investigation, the effect of ethylene oxide content in nonionic surfactant on the hydrolytic reaction of reactive dye was firstly investigated in a siloxane reverse emulsion dyeing system. Compared with no surfactants, the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone reactive dye was a slowdown when some nonionic surfactants were used during dyeing. Usually, the hydrophobic groups in nonionic surfactants were dodecyl chains but their polar head groups were different. The hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye showed that the longer of EO (ethylene oxide) chains, the faster the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye. From the absorption spectrum of dye, it could be concluded that more of dyes would be solubilized into the formed micelles, and dye-surfactant complexes were adhered to the surface of micelles if the molecular structure of surfactant had a shorter EO chains. Furthermore, the intramolecular or intermolecular hydrogen bond could be formed between dye and surfactant, which would further influence the hydrolytic reaction of vinyl sulfone dye. However, the solubility of surfactant in siloxane non-aqueous media would decrease with the increase of EO chains. Meanwhile, the dispersion of dye was enhanced as well as the hydrolytic reaction of dye. From this investigation, some surfactant can be used to improve the fixation of reactive dye during dyeing. Furthermore, washing times after dyeing and the ecological problems can be decreased. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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13 pages, 5914 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Fiber Cross-Section on Fabric Far-Infrared Properties
by Yifei Tao, Tenghao Li, Chenxiao Yang, Naixiang Wang, Feng Yan and Li Li
Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1147; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10101147 - 14 Oct 2018
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7060
Abstract
Far-infrared radiation (FIR) possesses various promising properties that are beneficial to an individuals’ health. Exploring the interaction between fiber shapes and FIR performance is thought to be a significant means to develop highly-efficient FIR textile products. In this study, a non-additive triangular polyamide [...] Read more.
Far-infrared radiation (FIR) possesses various promising properties that are beneficial to an individuals’ health. Exploring the interaction between fiber shapes and FIR performance is thought to be a significant means to develop highly-efficient FIR textile products. In this study, a non-additive triangular polyamide (PA) fiber showed excellent FIR properties in both theoretical simulation and experimental verification aspects. The triangular PA fiber affords a higher probability to facilitate large optical path difference, improving both FIR absorption and emission. Textiles woven with the specific triangular PA fiber achieved a remarkable emissivity of 91.85% and temperature difference of 2.11 Celsius, which is obviously superior to the reference circular fiber (86.72%, 1.52 Celsius). Considering the low cost, environmental stability, facile fabrication, as well as being environmentally friendly, this non-additive triangular PA fiber has great potential for high-performance and cost-effective FIR textiles in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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13 pages, 3644 KiB  
Article
Thermo-Mechanical Characterisations of Flax Fibre and Thermoplastic Resin Composites during Manufacturing
by Shenglei Xiao, Peng Wang, Damien Soulat and Hang Gao
Polymers 2018, 10(10), 1139; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10101139 - 12 Oct 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2482
Abstract
The flax fibre reinforced composites with advanced structure, which can be regarded as recyclable parts, are potential and promising materials in the automobile industry. During their manufacturing, the reinforcements or prepregs should be performed to the desired shape beforehand. Mechanical behaviours accordingly play [...] Read more.
The flax fibre reinforced composites with advanced structure, which can be regarded as recyclable parts, are potential and promising materials in the automobile industry. During their manufacturing, the reinforcements or prepregs should be performed to the desired shape beforehand. Mechanical behaviours accordingly play an important role during this process. However, this preforming process is usually under high temperatures, thus, the mechanical behaviours could be modified under this state. Especially for reinforcements produced by flax yarns, has barely been studied. To fill this gap, in this paper the thermos-mechanical characterization of Flax/Polyamide12 (PA12) commingled yarn and prepreg woven fabric is analysed using tensile and in-plane shearing tests under different temperatures and tensile speeds. The results conclusively show that strength can be improved by increasing the temperature below the PA12 melting value on woven fabrics, which is inverse tendency for single yarn. Moreover, increasing tensile speed could increase the strength of the single yarn and fabric. This reveals that the PA12 fluidity has great influence on tensile behaviour. The characterisation results would be employed as prescriptive recommendations in the process of manufacturing flax fibre-reinforced composite parts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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16 pages, 4913 KiB  
Article
Dyeing Property and Adsorption Kinetics of Reactive Dyes for Cotton Textiles in Salt-Free Non-Aqueous Dyeing Systems
by Jiping Wang, Yuanyuan Gao, Lei Zhu, Xiaomin Gu, Huashu Dou and Liujun Pei
Polymers 2018, 10(9), 1030; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10091030 - 15 Sep 2018
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5636
Abstract
In recent years, new concepts in textile dyeing technology have been investigated which aim to decrease the use of chemicals and the emission of water. In this work, dyeing of cotton textiles with reactive dyes has been investigated in a silicone non-aqueous dyeing [...] Read more.
In recent years, new concepts in textile dyeing technology have been investigated which aim to decrease the use of chemicals and the emission of water. In this work, dyeing of cotton textiles with reactive dyes has been investigated in a silicone non-aqueous dyeing system. Compared with conventional aqueous dyeing, almost 100% of reactive dyes can be adsorbed on cotton textiles without using any salts in non-aqueous dyeing systems, and the fixation of dye is also higher (80%~90% for non-aqueous dyeing vs. 40%~50% for traditional dyeing). The pseudo-second-order kinetic model can best describe the adsorption and equilibrium of reactive dyes in the non-aqueous dyeing systems as well as in the traditional water dyeing system. In the non-aqueous dyeing systems, the adsorption equilibrium of reactive dyes can be reached quickly. Particularly in the siloxane non-aqueous dyeing system, the adsorption equilibrium time of reactive dye is only 5–10 min at 25 °C, whereas more time is needed at 60 °C in the water dyeing system. The surface tension of non-aqueous media influences the adsorption rate of dye. The lower the surface tension, the faster the adsorption rate of reactive dye, and the higher the final uptake of dye. As a result, non-aqueous dyeing technology provides an innovative approach to increase dye uptake under a low dyeing temperature, in addition to making large water savings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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22 pages, 22531 KiB  
Article
Enhancement of Colour Effects of Dyed-Yarn Mixed Fabrics Using Cramming Motion and Finer Polyester Yarns
by Lau Yiu Tang, Xiao Tian and Tao Hua
Polymers 2018, 10(7), 783; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10070783 - 16 Jul 2018
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3889
Abstract
This paper reports the study of the effects of cramming motion implemented during weaving and finer weft yarns used on dyed-yarn mixed woven fabrics produced by using raw white warps and multicolored-wefts. The cramming motion was used to increase the dyed-weft yarns cover [...] Read more.
This paper reports the study of the effects of cramming motion implemented during weaving and finer weft yarns used on dyed-yarn mixed woven fabrics produced by using raw white warps and multicolored-wefts. The cramming motion was used to increase the dyed-weft yarns cover factor of fabric, and thus, to reduce the negative effect of white warp floats at the fabric face on the color attributes of fabric. The surface structure of fabric was characterized by using several key geometrical parameters that determined the resultant fabric color attributes. The effects of fabric structure and density, weft yarn count, and the introduction of black yarn on the fabric face layer on the fabric surface geometrical parameters, physical properties, as well as color attributes were investigated under the implementation of cramming motion on the fabric. The color attributes of fabrics using cramming motion and finer yarns were also compared to the fabrics without cramming motion. The experimental results indicate that the weft yarn density and cover factor of fabric face layer are increased by applying cramming motion and finer yarns for fabricating the blue-red and/or black mixed fabrics. Consequently, the fabric lightness can be further reduced for achieving a better color effect on colorful and figured woven fabrics mainly using dyed-wefts for color mixing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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18 pages, 6775 KiB  
Article
Protective Bleaching of Camel Hair in a Neutral Ethanol–Water System
by Liangjun Xia, Chunhua Zhang, Wenfang Xu, Kundi Zhu, Aming Wang, Ye Tian, Yunli Wang and Weilin Xu
Polymers 2018, 10(7), 730; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10070730 - 03 Jul 2018
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 7552
Abstract
As conventional bleaching under alkaline conditions is chemically damaging to protein fibers, a three-stage protective bleaching process in neutral ethanol–water mixtures was proposed for camel hair using mordanting with ferrous salts, oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, and reductive bleaching with sodium hydrosulfite. The [...] Read more.
As conventional bleaching under alkaline conditions is chemically damaging to protein fibers, a three-stage protective bleaching process in neutral ethanol–water mixtures was proposed for camel hair using mordanting with ferrous salts, oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide, and reductive bleaching with sodium hydrosulfite. The aim of this work was to improve the whiteness degree of camel hair without substantial tenacity loss. In addition, the roles of ethanol during the bleaching treatment were also examined by characterizing the fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The whiteness degree and mechanical properties of camel hair bleached in the neutral ethanol–water system were significantly superior to those of fibers bleached by a conventional method. SEM images showed no visible cracks on the scales of fibers bleached in the ethanol–water system, whereas large grooves were observed on fibers bleached in aqueous solution. TEM images confirmed the positive influence of ethanol on the mordanting process, and FTIR spectra suggested that ethanol reduced the breakage of hydrogen bonds in the fibers during the oxidative bleaching process. These findings indicate the potential of this protective bleaching method for application to a broad range of other natural protein fibers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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12 pages, 3840 KiB  
Article
Dopamine-Dyed and Functionally Finished Silk with Rapid Oxidation Polymerization
by Biaobiao Yan, Qingqing Zhou, Tieling Xing and Guoqiang Chen
Polymers 2018, 10(7), 728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10070728 - 03 Jul 2018
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3687
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more attention has been paid to ecological environment problems, and the dyeing and finishing field is no exception. Environmentally friendly dyeing and finishing methods have been extensively studied. Inspired by the bioadhesive force of marine mussels, dopamine (DA) was applied [...] Read more.
Nowadays, more and more attention has been paid to ecological environment problems, and the dyeing and finishing field is no exception. Environmentally friendly dyeing and finishing methods have been extensively studied. Inspired by the bioadhesive force of marine mussels, dopamine (DA) was applied as a dyestuff and investigated in textile dyeing. In this work, dopamine was dyed on silk with a rapid oxidation polymerization in the presence of metal ions (Fe3+) and sodium perborate oxidant (Ox). The polydopamine (PDA) was rapidly deposited on silk fabric and the dyeing process was optimized as follows: the concentration of DA was 2 g·L−1, and that of Fe3+ was 2 mmol·L−1; the total reaction time was 50 min and reacted at 50 °C; 9 mmol·L−1 Ox was added at 20 min. The K/S value of the treated silk fabric reached 11.46. The color fastness of dyed fabric to light fastness reached Level 4. The SEM and AFM tests showed that the particles attached to the fabric surface and increased the roughness. The XPS test further proved that polydopamine (PDA) was deposited on the fabric. The treated fabric also had a good anti-UV property with a UPF >30 and UVA <4%. The water contact angle of treated fabric attained 142.6°, showing better hydrophobicity, and the weft breaking strength was also improved. This environmentally friendly dyeing and finishing method can be applied and extended to other fabrics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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10 pages, 3336 KiB  
Article
Application of the Products from the Maillard Reaction of Polyglutamic Acid and Glucose to Prepare Colored and Bioactive Silk
by Wen Zhang and Ren-Cheng Tang
Polymers 2018, 10(6), 648; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10060648 - 10 Jun 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4595
Abstract
In this work, the Maillard reaction of polyglutamic acid (PGA) and glucose (Glc) was studied, and its functional, polymeric, and colored products were used to dye silk fiber with the aim of imparting bioactivities to silk. The UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, which was employed [...] Read more.
In this work, the Maillard reaction of polyglutamic acid (PGA) and glucose (Glc) was studied, and its functional, polymeric, and colored products were used to dye silk fiber with the aim of imparting bioactivities to silk. The UV–Vis spectroscopic analysis, which was employed to monitor the reaction, revealed the rapid formation of yellowish-brown products at pH 12 and 90 °C, and the great impact of glucose content on the quantity of the products. The FT-IR analysis validated the formation of melanoidin colorants. The silk fiber dyed with the PGA/Glc reaction products at pH 3 displayed a yellowish-brown color, and had very good wash and rub fastness, but poor light fastness. The incorporation of the UV-absorbing moiety into the PGA/Glc reaction products enhanced their light stability. The SEM analysis revealed that the dyed silk fiber was covered by polymeric substances. The dyed silk exhibited durable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and good antioxidant activity. This research expands the application field of the Maillard reaction and provides a novel and eco-friendly approach to prepare the colored and bioactive silk materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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13 pages, 3162 KiB  
Article
Modeling of Flexible Polyurethane Foam Shrinkage for Bra Cup Moulding Process Control
by Long Wu, Kit-Lun Yick, Sunpui Ng and Yue Sun
Polymers 2018, 10(5), 472; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10050472 - 26 Apr 2018
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6010
Abstract
Nowadays, moulding technology has become a remarkable manufacturing process in the intimate apparel industry. Polyurethane (PU) foam sheets are used to mould three-dimensional (3D) seamless bra cups of various softness and shapes, which eliminate bulky seams and reduce production costs. However, it has [...] Read more.
Nowadays, moulding technology has become a remarkable manufacturing process in the intimate apparel industry. Polyurethane (PU) foam sheets are used to mould three-dimensional (3D) seamless bra cups of various softness and shapes, which eliminate bulky seams and reduce production costs. However, it has been challenging to accurately and effectively control the moulding process and bra cup thickness. In this study, the theoretical mechanism of heat transfer and the thermal conductivity of PU foams are first examined. Experimental studies are carried out to investigate the changes in foam materials at various moulding conditions (viz., temperatures, and lengths of dwell time) in terms of surface morphology and thickness by using electron and optical microscopy. Based on the theoretical and experimental investigations of the thermal conductivity of the foam materials, empirical equations of shrinkage ratio and thermal conduction of foam materials were established. A regression model to predict flexible PU foam shrinkage during the bra cup moulding process was formulated by using the Levenberg-Marquardt method of nonlinear least squares algorithm and verified for accuracy. This study therefore provides an effective approach that optimizes control of the bra cup moulding process and assures the ultimate quality and thickness of moulded foam cups. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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Review

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32 pages, 17691 KiB  
Review
A Review of Fusible Interlinings Usage in Garment Manufacture
by Qian Zhang and Chi-Wai Kan
Polymers 2018, 10(11), 1230; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10111230 - 06 Nov 2018
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 10930
Abstract
The consumer’s enhanced awareness of garment quality, appearance, and related eco-safety production manufacture means that not only shell fabrics, but also accessory materials should be paid much more attention. Interlining is the one of the most important and state of the art accessory [...] Read more.
The consumer’s enhanced awareness of garment quality, appearance, and related eco-safety production manufacture means that not only shell fabrics, but also accessory materials should be paid much more attention. Interlining is the one of the most important and state of the art accessory materials that currently lacks review and exploration. This article comprehensively demonstrates an organizational integration of interlinings which includes their history, classification, manufacture, characteristic, properties, function, fusing technology and application. In addition, the article highlights a new innovation of printable interlining, which could replace the traditional fusible interlinings because of its cost-effectiveness, its simple process and its environmentally-friendly nature. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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18 pages, 10031 KiB  
Review
Polymer Interface Molecular Engineering for E-Textiles
by Chuang Zhu, Yi Li and Xuqing Liu
Polymers 2018, 10(6), 573; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym10060573 - 23 May 2018
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7132
Abstract
Wearable electronics, regarded as the next generation of conventional textiles, have been an important concept in the study of e-textiles. Conductive fibres are the upstreaming of e-textiles and have witnessed the booming development in recent years. However, little work has focused on improving [...] Read more.
Wearable electronics, regarded as the next generation of conventional textiles, have been an important concept in the study of e-textiles. Conductive fibres are the upstreaming of e-textiles and have witnessed the booming development in recent years. However, little work has focused on improving the wash ability and durability of conductive fibres. As a new approach to manufacturing conductive fibres, Polymer Interface Molecular Engineering (PIME) is starting to be employed recently, to build up an interfacial layer on polymeric fibre surfaces; this interfacial layer services as a platform to anchor catalysts for the following metal Electroless Deposition (ELD). The designed interfacial layer significantly increases adhesion between polymeric substrates and coating metal layers, to improve the durability of e-textiles. This review highlights recent research into different molecular and architectural design strategies, and its potential application for wearable electronics. Further challenges and opportunities in this field are also discussed critically. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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Other

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16 pages, 1718 KiB  
Technical Note
A Computer Color-Matching Study of Reverse Micellar Dyeing of Wool with Reactive Dyes
by Yanming Wang, Yiu-lun Tang, Cheng-hao Lee and Chi-Wai Kan
Polymers 2019, 11(1), 132; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/polym11010132 - 14 Jan 2019
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4875
Abstract
Computer color-matching (CCM) and the levelness of poly(ethylene glycol)-based reverse-micellar dyed wool fabrics in octane and nonane were investigated and compared with a conventional water-based dyeing system. Reflectance curves and calibration curves exhibited no chromatic change and maintained high linearity in both dyeing [...] Read more.
Computer color-matching (CCM) and the levelness of poly(ethylene glycol)-based reverse-micellar dyed wool fabrics in octane and nonane were investigated and compared with a conventional water-based dyeing system. Reflectance curves and calibration curves exhibited no chromatic change and maintained high linearity in both dyeing systems. The linearity of water-dyed calibration curves was slightly higher than that of the reverse-micellar dyed curves. The color yield, in term of K/Ssum values, of solvent-dyed samples was found to be generally higher than that of water-based dyed samples at various calibrated dye concentrations. The concentrations predicted by CCM were close to the theoretical concentrations for both dyeing methods. This indicates that octane- and nonane-assisted reverse-micellar dyeing of wool is able to generate color recipes comparable to the conventional water-based dyeing system. The solvent-dyed samples, measured by the relative unlevelness indices (RUI), exhibit good-to-excellent levelness, which is highly comparable with the water-dyed samples. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Processing for Enhancing Textile Application)
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