Showing papers in "Research journal of textile and apparel in 2006"

Relationship Between Anti-Felting Properties and Physicochemical Properties of Wool Treated with Low-Temperature Plasma

Abstract: Low-temperature plasma treatment, which offers an alternative to the existing treatment using chlorine, has been drawing worldwide attention as an eco-friendly technology for the anti-felting of wool. However, the reason why that plasma-treated wool does not shrink even after repeated aqueous laundry has still not been elucidated, though a number of related papers have been published. The aim of this study is to explore the reason by analyzing the surface of Ar-plasma treat wool using FT-IR and also XPS and by examining the changes of physicochemical properties of plasma-treated wool. It is suggested that intermediate cystine oxides(i.e., -S(O)-S- and -S(O)2-S- groups generated on the wool fiber surface) have a strong affinity with water. Subsequently, cohesive force is exerted between fiber surfaces and this results in a decrease of the flexibility of the individual fiber in assembly. Therefore, any entanglements between fibers are suppressed, and the felting is controlled. This is an important anti-felting property plasma treatment provided. In addition, carboxyl and sulphonic acid groups produced on the fiber surface play some part in the felting behavior of wool probably due to an increase in the hydration of the fiber surface.

Digital Jacquard Textile Design In A Colorless Mode

Abstract: Jacquard fabric is regarded as a “high-grade” textile, having intricate, interesting color and texture, and digital image design is the latest technique of computer art in the design field. Merging the design features of jacquard fabrics and digital image, this study was carried out to investigate digital jacquard fabric design in a colorless mode, which is one of the main modes of digital image design; another is that of a colorful mode. In this paper, the design principles and design methods for unconventional digital jacquard fabric design in a colorless mode were analyzed critically based on the application of digital technologies, and in particular, the digital color theory so that with tailor-made structural design, any colorless digital images with certain grays can be designed to form jacquard fabrics directly. The results of this study bring about an innovative design concept in jacquard fabrics and have a significant influence on the future development of jacquard textiles.

Degradation of PBO Fiber by Heat and Light

Abstract: PBO and p-aramids fibers were compared on thermal degradation in TG and DTG experiments, and PBO fiber showed the highest degradation temperature in both air and nitrogen atmosphere. Annealed under high temperature of 100°C, 200°C, 300°C and 400°C for 1.5 hours, the tenacity of these samples all decreased with the temperature, while PBO fiber showed the best tensile retention property. Whereas using the xenon arc light to simulate sunlight irradiated on the PBO and Kevlar samples for different time respectively, PBO showed the worst tensile retention property. In contrast, the p-aramid fibers showed their relatively good mechanical stability when exposed to the simulated sunlight. Therefore, the application of PBO fibers should be careful in the state of sunlight irradiation although PBO has the highest original mechanical and thermal property.

Ecodesign and Textiles

Abstract: To assess a product’s environmental impact is always a difficult job. How should one measure the environmental impact of a product or the production? Will the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) be one method in measuring a product⁉s superiority with regard to environmental impact? This article reviews the possibilities of using LCA as a possible measurement system in evaluating a product's ecobalance. Is the green trend becoming so strong that it will provide new product possibilities and market possibilities to designers and manufacturers? If green taxes become more common in European Union, it is important to invest in green product innovations and green services. The trend in consuming everyday items is changing and the future of ecodesign, especially in textile production, needs to be researched and newly specified. Designers and producers will soon have to be ready for this change.

Textile Modification with Plasma Treatment

Abstract: This paper provides a picture of using plasma treatment as a means for textile modification. It discusses the different modes for the generation of plasma. As plasma treatment is acting as a surface modification treatment, the paper also addresses the various types of plasmasubstrate interaction and their effects on the substrates. The use of plasma as a finishing application for different textile substrates is another highlight of this study.

Antimicrobial Functionality of Healthcare Textiles: Current needs, Options, and Characterization of N halamine-Based Finishes

Abstract: With the resurgence of infectious diseases, the growing problem of hospital-acquired infections has raised suspicion about the role of textiles as vectors of disease agents. Correspondingly, expectations have arisen about technological solutions to this potential hazard, in the form of functional textiles with built-in antimicrobial power to inactivate disease agents that may contaminate healthcare garments and other textile fiber surfaces and devices. We review those expectations here, with particular emphasis on the current spectrum of pathogens ideally targeted by these antimicrobial properties, the kinds of infectious disease challenges faced in contemporary healthcare workplaces, and the evidence for healthcare textiles having a role in institutional transmission of them. The options available for introducing useful levels of function to textile fibers are discussed, with special reference to new findings on rechargeable N halamine-based textile finishes, and the extent to which they may match the emerging standards for utility and performance of antimicrobial functions. Prospects for adoption of preventive measures based on protective garments and functional surfaces are reviewed, in light of the difficulties in quantifying the impact of antimicrobial textile products in an environment where there are so many contributing causes of the problem.

Antimicrobial Acrylic Fiber

Abstract: Fibers have been produced from a blend of poly(acrylonitrile) and poly(styrene hydantoin). The fibers were extruded from a single solvent, dimethyl acetamide. The fiber properties from the blended polymers were somewhat poorer than those from the unmodified acrylic fiber, but were still acceptable. The fibers from the polymer blend could be chlorinated to produce halamines and thus rendered antimicrobial. Antimicrobial test results showed efficacy against S. aureus. The ability to regenerate the halamines (and the antimicrobial functionality) lasted through 50 home laundry washings. The chlorine absorption was shown to be proportional to the specific surface area (m2/g) of the fibers, as might be expected for hydrophobic materials which can react with aqueous reagents only on the fiber surface. Although the fibers produced here were rather larger than those typically used in clothing, the data suggest that a typical diameter fiber of the composition produced here would have a specific surface area to allow chlorine absorption approaching 0.5 %. This level of retained chlorine would certainly produce a highly satisfactory antimicrobial effect - substantially better than the experimental data shown herein.

Performance of Bioactive Molecules on Cotton and Other Textiles

Abstract: Four types of biologically active molecules were examined for their structure/activity relationships as applied to textile functionalization. Bio-molecules including enzymes, peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids have been found to retain their activity when linked to cotton fabrics. Wound dressing protection against the protease destruction caused by human neutrophil elastase was examined with cellulose conjugates and formulations of peptides, carbohydrates, and lipids attached with various chemistries to cotton dressings. These serve as a model for protective textiles at the surface of the skin. Additional biological activities that were explored included antibacterial and haemostatic fabrics related to wound healing, and neurotoxin neutralization related to decontamination. Lysozyme was found to have robust antibacterial activity when conjugated to cotton. Peptide conjugates of cellulose have been explored as enzyme substrates, antimicrobial agents, and cell adhesion promoters on textiles for wound healing. Carbohydrates ranging from low molecular weight monosaccharides to high molecular weight polysaccharides have both molecular and functional activity when crosslinked or grafted onto cotton with numerous textile performance properties. Textile bound lipids have been explored for a variety of applications including antibacterial, hygienic function, and enzyme inhibition. A lipid: albumin complex that serves as a carrier transfer agent involved in enzyme inhibition is given as an example.

The Durable Press Finishing of Silk Fabrics by Using 1,2,3,4-Butanetetracarboxylic Acid

Abstract: In this paper, the nonformaldehyde agent 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid was used for durable press finishing of silk fabric. To optimize the finishing, the effects of the amount of sodium hypophosphite, 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid and citric acid, curing temperature and curing time were examined. It was found that the wet wrinkle recovery angle had an obvious improvement from 179° to 273°, and that the finishing had a very small effect to the breaking strength.

Durability of Biocidal Nomex Fabrics for Multi-functional Firefighter Uniforms

Abstract: Nomex IIIa fabrics can easily acquire biocidal properties by chlorination in chlorine bleach. Durability of the biocidal fabrics was investigated. Results indicate no significant mechanical property differences between control and treated fabrics that have undergone identical long-term UV and radiant heat exposure, weathering, and laundering cycles. Furthermore, reductions of active chlorine concentration on fabrics attributed to long term environmental challenges can be recovered in most cases via recharge of chlorine during subsequent laundering cycles. The results of this study suggest that direct chlorination of Nomex IIIa can be used to impart biocidal efficacy onto the fabrics without degradation of the polymer.

Antimicrobial Cellulose: Preparation and Application of 5-Methyl-5-Aminomethylhydantoin

Abstract: A new N-halamine precursor, 5-methyl-5-aminomethylhydantoin (AH), was synthesized. This N-halamine precursor can be coated onto cotton surfaces with the addition of the crosslinking agent butanetetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) and rendered biocidal by exposure to halogen solutions either before or after curing the coating or material. Standard washing tests show that covalently bound AH/BTCA on the cotton swatches can survive repeated washing cycles. After 50 washing cycles, chlorinated cotton swatches had lost 98.7 % of oxidative Cl+, but after rechlorination, almost 43.5 % of Cl+ was regained. Biocidal tests indicated that the cotton swatches coated with chlorinated AH/BTCA were effective against Gram positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram negative Escherichia coli.

Stimuli Sensitive Behaviour of Modified Polyacrylonitrile Fibres

Abstract: Polymeric fibres that have a unique capability to change their structure in response to small environmental changes such as pH, electrolyte and electric field are an attractive alternative for artificial muscles. Stimuli sensitive fibres were prepared by the modification of commercial polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres. The modification was carried out in two steps: thermo-oxidation and hydrolysis. During the thermo-oxidation step, the crosslinks imparted through the pendant nitrile groups provided a stable structure. While in the subsequent saponification step, the uncrosslinked nitrile groups were converted to responsive carboxylic acid groups. The effect of stabilization parameters and saponification conditions on the structure, properties and swelling behaviour of these fibres was investigated. The fibres showed muscle like expanding and contracting behaviour stimulated by changes in pH of the environment.

No-Salt Dyeing Behaviour of Cationized Linen Fabrics

Abstract: Linen fabrics were cationized using 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride in alkaline medium. The cationized linen fabrics were dyed independently, with different dyestuffs, namely reactive, direct and acid dyes in absence of salt (no-salt dyed). Factors affecting the nosalt dyeing process of cationized linen fabrics were investigated. These factors included dye concentration, pH of the dyeing bath, dyeing temperature and time as well as the chemical nature of the dyes used. The dyed samples were monitored for color strength (K/S) after soaping and after DMF extraction as well as fastness properties. It was found that for all dyestuffs used, the magnitude of K/S of the dyed samples depends on the nature of the dyes and the conditions used in each case. It was also seen that for no-salt dyeing of cationized linen fabrics, the maximum K/S was achieved at dye shade 2.5 % (ows) and dye bath’s pH 7-9, at 60°C for 20 minutes. In addition to this, the color strength was much higher in case of cationized and no-salt dyed samples compared with the uncationized and traditionally salt-dyed linen fabrics; meanwhile, the overall fastness properties were comparable. Microscopic examination of the cationized and no-salt dyed linen fabrics showed an excellent dye penetration and no evidence for the ring dye phenomena was observed.

Activated Carbon Nonwoven as Chemical Protective Materials

Abstract: The process of manufacturing an activated carbon nonwoven made by cotton fiber was investigated. The study was focused on cotton nonwoven formation, carbonization, activation, and characterization of the activated carbon nonwoven. Pyrolysis of the cotton carbonization was analyzed using TGA. There was a considerable decrease in weight loss in the region between 250°C to 400°C and the proper carbonized temperature was 400°C. The SEM examination indicated that the surface area of cotton fiber was increased significantly because the inside hollow of cotton fiber was widely opened and some small agglomerated particles were gasified after activation. Absorbability of the activated carbon nonwoven was evaluated using an instrument of inverse gas chromatography. Dispersive surface energy, specific free energy, and total surface energy all indicated this trend: Carbonized Cotton > Activated Cotton > Raw Cotton. The activated carbon nonwoven exhibited the potential for use as high adsorbent and absorbent materials. They are light weight and bulky, advantageous in protective clothing applications and other consumer and industrial applications.

Managing Knowledge in Fashion Businesses: A Survey of Contemporary Tools for Coordination and Collaboration

Abstract: This paper focuses on coordination and collaboration technologies in contemporary knowledge management. In particular, we focus on the roles of coordination and collaboration technologies in managing knowledge in global textile and apparel companies. We begin by presenting the issues of knowledge and knowledge management in organizations, and determining how the latest coordination and collaboration technologies aid networked organizations in managing, sharing, and transferring their “knowledge.” The paper also examines the functions of the latest technologies in communication and coordination and determines how they help the organizations share, store, and transfer their “knowledge” between and within the organizations. This paper suggests how the latest technologies in communication can be applied to managing knowledge in organizations. Although our study is mainly based on empirical observations of international textile and apparel companies, the contextual elements governing the use of the technologies apply to all businesses that rely on proper communication and coordination to plan and monitor globally dispersed functional teams and enterprises.

Cotton-Comfortable Face Masks with Protective Finishes and Electret Filter Media for Safety from Microbial Threats

Abstract: Cotton-comfortable multi-ply face mask fabrics have been developed at The University of Tennessee's Textiles and Nonwovens Development Center (TANDEC) which have a repellent finished outer spunbond (SB) polypropylene (PP) layer, a middle layer of electrostatically charged (EC) melt blown (MB) PP, and a face side of a cotton-rich nonwoven. The EC MB PP layer effectively filters out aerosols and particulate containing bacteria and viruses, thereby protecting both the wearer and other personnel in the environment. In addition, a cotton-rich nonwoven layer on the body side provides the aesthetics and comfort of cotton, and also better retains antibacterial finish for neutralizing any microbes that penetrate the EC filter media. Filtration efficiency (FE) against 0.1 μm NaCl particles and the pressure drop were determined at TANDEC. FE to water aerosol containing Staphyloccus aureus bacteria per the In Vitro Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) test and to virus (φX174) per the In Vitro Viral Filtration Efficiency (VFE) were determined at Nelson Laboratories. The percent reduction of bacteria after the BFE test was also ascertained by Nelson Laboratories by a method adapted from AATCC 100.

Studies on the Properties of Sisal Fibre/Phenol Formaldehyde Resin In-situ Composites

Abstract: In this paper sisal fibre (SF) was pretreated by alkali, KH-550, and steam explosion. Then sisal fibre/phenol formaldehyde (SF/PF) composites were prepared through compression molding. The effects of the sisal fibre addition mode and sisal/glass (SF/GF) hybrid phenol formaldehyde composites with glass/sisal weight ratio on mechanical properties, thermal properties, water absorption properties and electrically insulating properties were studied. Meanwhile, the effects of sisal treatments were also examined. Results indicate that polymerization-filling is a novel synthesizing method and KH-550 treatment is an ideal method for the modification of SF. The SF/PF composites made by the polymerization-filling method increased by 17.61%, 7.16% and 12.25% in impact strength, bending strength and bending modulus respectively compared with using the conventional physical blending method. SF/GF/PF composites showed higher mechanical properties when SF/GF was 1/1, and thermal properties improved with the addition of GF; sisal fibre and glass fibre exhibited positive hybrid effect in water absorption properties while negative hybrid effect in insulating properties. A study of fibre-matrix interaction and fracture behavior of the fractured surfaces of the composites was also made by scanning electron micrographs.

Effect of Low-temperature Plasma Pre-treatment on the Chemical Silver-plated Polyester Fabrics

Abstract: Low-temperature plasma (LTP) has been increasingly employed for polymer surface modifications. In this paper, plasma gases of oxygen and argon were used for pre-treating polyester fabrics before conducting chemical silver plating, aiming to increase the amount of metal content and improve the performance of the polyester fabrics. After LTP pre-treatment, there was a thin plasma layer generation on the fabric surface which was in good contact with the fibre. Based on the observation of micro-structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it was found that there was an increase in the amount of silver particles deposited on the fibre surface after the LTP pre-treatment. The surface observation implies that the LTP pre-treatment could enhance the hydrophilicity of fibre surface and help facilitate the absorption of silver particle layer to reach the necessary level of uniformity and adhesive strength.

Measurement of Garment Bagging Deformation Using a 3D Laser Scanning Method

Abstract: Garment bagging is considered as a 3D distortion happened over cyclic movement and/or prolonged stretching of fabric materials. In this study, a laser scanning system was proposed for a 3D measurement of garment bagging and the advantages of this technique over conventional methods were revealed. A surface inspection method for garment bagging was developed; simple boundary filter, pick peaks tool, 5 point FFT smoothing and polynomial fit were applied to detect and measure the borderline of bagging deformation conditions. The 3D information of bagging shape, including bagging height, could be obtained through this technique.

Development of Phase Change Materials Treated Thermostatic Fabric by Screen Printing Method

Abstract: The objectives of this study are to examine the conditions of finishing on the cotton fabrics after synthesizing melamine formaldehyde (M/F) microcapsules containing octadecane by the interfacial polymerization method for commercial use as active sportswear. For this, a cotton fabric was coated with the mixture of microcapsules and polyurethane binder under the various conditions such as curing temperature/time and concentration by Screen Printing Method (SPM). The thermal storage/release properties, launderability, mechanical properties, and physical properties of the fabrics were evaluated. And for examining the prior adhesive method, the cotton fabric was also coated by Knife-Over-Roll (KOR). The mean diameter of synthesized microcapsules ranged 1 to 1.5 μm; the shape was spherical, and their heat of fusion/crystallization were 140.55J/g and 133.16J/g respectively. The optimum treatment temperature/time combination to obtain the best thermal storage/release properties from microcapsules treated fabrics was 110°C/1 min. The thermal storage/release properties of treated fabrics increased as microcapsules concentration increased. The thermal properties decreased after 5 times of laundering. Bending, shear rigidities, and mean deviation of surface roughness of treated fabric increased, and the coated fabrics by KOR were stiffer and harder to bend and shear than by SPM. And the treated fabrics by KOR exhibited lower air resistance and higher moisture absorption than by SPM.

Prediction of Yarn Cross-Sectional Color from Longitudinal Color by Neural Network

Abstract: This paper presents a study of color behavior and reflectance factors of fibers in their crosssectional and longitudinal directions. In the practical field, it was demonstrated that the reflectance factors and the lightness (L*) of fibers are different in their cross-sectional and longitudinal directions and the mentioned values are higher for the lateral surface. The measurement of reflectance factors of fibers' cross-sections showed that lightness and reflectance factors increase as fibers’ density increase in the measurement cell. A relationship was established between colors of fibers in two directions using the ratio of K/S values of yarns in cross-sectional and the longitudinal directions at different wavelengths. In the second part of this work a neural network was applied to relate the color of fibers in the mentioned directions. Results showed an excellent prediction with the later technique.

Environmental, Cost and Product Issues Related to Reusable Healthcare Textiles

Abstract: The subject of reusable and disposable textiles has been reviewed for some time. This report offers some views in the matter by comparing certain critical factors of reusable and disposable healthcare textiles. Environmental, health, cost and product factors will be evaluated through an examination of the advantages and disadvantages for each product group.

On Assessing Flammability of Textiles

Abstract: This study is to investigate the fire safety of textile and clothing materials. It also assesses the flammability for textiles in general. With the increase in big fires, accidental or non-accidental, people are worrying about the fire behaviour of combustibles. The flammability of textile and clothing materials is a great concern. Appropriate tests should be developed to assess textile and clothing materials to ensure they are safe in a fire. In fact, textile products should satisfy some fire safety criteria depending on their uses. There are specified flammability requirements on selected products, though whether these are good enough for assessing modern textile materials should be watched. Typical textile materials with and without fire retardants protection were selected for assessing the fire behaviour with a cone calorimeter. High radiative heat flux up to 70 kWm‒2 was applied to assess those selected textile materials. A cone calorimeter is suggested to be the minimum requirement, though some full...

Anthropometric Measurements and Body Motions of Teenagers with Mental Handicap in Hong Kong

Abstract: Teenagers with mental handicap have great difficulties in the areas of dress appearance and purchasing appropriate well-fitting garments due to their unusual body configurations, overweight and/or numerous congenital defects. The purpose of this research is to investigate the anthropometric measurements and body motions of mentally handicapped teenagers in Hong Kong so as to provide a conceptual framework for product development of their clothing. The results indicated that about one-third of the mentally handicapped teenagers were obese and this could affect their behavioral development as well as level of social acceptance. The anthropometric measurements of the mentally handicapped group also differed markedly from those of the ordinary group. A large range of anthropometric variations was observed within the mentally handicapped group. The disproportionate body dimensions, combined with large range of anthropometric variations, have created problems of ill-fitting garments and poor dress appearance. In this respect, a specific sizing system covering a broad range of sizes with increased waist girth, thigh girth and back width, but shortened arm length and leg length needs to be derived. As the range of motion (ROM) measurements also indicated significant mobility variations amongst the mentally handicapped group, the body motion analysis results need to be taken into account in order to achieve maximum aesthetics and comfort.

Evaluation of Two Liquid Cooled Prototype Vests Through Human Subject Testing

Abstract: First responders are specialty teams who are trained to work in toxic environments to assess and diffuse the threat. They have to wear specially designed Personal Protective Ensembles (PPE) that is impermeable to liquids and gasses. Microclimate inside PPEs gets hot and humid, rapidly rendering it uncomfortable and often hazardous to work longer than 30 minutes at a time. Providing active cooling is one way to extend the time spent in PPEs. Two water-cooled prototype garments were developed at our department. This study focused on the evaluation of the prototype cooling garments using human subjects, performing simulated tasks in an environmental chamber. Both physiological and perceptual responses were considered to understand the garment's effectiveness in providing cooling relief as well as the user acceptance in terms of ease of use, comfort and perceived effectiveness. The subjects' perception of cooling relief generally agreed with the physiological data. The two prototype cooling vests positively affected skin temperatures, sweat rate, microclimate temperature, humidity, perceived temperature and perceived humidity. Both physiological and perception data indicated there were no significant and consistent differences between the two cooling vests. The subjects perceived the prototype cooling garments to provide effective cooling, to be attractive and practical overall.

Impact Protection Equipment for Female Ice Hockey Players

Abstract: Current offerings for women's ice hockey equipment are compared to the data collected in a 1993 study conducted on fit and performance of impact protection equipment for female ice hockey players. The growing athletic participation of women in a variety of sports has led to the need for female specific protective clothing, specifically in the sport of ice hockey where women have made large strides worldwide in the last decade. Anatomical differences between men and women, the injury occurrence when playing ice hockey and the current system of sizing hockey equipment were reviewed. The SizeUSA data, which includes the body scans and measurements of over 7,000 American women, is discussed and compared with current sizing information. The size and fit of protective equipment is crucial to providing adequate impact protection to the ice hockey player. Female ice hockey players were surveyed: evaluations were conducted on the current equipment, and research on a system of impact protective clothing is analyzed. A system of protection using garment layers to protect specific areas of the body, allows for ease of movement and sized in a manner consistent with the most current information available is recommended. Further research is needed concerning the performance and acceptance of such equipment.

Personality Factors and Dress Style Tribes of Undergraduate Students

Abstract: Consumers become members of style tribes when a specific style of dress is adopted. Personality may be one variable related to consumers' personal style of dress. Students in a fashion trend analysis course identified and described eleven style tribes on a university campus in the United States. Eight of the eleven style tribe descriptions’ were associated with designer names, brands, and/or specific retailers. The style tribe data were used to develop a questionnaire for the present study. Data were then collected from 277 undergraduate college students who completed two questionnaires: 1) the NEO PI-R, an instrument designed to measure the five personality factors of the Five Factor Model and 2) a questionnaire with eleven style tribe descriptions. Data were analyzed using canonical correlation. The major finding from the present study was that although personality was related to dress style, subjects reportedly adopted multiple dress styles. The findings of this investigation have theoretical implications regarding the social/psychological aspects of appearance and dress, and the marketing and retailing of appearance management products associated with designer names, brands, and/or retailers.

Standards in The Visual and Linguistic Language of An Online Historic Costume Collection

Abstract: In a quest to increase access to and conserve their collections many institutions are creating websites that do more than advertise the physical collection but provide images and data for selected pieces from their collection. Libraries and archives, some with digital images, are implementing the standards for metadata harvesting and image capture created to facilitate the use of the internet, beyond its use as a tool for resource discovery, to a tool for “distributed custodianship” of resources. Small museums and collections may have trouble justifying the expending of the resources to implement these standards. This paper describes an evolutionary prototype for an archiving project for Historic Costume that is developing a process to incorporate these standards into an online searchable database for the Collection, http://digimuse.cis.drexel.edu. The evolution of the prototype includes the retrospective conversion of collection data from 3“x5” paper file card to a relational database that includes image...

Study on The Modification of Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fiber with Polar Polymers

Abstract: Due to the non-polar nature of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), surface modification was needed to improve the adhesion of UHMWPE fibers. In this paper, UHMWPE gel fibers were treated with a solution of polar polymer during the extracting process, then the modified UHMWPE fibers were made after multi-step hot drawing. The physical and chemical changes in the fiber structure were examined with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The mechanical properties and interfacial adhesion properties of modified UHMWPE fibers were investigated with tensile testing. The results showed that polar groups were introduced into the surface of UHMWPE fiber during the treatment process; this could improve the interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fibers without damaging the excellent mechanical properties of fibers. The interfacial shear strength of UHMWPE fiber with epoxy resin increased with increasing draw ratio. It was shown that ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) is an effective modifier. After modification, the shear strength of the interface between the modified UHMWPE fiber and epoxy increased by 100%, and the integrated mechanical properties of the modified UHMWPE fibers were also optimum.

A Data Mining based Intelligent System for Worsted Process Decision

Abstract: Textile production is a very complex industrial process, whose planning still depends on experts' knowledge and experience. With traditional techniques, a great many process parameters have to be repeatedly computed and the optimization of process parameters is also getting more and more difficult. However the proliferation of a huge mass of data from real production has been creating many new opportunities for those working in textile science, engineering and business. The field of data mining (DM) and knowledge discovery from database (KDD) has emerged as a new discipline in engineering and computer science. This paper investigates data mining methods from the industrial database, and presents a novel DM-based intelligent model (DMIM) for worsted process decisions through an integral application of case-based reasoning (CBR) and artificial neural network (ANN) techniques. First, from the rich existing process database, CBR is able to retrieve and recommend a similar process case as a process template; then, by means of modification on these parameters in the existing cases, ANN model is used to predict the yarn quality and make the best process decision. The basic concept and system modeling are presented in this paper. An applied case with DMIM is also given to demonstrate that the best process decision can be made and important process parameters such as those for raw materials can be optimized.