Karen K. Leonas

Evaluating a One-Bath Process for Imparting Antimicrobial Activity and Repellency to Nonwoven Surgical Gown Fabrics:

A one-bath process to apply both antimicrobial and fluorochemical repellent finishes to nonwoven surgical gown fabrics is investigated in this study. The finishes are applied to two nonwovens: a polypropylene spunbonded/meltblown/spunbonded fabric and a wood pulp/polyester spunlaced fabric. Four different add-on levels of the finishes are applied to each fabric, resulting in sixteen finish combinations per fabric. Results show that both finishes are compatible for application in a one-bath process, and the antimicrobial and repellent properties are adequate with this process. Minimum chemical add-on levels of the antimicrobial and oil repellent finishes to achieve acceptable antimicrobial and repellent properties are determined for each fabric. The effectiveness of the antimicrobial finish is not affected by the repellent finish, but the effectiveness of the repellent finish varies with the add-on level of the antimicrobial finish.

Degradation of Potentially Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Films at Three Diverse U.S. Locations

For widespread adoption of biodegradable plastics as agricultural mulches, dependable biodegradation across contrasting conditions is necessary. The in situ degradation of four potentially biodegradable mulches (two commercially available starch-based films, one commercially available cellulose paper mulch, and one experimental spunbond polylactic acid mulch) were evaluated by measuring percentage of area remaining (PMAR) after burial for 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in high tunnel and open field tomato production systems at three geographically distinct U.S. locations (Knoxville, TN; Lubbock, TX; Mount Vernon, WA). The PMAR of the mulches did not differ between high tunnel and open field systems at any location, and PMAR of cellulose mulch was 0% within 12 months but >90% for experimental spunbond at 24 months. The PMAR of the two starch-based products did vary by location and was lowest at Lubbock (˜2%) compared to Knoxville (49%) or Mount Vernon (89%). Relative to the other two locations, Lubbock had the greatest soil diurnal temperature range, maximum daily soil temperature, an alkaline soil pH, and a microbial community structure characterized by a relatively high abundance of fungi. Mulch type and geographic location exerted a greater influence on PMAR than did production system, and abiotic and biotic variables influenced degradation.

The Use of Recycled Fibers in Fashion and Home Products

As the textile, apparel, fashion, and retail industries move to become more sustainable, an area of interest is the use of recycled fiber, yarn, fabric, and product content in the development and production of new products. The decision to use recycled materials in products must occur during design and product development and continue throughout the manufacturing processes. There are several recognized stages in recycling collection, processing, and then use in a new product. Recycled materials used in textile and apparel products can be obtained throughout the textile and apparel supply chain and post-consumer collection methods. The use of recycled raw materials aligns with the larger movements of global industries toward a circular economy (vs. linear) and working to achieve a closed-loop production cycle. This chapter reviews the textile and apparel industry, factors that have influenced the generation and use of waste and recycling processes currently used today. Selected brands that have programs and products that contain recycled content are identified here.

Trends of Sustainable Development Among Luxury Industry

The luxury sector is a well-established global industry worth approximately US

Evaluation of a robotic transfer replicator: machine parameters that affect measurements of transfer of particulates from carpet surfaces to human skin versus human skin-like surfaces

200 billion a year; although successful, the luxury market is quietly being re-framed to align with key and emerging trends in the industry. The concept of sustainability is gaining increased attention by the industry and consumers. Many companies including H&M, Levi’s, and Nike have already incorporated sustainable development and supply chain partner that focus on sustainability into their business models. Sustainability being inconsistent with value associated with the luxury sector, which is a leading sector known for high margins and social reputation, reports have criticized luxury brands for lagging behind others with regard to sustainable development. Considering their ‘value network’ in a conventional way and ignoring emerging needs and social conditions may be the reasons why the existing luxury companies have not adopted sustainability practices more quickly. Under increasing pressure to implement sustainable development throughout the industry, some new luxury entrepreneurs are emerging with remarkable perspectives on sustainable development. They break the traditional business innovation known to the luxury sector and are implementing the concept of sustainable development as a direction in their business strategies. In addition, they are moving toward developing a circular economy to realize ‘sustainability’ in their supply chains. In this chapter, redefinition of luxury, trends in the luxury market, adoption of sustainability among luxury brands and consumers, disruptive business model innovation, and the circular economy are discussed. At last, a case study on sustainable luxury swimwear entrepreneurs is presented.

Antimicrobial Properties and Release Profile of Ampicillin from Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) Nanofiber Yarns

We have designed and built a robotic machine (robotic transfer replicator) to replicate the process by which various particulates are transferred from carpet surfaces to human skin. The particulates tested included bovine serum albumin, dust mites, paint dust, pesticides, and pollen. We have investigated the effect of time of transfer, applied pressure, skin-like receptor materials, particulate size, carpet composition and construction, and motion of the receptors on the percent transfer. The amount transferred was determined to be directly proportional to the amount of particulate applied to the carpet surface. The percent transfer values ranged from 0.05% to 28% for different combinations of particulates, carpet types, and method of transfer. The percent transfer was shown to be independent of receptor size or applied pressure. To explain the variations in the percent transfer, a three-zone model for particulate penetration into carpets is proposed. While the robotic transfer replicator was not capable of reproducing exactly the results from human finger transfer, it does provide a controlled and reproducible approach to the transfer process and the ability to use toxic or pathogenic materials that could not be used with human subjects.