Munir Ashraf

In situ deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on polyester fabric and study of its functional properties

In situ deposition of TiO2 nanoparticles on polyester fabric has been carried out using hydrothermal method by changing the process conditions. The morphology and crystalline structure of as-deposited particles has been studied by using SEM and XRD. The chemical composition of nanoparticles was determined using energy dispersive spectroscopy. The treated sample exhibited photocatalytic solution discoloration and good washing fastness properties. The study of UV protection and moisture management of fabric showed that it had excellent UV protection factor and comfort properties.

Study the multi self-cleaning characteristics of ZnO nanorods functionalized polyester fabric:

The conditions to make nanorods functionalized fabric superhydrophobic have been optimized to obtain three kinds of self-cleaning characteristics such as physical, chemical, and biological. Physical self-cleaning is the lotus effect which is characterized by measuring both water contact and sliding angles. Chemical self-cleaning is the degradation of color stains and solutions due to photocatalytic effect of ZnO when exposed to ultraviolet. Biological self-cleaning refers to the antibacterial activity of functionalized fabric which is characterized by using a Gram-negative bacterium (Escherichia coli) and a Gram-positive bacterium (Staphyloccocus aureus) by both qualitative and quantitative methods using NF ISO 20743:2009 transfer method. The chemical and biological self-cleanings are studied on nanorods functionalized fabric before and after hydrophobization.

Photocatalytic solution discoloration and self-cleaning by polyester fabric functionalized with ZnO nanorods

Polyester fabric was functionalized with ZnO nanorods grown by hydrothermal method. The ZnO seeds were deposited on fabric which provided the sites for growth of nanorods. The functionalized fabric showed self-cleaning by degrading color stains and solution discoloration under the effect of ultraviolet (UV) light which was studied using two azo and one triphenylemethylene dye. The stained fabric was exposed to UV light and K/S (K = absorption coefficient, S = scattering coefficient) values were measured by spectrophotometer. Most of the stains were degraded in first 300 min and they disappeared completely after 24 h. The solution discoloration was studied by using different concentrations of dyes and was characterized by measuring absorbance. The rubbing and washing durabilities of the functionalized fabric were also investigated.

Bioactive woven flax- based composites: Development and characterisation

The natural fibre composites are potential alternative of glass fibre composites for structural applications, automobile and furniture industry, but these are susceptible to the bacterial attack. The current study aims to investigate the bio-functionality of composites using flax woven fabric reinforcement along with ZnO nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles were synthesised by sol–gel method and added in different fractions to unsaturated polyester resin before impregnation of reinforcement. The composites were fabricated by vacuum bag moulding technique, and bioactivity was tested in terms of antibacterial activity (zone of inhibition). The ZnO nanoparticles imparted bioactivity to the composites even in the lowest amount (0.02% by weight). These bioactive composites will help to lower the risk for fibre degradation and enhance the service life of composite, by restricting the growth of bacteria.

Impact of hydrophobic treatment of jute on moisture regain and mechanical properties of composite material

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fluorocarbon, hydrocarbon, and hybrid fluorocarbon on the mechanical properties and moisture regain of jute fiber reinforced composite materials. A significant difference in moisture regain values of treated and untreated reinforcement samples was observed, when the concentration of chemical finish (hybrid fluorocarbs) was 40 g/L. The composite made from treated reinforcement regained very low moisture content as well as exhibited improved mechanical properties (tensile and flexural strength). Having both characteristics (hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups) in hybrid fluorocarbon, the treated jute fibers and corresponding composites showed better properties as compared to counterparts treated by other two chemicals, due to better interface.

Development of seersucker knitted fabric for better comfort properties and aesthetic appearance

Seersucker is a thin puckered woven fabric in which some threads bunched together, giving a wrinkled appearance in place. Conventionally seersucker fabric is produced on weaving machines with some special warp tensioning devices. The aim of this work was to develop knitted seersucker fabric on single cylinder weft knitting machine using plain jersey structure. Core spun cotton yarn and cotton plain yarn of same linear density were fed at regular intervals to the feeders on the machine. The produced sample has a regular puckering stripe along the width of the fabric with same height. Air permeability and moisture management tests of wet processed samples were performed. The results indicated that the knitted seersucker fabric has good comfort properties as well as better aesthetic appearance.

Electrical conductivity and physiological comfort of silver coated cotton fabrics

Abstract The objective of present study was to develop multifunctional and wearable electrically conductive fabrics with acceptable comfort properties by in-situ deposition of silver particles. The effect of silver nitrate concentration and number of dips was investigated for change in electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, and antimicrobial properties of coated fabrics. The dynamic light scattering and SEM analysis were employed to study the morphology of deposited silver particles. The EMI shielding was found to increase with increase in concentration of silver particles. Later, the comfort and mechanical properties were studied. No significant decrease in air permeability and water vapor permeability was observed due to partial coverage of fabric pores by coating of silver particles. Moreover, the coated fabrics also showed promising behavior toward antimicrobial properties. When the durability of coated fabrics was examined against washing, the application of binder provided good retention of silver particles without loss of electrical conductivity of coated fabrics.

A Statistical Approach for Obtaining the Controlled Woven Fabric Width

Abstract A common problem faced in fabric manufacturing is the production of inconsistent fabric width on shuttleless looms in spite of the same fabric specifications. Weft-wise crimp controls the fabric width and it depends on a number of factors, including warp tension, temple type, fabric take-up pressing tension and loom working width. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of these parameters on the fabric width produced. Taguchi’s orthogonal design was used to optimise the weaving parameters for obtaining controlled fabric width. On the basis of signal to noise ratios, it could be concluded that controlled fabric width could be produced using medium temple type and intense take-up pressing tension at relatively lower warp tension and smaller loom working width. The analysis of variance revealed that temple needle size was the most significant factor affecting the fabric width, followed by loom working width and warp tension, whereas take-up pressing tension was least significant of all the factors investigated in the study.

Single-Step Antimicrobial And Moisture Management Finishing Of Pc Fabric Using Zno Nanoparticles

Abstract Functionalization of textile fabrics with metal oxide nanoparticles can be used to add antibacterial and moisture management properties to them. Current work focuses on the development of these properties on polyester/cotton woven fabrics by treating them with zinc oxide nanoparticles for workwear and sportswear applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, prepared by sol-gel method, were applied on fabric samples, which were then tested for antibacterial and moisture management properties using standard test methods AATCC 147 with Staphylococcus aureus and AATCC 195, respectively. It was found that application of ZnO nanoparticles improved both these properties with smaller particle imparting larger effects on both of them.

Development of a novel curing system for low temperature curing of resins with the aid of nanotechnology and ultraviolet radiation

Textile processing is an energy intensive process, which contributes about 15–20% of the cost of the finished product. The inefficient equipment and the non-optimized processes are the major causes of the energy losses. The most energy intensive process during wet processing is the curing. Conventionally curing/cross linking of resin is done at a high temperature of about 170 °C. In this research work, ZnO nanoparticles were used in the curing process with the aim to replace the conventional catalyst and to decrease the curing temperature and thermal curing time. The curing of resins was carried out using three different techniques i.e. thermal radiation, UV radiation and a combination of thermal & UV radiation. Promising results have been achieved.