Nasir Mahmood

Antimicrobial Studies of Knitted Fabrics from Bamboo, Soybean and Flax Fibers at Various Blends

In the current study, the single jersey knitted fabric from natural fibers bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), soybean (Glycine max) and flax (Linum usitatissimum) at various blend ratios are prepared for comparison of physical strength and antimicrobial properties. For the general characteristic evaluations it is deduced that the fiber strength of pure flax is comparatively stronger than bamboo and soybean, whereas the antimicrobial properties of the bamboo fibers are the highest. Therefore, the blended fabric with multiple compositions for these three fibers is prepared and compared with the fabric made from individual pure fibers. In sum, the blended fabrics showed enhanced results for both antibacterial activity and strength, where the strength of flax/bamboo blended fabric with equal ratios (50/50) at higher twists and antibacterial activity of soybean/bamboo blended fabric with blend ratio 10/90 was found the best as compared to other combinations.

Impact of Various Wrinkle Free Finishes on Wrinkle Recovery Property ofCotton Fabric under Different Variables

Today everybody wishes for that his/her dress retains just ironed shape. Wrinkle free finishes provide wrinkle free and soft look fabric. Wrinkle free finishes are broadly used in the textile industry to impart wrinkle-resistance to cellulosic materials such as cotton fabric. The application of wrinkle resistance (permanent or durable press) finishes on the fabric improves their wrinkle resistance property. Because of increasing demand for pure cotton fabrics, permanent press finishes are being used on these clothes. In conventional durable press finishing, there are two types of products used (resin type and reactant type). Both of these products contain formaldehyde which cause human carcinogen. Hence durable press finishes free of formaldehyde with trade namesTexicil DC, Knittex RCT, Arkofix NEC and Arkofix ELF (Dihydroxi ethylene urea and Demethyldihydroxi urea) were used in this research study. The present work endeavors to optimize the application of these wrinkle free finishes at various concentrations trying different techniques of applying these finishes on pure cotton fabric for best manufacturing results. The results revealed that the finish Arkofix ELF and Arkofix NEC showed superior results at the concentration level 120 g/l under Pad-flash –cure method of application for the wrinkle free property of the fabric.