Table of Content

15 November 2025, Volume 46 Issue 11

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Fiber Materials

Preparation of thermochromic fiber membrane and its temperature-sensing performance

LIANG Zhi, JI Kangrui, LI Zhangcheng, HE Yu, WANG Can, HOU Chong

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  1-8.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250500801

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Objective The thermochromic flexible temperature sensor, visible to the naked eye, effectively addresses the issues of limited flexibility, additional power requirements, and intricate structures associated with conventional rigid temperature sensors. To advance the field of wearable temperature sensing, developing a thermochromic flexible temperature sensor with superior stretchability and multi-color integration is of significant importance. This study aims to investigate the fabrication and temperature-sensing properties of thermochromic fiber membranes produced via solution blow spinning.
Method Two types of thermochromic microcapsules were employed, with one transitioning from colorless to blue at 22 ℃ and the other transforming from colorless to pink at 35 ℃. The microcapsules were blended with a styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer via a solution-based approach to prepare the spinning solution. The spinning solution was subsequently blown through a high-pressure nozzle using a solution blow spinning technique, yielding thermochromic fiber membranes. The mechanical properties, spectral and chromatic characteristics, response time, hydrophobicity, and moisture permeability of the thermochromic fiber membranes were systematically tested and analyzed. To verify their temperature-sensing performance, the thermochromic fiber membrane was applied to a standard fabric for visualized temperature detection in ambient conditions.
Results Scanning electron microscope characterization demonstrated that the blended spinning solution of SEBS and thermochromic microcapsules formed a fiber cross-mesh structure under high-pressure airflow conditions. This structural arrangement led to the degradation of fiber formation and the progressive aggregation of thermochromic microcapsules with increasing content. With the mass fraction of thermochromic microcapsules increasing from 5% to 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%, the maximum strain of the thermochromic fiber membranes decreased sequentially from 611% to 608%, 432%, 390%, 269%, and 149%. Upon being stretched to 100% of its original length, the fiber membrane containing 30% thermochromic microcapsules withstood 26 stretching cycles prior to fracturing. Spectrum and chromaticity analyses revealed that the prepared thermochromic fiber membrane displayed a blue color at temperatures below 22 ℃, a white appearance at temperatures between 22 ℃ and 35 ℃, and a pink hue at temperatures above 35 ℃. Specifically, the fiber membrane with 30% thermochromic microcapsules underwent a color transition from white to blue within 10 s at 10 ℃, while the shift from white to pink at 60 ℃ similarly required 10 s to stabilize. The thermochromic fiber membranes exhibited excellent hydrophobicity, achieving an initial maximum water contact angle of 141.5°, which remained above 120° even after 10 min of water exposure. Following a 9-hour moisture permeability test, the water vapor permeability of the fiber membrane containing 30% thermochromic microcapsules with a thickness of 280 μm was measured at 5.08 mg/(cm²·h). Spraying thermochromic fibers onto the glass surface facilitates visualized water temperature sensing, which is crucial for ensuring safe drinking practices. By integrating the thermochromic fiber membrane with conventional fabric, intelligent wearable textiles can be developed, enabling visual sensing of environmental temperature through its temperature-color response relationship.
Conclusion The thermochromic fiber membranes enable visualized temperature sensing by exhibiting distinct color transitions across multiple temperature intervals, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional thermochromic membranes, which are typically restricted to single-color changes and narrow temperature ranges. Experimental results demonstrate that these thermochromic fiber membranes possess excellent stretchability and hydrophobicity, underscoring their potential for applications in wearable temperature sensing. The smart wearable fabric fabricated using these thermochromic fiber membranes enables visualized temperature detection without the need for additional power input. Moreover, these membranes are facile to fabricate, lightweight, and can be seamlessly integrated with conventional fabrics, thereby significantly reducing the costs associated with practical applications.

Influence of metal chlorides on hydrogen bonding regulation and mechanical properties of polyamide 66

WANG Hanwen, LI Wanxin, LI Chen, YU Linjie, WANG Wenqing, DONG Zhenfeng, WEI Jianfei, ZHU Zhiguo, WANG Rui

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  9-18.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250302801

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Objective Polyamide 66 (PA66) is widely applied in various fields due to its excellent mechanical strength, high toughness, and wear resistance. However, the high-density hydrogen bonds interaction between amide groups hinders its high level drafting, putting limits on the preparation of PA66 materials (especially fiber) with high mechanical strength. Metal chlorides can temporarily shield hydrogen bonds through complexation, thereby enhancing the stretchability of PA66. Subsequent decomplexation by water restores hydrogen bonds. Therefore, the complexation-stretching-decomplexation is a potential approach for preparing high strength PA66 fiber. This research aims to investigate the effects of CaCl₂ and LaCl₃, either individually or in combination, on hydrogen bonding interaction. Through shielding and restoration of hydrogen bonds, the mechanical properties of PA66 fibers were analyzed, providing an effective approach for preparing high performance PA66 fibers.
Method PA66/chloride composites with varying metal chloride contents were prepared through solution blending method. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to investigate the regulation of hydrogen and its effects on PA66 crystallization properties. Based on these results, fibrous samples were fabricated by melt stretching method and subjected to mechanical property tests so as to analyze the effect of chloride-induced hydrogen bond shielding on properties. Finally, highly oriented samples obtained by stretching on tensile machine underwent decomplexation treatment to investigate the changes in fiber mechanical properties after hydrogen bond restoration.
Results CaCl₂ and LaCl₃, either individually or in combination, were found efficient in shielding the hydrogen bond interaction of PA66, leading to a significant decline or almost disappearance of the crystallization ability of PA66/chloride. The hydrogen bond shielding ability was found to follow the order of PA66-La/Ca > PA66-La > PA66-Ca, indicating a synergistic shielding effect when metal chlorides were loaded in combination. In terms of mechanical properties, metal chlorides significantly enhanced the stretchability of PA66 samples. The elongation at break of PA66-5La/Ca and PA66-10La/Ca increased remarkably, both exceeding 200%, which is 2-3 times that of pure PA66. The stress induced effect significantly increased the orientation degree of the samples and resulted in a transition from the α form to γ form. After 4-6 hours of water chelation treatment, the tensile strength of the samples with tensile orientation (but not broken) was increased to about 1.70 times its original strength due to the dual effects of high orientation and hydrogen bond recovery.
Conclusion CaCl₂ and LaCl₃ serve as effective complexing agents to shield hydrogen bond interaction in PA66, and both chlorides exhibit a synergistic effect in hydrogen bond shielding. This shielding demonstrates reversibility and adjustability. This method provides a simple approach for obtaining PA66 fiber products with high draw ratio and high strength.

Synthesis and characterization of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)-block-poly(tetramethylene glycol) copolymers

DONG Hailiang, WEI Ting, KUANG Jun, CHEN Ye

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  19-25.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250300101

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Objective To enrich the variety of traditional polybutylene terephthalate-based thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer and address the poor elastic recovery performance in the field of fiber materials, new types of thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer (TPEE) were synthesized by direct esterification and melt polycondensation using bio-based poly(trimethylene terephthalate) as hard segment contents, aiming to achieve a series of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)-block- poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTT-b-PTMG)with different hardness. This study aims to investigate the effects of different soft segment contents on the structure and properties of PTT-b-PTMG, so as to provide support for the development and application of the thermoplastic polyether ester elastomer.
Method A series of PTT-b-PTMG copolymers with different hardness were synthesized by direct esterification melt polycondensation. The structure and properties of PTT-b-PTMG copolyesters were characterized by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity analyzer, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXS), etc.
Results The results showed that PTT-b-PTMG copolyester was successfully synthesized evidenced by FT-IR, ¹H-NMR, and GPC analysis and the soft segment mass fraction calculated by ¹H-NMR spectra were close to the theoretical addition value.The influences of soft segment contents on the structure and properties of PTT-b-PTMG copolyesters were studied by changing the soft segment contents. The results showed that as the content of soft segments increase, the intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight of copolyesters increased with the increase of soft segments ratio from 0% to 60%. With the increase of soft segments content, the length of PTT hard segment segments in the molecular sequence structure decreased from 16.3 to 4.5, the elongation at break increased from 49% to 542%, the tensile strength decreased from 26 MPa to 13 MPa, the Young's modulus decreased from 2 012 MPa to 62 MPa and the Shore hardness decreased from 65 to 38. WAXS revealed that all copolymers had the same crystal structure of homo-PTT at room temperature. With the increase of soft segments content, melting point shifted from 223.2 ℃ to 178.7 ℃ with the enthalpy of melting decreased from 43.2 J/g to 16.2 J/g and crystallization temperature shifted from 178.0 ℃ to 132.5 ℃with the enthalpy of crystallization decreased from 49.0 J/g to 19.5 J/g. The thermal degradation performance showed that all copolyester had good thermal stability, with the increase of soft segments content, the residual carbon content decrease from 6.8% to 1.0%, when the content of soft segments is 60%, the thermal stability of the copolyester show better than other content, slightly worse than pure PTT.
Conclusion A series of PTT-b-PTMG copolyesters were successfully synthesized by direct esterification and melt polycondensation. The crystal structure of PTT-b-PTMG copolyesters was found to be consistent with that of PTT by WAXS. With the increase of soft segment content, the intrinsic viscosity and molecular weight of the copolyesters increased, the mean chain length of the hard segment PTT of the molecular sequence structure decreased, the hardness, melting point and crystallization temperature decreased, and the crystallization property deteriorated. The thermal stability results suggest that copolyesters have good thermal stability, and the residual carbon content decreases with the increase of soft segment content. In addition, the increase of soft segment content leads to the change of mechanical properties, the decrease of tensile strength and tensile modulus, and the increase of elongation at break. In this paper, the properties of PTT-b-PTMG with different proportion of soft and hard segments are studied. By changing the content of soft segments, the hardness, tensile modulus, elongation at break and other mechanical properties could be precisely controlled. This work provides more raw material options for the application in the field of TPEE elastic fiber materials.

Preparation of curcumin-loaded core-shell nanofibrous membranes and their sustained release performance

SHU Zuju, YUAN Ziyu, ZHOU Fei, HUANG Xiuwen, WANG Quan, FANG Xianlong, CAO Meixue

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  26-33.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250106701

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Objective Curcumin (Cur) has widely used in food and medical field by virtue of its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Because of its hydrophobicity, low bioavailability, and instability, reasonable drug delivery systems are gaining growing attention. The biocompatible or biodegradable materials used to prepare drug delivery systems are recognized to be the safe and sustainable choice. In order to improve the utilization of Cur and achieve sustained release, the Cur-loaded nanofibrous membranes was developed via coaxial electrospinning technology, with Cur/starch (St) as a core layer and the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the shell layer.
Method The coaxial electrospinning technology was adopted to develop Cur-loaded nanofibrous membranes with core-shell structure. The natural antioxidants Cur was added to the biopolymer St solution to form a core layer spinning solution, and the degradable PVA was used as the shell layer spinning solution. The nanofibrous morphological structure, fiber diameter, shell thickness and sustained-release performance were regulated by the shell flow rate. The structures and properties of nanofibrous membranes were characterized by means of scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscopy, infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffractor and UV spectrophotometer.
Results The flow rate of shell solution during the coaxial electrospinning was adjusted to 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 mL/h, and the corresponding average nanofiber diameter was 235.34, 266.18, 315.38, 293.63 nm, respectively. When the shell flow rate was 0.8 mL/h, the shell thickness was 108.42 nm, which was larger than that of the other groups. Therefore, the shell flow rate had an obvious effect on the morphological structure of the nanofibers from SEM and TEM, and all nanofibers were featured with core-shell structure and a smooth fiber surface. From the FT-IR and XRD, it was depicted that Cur-loaded core-shell nanofiber membranes were successfully prepared, Cur in the core layer was amorphous, and hydrogen bonding existed between the components of core and shell, which provided a structural basis for sustained release. With the increase of shell flow rate, the content of PVA in the fibers gradually increased, and the relative content of Cur and St in the core layer decreased. Therefore, the loading capacity decreased with the increase of shell flow rate. However, the encapsulation efficiency first increased and then decreased when the shell flow rate increased. When the shell flow rate increased to 0.8 mL/h, the encapsulation efficiency increased to 71.11%. When the shell flow rate further increased to 1.0 mL/h, the encapsulation efficiency showed a slight decreasing to 68.26%, because a negative effect on the Taylor cone shape and the formation of fiber occurred when the shell flow velocity exceeded a certain value, which in turn affected the encapsulation effect of the nanofibers. The Cur release rate was high in the initial stage, and the release curve flattened after 24 h, entering the sustained release stage. With the increase of shell flow rate, the cumulative sustained release rate within 24 h and 96 h increased accordingly, realizing the regulation of Cur content and sustained-release effect. And the release mode exhibited the Fickian diffusion behavior.
Conclusion The Cur-loaded nanofibrous membranes with core-shell structure were developed by the coaxial electrospinning technology. The Cur-loaded nanofiber had an obvious core-shell structure and a smooth fiber surface. The shell flow rate directly affected Cur content and morphological structure of nanofibers. With the increase of the shell flow rate, the fiber diameter and shell thickness first increased and then decreased. Cur in the core layer was amorphous, and hydrogen bonding existed between the components of corer and shell layer. With the increase of shell flow rate, the loading capacity decreased, and the encapsulation efficiency first increased and then decreased, which did not affect the efficient release of Cur. The shell flow rate influenced Cur content and cumulative release rate, and the release behaviors followed the Fickian diffusion law, which indicated the shell flow rate could regulate Cur content and sustained release effect. The Cur-loaded nanofiber membrane prepared in this paper has a broad application prospect in the food and medical fields.

Preparation and properties of self-adhesive Zein-based ultrafine fibrous mats

LIU Fei, LIU Lu, ZHENG Zhichao, LIU Junhong, WU Dequn, JIANG Qiuran

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  34-42.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250305801

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Objective Flexible electronic devices have been employed in real-time physiological signal monitoring and disease diagnosis. Owing to their natural origin and biocompatibility, there is an increasing interest in biodegradable protein-based devices. However, due to inadequate interfacial adhesion between protein substrate and biological tissue, challenges arise in maintaining long-term conformal contact during human motion monitoring, which restricts medical applications of protein-based sensors and electrodes. Therefore, the adhesion modification of protein ultrafine fibrous devices is crucial for advancing naturally derived wearable electronic devices in human health monitoring.
Method A dopamine-assisted ion chelation modification method was proposed to enhance the self-adhesion of zein ultrafine fibers. The process encompassed dopamine hydrochloride (DA) grafting, DA self-polymerization, and iron-ion chelation, all occurring within the epoxy/protein cross-linking network. Furthermore, the effects of DA process parameters, including solvent system, pH value, concentration, temperature, stirring speed, and reaction time of the DA bath, as well as activation treatment parameters such as concentration and reaction time of the iron-ion bath on adhesion (peeling strength), fiber morphology, and chemical structures were investigated.
Results Compared with samples in water or dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), the obtained samples in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) solution demonstrated the highest peeling strength. The porous structure and adhesion modification of fiber mats could not be achieved in strongly acidic, alkaline or neutral (pH=7) environments, while the DA grafting efficiency was high at pH=4 or 8. The grafting saturation was achieved under the following conditions: DA concentration of 1 mmol/L, stirring speed of 300 r/min, reaction time of 2 h and reaction temperature of 50 ℃, when the peeling strength was up to 0.40 N/mm. Since the chelation of iron ions promoted the opening of epoxy groups, the coordination bonds between DA and Zein/epoxy crosslinked fiber mat (ZE) was formed. Consequently, after the ion treatment at a concentration of 0.2 mmol/L and a reaction time of 10 min, the interaction such as hydrogen bonds between the glass surface and grafted Zein/epoxide (g-ZE) samples were established, leading to a high peel strength of 0.45 N/mm. After grafting treatment, the diameter of samples with optimal parameters was around 0.32 μm, the fiber structure transformed from belts to curled belts and color appeared translucent white. In FT-IR spectra, the characteristic peaks of DA and polydopamine (PDA) did not include those of epoxy group, proving that the residue epoxy groups have been completely consumed. Additionally, the total intensity of the characteristic peak of g-ZE was higher than that of polydopamine coated fiber mat (PDA/ZE) due to the covering of PDA layer. In the aging experiment, the peeling strength maintained at 97% after 8 h, but subsequently decreased to 14.86% after 96 h. Moreover, g-ZE demonstrated the ability to adhere to five different surfaces, and the relative growth rate of L929 cells was recorded at an impressive 123.20% with a cytotoxicity grade of zero. For medical applications, the P, QRS, and T peaks of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals obtained by g-ZE were comparable to those of commercial gel electrodes under both standing and sitting conditions, thereby demonstrating the feasibility of electrophysiological signal monitoring.
Conclusion The study shows that g-ZE preserves the porous ultrafine fibrous structure, achieves DA and PDA grafting to epoxy groups, and demonstrates high adhesion durability. It exhibits universal adhesion to a variety of surfaces, including glass, metals, resins, leaves, and pork skin, with a peel strength of no less than 0.36 N/mm. Additionally, g-ZE shows a high cell proliferation rate and excellent cytocompatibility, making it suitable for in-vivo and in-vitro applications. It can also be attached to the human skin for stable monitoring of static ECG signals. This work presents a straightforward and effective adhesion modification strategy for protein-based ultrafine fiber mats. Moreover, it supports a novel approach for developing environmentally friendly, hypoallergenic, air and moisture permeable, and skin-adhesive medical diagnostic devices.

Comparative physicochemical properties of different species derived skeletal muscle decellularized matrix/silk fibrin composite hydrogel scaffold

ZENG Yihong, FU Kaixiu, WANG Yan, LUO Jian, CHEN Guobao

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  43-51.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250204901

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Objective In order to investigate physicochemical properties between decellularized matrix (dECM) from different species sources and to select dECM from appropriate species sources for tissue engineering applications, three types of composite scaffolds consisting of decellularized skeletal muscle (DSM) from three different animal sources, namely, bovine, murine, and porcine, composited with silk protein (SF), were designed.
Method DSM from different animal sources of bovine, murine, and porcine were complexed with SF. Histological observations and mechanical properties of natural skeletal muscle tissues were tested before and after decellularization. The mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, infrared spectra and microstructure of the composite gel scaffolds were tested to determine the influence dECM from different species on the gel scaffold properties.
Results Skeletal muscles from different animal sources were decellularized to remove most of the cells and retain the extracellular matrix, and the DNA content of skeletal muscle tissues from bovine, murine, and porcine sources were (25.50±0.75) ng/mg, (40.75±3.77) ng/mg, and (27.00±9.37) ng/mg, which were less than the generally accepted minimum standard of 50 ng/mg. The mechanical properties of skeletal muscle tissues of bovine, murine and porcine origin were tested before and after decellularization, respectively. The results showed that the Young's modulus of fresh skeletal muscle tissues from bovine, murine and porcine animal sources were (1.54±1.05) kPa, (1.21±0.17) kPa, (1.88±1.83) kPa, respectively, and that of decellularized skeletal muscle tissues from bovine, murine and porcine animal sources were (1.05±0.77)kPa, (0.52±0.13) kPa, (0.89±0.61) kPa, and the results of the one-way analysis of variance showed no significant difference in the mechanical properties of skeletal muscle from bovine and porcine animal sources, and no significant difference was observed in murine skeletal muscle either, before and after decellularization treatment. The mechanical properties of three groups of SF-DSM scaffolds from bovine, murine, and porcine sources were tested separately. The results showed that the Young's modulus of SF-DSM scaffolds from bovine, murine, and porcine sources were (5.68±0.49) kPa, (7.24±0.38) kPa, and (5.48±0.44) kPa. The results of the one-way analysis of variance showed significant differences between bovine and murine scaffolds and between porcine and murine scaffolds, but no significant differences were observed between bovine and porcine scaffolds. And the compressive strength of SF-DSM scaffolds from bovine, murine, and porcine sources at 50% compression were (1 391.80±548.72) kPa, (1 316.02±321.86) kPa, and (1 093.69±285.98) kPa, respectively. The porosity of SF-DSM scaffolds from bovine, murine, and porcine sources were measured to be (89.49±3.73)%, (85.30±7.87)%, and (84.67±4.16)%, respectively, and the three groups of scaffolds were porous materials, which were favorable to the cellular adhesion growth. The hydrophilicity of the three groups of scaffolds was tested, and the water absorption rate of SF-DSM scaffolds from bovine, murine and porcine sources were (4.91±1.40) g/g、(6.60±0.04) g/g and (4.69±0.22) g/g, respectively, and the water retention rate were (3.31±0.84) g/g, (3.77±0.21) g/g, (3.02±0.38) g/g, respectively. The results of infrared spectroscopy of SF-DSM scaffolds showed successful cross-linking of SF and DSM from different sources.
Conclusion The mechanical properties of skeletal muscle tissue obtained from bovine, murine, and porcine sources were tested and did not differ significantly between species before and after decellularization. There was no difference in the compressive capacity of SF-DSM scaffolds prepared from bovine, murine, and porcine skeletal muscle decellularized matrices, and there was a significant difference in Young's modulus. No significant differences existed in swelling rate, water retention, and porosity; while the water absorption rate of murine-derived scaffolds was significantly higher than that of porcine-derived ones, but showed no difference with bovine-derived scaffolds. In conclusion the overall performance of SF-DSM scaffolds was not affected by the source of DSM.

Preparation and hemostatic performance of alkylated chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol nanofiber membranes

WANG Wenshu, WANG Jiangang, LI Hanyu, WANG Chunhong, TAN Xiaoxuan, WANG Huiquan

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  52-60.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250301101

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Objective Currently, conventional hemostatic dressings have the problem of low hemostatic efficiency and are prone to adhere to the wound, causing secondary bleeding. Although chitosan exhibits excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties, its hemostatic performance still requires improvement. In order to address this issue, the hemostatic properties of chitosan using chemical modification and electrospinning technology is optimized, which holds significant theoretical and practical value for developing high-efficiency hemostatic materials. In this study, alkylated chitosan (N-CS)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber membranes was prepared via electrospinning technology.
Method N-CS with varying degrees of substitution (6.25%-58.65%) and carbon chain lengths (C12/C18) was synthesized via reductive amination, and N-CS/PVA nanofiber membranes (NCP0-NCP4) was prepared by blending and electrospinning. In order to characterize the materials, FT-IR and elemental analysis were adopted to confirm the chemical modification. SEM was employed to observe the fiber morphology, while mechanical tests evaluated the membrane strength. Contact angle measurements analyzed hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, and Zeta potential tests detected surface charge. Finally, in vitro blood clotting tests (WBCT) and cytotoxicity assays (MTT and fluorescence double staining) comprehensively assessed the hemostatic performance and biosafety.
Results Alkylation modification significantly enhanced the coagulation properties of chitosan. The degree of substitution of alkyl chitosan showed a dual effect on the coagulation performance. For alkyl chitosan in the same substitution degree range, the longer carbon chain length was beneficial to improve the coagulability of chitosan (C18>C12). With the increase of the substitution degree of alkyl, the coagulability of alkyl chitosan increased first and then decreased. It shows that the high substitution degree leads to excessive hydrophobicity, which is not conducive to the contact between the material and the blood, but prolonging the coagulation time. When the substitution degree of octadecyl chitosan was 19.60%, it showed the best coagulation effect, and the coagulation time was shortened to 68 s. In the performance test of N-CS/PVA nanofibrous membranes, the fiber diameter of nanofibrous membranes gradually decreased from 273.76 nm to 237.83 nm. Low amount of N-CS had good micro-morphology and mechanical properties. However, the excessive amount of N-CS led to the beading problem of the nanofiber membrane, and the mechanical strength decreased to (2.81±0.57) MPa. When the content of N-CS was 20%, it had better overall performance. Among them, the water contact angle was 68.5°, and the dynamic blood contact angle was less than 90°, which was both hemophilic and moderately hydrophobic. At the same time, when pH=7, the membrane shows a positive charge, it can adsorb negatively charged coagulation factors and thus promote coagulation, and the coagulation time is shortened by 39.50% compared with that of medical gauze. And the cytotoxicity test showed that the cell proliferation rate was more than 90%, demonstrating good hemostatic performance and biosafety.
Conclusion A highly efficient hemostatic N-CS/PVA nanofiber membrane was successfully developed by combining the synergistic effects of alkyl chain length and degree of substitution with electrospinning. Octadecyl chitosan with a moderate degree of substitution can significantly shorten the blood clotting time. When the N-CS content is 20%, the fiber morphology and mechanical strength are well balanced. The hemostatic efficiency is significantly better than that of conventional gauze, and the material has high biosafety, thus is suitable for emergency treatment of complex wounds. Future work needs to further verify its clinical applicability and long-term stability, and explore the combination with other bioactive factors to enhance multifunctionality.

Preparation of CuO nanofibers and its performance in non-enzymatic glucose sensor

ZHANG Dianping, CHEN Qi, XU Dengming, WANG Zuo, WANG Hao

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  61-68.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241005801

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Objective The continuous monitoring of physiological blood glucose levels is a cornerstone in the prevention, management, and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, driving the demand for advanced glucose sensing technologies. Conventional enzymatic sensors, while effective, face limitations related to enzyme stability and cost. This study focuses on the development of a high-performance non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor, utilizing transition metal copper oxides. The objective is to engineer a sensing platform that leverages the intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of copper oxide nanostructures to achieve superior sensitivity, rapid response, and environmental sustainability, thereby offering a viable alternative to enzyme-based systems.
Method Copper oxide nanofibers were synthesized through a combination of electrospinning and subsequent high-temperature calcination. A precursor solution containing copper nitrate was electrospun to form polymeric nanofiber templates, which were then calcined to yield crystalline CuO nanofibers. These CuO-NFs were subsequently deposited onto a glassy carbon electrode and stabilized with a Nafion binder to construct the GCE/CuO-NFs/Nafion sensor. The morphological and structural characteristics of the synthesized nanofibers were meticulously analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance, including electrocatalytic activity towards glucose oxidation, was evaluated in detail using cyclic voltammetry and amperometric techniques with a standard electrochemical workstation.
Results The characterization results confirmed the successful fabrication of interconnected, one-dimensional CuO nanofibers composed of tightly packed nanoparticles. This unique architecture, characterized by a high aspect ratio, creates a continuous, porous network. This network serves as a specialized conduit for efficient electron transport and exposes a significantly increased density of nanoscale active sites for glucose electrocatalysis. Electrochemical tests demonstrated that the sensor exhibited exceptional catalytic activity for the direct oxidation of glucose in alkaline media. Quantitative performance metrics revealed a high sensitivity of 172.68 μA·L/(mmol·cm²), attesting to its strong signal response per unit concentration change. The sensor also possessed a wide linear detection range from 1 μmol/L to 20 mmol/L, covering both physiological and pathological glucose levels, with a remarkably low detection limit of 0.53 μmol/L. Furthermore, comprehensive assessments confirmed excellent selectivity against common interfering substances (such as ascorbic acid, uric acid, and dopamine), alongside outstanding repeatability, reproducibility, and long-term operational stability over weeks.
Conclusion This research establishes that the structural and catalytic properties of electrospun copper oxide nanofibers can be effectively tuned by modulating precursor concentrations, such as that of Cu(NO₃)₂ in the spinning solution. The constructed GCE/CuO-NFs/Nafion non-enzymatic glucose sensor integrates the advantages of nanofiber morphology—enhanced charge transfer and abundant active sites—to deliver a comprehensive and robust sensing profile. It successfully combines high sensitivity, a broad linear range, and a low detection threshold with reliable anti-interference capability and sustained stability. These collective attributes underscore the sensor's high practical utility and measurement accuracy. Consequently, this work not only provides a viable synthesis strategy for advanced metal oxide nanomaterials but also proves the significant potential and application value of such non-enzymatic architectures in the next generation of affordable, stable, and high-performance glucose monitoring devices for diabetes care.

Textile Engineering

Fabrication of fully covered polyurethane-film-strip/cotton composite yarns and its mechanical properties

GUO Mengyao, WU Jiaqing, WANG Ying

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  69-76.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250203201

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Objective In order to increase the diversity of yarns, a composite yarn was produced using a polyurethane (TPU) nanofiber film strip as the core and cotton fibers as the sheath (TPU-film-strip/cotton) through ring spinning. During the spinning process, core exposure emerged as an issue that affects the quality of the composite yarn. Basic theoretical research on fully covered composite yarns is limited. Therefore, the fundamental principles and key parameters for achieving a completely covered structure were theoretically investigated. Three types of TPU-film-strip/cotton composite yarns were prepared, and their mechanical properties were evaluated.
Method For obtaining a fully covered yarn, a theoretical model was developed to describe the relationship between the film strip size and the parameters of the outer fibers under ideal conditions. Using this model, the theoretical linear density equation for sheath layer was established. The width of the cotton strand at the nip of front roller was experimentally investigated, and the actual linear density equation of the sheath was derived through linear fitting. Guided by both the theoretical and actual linear density equations, TPU-film-strip/cotton composite yarns were fabricated. Based on the spinning results, the theoretical linear density equation was subsequently revised.
Results Based on the theoretical model, the mathematical relationship between the film strip size and the parameters of the outer fibers was established. The theoretical linear density equation of the composite yarn sheath is given. Linear fitting was applied to derive the relationships between the yarn linear density and the 1/3 width of the strand at the nip of front roller, resulting in the actual linear density equations of the composite yarn sheath for the single roving feeding mode and the double roving feeding mode. The double roving feeding was found an satisfactory method. +++Using a TPU nanofiber film strip measuring 2.4 mm×0.1 mm as the core and cotton fibers as the sheath, the theoretical linear density of the sheath was calculated to be 32.33 tex, while the actual linear density was 17.21 tex. Therefore, the design linear density of the composite yarn sheath needed to be greater than 32.33 tex. Three types of TPU-film-strip/cotton composite yarns were spun using the double roving feeding method under the following process parameters: (1) design linear density to be 33.33 tex, which is close to 32.33 tex; (2) design linear density to be 50.00 tex, about 1.5 times of 32.33 tex; and (3) design linear density to be 66.70 tex, about twice of 32.33 tex. The results indicated that core exposure occurred in the yarns produced under situations (1) and (2), whereas a fully covered composite yarn was successfully achieved under situation (3). The spinning trials revealed that the theoretical linear density was insufficient in practice. Achieving a completely covered structure, the actual amount of sheath needed to be more than twice the theoretical linear density. Thus, the coefficient in theoretical linear density equation was doubled, resulting in a modified equation. During the actual spinning process of the composite yarns with strip as core, both the modified theoretical and actual linear densities of the composite yarn sheath should be calculated first. The maximum of these two values was defined as the critical linear density. A necessary condition for producing a fully covered composite yarn is that the linear density of the sheath must be greater than this critical value.Under situation (3), the produced TPU-film-strip/cotton composite yarn using TPU strip 33 tex and cotton 66 tex exhibited no core exposure and demonstrated a breaking strength of 13.43 cN/tex and an elongation at break of 45%.
Conclusion By integrating an electrospun film strip into cotton fibers, fully covered TPU-film-strip/cotton composite yarns were successfully produced using the ring spinning method. The fully covered yarn improves the evenness uniformity of the composite yarn and provides a certain protection to the core strips. This spinning approach overcomes the bottleneck of low mechanical properties that has limited the application of nanofiber membranes. Furthermore, electrospun films can be easily functionalized to exhibit a wide range of properties. The theory of strip-spinning may offer a new pathway for producing micro-nano composite yarns, particularly for specialized multi-functional yarns and fabrics.

Wearing performance of polyamide filament/cotton woven fabrics made from core spun-wrapped composite yarn

YIN Wenbo, YE Fan, YANG Ruihua

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  77-85.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250101901

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Objective Cotton fabrics used in workwear and outdoor clothing often tear or wear out due to low inherent strength and poor abrasion resistance of the cotton fiber. In order to address this limitation, a three-layer composite yarn comprising a polyamide-filament core, a cotton sheath, and an outer polyamide wrap was developed. This yarn was spun using a modified ring frame. Then influences of filament tenacity and fabric weave (plain vs. twill) on the mechanical properties and comfort performance of the resulting cotton (50%)textiles were investigated.
Method Wrap-spun polyamide 6 filaments with increasing tenacity values (41.94, 55.86, and 70.43 cN/tex) were combined with combed cotton roving (5.0 g/(10 m)) using an ring frame, producing core-wrapped yarns with a linear density of 18.3 tex. These yarns were then woven into both plain and twill fabrics. Their performance was compared to two industrial controls, i.e., a polyester/cotton core-wrapped yarn and a polyester/cotton (50/50) blend yarn, both using the same yarn linear density and thread density. Various fabric properties were evaluated, including tensile and tearing strength, Martindale abrasion resistance, pilling grade, air permeability, water vapor permeability, drape, vertical burn behavior, and tensile strength retention at -196 ℃. Overall wear performance was assessed using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation based on eight weighted indices.
Results Composite yarns made with progressively stronger polyamide 6 filaments exhibited a near-linear increase in breaking strength, reaching 652.40 cN which is 178.4% higher than that of the polyester/cotton control. These yarns also withstood 346 abrasion cycles before failure, tripling that of the benchmark. The outer polyamide wrap not only transmitted filament strength but also reduced yarn hairiness by 53%, indicating effective confinement of the cotton fibers. When yarns of identical fineness but differing structures were woven into plain fabrics with identical warp and weft densities, the warp and weft breaking strengths of the fabric (F1P) woven from core-wrapped composite yarns increased by 50.10% and 26.42%, respectively, compared to the control group. It was also found that the high-tenacity twill (F4-W) fabric resisted forces 1.6-fold (warp) and 1.4-fold (weft) greater than the control fabric, a benefit attributed to both the filament tenacity and the longer float lengths of twill that help redistribute load. Abrasion durability under friction increased as well. After 25 000 Martindale cycles, the composite yarn fabric exhibited a lower mass loss rate than the control group, regardless of whether it was plain weave or twill weave. Macroscopic inspection revealed only sparse fuzz on the composite fabrics, in contrast to the severe pilling and fiber breakage observed in the benchmark. All composite variants achieved ISO pilling grades of 4-5. Comfort properties were primarily influenced by the fabric weave rather than filament grade. The air permeability and water vapor permeability of composite yarn fabrics showed little difference compared to the control group. Twills were consistently 1.5 to 2.7 times more permeable and demonstrated greater drapability (51.6%-66.7%) than that of the plain woven fabric. Safety testing confirmed strong thermal shock resistance across all fabrics made from the composite yarns. All fabrics exhibited carbonization without molten dripping, and warp strength loss remained below 2% after four hours at -196 ℃. Finally, fuzzy comprehensive evaluation using eight weighted indices ranked the high-tenacity polyamide twill (F4-W) the highest in overall wear performance, followed by the polyamide 6 twill (F3-W)and the polyamide 6 plain weave (F3-P).These findings confirm that filament strength and weave design act as orthogonal but synergistic factors in engineering high-strength, abrasion-resistant, cotton fabrics for workwear and outdoor sportswear.
Conclusion By tightly wrapping cotton staples with high-tenacity polyamide filaments, the use of wrapping filament in yarn making suppresses fiber slippage and hairiness while effectively transferring filament strength to the fabric. As a result, warp and weft breaking strength, tearing strength, and abrasion resistance exceed those of polyester/cotton blended fabrics. Breaking strength is primarily determined by filament tenacity, while comfort characteristics are governed by the weave structure. These findings establish high-tenacity polyamide twills as scalable, high-load solutions for workwear and outdoor apparel.

Parametric generation and reconstruction design of four-sided continuous patterns in traditional brocade

LI Shiyun, WEN Run, SHEN Hua, WU Jianhua

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  86-93.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241207301

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Objective The four-sided continuous pattern, as a core decorative form in silk textiles, exemplifies the traditional weaving design due to its cyclic extensibility and compatibility with weaving techniques. Current research on the traditional brocade patterns primarily focuses on individual textile types or specific motifs, lacking systematic digital exploration and quantitative analysis. There remains significant potential for deeper geometric analysis and generative practices. To enhance the efficiency of digital reconstruction and innovative design for four-sided continuous patterns in the Chinese traditional brocade, this study proposes a parametric deconstruction and regeneration method, enabling rapid pattern generation while preserving their inherent mathematical aesthetics.
Method Through data collection and analysis, this study identifies typical configurations of the traditional brocade patterns, extracting universal forms of element composition, layering, and arrangement. A mathematical model of pattern rhythm is established, forming the theoretical and data foundation for parametric generation. This study employs Processing, a programming language, to develop a parametric generation system for traditional brocade patterns. Using object-oriented programming, pattern elements are transformed into adjustable parametric modules, facilitating rapid pattern reconstruction. This approach retains the mathematical and aesthetic essence of the traditional patterns while exploring innovative designs through algorithmic iteration.
Results Based on the three categories of four-sided continuous patterns, i.e. linked, scattered and overlapping, this study reveals three key structural elements, namely base textures, floral motifs, and skeletal frameworks, and identifies four critical parameters (λ₁=0.094±0.061, λ₂=0.403±0.070, λ₃=0.262±0.057, and λ₄=0.089±0.020) as quantitative references for parametric generation and innovative design validation. A parametric generation system is developed by modularizing base textures, floral motifs, and skeletal frameworks. The positional and dimensional control of modules within a unit cycle is achieved, while motif shaping is governed by the formulae refined from the research. Pattern scaling is implemented by adjusting cycle iteration parameters. The system successfully generates 11 commonly linked patterns and demonstrates high-fidelity parametric reconstruction of scattered and overlapping patterns, exhibiting both restoration accuracy and computational efficiency. Furthermore, by integrating design methodology with constraints derived from the mathematical model of pattern rhythm, the system enables rapid generation of innovative patterns while maintaining adjustable layouts and seamless tiling capabilities. This approach not only preserves the traditional aesthetic principles but also facilitates efficient design iteration and pattern adaptation.
Conclusion This study provides a systematic deconstruction and quantitative analysis of traditional brocade patterns, establishing a theoretical basis for parametric modeling. The developed object-oriented program enables automated generation of linked, scattered, and overlapping patterns, incorporating the traditional base designs and allowing for modular imports of floral and skeletal motifs. The system facilitates rapid reconstruction and innovative design, offering practical guidance for digital pattern management. Its applications extend to enterprise-level pattern database construction and digital heritage preservation, contributing to the sustainable development of traditional brocade art. Future research can be enhanced in both material and functional dimensions. Material-wise, the system could be expanded by incorporating innovative design elements, extended color schemes, and advanced geometric arrangement rules. Functionally, improvements could be focused on optimizing the random retrieval of design components and randomized color generation algorithms. These advancements are likely deepening the research scope and broaden application possibilities, enabling the traditional patterns to exhibit greater vibrancy in the digital era.

Development and performance of outdoor functional fabrics with bionic structures

XU Lili, TENG Yanfei, MA Pibo, WAN Ailan

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  94-101.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250103801

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Objective With the booming development of outdoor sports, people's demand for functional sportswear continued to grow. Heavy clothing led to poor perspiration, seriously affecting comfort with risk of hypothermia, and was easy to gather odor causing embarrassment and discomfort in a complex autumn and winter outdoor environment. Current research on the base layer of outdoor functional fabrics is primarily focused on single-function characteristics, neglecting consumers' demand for multifunctional properties combining odor elimination and thermal-moisture comfort. Therefore, it is urgent to develop outdoor functional fabrics with deodorizing performance and thermal-moisture comfort.
Method In order to develop outdoor functional fabrics that concurrently exhibit deodorizing and thermal-moisture comfort properties, eight fabric types were developed based on the biomimetic principle of Victoria amazonica leaf venation structure with the use of wool as plating yarn and odor-eliminating polyurethane/polypropylene covered yarn as the ground yarn. A deodorizing performance testing device was established to evaluate the deodorizing capabilities of these outdoor functional fabrics. The deodorizing performance and thermal-moisture comfort were assessed by testing the air permeability, moisture permeability, and moisture management properties. Additionally, the service performance of the outdoor functional fabrics was scrutinized.
Results The results of the deodorizing performance test indicated that among the 9 fabric samples, the maximum ammonia elimination rate was 99.50%, and the minimum was 85.11%. The maximum acetic acid elimination rate was 94.55%, and the minimum was 80.36%. All fabric samples exhibited excellent deodorizing efficacy, with both ammonia and acetic acid elimination rates exceeded 80%. Notably, bubble structured fabric demonstrated significantly superior deodorizing performance compared to the plain knit fabric. In terms of thermal insulation, with the exception of the leaf small pore fabric, all other fabric samples outperformed the plain knit fabric, with the secondary vein fabric achieved the best thermal insulation performance. The cardinal vein fabric exhibited the highest air permeability, while the branching structureⅡfabric demonstrated the lowest. For water vapor permeability, with the exception of the leaf small pore, branching structure I and the bubble structure fabrics, all other fabric samples outperformed the plain knit fabric. All 8 biomimetic fabric samples had a unidirectional transport index greater than 300, indicating excellent moisture absorption and wicking properties. Specifically, vein small grid and bubble structure fabrics showed markedly superior moisture management performance compared to the plain knit fabric. The serviceability assessment suggested that it was evident that all eight biomimetic fabric samples met the service performance requirements for outdoor functional apparel. In terms of pilling resistance, the cardinal vein, secondary vein, vein small grid, bubble structure, and the branching structureⅡfabrics performed the best, with the fabric surface remaining clear and intact after 7 000 cycles of abrasion. The branching structureⅠfabric showed the best bursting strength and bursting height, demonstrating exceptional bursting performance. With respect to the tensile properties, the weft-breaking strength and breaking elongation of all 8 biomimetic fabric samples were greater than those in the warp direction. In the weft direction, the secondary vein fabric had the highest breaking strength, and the branching structureⅡfabric had the highest breaking elongation.
Conclusion The comparative analysis of eight fabric samples and plain-knit fabrics demonstrated that incorporating wool and deodorizing polyurethane fibers significantly improved the fabrics' deodorizing performance. The bioinspired structural design was also found to substantially enhance thermal-moisture comfort, offering valuable guidance for developing outdoor functional apparel that combines both deodorizing performance and comfort. However, challenges remained regarding how to effectively implement zonal designs using these bioinspired structures in outdoor garments, as well as how to establish appropriate evaluation methods for assessing the performance of such functional clothing, indicating important directions for future research.

Nival system for fabric pilling grade evaluation

DENG Yuntao, TAN Yanjun, ZHANG Hongsong, YAN Yu, YU Qiuyu, LIN Fengxi, WANG Yixin, AN Lele

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  102-110.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250206601

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Objective Fabric pilling grading is a crucial aspect of fabric quality inspection. With the continuous increase in production levels within the textile industry, fabric pilling detection still relies on manual methods, which struggle to keep pace with production efficiency and are susceptible to subjective influences. Consequently, a portable fabric pilling grading evaluation system has been developed to address the demands of rapidly growing production efficiency for both efficiency and accuracy in the inspection process.
Method In this study, a detachable specimen clamp was designed and light angles were optimized, which collectively culminated in the development of a portable fabric acquisition device. The grading evaluation system employed an improved DA-Unet network model based on U-Net architecture to perform semantic segmentation on pilling areas of both knitted and woven fabrics made from cotton and polyester materials. Through correlation analysis, the characteristic parameters of fabric pilling are determined, and the final pilling grade evaluation module is constructed by using machine learning classification algorithm and numerical analysis of related characteristic parameters.
Results The system uses the DA-Unet network model to semantically segment the fabric image under different incident light angles, and compares the obtained semantic segmentation results with the results of pilling areas marked by professionals. Through the four evaluation indexes of intersection over union, pixel accuracy, recall and precision, the optimal incident light angle is determined to be 60°, and the results of the four evaluation indexes are 75.83%, 98.75%, 79.59% and 94.67%. The influence of characteristic parameters including pilling number, total pilling area, maximum pilling area, average pilling area, median pilling area and contrast, on pilling grade of fabrics was explored. The correlation between the characteristic parameters and the grade was analyzed by Spearman and Kendall methods, and the four characteristic parameters that had the greatest influence on the grade evaluation were determined as pilling number, total pilling area, maximum pilling area and median pilling area. Because of the differences in pilling characteristics between knitted and woven fabrics, six machine learning classification algorithms are used to predict the grade of four characteristic parameters of the two fabrics (combined with the grade evaluation results as input data). The results show that the random forest classification algorithm has the highest accuracy on knitted and woven fabrics, reaching 97.42% and 95.31% respectively. Because the special circumstances such as the appearance of hairballs in a large area have a great influence on the evaluation results, the related numerical range of different grade characteristic parameters is further analyzed, and the grade evaluation module is finally completed through the different grades divided by the parameter values. When analyzing the grades of 1 200 knitted and woven fabric samples, with discrepancies maintained within one grade compared to professional evaluations, the system achieved accuracy of 98.90% for knitted fabrics and 98.19% for woven fabrics, which effectively verified the accuracy of this system in fabric pilling grading.
Conclusion The system is used for assessing the pilling grades of knitted and woven fabrics made from cotton and polyester materials. Through four evaluation indexes, the angle of incident light is determined to be 60°. Through the Spearman and Kendall correlation analysis, four characteristic parameters which have the greatest influence on the grade evaluation are determined. Among the machine learning classification algorithms, the random forest classification algorithm has the highest rating accuracy for knitted and woven fabrics, reaching 97.42% and 95.31%. By analyzing the range of characteristic parameters of different grades, the grading accuracy of knitted and woven fabrics can reach 98.90% and 98.19%. The final results verify that the system has high accuracy in the evaluation of fabric pilling grade. Future research plans involve further expanding the types of fabrics to include nonwoven fabrics. Additionally, other methods will be explored in the grading evaluation module to further enhance the accuracy of the evaluation results.

Matching of three-dimensional fabric drape models based on PointNet classification modeling

YU Zhicai, YU Xiaona, DING Xiaojun, GU Bingfei

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  111-117.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241103401

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Objective The drape performance of fabrics constitutes one of their visual attributes, and investigating fabric drape performance holds significant reference value for both design optimization and retrieval applications. To date, fabric matching or search methodology based on drape models have primarily relied on extracting multiple drape-related metrics followed by comparative analysis among these quantified parameters. With the advancement of deep learning technologies, there arises an imperative to leverage deep learning frameworks for achieving automated fabric drape model matching. Consequently, this study proposes to conduct feature extraction and similarity computation for fabric drape models employing PointNet architecture, thereby establishing a systematic approach for precise drape-based fabric matching.
Method In order to extract feature vectors from fabric 3-D drape models automatically and to realize the matching of fabric 3-D drape models, 3-D drape models of 50 fabrics were collected using 3-D scanning devices. Based on the results of the fabric 3-D drape models, 11 fabrics were selected from the 50 fabrics, which follow obviously different 3-D drape models. The 3-D drape models of these 11 fabrics comprise a classification dataset D_PN, and the 3-D drape models of the remaining 39 fabrics are summarized into a test set D_RC, which is adopted to test the matching of the fabric 3-D drape models. Then the 3-D drape models in the datasets D_PN and D_RC are resampled to fabric 3-D drape models with the same number of vertices and topology using the resampling method. A PointNet classification model is built afterwards and the dataset D_PN is adopted to train the PointNet classification model. Finally, the trained PointNet is adopted to extract the feature vectors of the fabric 3-D drape model in the dataset D_RC, and the feature vectors are used as the basis to realize the matching of the fabric 3-D drape model. The recall of the dataset D_RC is adopted to evaluate the matching results of the fabric 3-D drape model. The influence of the number of vertices in the fabric 3-D drape model on the recall is also investigated.
Results The results show that the adopted PointNet can effectively realize the classification of the dataset D_PN. When the learning rate for training the PointNet model is fixed to 0.001, the PointNet model can be trained in 20 cycles and then the model can be seen to converge to a stable level. The loss function and classification accuracy reached a steady state for both the training and validation sets. The results also show that the feature vectors extracted using PointNet enable the matching of the fabric 3-D drape model. When PointNet is trained with uniformly sorted vertices, the maximum average recall of the dataset D_RC is 37.76%. When PointNet is trained with randomly ordered vertices and the number of vertices is 926, the maximum average recall of the dataset D_RC is 39.91% at the maximum value. This result is superior relative to the already reported manually designed fabric 3-D drape model feature IC_pca (38.56% recall).
Conclusion The PointNet model is employed to achieve feature extraction for fabric drape models and simultaneously realize fabric matching based on these models. The proposed method for extracting features from fabric drape models demonstrate greater convenience compared to conventional handcrafted design approaches. Furthermore, in the context of fabric matching using drape-based models, superior effectiveness is achieved relative to currently reported methods.

Bending properties of three-dimensional deep-angle interlock aramid fabric/epoxy resin composites

XIE Yixuan, ZHONG Lin, XU Ninghao, HUANG Xiaomei, CAO Haijian

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  118-125.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20240907101

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Objective In order to reduce casualties and improve the overall protection performance of vehicles in warring areas, the protection requirements of composite materials for bullet-proof vehicles are getting higher. Aramid three-dimensional deep-angle interlock (3DDAI) and plain weave fabrics are used as reinforcement materials, and epoxy resin is used as the matrix. The influences of weft density, structure organization and laying method on bending properties of composite materials for armored vehicles are studied.
Method In order to explore the influence of fabric weft density, structure organization and laying method on the bending properties of aramid fabric/epoxy resin composites, 250 mm×250 mm aramid fabric (The warp and weft linear densities of the fabrics are both 111.1 tex is used. For the plain weave fabric, the warp and weft densities are both 10 picks/cm. For the three types of 3DDAI fabrics, the warp density is consistently 30 picks/cm, with weft densities of 30, 33, and 36 picks/cm, respectively, as the reinforcement, epoxy resin E-51 and curing agent polyether amine 230 are used as the matrix. The composite was manufactured using vacuum assisted resin infusion, and the samples under various influencing factors are tested and analyzed on the Instron 5969H universal material testing machine.
Results When the 3DDAI aramid fabric/epoxy resin composite material is subjected to bending load, the bending performance in the weft direction is superior to that in the warp direction. With the increase of weft density, the bending strength and modulus in the weft direction and the bending modulus in the warp direction of the material all show a trend of increasing first and then decreasing, while the bending strength in the warp direction shows a decreasing trend. Moreover, the bending strength in the warp direction of aramid fabric/epoxy resin composites is negatively correlated with the warp buckling degree. The bending strength and modulus in the weft direction of the three-dimensional deep angle interlock composites are better than those of the plain weave, and the bending strength and modulus in the warp direction are smaller than those of the plain structure. The bending strength in the warp direction of aramid fabric/epoxy resin composites prepared by orthogonal laying method (0°/90°/0°/90°) is 257.049 1 MPa and the bending strength in the weft direction is 242.579 0 MPa, indicating that the laying method is beneficial to maximize the potential of improving the bending properties of materials and reduce the difference in bending performance between materials in different directions.
Conclusion When the 3DDAI aramid fabric/epoxy resin composite bears the bending load, the bending properties of the sample show the longitude and latitude anisotropy, in which the bending properties in weft direction are greater than the warp direction. With the increase of weft density, the bending strength in weft direction, bending modulus in weft direction and bending modulus in the warp direction of 3DDAI composites increase first and then decrease, while the bending strength in the warp direction decreases, with the best bending properties when the warp density of the fabric is 30 picks/cm and the weft density is 33 picks/cm. The in weft direction bending properties of 3DDAI aramid fabric/epoxy resin composite are better than that of plain weave, and have better delamination resistance. The properties of aramid fabric/epoxy resin composite material by orthogonal laying method are conducive to maximize the potential of improving the bending performance of the material, while reducing the difference in bending properties between different directions of the material.

Influence of layer number and layup mode on anti-penetration performance of multi-layer aramid plain woven fabric

LI Xintian, ZHOU Xuan, WANG Zhanhuan, DU Zhonghua, XU Lizhi

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  126-136.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241004201

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Objective One of the methods to improve the protection ability of bulletproof vests is to optimize flexible fabrics. Therefore, it is important to understand the energy absorption of fabrics and optimize the protection structure at the same areal density. In previous studies on multi-layer fabrics, the focus was mostly on simple layering method. Building on the exploration of the energy absorption law of multi-layer fabrics, this study further investigates the influence of different angular layering methods on the energy absorption of multi-layer fabrics.
Method Aramid plain woven fabric (Kevlar^®29) was taken as the research object, and 7.62 mm pistol bullets were used to impact the target plate at a velocity of (310±5) m/s. The four-week clamping method was employed to set up the fabric target boards as conventional single-layer, three-layer, and five-layer fabric targets, as well as a five-layer fabric target with 30° interlayer intervals ([0°/30°/60°/90°/120°]), designated as FP₁, FP₃, FP₅, and FP_5-30, respectively. The influence of the number of fabric layers and layup modes on the energy absorption level was explored through ballistic tests and finite element simulations.
Results After the projectile penetrated the targets, the damage morphologies of the front and rear layers of the target plate were different. As the position was further back, yarn slippage gradually replaced yarn breakage, and became the main damage mode. The main damage of the front fabric showed severe yarn breakage at the bullet hole, accompanied by the occurrence of yarn slippage.+++By observing the fracture section of the yarn under an optical microscope, it was found that the fiber fracture exhibited obvious local necking and a conical fracture segment, indicating that the yarn failure was mainly dominated by tensile damage. The damage of the fabric on the rear side of the target plate showed no yarn breakage at the bullet hole, but yarn slippage was the main damage mode. During the penetration process, the three target plates demonstrated different magnitudes of acceleration and penetration times. During the penetration of the three target plates FP₅, FP₃, and FP₁, the projectile acceleration became 0 at 60 μs, 56.5 μs, and 54.5 μs, respectively. Comparing the five-layer target plate FP₅ to the five-layer target plate FP_5-30 with spiral layup, it was found that when the FP₅ target plate started to fail, the FP_5-30 target plate still maintained the integrity. At 30 μs, the FP_5-30 target plate started to fail while the FP₅ target plate had been severely damaged. At 34 μs, the damage to the FP₅ target plate continued to worsen, while the FP_5-30 target plate became severely damaged. However, the damage diameter of the FP₅ target plate is larger than that of the FP_5-30 target plate. Because of the change of the layup angle, the response range of in-plane stress waves in the fabric is altered. All fabric layers in FP₅ exhibit similar rhombic response regions, while the in-plane stress waves in the middle layers of FP_5-30 (i.e., the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th layers) propagate outward in a nearly circular wave pattern. Eventually, the FP₅ target plate presents a pyramid shape with the bottom shrinking inward, whereas the FP_5-30 target plate shows a pyramid shape with the bottom expanding outward.
Conclusion The energy absorbed by the FP₅ target plate is 45.49% and 472.82% higher than that of the FP₃ target plate and the FP₁ target plate, respectively. The specific energy absorption per unit areal density of the FP₃ target plate is 14.63% higher than that of the FP₁ target plate, and the specific energy absorption of the FP₅ target plate is 3.0% higher than that of the FP₃ target plate. The layup mode of the target plate has a great influence on the anti-penetration ability of the fabric target plate. Because of the change in the layup angle, the propagation direction of in-plane stress waves changes. Therefore, the FP_5-30 target plate is more difficult to be damaged and thus shows stronger anti-penetration ability. The energy absorbed by the PF_5-30 target plate is 12.47% higher than that by the FP5 target plate.

Design of water collapsible sand mandrel and its application in forming of hollow special-shaped carbon fiber composites

FEI Jingyuan, XU Naiku, XIAO Changfa

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  137-146.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250100701

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Objective Formation of hollow special-shaped carbon fiber composites usually needs the support of mandrels. The methods currently used to prepare mandrels however involve complex process and long production period, but require complex equipment to complete the demolding after the formation of carbon fiber composites, which can easily cause damage to the final products. Consequently, the problems on mandrel manufacturing and demolding after the formation of carbon fiber composite are solved.
Method An aqueous solution of H₂O₂ was adopted to oxidize quartz sand, which was then coated with aluminum chloride and PVP-K30 using wet coating method. Since aluminum chloride in the shell an catalyze the curing of a modified adhesive, a mandrel was prepared by point-bonding the coated sand in a mold using the modified adhesive. In order to prepare the mandrel using 3D printing method, the 3D printability of the modified adhesive and coated sand was also investigated using a 3D printing inkjet system and a 3D printer. Two specially designed coatings were applied to the surface of the mandrel to improve the smoothness and prevent the penetration and adhesion of resin happening during the formation of carbon fiber composite materials. A hollow special-shaped carbon fiber composite was then prepared as an example with such a mandrel via vacuum bagging method. Thanks to the water-soluble shell of the coated sand, the mandrel was water-collapsible, so that the formed composite could be easily demolded in the presence of water.
Results Compared with quartz sand, the hardness and tensile strength of the mandrel prepared from the coated sand were significantly improved. The hardness increased from 44.3 to 54.5 HD, and the tensile strength increased from 1.85 to 2.44 MPa. Moreover, the mandrel could quickly collapse when exposed to water, facilitaing the formation and demolding of carbon fiber composite materials. After the mandrel was modified with the special coatings, its roughness decreased from 25.8 to 3.5 μm. The coatings simultaneously blocked the penetration and adhesion of resin during the formation of carbon fiber composite materials, and the inner surface roughness of the molded carbon fiber composite materials was as low as 0.9 μm. The viscosity and surface tension of the modified adhesive were 10.8 mPa·s and 36.8 mN/m, respectively, allowing it to be sprayed continuously and stably in the nozzle of 3D printer. The reasonable particle size and distribution and excellent flowability made the coated sand spread smoothly in the sand spreading system of 3D printer, and the AlCl₃ in the shell of the coated sand catalyzed the curing of the modified adhesive, so that the coated sand could be bonded into a special-shaped sand mold.
Conclusion Oxidation modification and coating of aluminum chloride and PVP-K30 could repair the surface defects of quartz sand without affecting its flowability and particle size and distribution, which could lay the structural foundation for improving the strength of mandrel, and the water-soluble shell formed by aluminum chloride and PVP-K30 could make the mandrel water collapsible. High strength and hardness as well as good water collapsibility enabled the formation of hollow special-shaped carbon fiber composite materials with the mandrel as a supporter to be feasible. The suitable viscosity and surface tension of the modified adhesive as well as the excellent flowability and uniform particle size and distribution of the coated sand made the formation of 3D printed mandrel possible, which could provide complicated mandrels for the formation of carbon fiber composite materials.

Impact damage characteristics of warp-knitted biaxial carbon fiber reinforced composites

GAO Longwei, JIANG Jinhua, CHEN Nanliang, SHAO Huiqi

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  147-154.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241006001

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Objective Carbon fiber warp-knitted biaxial fabrics have increasingly captured attention and gained widespread use in aerospace, automotive and other industries due to exceptional mechanical properties. Such fabrics consist of two layers of carbon fiber bundles arranged at ±45°, with the warp threads bundling together. This design ensures that the fiber alignment is similar to that of unidirectional fabric. However, the inherent low toughness of carbon fiber necessitates enhancements in its impact resistance. While current research predominantly focuses on unidirectional fabrics, it is essential to also assess the impact protection performance of carbon fiber warp-knitted biaxial fabrics.
Method This study is aimed at elucidating the damage characteristics of warp-knitted biaxial carbon fiber reinforced composites subjected to low-velocity impact, while also analyzing their impact response and energy absorption mechanisms. The laminates were fabricated using warp-knitted biaxial carbon fiber fabric through the vacuum-assisted resin transfer bag molding, and progressive low-velocity impact tests were conducted at impact energies of 9, 15, 21 and 27 J to analyze their features of impact response curves. After the low-velocity impact tests, the damage morphology of the samples was characterized. This paper also examined the influence of varying fabric surface densities on laminates' impact resistance.
Results The results show that during the progressive impact process, the compression failure of the resin, fiber extraction and fracture, and hierarchical damage to the fabric occurred sequentially. As the impact energy increased, the severity of laminate damage also escalated, resulting in a greater energy absorption, which was demonstrated by the energy absorption rate rising from 50.6% to 75.2% and specific energy absorption increasing from 51.01 J/kg to 231.14 J/kg. The peak load initially rose and then fell as the impact energy increased, reaching its maximum of approximately 6 001.08 N at 21 J impact. The stiffness of the laminates started to diminish under 15 J impact, dropping from 1 579 N/mm to 952.8 N/mm at 27 J impact. During the progressive impact process, damage accumulated and expanded through the thickness of the samples, causing the front to develop white pits due to stress whitening. After the 27 J impact, the pit depth was approximately 0.55 mm. On the back, T-shaped or X-shaped cracks appeared, characterized by clean fractures at the fiber break points and fiber protrusions, clearly illustrating tensile fracture and layered damage. After the final impact of 27 J, when the cumulative energy absorption reached 521.89 J/kg, the specific energy absorption still increased to 231.14 J/kg and the back convex height measured approximately 2 mm. When the laminate's surface density was fixed, the influence of fabric surface density on the laminate's impact resistance became complex and multifaceted. When the resin sustained primary damage, a lower fabric surface density-indicating a greater number of layers-resulted in decreased specific energy absorption and energy absorption rate. As impact energy increased, interface damage became more pronounced. Laminates with more fabric layers absorbed greater amounts of energy because of the presence of additional interfaces. Meanwhile, laminates with fewer layers started to rely on fiber destruction to dissipate energy. When fiber destruction was the primary failure mechanism, laminates with more layers exhibited better elastic recovery and lower energy absorption. In contrast, laminates with fewer layers tended to absorb more energy and sustained more severe damage due to the accumulation of fiber damage.
Conclusion In conclusion, this study has analyzed the impact response and energy absorption mechanisms of warp-knitted biaxial carbon fiber laminates under progressive impact conditions. Warp-knitted biaxial carbon fiber reinforced composites demonstrates outstanding impact protection performance and enhanced resistance to delamination. Additionally, reducing the fabric surface density can effectively raise the upper limit of energy absorption. In comparison to the laminate made from 300 g/m² fabric, the laminate composed of 150 g/m² fabric exhibits a 19.8% reduction in specific energy absorption and an 11% decrease in energy absorption rate.

Dyeing and Finishing Engineering

Molecular dynamics simulation of hygroscopic swelling behavior of porous cellulose fibers

LONG Hongxia, WU Wei, LIU Yalan, XU Hong, MAO Zhiping

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  155-163.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250300701

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Objective Cellulose fibers at high moisture content result in excessive free water content inside the pores of the fibers due to excessive swelling, which leads to increased hydrolysis of reactive dyes and limits the development of dyeing processes with high color fixation rates. Therefore, this study aims to reveal the dynamic swelling mechanism of cellulose at different moisture contents (40%-60%) on an atomic scale using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which provides a reference to promote the model construction of cellulose fiber pores and provides theoretical support for the control of fiber moisture content in the process of reactive dye dyeing of cellulose fibers.
Method Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations were applied to simulate the swelling process of cellulose fiber at different moisture contents of 40%-60%. A cellulose pore model with a crystalline-amorphous-crystalline (CC/AC/CC) sandwich structure was constructed using the CHARMM36 force field and the simulation results were validated by the proportion of bound water measured by TD-NMR (T2 relaxation analysis). The system was simulated in NPT setup. Key metrics include free volume fraction analysis, density profiles, hydrogen bonding and diffusion coefficients. TD-NMR quantification of strongly bound water (0.07%) was performed to verify the accuracy of the simulation. Adsorption site competition was analyzed by radial distribution function and hydroxyl coordination number (O2, O3, O4, O6).
Results An important mechanism of cellulose hygroscopic swelling is revealed from an atomic perspective by integrating TD-NMR and MD simulations. Water molecules preferentially accumulated in the crystalline-amorphous (CC/AC) interface pores, forming a distinct longitudinal density gradient and uniform penetration in the AC region. The maximum increase in free volume fraction and a decrease in cellulose density to 1.081 g/cm³ were observed at moisture contents of 40%-50%, and the increment slowed down as moisture content further increased, suggesting that this moisture content interval is an isolated gap evolving into a connected three-dimensional network. TD-NMR and simulations consistently confirumed that the stable proportion of strongly bound water within the cellulose pores is 0.07%, which confirms the reliability of this model of cellulose pores. At high moisture contents, enhanced pore connectivity improves mass transfer efficiency, while the reduction of localized water clusters drives nonlinear diffusion kinetics with reduced diffusion coefficients. Competition for adsorption sites is related to the moisture level: at low moisture content, O6/O4 hydroxyl sites dominate, while swelling-induced structural relaxation shifts the adsorption predominance to the low-affinity O2/O3 sites.
Conclusion A cellulose pore model was constructed by molecular dynamics simulations and validated it by TD-NMR experiments to reveal the dynamic mechanism of cellulose hygroscopic swelling.The 40%-50% moisture content interval is the critical humidity threshold for cellulose pores to transition from isolated pore structure to three-dimensional network pores, and the nonlinear diffusion kinetics of water molecules is affected by local aggregation effects, thus controlling the fiber with liquid carrying rate at 40% can reduce the hydrolysis of reactive dyes. Competitive adsorption mechanisms (O6/O4→O2/O3) exist for hydration sites on cellulose. The practical significance includes: providing a reference for the construction of a multi-scale model of cellulose fiber pores, reducing the hydrolysis of dyes by controlling the liquid-carrying rate of fabrics which provides a theoretical basis and ideas for optimizing the dyeing process of reactive dyes. Future work is necessary to investigate how the pores of cellulose fibers swell at moisture contents below 40%.

Adhesion properties of cationic-acrylate grafted starch sizing agent

ZHANG Chaohui, ZOU Lihua, LI Wei, ZHANG Zihao, XING Xiaoyu

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  164-169.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250303901

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Objective The large number of hydroxyls in starch molecules and the rigid cyclic structure of starch molecules result in insufficient adhesion to fibers, especially polyester and other synthetic fibers, and it is difficult to meet the requirements of warp sizing well. The aim of this study was to prepare a new type of starch-g-poly(3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride/methyl acrylate) [S-g-P(ATC/MA)] used as sizing agent with excellent adhesion properties by introducing both quaternary ammonium cations and ester groups simultaneously into starch molecules through a graft copolymerization reaction, so as to improve the sizing quality.
Method With 3-acrylamidopropyl trimethylammonium chloride (ATC) and methyl acrylate (MA) as monomers and acid-thinned starch (ATS) as raw material, four types of S-g-P(ATC/MA) with different mole fractions of ATC units in the branches were prepared by adjusting the mole ratio of ATC to MA when the total mass of the monomers was 15% of that of ATS. The molecular structures of ATS and S-g-P(ATC/MA) were characterized using an IRPrestige-21 Fourier transformation infrared spectrometer. The nitrogen element and ester group content of S-g-P(ATC/MA) samples were tested by Kjeldahl method and a saponification reaction, respectively, and their grafting ratios were analyzed. The adhesion force of S-g-P(ATC/MA) was obtained by stretching the slightly sized roving using a universal materials testing machine. The Zeta potential and light transmittance of S-g-P (ATC/MA) paste were measured using a Zetasizer Nano-ZS90 analyzer and a UV9600 spectrophotometer, respectively.
Results Comparing the FT-IR spectra of S-g-P(ATC/MA) and ATS, three new sharp absorption peaks appeared in the spectra of S-g-P (ATC/MA). The sharp absorption peak of S-g-P(ATC/MA) at 1 641 cm^-1 was attributed to the C＝O double bond stretching vibration of amide carbonyl, and the sharp absorption peak at 1 481 cm^-1 was attributed to the stretching vibration of C—N. The sharp absorption peaks at these two locations confirmed that the grafted branches contained quaternary ammonium cations. In addition, the sharp absorption peak of S-g-P (ATC/MA) at 1 736 cm^-1 was attributed to the stretching vibration of ester carbonyl group. The sharp absorption peak here confirmed that the grafted branches contained ester groups. It was confirmed by FT-IR analysis that S-g-P(ATC/MA) was successfully prepared. When the total amount of monomers is constant, the influence of the mole ratio of ATC to MA on the grafting ratio is not obvious, and the grafting ratio of S-g-P(ATC/MA) prepared is basically the same, all about 7%. When the total amount of monomers is constant, with the increase of the mole fraction of ATC units in the branches, the Zeta potential and light transmittance of S-g-P (ATC/MA) paste increase gradually, and the water dispersibility of S-g-P(ATC/MA) paste gradually improves. When the total amount of monomers is constant, the adhesion force of S-g-P(ATC/MA) to cotton fibers and polyester fibers gradually increases with the increase of the mole fraction of ATC units in the branches. When the mole fraction of ATC units in the branches increases from 20.5% to 81.1%, the adhesion force of S-g-P(ATC/MA) to cotton fibers increases from 71.57 N to 76.92 N, and its adhesion force to polyester fibers increases from 118.35 N to 127.42 N.
Conclusion S-g-P(ATC/MA) increases the Zeta potential of its paste, improves the water dispersibility of its paste, reduces the internal stress and stress concentration within the starch adhensive layer and at the bonding interface by virtue of the hydrophilic quaternary ammonium cations contained in the grafted branches, and thus enhances the adhesion force to fibers. S-g-P(ATC/MA) can improve the adhesion properties to cotton fibers and polyester fibers more compared to S-g-PMA. The successful development of S-g-P(ATC/MA) used as sizing agent will promote the high-value application of starch.

Influence of precursor form on electrocatalytic properties of silk fibroin-based carbon materials

FENG Yatong, JIANG Yueyao, WANG Ping, ZHANG Yan

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  170-177.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241206901

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Objective This study aims to investigate the influence of different silk fibroin precursors (woven fabric (F-P), natural cocoon (C-P), degummed silk (D-P), regenerated film (R-P) on catalyst structure and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. In order to address the issure of textile waste valorization, this research clarifies how precursor morphology regulates metal loading behavior and carbon matrix defects, as an attempt to provide theoretical basis for designing high-performance textile-based electrocatalysts.
Method Silk fabric-derived catalyst (F-C), cocoon-derived catalyst (C-C), degummed silk fibroin-derived catalyst scanning electron microscopy and regenerated film-derived catalyst (R-C) were prepared from silk precursors by KCl activation, Co salt impregnation, and carbonization/sulfidation. Morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and composition and structure were analyzed by Raman spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction(XRD). Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance was evaluated via double-layer capacitance (C_dl), linear sweep volta mmetry (LSV) polarization curves, Tafel slopes, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 0.5 mol/L H₂SO₄ electrolyte.
Results Different forms of precursors exhibited different surface structure characteristics before and after carbonization. The microscopic morphology of the precursor was found to affect the growth of metal sulfides during the impregnation process, with various shapes such as needle-like bouquets, flower buds blocks, strips, and uneven loading. Different forms of precursors formed Co₃S₄ spinel sulfide as the main active component on the surface of the impregnated loaded metal, and the main body of the precursor was transformed into a carbon skeleton after carbonization. The chemical composition of the catalyst materials was basically the same, but with different defect structures and degrees of graphitization, among which the degummed silk fibroin-derived sample D-C showed the highest degree of graphitization. Silk fibroin-based carbon materials exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity in HER electrocatalysis, but differences exist in Tafel slope and impedance, etc. In general, the catalyst D-C derived from degumming silk fibroin as a carbon precursor demonstrated the best electrocatalytic activity, and the overpotential η₁₀ value was only 235 mV.
Conclusion The loose and smooth degummed silk fibroin fibers significantly enhance activation efficiency and metal loading density, enabling D-C catalysts to achieve high surface area, graphitization, and abundant Co₃S₄active sites for superior HER performance. This study confirms precursor morphology as a key factor in regulating textile-based electrocatalysts, offering a novel approach for silk waste valorization.

Dyeing performance of silk fabrics with Reactive Red 195 in water-less solution in isoalkane system

MA Yingyuan, LI Jianfang, HU Yi

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  178-187.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20241001701

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Objective Dyeing silk fabrics with reactive dyes typically requires significant amounts of water and inorganic salts, which poses environmental challenges. Isoalkanes, which are non-toxic, colorless, and odorless environmentally friendly solvents, offer a promising alternative for sustainable dyeing processes. This study optimized the dyeing parameters and investigated the dyeing kinetics and thermodynamics of reactive dyes in isoalkane-based systems.
Method In order to investigate the feasibility of dyeing silk fabrics with reactive dyes in a non-aqueous medium and to achieve an environmentally friendly dyeing process, a single-factor experiment was conducted to optimize the dyeing conditions for silk fabrics. The dyeing kinetics of reactive dyes on silk fabric in isoalkanes were analyzed using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, while the thermodynamic characteristics were examined using Nernst, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherm models. Additionally, the color fastness of fabrics dyed in isoalkanes was compared with those dyed in water bath.
Results The use of isoalkane medium for dyeing silk habotai fabric with Reactive Red 195 significantly reduced water consumption. The influences of dyeing temperature, dyeing time, bath ratio, sodium carbonate concentration, and liquid-carrying rate were systematically studied. The optimal dyeing conditions were determined as dyeing temperature of 80 ℃, dyeing time of 40 min, bath ratio of 1∶40, sodium carbonate of 14 g/L, and liquid-carrying rate of 100% after pre-padding with sodium carbonate. Under these conditions, the fabric achieved the highest K/S value, the best levelness, and the highest fixation rate. The dyed silk fabric exhibited color fastness comparable to that of water bath dyeing, with superior wet rubbing fastness. The dyeing adsorption process of Reactive Red 195 on the silk fabric followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption behavior was consistent with both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, indicating that the dye could bind to the fiber through both chemical (covalent bonding) and physical (Van Der Waals forces, hydrogen bonding) interactions.
Conclusion A novel, water-saving method for dyeing silk fabrics with reactive red 195 using isoalkanes as a non-aqueous medium was proposed. Under optimized conditions (80 ℃, 40 min, bath ratio 1∶40, 14 g/L sodium carbonate, 100% liquid-carrying rate), the dyed fabric achieved the highest K/S value, optimal levelness, and maximum fixation rate. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and conformed to both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, indicating dual chemical-physical interactions. Compared with the conventional water bath dyeing, the isoalkane system reduced water consumption by 90%-95%, while enabling near-zero wastewater discharge through solvent recycling (>90% recovery). Additionally, suppressed dye hydrolysis in the non-aqueous medium improved dye utilization efficiency. The dyed fabrics exhibited comparable color fastness and superior wet rubbing resistance. This approach demonstrates significant potential for sustainable textile manufacturing by integrating water-energy conservation, environmental compatibility, and industrial feasibility.

Preparation and properties of phase change hollow polyester fibers based on binary fatty acids

YE Hui, CONG Honglian, HE Haijun

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  188-195.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250101701

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Objective As consumption levels rise, people's demands for the thermal comfort of clothing have also gradually increased. Phase change textiles, as a type of product with two-way temperature regulation functions, have emerged in the public eye. In order to develop phase change fibers with suitable phase change temperatures and good spinnability, phase change fibers and phase change fabrics were prepared by combining hollow polyester fibers with binary fatty acid mixtures, and their phase change temperature regulation properties were tested.
Method A hollow polyester fiber was selected as the fiber substrate, and the mixture of binary fatty acids of lauric acid (LA) and capric (CA) acid was used as the phase change substance. The low integration effect of fatty acids was adopted to adjust the temperature range of the phase change substance, and the phase change polyester fiber was prepared by combining the hollow polyester fiber substrate with the binary fatty acid phase change substance by vacuum impregnation method. The factors affecting the enthalpy conversion rate of the phase change fiber prepared by vacuum impregnation method were theoretically derived.
Results Through vacuum impregnation, phase change material of CA-LA binary fatty acids was filled into the cavities of hollow polyester fibers. The resulting phase change polyester fibers are a type of fiber with a shell-core structure as observed under electron microscopy, where hollow polyester serves as the wall material and the CA-LA binary fatty acid mixture serves as the core material. No significant damage occurs to the fiber surface before and after treatment. Additionally, the phase change polyester fibers and hollow polyester fibers were processed through carding, netting, twisting, knitting, and other processes to obtain ribbed knitted fabrics. The temperature control range of the prepared CA-LA phase change polyester fibers could be effectively adjusted by modifying the molar ratio of the two components in the CA-LA binary fatty acid mixture. When the molar ratio of the two components in the CA-LA binary fatty acid mixture is CA/LA=21∶79, the temperature range of the prepared phase change polyester fibers aligns with the comfortable temperature requirements of the human body. When two pieces of fabric were placed from a 20 ℃ environment into a 40 ℃ environment, the curve of the treated fabric remains below that of the untreated fabric at the same contact time, with a smaller slope. After 150 s of contact, the temperature of the treated fabric is 30.7 ℃, while the temperature of the untreated fabric is 33.8 ℃, and the surface temperature of the former is 3.1 ℃ lower than that of the latter. Even after multiple thermal cycles, the treated fabric showed that it could still regulate temperature effectively, indicating possible applications in sportswear, bedding, and other similar fields.
Conclusion In summary, when the molar ratio of CA/LA is 21∶79, the phase change temperature range of the obtained CA-LA/PET phase change fibers aligns with the thermal comfort requirements of the human body. The phase change polyester fiber is produced by combining fatty acid phase change materials with hollow polyester fibers using the vacuum impregnation method, resulting in a smooth and undamaged surface, and the knitted fabric made from it exhibits stable temperature regulation performance. A theoretical model for the combination of hollow fibers and phase change materials was established, and theoretical analysis revealed that the main factors affecting the enthalpy conversion rate of phase change fibers via the vacuum impregnation method include the hollowness of the hollow fibers, the density of the hollow fibers, the density of the phase change materials, and the melting enthalpy of the phase change materials, with correlation formulas derived between these factors.

Preparation and properties of robust photochromic cotton fabrics via click chemistry

ZHANG Fan, CAI Zaisheng, LIU Huijing, LU Shaofeng, HUANG Xuming

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  196-202.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250301301

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Objective Spiropyrans are one of the most widely studied photochromic compounds, but they are prone to deactivation due to external environmental factors such as the concentration and polarity of solution, pH value, and temperature. Additionally, photochromic materials have the disadvantages of poor affinity with fabrics, complex preparation processes, and low washfastness, which severely restrict the development of photochromic textiles. Therefore, a strategy for preparing robust photochromic cotton fabrics is proposed.
Method This study constructed robust photochromic cotton fabrics through thiol-ene click chemistry. Vinylated spiropyran (SP—CH＝CH₂) and thiolated spiropyran (SP—SH) were chemically bonded with with a 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxy silane (MPTES) modified cotton fabric and a [3-(methacryloyloxy)propyl] trimethoxy silane (KH570) modified cotton fabric, denoted as F1 and F2, respectively. The surface elemental content and chemical composition of the photochromic cotton fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Thermal stability and surface hydrophobicity of photochromic cotton fabrics were evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis and contact angle measurement. The reversible coloration properties, light fatigue resistance, and wash fastness of photochromic cotton fabrics were assessed based on visual appearance, color parameters, and the number of reversible coloration cycles.
Results FT-IR results confirmed that click chemistry reactions occurred between thiol groups and vinyl groups on the two photochromic cotton fabrics (F1 and F2). Compared with the spectrum of F1, the C＝C stretching vibration peak at 1 638 cm^-1 disappeared in F2, indicating that SP—SH completely reacted with the double bonds on the KH570-modified cotton fabric. The maximum thermal decomposition temperatures of the two photochromic cotton fabrics were slightly lower than those of the original cotton fabric. However, owing to the introduction of silane coupling agents during the modification process of photochromic cotton fabrics, which contain high-energy Si—O bonds, the residual mass of F1 and F2 were higher compared to the original cotton fabric. The fabric appearance images clearly showed that the original cotton fabric was white, while F1 and F2 were yellow before UV light exposure and turned purple or purplish-red after UV light exposure, with F2 having higher L^*, a^*, and b^* values than F1. EDS results showed that the atomic contents of Si and S on F1 were 0.03% and 0.02%, respectively, while they increased to 0.26% and 0.44% on F2, respectively, indicating a higher grafting rate of SP—SH. After washing, the percentage of Si and S atoms on the surface of F2 decreased less, proving that the click chemistry reaction between SP—SH and KH570-modified cotton fabric can yield highly durable photochromic cotton fabrics. For unwashed F1, with an increase in cycles up to 6, some spiropyran could not reversibly fade from the fabric surface. After washing, the K/S values of the photochromic cotton fabrics significantly decreased, showing poor wash fastness. The resulting F2 achieved over 20 reversible color cycles. Even after 1 and 5 soap washing cycles, it retained the ability to undergo more than 15 reversible color changes with slight decreases in K/S values. Additionally, F2 displayed hydrophobic properties, with water contact angles of 96.8° under UV light exposure and 125.8° under visible light exposure, respectively.
Conclusion By utilizing thiol-ene click chemistry, thiolated spiropyran was chemically reacted with vinyl-modified cotton fabric to successfully prepare a robust photochromic cotton fabric (F2) with excellent stability and uniform distribution. Compared to SP—CH＝CH₂, SP—SH exhibited a higher grafting rate on cotton fabric, enabling F2 to achieve over 20 reversible color changes. Even after one and five washing cycles, F2 retained more than 15 reversible color transitions, demonstrating superior washing resistance and light fatigue resistance. The high-fastness photochromic cotton fabric displayed contact angles of 96.8° and 125.8° under UV and visible light exposure, respectively, indicating hydrophobic properties. Additionally, this approach endowed the fabric surface with enhanced water-repellent functionality.

Apparel Engineering

Structural design and process realization of warp-knitted fully-formed hooded one-piece cycling suit

WANG Ernan, HE Yucan, LIU Haisang, DONG Zhijia, CONG Honglian

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  203-210.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250502901

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Objective In view of the current problems such as relatively simple styles and structures of one-piece cycling suits, few changes in material structure, and insufficient research on tensile elasticity and pressure comfort, the structure design and development of the fully formed hooded one-piece cycling suit are carried out in combination with warp knitting full forming technology based on the analysis of dynamic skin tensile change data and pressure distribution theory of the human body.
Method The stretching changes of the cycling skin and the static pressure distribution of the human body were analyzed. Based on this, the style design of the hooded one-piece cycling suit was carried out, and the functional zoning of the hooded one-piece cycling suit was worked on. The cycling suit was divided into five main design regions, and the corresponding jacquard tissues were filled in the corresponding regions. Finally, the jacquard pattern was warp knitted on the machine. Tensile elasticity and comfort pressure tests were conducted on the jacquard tissue pattern, and the corresponding test results were analyzed.
Results Through the analysis of the tensile elasticity test, it was found that the tensile force value of the thick tissue pattern was the largest among the jacquard structure patterns, followed by that of the thick and thin combined tissue pattern, while the tensile force value of the mesh structure pattern was the smallest. Moreover, the tensile force value of the diamond-arranged mesh was better than that of the transversely arranged mesh and this is because the mesh structure can disperse the force. Therefore, adding perforated mesh holes to the force-bearing parts of the clothing helps disperse the pressure exerted by the clothing on these parts, thereby improving the pressure comfort of the clothing. By analyzing the elastic recovery rate and elastic elongation rate of various styles, it was found that the the thick tissue has the highest elastic recovery rate and elastic elongation rate. Its tensile recovery performance is the best among all samples because its structure is the most compact and tight, and it is able to quickly resilient after stretching. Therefore, it is suitable for use as the main fabric of cycling suit, which can closely adhere to the body and improve exercise efficiency. By analyzing the test results of the comfortable pressure of the styles, it was found that the comfortable pressure values of each sample are relatively small, and this is because the tensile and resilience properties of the fully formed warp knitted suit are relatively excellent. The pressure exerted by the clothing fabric on the human body surface is not the pressure of the clothing but the comfortable pressure of the clothing, which is conducive to the exertion of sports performance. Therefore, in the selection of jacquard tissue for the one-piece cycling suit, the thick tissue fabric is more suitable to be used as the main fabric to cover the entire body, while the mesh fabric can be applied to regions with high requirements for moisture absorption and air permeability, thereby improving the thermal and moisture comfort performance of the clothing.
Conclusion Based on the skin stretching changes during cycling and the distribution of the main hot and humid areas of the human trunk, the design areas of the hooded one-piece cycling suit were divided, and the corresponding jacquard tissue were designed according to the functional characteristics of the areas, and the process model was established. By conducting tensile elasticity and comfort pressure tests on jacquard tissue samples, the appropriate fabric was selected and applied to the partitioned areas. Combining the 3D simulation of suit to preview the wearing effect of the finished product, the development process is shortened, thereby providing a reference for the development of related cycling suit products.

Design and optimization of power supply for smart clothing based on triboelectric nanogenerator principles

DU Yuhang, HOU Dongyu, QI Pengfei

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  211-220.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250500301

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Objective Smart clothing, integrating fashion and technology, represents a crucial direction for the development of functional and workwear garments, necessitating lightweight and efficient self-powering solutions. Conventional self-powering approaches for smart clothing face limitations such as low energy generation efficiency and high environmental dependency, hindering their widespread adoption. Based on the working principle of triboelectic nanog-enerator (TENG), this study designs and optimizes the energy supply scheme for smart clothing with the aid of finite element simulation tools.
Method By evaluating the characteristics of different TENG working modes, the most suitable mode and optimal garment placement areas were selected. Through analysis of the TENG power generation mechanism and the establishment of a finite element simulation model for triboelectric material dynamics, the study simulated power generation performance under varying material surface areas, motion patterns, amplitudes, and frequencies. According to the data range of arm circumference sizes for different age groups, clothing is divided into three levels. The number of TENG arrangements with different side lengths and total power generation for each clothing grade were calculate. This facilitated the determination of optimal installation locations and configurations, thereby refining the design scheme.
Results Through a comparative analysis of the characteristics of the four TENG operation modes, the horizontal sliding-mode TENG was selected as the research subject by virtue of its superior suitability for clothing applications. By evaluating the properties of various candidate materials and their power generation efficiency, nylon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) were chosen as the triboelectric materials, while copper served as the electrode material. A finite element model with appropriate boundary conditions was established based on the TENG power generation principle. The location of TENGs in garment areas such as shoulders, underarms, and elbows was summarized, along with the corresponding movement characteristics of the wearer. The correspondence was established between the applicable area range and the area of TENG friction material, the amplitude of human body motion and the amplitude of TENG motion. Similarly, the correspondence was established between the applicable area range and the area of TENG friction material, the amplitude of human body motion and the amplitude of TENG motion. The relationship between the the intensity of human body movement and the frequency of TENG motion was studied using dynamic grid technology to conduct transient simulation of the model and study the impact of various factors on power generation efficiency. This study shows that at a motion frequency of 3 Hz, a single TENG installed in the elbow and side torso areas of smart clothing and moving in bilateral displacement mode is able to generate a maximum power of approximately 0.1, 0.6, and 1.2 mW at side lengths of 10, 15, and 20 mm, respectively. Among the three levels, TENGs with a side length of 20 mm were arranged in a checkerboard pattern on both sides of the body in suitable installation areas. 5 TENGs were connected in parallel on each side of the S-level, 8 on each side of the M-level, and 13 on each side of the L-level. The maximum output power reached 12.0, 19.2 and 31.2 mW, respectively, which is sufficient to power common human health monitoring sensors. Additionally, this configuration ensures a balance between wearer comfort and aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion Compared to conventional power supply methods, the TENG-based self-powering solution for smart clothing demonstrates superior power generation efficiency, adaptability, and wearability. Furthermore, employing simulation-based optimization eliminates the need for physical prototyping and modifications, reducing costs while improving efficiency. This approach offers a novel design and optimization strategy for smart clothing development. The application of this method to the field of smart clothing design will cause a huge positive impact on the design efficiency of smart clothing. Future experiments will be extended based on the design scheme proposed in this article in the subsequent research process, so as to verify the energy harvesting effect and to continuously optimize and improve the method.

Machinery & Equipment

Simulation and numerical experiment of spatiotemporal evolution of stress-strain field during open width printing and dyeing process of weft knitted fabrics

LIU Shuang, REN Jiacheng, DING Kai, CHEN Huimin, YUE Xiaoli

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  221-229.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250202101

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Objective This study investigates the evolution of the stress-strain field during the continuous open-width printing and dyeing of weft knitted fabrics, which are highly susceptible to tension fluctuations, width shrinkage, and buckling. Given the unique mechanical properties of knitted fabrics, conventional tension control models and equipment designs often fail to meet the requirements for low tension and small deformation processing. This research focuses on developing a finite element dynamic model to accurately simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of stress-strain field during continuous processing, providing theoretical support for designing equipment and low-tension control models.
Method A macroscopic constitutive model for weft knitted fabrics was developed using the small parameter perturbation method to derive the elastic tensor, which was further determined for the material through finite element calculations. A coupled rigid-flexible finite element dynamic model was developed to simulate the continuous processing of knitted fabrics, including interactions with rollers. The model was validated through the finite element dynamic simulation and experimental results. The analysis covers tension distribution, deformation behavior, and the relationship between roller configurations and fabric morphology changes.
Results The results indicate that tension distribution in the width direction of the fabric is uneven during processing. The edge areas experience higher and more stable tension, while the central areas exhibit alternating width-wise stress patterns, leading to buckling. Widthwise shrinkage is primarily controlled by active rollers, where larger wrap angles can reduce shrinkage significantly. In contrast, passive rollers and idle zones have a minimal impact on shrinkage but considerably affect the duration of tension fluctuations due to their inertia. Furthermore, the application of passive rollers with variable damping properties improves the stability of tension transmission, preventing excessive fluctuations that could affect fabric quality. The study shows that active rollers and their wrap angles of fabric can significantly enhance tension uniformity and reduce morphological issues. Shortening the idle zone length and optimizing the roller surface curvature are effective measures to alleviate stress distribution imbalances and reduce the happening of wrinkle. By the finite element dynamic simulation and experiment, it shows that combination of mechanical adjustments and advanced control strategies will contribute to a more uniform tension distribution across the fabric width and effectively mitigates the risk of widthwise shrinkage and central buckling. These improvements are crucial for ensuring higher product quality and reducing defects during processing. Overall, the research provides a reliable foundation for future equipment design and tension control model enhancements aimed at accommodating the unique mechanical characteristics of knitted fabrics in continuous printing and dyeing systems.
Conclusion The study comprehensively reveals the spatiotemporal evolution of stress-strain field during open width printing and dyeing process. The findings emphasize that optimizing roller configurations, such as increasing active rollers, adjusting wrap angles, and employing variable damping passive rollers, can improve tension uniformity and reduce shrinkage and buckling. These measures enhance system stability and product quality. Future research will focus on refining the simulation model to predict post-winding fabric morphology more accurately and expanding experimental validation to ensure the broader applicability of the proposed control strategies. The study provides valuable theoretical guidance for designing advanced equipment and control systems tailored to the unique characteristics of knitted fabrics.

Three-dimensional design and scheduling optimization of warehouses with multi-type heavy-duty reel-axle shelves

LIU Jian, YIN Zhaosong, PAN Shanshan, ZHAO Qinghao, REN Kangjia

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  230-237.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250200801

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Objective Warp beams in a textile mill occupy large storage space and are difficult to manage due to their dimensional diversity and heavy-duty characteristics, representing an urgent problem to be solved in the intelligent manufacturing process in textile enterprises. An automated warehouse together with a suitable scheduling algorithm need to be designed and implemented.
Method A next generation of algorithm solution was developed through genetic, cross, mutation and other operations, which aimed to eliminate the solution with lower fitness function value and maintain the solution with higher fitness function value. By improving the mutual variation function, the exploration ability of the algorithm was improved, and the optimal storage matrix was designed to ensure that the optimal task result would not be eliminated by the algorithm, and the convergence condition of the algorithm is improved. For the task under different working conditions, the most reasonable iteration times are designed to ensure that the optimal solution is obtained while reducing the operation time, so that the algorithm time is shorter and the optimization ability is stronger.
Results On the basis of the traditional stereoscopic warehouse, the structure of the designed side-flow dual station rack significantly improves the storage density of materials. The warehouse layout is reorganized, and the rack area is reasonably divided, including large pallet head, small pallet head and independent parts of yarn shaft, so as to ensure the efficient classified storage of various pallet shaft types. This structural improvement not only optimizes space utilization, but also facilitates fast access and management of stored materials. The application of dynamic adjustment genetic algorithm greatly improves the operation efficiency of the crane. In the actual task test, the algorithm was applied to four different scenarios, including 2 inbound and 4 outbound tasks, 8 inbound tasks and 6 outbound tasks, 10 inbound tasks and 12 outbound tasks, 15 inbound tasks and 10 outbound tasks. In the four experiments, the optimization scheduling time is reduced by about 21% at most, and compared with the simulated annealing algorithm scheduling strategy under four sets of different working conditions, the first three experiments show that the optimized genetic algorithm has stronger exploration ability and faster iteration speed, with the increasing complexity of the working conditions, the initial working time is 490 s, the optimization result of the optimized genetic algorithm is 383 s, and the result of the simulated annealing algorithm is 420 s, and the optimization genetic algorithm makes the algorithm have a stronger ability to jump out of the suboptimal solution, which can effectively improve the efficiency of the warehouse outbound operation. The algorithm simplifies the material handling process by carefully adjusting crane movements and sequencing task sequences, and reducing the frequency of cross-region scheduling.
Conclusion In order to solve the problem that the circular warp warehouse of large textile enterprises cannot meet the effective scheduling requirements of multiple goods, a side-flow shelf type stereoscopic warehouse was proposed. At the same time, the optimization problem of in/out route was solved, and the optimization strategy of dynamic adjustment genetic algorithm was applied. The problem of low operation efficiency and low utilization of storage space of the stacker crane was solved by optimizing the warehouse management and the inbound/outbound operation path. The optimized algorithm can avoid local optimization in genetic algorithm, ensure search efficiency and optimal iteration times under different working conditions. The experimental results show that the improved algorithm has a higher exploration ability, and can effectively improve the efficiency of operations. The optimization scheme provides theoretical and technology support for improving production efficiency and intelligent warehouse management.

Comprehensive Review

Research progress in high modulus para-aramid fibers

YUAN Ying, TENG Fengdong, CAO Yutong, YU Junrong, LI Na, HU Zuming, WANG Yan

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  238-246.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250301702

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Significance As a critical strategic material for aerospace, personal protection, and other cutting-edge applications, structural failures in para-aramid products could trigger significant safety hazards and economic risks. Given the escalating operational demands on the comprehensive performance of para-aramid fibers in practical applications, transcending conventional processing limitations to achieve autonomous production of high-modulus para-aramid fibers has emerged as a pivotal challenge in advanced fiber technology sector. This study conducts in-depth analysis of the structure-property relationships between multiscale structural configurations and macroscopic performance, while systematically reviewing the developmental trajectory of high-modulus para-aramid preparation technologies. The review aims to establish theoretical foundations for optimizing heat treatment processes and developing novel modification approaches, thereby addressing industrial technical bottlenecks and enhancing the competitiveness of domestically produced high-modulus para-aramid fibers in premium application sectors. +++Progress The heat treatment process of para-aramid fibers involves synergistic control of temperature, tension, and time to rapidly remove internal moisture while strengthening hydrogen bonding between molecular chains, thereby significantly improving fiber modulus. However, this process relies on high-temperature and high-tension conditions, which not only increase the risk of molecular chain breakage but also impose stringent requirements on equipment precision and stability. In order to further enhance the modulus of para-aramid fibers, researchers have proposed various modification strategies centered on molecular structure design and processing innovations, each with distinct advantages yet facing practical challenges. In the field of spinning dope modification, the use of high-molecular-weight para-aramid resin effectively broadens the liquid crystal phase temperature range, enabling highly ordered molecular chain alignment and laying the foundation for constructing high-crystallinity, high-modulus para-aramid fibers. However, challenges arise in controlling the solubility of high-molecular-weight resin and the stability of the spinning dope, leading to increased filament breakage during spinning. Supercritical carbon dioxide modification technology leverages its strong small-molecule permeability to penetrate the amorphous regions of fibers, achieving densification and reorganization for significant modulus enhancement. However, this technique requires maintaining high-pressure and high-temperature supercritical conditions, with equipment costs and safety risks posing barriers to industrialization. Surface chemical coating modification directly enhances fiber mechanical properties by introducing rigid interfacial layers, offering a simple process compatible with existing production lines. However, the chemical inertness of para-aramid surfaces results in insufficient coating adhesion strength, often causing interfacial delamination during practical use. Nanoparticle composite modification utilizes the size effects of nanomaterials to form reinforcing phases within fibers. Yet, the stringent requirement for uniform nanoparticle dispersion leads to particle agglomeration in production, creating structural defects. Molecular crosslinking strategies enhance intermolecular interactions by constructing covalent bond networks, providing a novel approach to simultaneously improve strength and modulus. However, the high stability of para-aramid molecular chains makes selective crosslinking difficult, and byproduct accumulation may compromise fiber structural uniformity. Existing modification technologies, such as molecular alignment optimization and amorphous region restructuring, enhance para-aramid modulus. Additionally, studies combining emerging methods for synergistic performance optimization have diversified technical pathways for large-scale production of high-modulus para-aramid fibers, demonstrating broad prospects for engineering applications. +++Conclusion and Prospect The research on high-modulus para-aramid fibers holds strategic significance and technical urgency. By adjusting parameters such as temperature and tension, efficient and stable heat treatment processes can be achieved, laying a solid engineering foundation for the industrial production of high-modulus para-aramid fibers. However, significant challenges remain. On the one hand, there is a need to develop high-throughput, high-precision continuous spinning equipment to reduce production costs for high-quality para-aramid fibers, and on the other hand, innovative modification methods must be explored. While current para-aramid fiber modification technologies have achieved breakthroughs in principle, practical engineering applications still face multiple contradictions involving process complexity, cost control, and performance balance. Future technological development should integrate molecular-scale design innovations with macro-process compatibility. Key priorities include deepening research on fiber structures, establishing quantifiable modulus design models, and exploring comprehensive solutions that balance performance enhancement, production efficiency, and cost control to support China's self-reliance in advanced composite materials. Moreover, in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, efforts should expand the multifunctional dimensions of high-modulus para-aramid fibers. This involves developing next-generation fiber materials that combine ultra-high modulus, extreme environment resistance, and intelligent responsiveness, thereby driving applications in emerging fields such as smart sensing and electromagnetic shielding.

Research progress in color construction of Lyocell fiber and its products

WANG Xuelin, HU Wanjin, ZHOU Sijie, DU Lixin, XIA Liangjun, XU Weilin

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  247-254.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250205402

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Significance As an important regenerated cellulose fiber, Lyocell fiber has excellent properties and comprehensive preparation techniques, which has been attracted extensive attention. Owing to the green production process, Lyocell fiber has become the most promising regenerated cellulose fiber, which have extensively applied in various fields, such as textiles, clothing, household goods, and so on. The unique fibrillating properties of Lyocell fibers pose a challenge to the dyeing techniques. In the conventional Lyocell fiber dyeing process, in order to promote dyeing in an aqueous solution and improve the dyeing rate, plenty of water and salt auxiliaries have been used. However, these dyeing methods are facing environmental and energy challenges, including high water consumption, high energy consumption, the discharge of additives, and serious pollution of wastewater. Therefore, aiming at the current limitations, color construction of Lyocell fiber has been extensively investigated. In order to achieve color construction of Lyocell fiber with diverse colors, high fastness, eco-friendly processes, and promote the sustainable industrial development of resources and the environment, the latest progress in different technologies of color construction for Lyocell fiber and its products has been systematically summarized. +++Progress Environmental pollution associated with the conventional dyeing methods has been the research focus due to the use of salt reagents and wastewater. Therefore, attention has been attracted to the clean dyeing methods for the color construction of Lyocell fiber. This review paper focuses on the more environmentally friendly color construction methods of Lyocell fiber, including surface modification dyeing, dope dyeing, ultrasonic-assisted dyeing, and high-temperature vat dyeing. Based on the systematic analysis of the research status for Lyocell fiber color construction, the development and challenges of different dyeing methods were reviewed. Surface modification dyeing enables a more stable binding force between the fiber and dye, hence improving the color fastness and reducing the fiber fibrillation, but the dyeing process is limited by the complicated process. The technique of stock solution coloring omits the subsequent dyeing process of fiber, while the achievement of color types and color adjustment is difficult to solve. Ultrasonic-assisted dyeing contributed to the rapid transfer of dye from liquid to fiber, reducing energy consumption and the use of salt auxiliaries for which complicated process is inescapable. Complete chromatography, high color fastness, and short time are the characteristics of high-temperature vat dyeing. However, the energy dissipation is a key point to be overcome in the process of green development in the future. The utilization of natural dyes can reduce environmental pollution, and mordant dyeing can improve the dyeing effect, but the K/S value and color fastness is vital in the practical application process. +++Conclusion and Prospect Compared with the conventional dyeing methods, non-aqueous media dyeing technology not only helps reduce the wastewater discharge of the dyeing process, but also provides a new opportunity for the sustainable development of the dyeing industry in coping with water scarcity to promote green textile production and achieve sustainable development of the textile industry, promoting technological transformation and upgrading. Compared to the mentioned dyeing methods, appropriate non-water or less-water dyeing methods for cellulose fibers, which can effectively reduce water consumption and wastewater emission, show significant advantages of sustainable development. Related green dyeing technology has been widely investigated in cellulose fiber dyeing, which can apply to promote the green sustainable development of Lyocell fiber color construction, contributing to the establishment of a green ecological circular development system in the textile dyeing and finishing industry.

Research status and development of intelligent fall injury protection clothing for the elderly

FAN Shuyue, WANG Zhaohui, LIU Huanhuan, YE Qinwen

Journal of Textile Research. 2025, 46(11):  255-263.  doi:10.13475/j.fzxb.20250504102

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Significance With the acceleration of population aging, falls among the elderly have become a major public health concern, often resulting in disability or death. Epidemiological studies show that 30%-50% of older adults fall each year, with 5%-10% suffering serious injuries such as fractures or head trauma. Over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls, posing serious threats to elderly health and independence. Conventional fall prevention approaches, like environmental modifications or exercise, are pre-emptive and provide limited protection during actual falls. Thus, developing smart wearable products with real-time sensing and active protection capabilities is vital to reduce fall-related injuries. +++Progress Early fall protection products, such as hip pads, offer limited protection due to their restricted coverage, discomfort, and poor appearance, resulting in low user compliance. In recent years, the rapid development of smart wearable technology has greatly promoted the research and development and application of smart fall protection clothing. Intelligent fall protection systems usually consist of two core parts, namely, intelligent monitoring module and active protection module. The system collects the user's motion status data in real time via sensors, and uses the threshold method or machine learning algorithms to identify falls quickly and accurately. When the system detects a fall, the control module immediately commands the airbag inflator to rapidly deploy the protective structure to protect high-risk areas such as the head, hip, and spine before the human body touches the ground, effectively reducing the risk of injury. In addition, some studies have integrated wireless communication modules into the system, which automatically sends alarm information to caregivers or medical terminals when the fall is triggered, thus realising timely positioning and rescue interventions after the fall. Currently, intelligent fall protection products based on airbags have been widely used in high-risk sports, but wearable protection products for the daily life of the elderly are still at an early stage of research and development, and need to be further optimised and improved in terms of comfort, maturity and stability. +++Conclusion and Prospect Intelligent fall injury protection clothing has shown significant advantages in real-time monitoring, efficient protection and good wearing experience in dealing with the risk of falling in the elderly, which has broad research value and application potential. Based on the current research status and future trends, the further development of intelligent fall injury protection clothing should focus on the following aspects. For intelligent recognition and algorithm optimization, multimodal sensor data and deep learning are incorporated to enhance fall detection accuracy and adaptability to complex real-world conditions. In system integration and module miniaturization, flexible electronics and textile circuits are promoted to achieve embedded and invisible designs that enhance wearability, reduce weight, and improve device reliability. In achieving lightweight materials and flexible structure, high-strength, lightweight airbag materials are developed and fabric structures and coatings are optimized to enhance pressure resistance and comfort. Structural innovations, such as foldable or hollow support designs, can improve conformity to the body while reducing overall weight. In the case of age-friendly design and wearing experience, tailored designs are carried out for elderly users by focusing on loose fits, ease of wearing, intuitive interfaces, and soft, skin-friendly materials. These adaptations aim to increase acceptance, safety, and everyday usability. In terms of multifunctional expansion and intelligent linkage, features are extended beyond fall protection by integrating heart rate, blood oxygen, and respiration monitoring. Combining positioning and communication modules enables automatic alerts and remote response. Linkage with intelligent household systems and elderly care platforms will help build multi-level safety networks and improve home care services. With continued advancements in cross-disciplinary innovation, intelligent airbag-based protection clothing is expected to become a practical and efficient solution to the increasing fall risk faced by aging populations.