Articles tagged with Textiles
Researchers at ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science have created wearable structures that detect human movement using knitted and braided fibres. The fabrics can also store energy required to power such functions, enabling new applications in sports training and rehabilitation.
A new method for producing high-quality yarn from gelatine has been developed by Philipp Stössel and his team. The process involves spinning the protein-rich material into fine fibers that can be woven into textiles with improved insulation and water resistance compared to traditional wool-based fabrics.
A new review published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology highlights best practices to prevent infections during healthcare laundry, including adherence to Standard Precautions and proper storage of laundered textiles. The study found that current industrial laundry processes are sufficient to interrupt patient-to-patient tra...
Researchers created a truly electronic textile using graphene, revolutionizing wearable devices like smart clothing and phones. The breakthrough enables flexible and transparent electrodes, paving the way for innovative applications in healthcare, defense, and communication.
Textile scientist Rachel McQueen's research found that antimicrobial fabrics were less effective at preventing bacteria and odours when tested on humans compared to lab experiments. The silver-chloride titanium dioxide compound, marketed for its ability to prevent odour, failed to eliminate bacteria in human testing.
The Wyss Institute is further developing its Soft Exosuit technology, a wearable robot designed to assist soldiers with heavy loads. The suit mimics the action of leg muscles and tendons when walking, providing small but careful assistance at joints without restricting movement.
A study by Empa found that silver-coated textiles release hardly any nano-particles during washing, unlike conventional coatings. The team also discovered that these textiles generally lose less silver during washing due to the smaller amount of silver incorporated into fabric with nano-coating.
A new study reveals that hempseed oil contains a variety of substances promoting good health, including sterols, aliphatic alcohols, and linolenic acids. The oil's omega-3 fatty acid content may help prevent coronary heart disease.
A 60-metre long building from 1100 B.C. reveals pottery resembling Greek and Cyprus items, and cylindrical loom weights similar to those found in central and south-east Europe. The Philistines, of European descent, settled in the city, indicating a Mediterranean culture beyond Jordan's borders.
Researchers at Cornell University and Universidad Industrial de Santander developed a cheap process to remove toxic textile dyes from water using natural fibers embedded with nanoparticles. The method, tested on various pollutants, shows promise as a low-cost filtering unit prototype.
Researchers have developed a process for immobilising organic catalysts on textiles using ultraviolet light, enabling simple textiles to be used in complex chemical reactions. The method results in excellent yields, little wear and tear, and provides several advantages over other forms of catalyst immobilisation.
Scientists from NPL have developed a technique to identify counterfeit clothing and footwear using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy. The method detects distinct transmission profiles associated with different fabrics, allowing for the distinction between authentic and fake items.
Joanna Berzowska's project harnesses power from the human body to create garments with complex, surprising transformations. The technology is woven into the fibre itself, enabling innovative 'smart textiles' with potential applications in fashion and beyond.
A piece of nettle cloth from Denmark's richest Bronze Age burial mound Lusehøj suggests long-distance trade connections with Austria around 800 BC. The cloth, not made in Denmark, indicates that Bronze Age Danes imported textiles from Central Europe.
Researchers explore new applications for textiles, including medical implants and wearable technology, with potential for high added value. Empa and the Fiber Society conference showcased latest developments in conductive fibers and electrospinning.
Researchers at NASA developed a flexible memory fabric that can retain information for over 100 days, using copper-oxide fibers as the storage medium. The technology enables e-textiles to detect biomarkers, monitor vital signs, and transmit data to doctors.
The UGA technology makes textiles permanently germ-free, effectively killing a wide spectrum of bacteria and other microorganisms. The treatment can be applied during manufacturing or at home, maintaining effectiveness without repeated applications.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to apply conductive nanocoatings to textiles, enabling the creation of flexible electronic devices. The new technique uses atomic layer deposition and measures conductivity using larger probes, providing a better understanding of how to apply coatings on textiles.
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new curtain fabric that is lightweight yet absorbs sound. The new textiles absorb five times more sound than conventional translucent curtains, making them suitable for various rooms such as offices and auditoriums.
Textiles and rope fragments found in a Peruvian cave have been dated to around 12,000 years ago, confirming the antiquity of artifacts previously found at the site. The dating technique used reveals that women may have played a key role in textile production during early high-altitude explorations.
A new study published in Biotechnology Journal reveals a cheaper and more efficient method for treating dyed denim, eliminating the need for hazardous sandblasting techniques. The surface activation technique reduces fabric strength decay, shortens wash-down processes, and minimizes chemical usage.
Agricultural Research Service microbiologist Ilenys Pérez-Díaz and her colleagues discovered that certain Lactobacilli species can modify azo dyes into non-mutagenic substances. This finding has potential applications for wastewater treatment, making food-grade bacteria a promising option for cleaning up textile industry dye waste.
A MU study found that 67% of textile and apparel firms misrepresent themselves, with nearly 80% of wholesalers not defining themselves correctly. Companies with congruent identities tend to be financially successful, hiring more employees and having higher sales.
Researchers create e-Textiles that double as rechargeable batteries using single-walled carbon nanotubes. The fabrics retain flexibility and stretchability while storing electricity.
A Swiss study found most silver nanoparticles released during washing come out of fabrics in the first wash, posing a risk to aquatic life. The release varied from 1.3% to 35% of total nanosilver in fabric, highlighting the need for manufacturers and consumers to minimize nanoparticle distribution.
Using earthworms and animal manure, researchers have successfully converted textile mill sludge into a nutrient-rich compost. The composting process changes the physical and chemical properties of the material, making it suitable for plant growth.
The latest issue of FIBER journal focuses on China's maturing apparel industry, highlighting its growth potential and the importance of understanding young Chinese consumers. Experts share best practices and tips for conducting business in China, as well as valuable insights into social responsibility in the industry.
Engineers at the University of Michigan have developed a carbon nanotube-coated smart yarn that can detect blood and monitor health. The yarn, made from a combination of natural cotton and nanotechnology, is flexible and durable, making it suitable for wearable applications.
Researchers at Ohio State University used forensic photography to analyze ancient textiles from Hopewell burial mounds, revealing previously hidden patterns and markings. The technique helps minimize damage during sampling, providing valuable information about prehistoric Native American technologies and colorants.
Dr. Youqi Wang is creating a new approach to designing ballistic-resistant fabrics and textiles. Her research focuses on the mechanical properties of fibers and how they interact with each other.
The piecework system, used in large textile factories, eliminates daily wages and overtime, leaving workers with extremely low pay and long working hours. Workers must constantly compete for work, fostering distrust and tension among them.
Researchers have discovered that treated fabric can effectively kill anthrax spores, a significant finding in the field of antimicrobial textiles. The treatment shows promise for various applications, including clothing and outdoor gear, providing a potential solution for exposure to microorganisms.
The University of Georgia has received a grant to promote trade between the US and Uganda, with the goal of creating jobs and economic growth for both countries. The project is part of the Africa Initiative on campus and aims to build capacity in international trade.
The development of spun carbon nanotube yarns has the potential to revolutionize engineered fabrics due to their excellent strength, toughness, and electrical/thermal conductivities. The new material is being explored for production of vests, soft body armor, medical devices, and other applications.
Textile researchers are uncovering secrets about ancient lives through chemical and physical analysis. Fragments of prehistoric fabric provide clues about the status, wealth, and cultural practices of individuals buried in North American archaeological sites. By studying these textiles, experts can gain a deeper understanding of the te...
Researchers have developed composite fibers containing varying percentages of carbon nanotubes, which can double stiffness, reduce shrinkage by 50%, and improve solvent resistance. Breaking up nanotube bundles could make these materials more accessible for commercial products.
The Field Museum has received a grant to preserve and conserve its extensive collection of Chinese textiles, featuring 1,200 embroidered folk textiles and 1,000 historical costumes. The museum's unique holdings provide valuable insights into traditional Chinese textile decoration techniques and symbolism.
Researchers uncover evidence of advanced textile production in Ice Age women, revealing intricately woven clothing and accessories made from plant fibers. The findings challenge traditional images of our ancestors, highlighting the important role that women played in late Pleistocene societies.
The Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory will apply its advanced laser technology to monitor the characteristics of synthetic fibers during manufacturing. This will enable real-time process adjustments, reducing production time and costs. The project aims to significantly improve fiber properties measurement and production efficiency.