Preparation and Properties of an Efficient Purification Material for Personal Protection

At present, the filtration of virus and other small particles in the air by meltblown cloth produced by electret treatment mainly depends on its electrostatic adsorption mechanism. However, because the surface charge of melt blown fabric can not be maintained for a long time, it can not maintain high efficiency filtration for a long time. Therefore, there is no guarantee for the medical staffs to not be infected by COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the mechanical filtration efficiency of melt blown fabric in the situation of an electric charge loss. In this paper, nylon 6 (PA6) nanofibers were electrospun on melt blown cloth by electrospinning technology, and a sandwich material with melt blown cloth as surface layer and PA6 nanofibers as middle layer was made by hot- pressing technology;the surface morphology, thermal and mechanical properties of the sandwich material were characterized, and its filtration performance was tested. The experimental results show that the surface integrity of the sandwich material is high, and the diameter of nanofibers can reach about 67 nm;without the electret treatment, the filtration efficiency of the sandwich material for particles in an size of 0.2 μm is more than 95%,while the filtration efficiency of non-woven fabric is zero;the filtration resistance of the material is about 284 Pa, which is suitable for personal protection. © 2023 Chengdu University of Science and Technology. All rights reserved.

Preparation of PLA-based SMS nonwoven composites and its applications in protective apparel

The global COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a huge demand for the protective nonwovens. However, the main raw material of nonwovens comes from petroleum, and the massive consumption of petroleum-based polymers brings great pressure to ecosystem. Therefore, it is significant to develop biodegradable protective barrier products. In this work, a polylactic-based composite (a tri-layer nonwovens composed of spunbond, meltblown and spunbond, SMS) was prepared and applied for protective apparel. The surface morphology and chemical changes of the fibers were characterized and analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The liquid contact angle and permeability, breathability and moisture permeability, frictional charge and mechanical strength of the samples were evaluated and compared. The samples degradability was also recorded. The results demonstrate that the optimum formula for anti-fouling treatment on SMS is F-30. The treated fabric possesses superior liquid repellency and anti-permeability, with contact angles of water and alcohol at 128° and 115° respectively, while the alcohol repellent grade reaches level 7. The treated sample has less strength loss but exhibits favorable breathability, moisture permeability and anti-static properties, which can meet the requirements of protective apparels. After fluorine resin coating, the composite still provide excellent degradation performance, and the weight loss rate reaches more than 80% after 10 days water degradation. These results provide new insights for the application of PLA-based SMS in biodegradable protective apparel. © 2023 The Textile Institute.

Analysis of the effects of store image, trust and perceived quality on consumption habits of textile products in the COVID-19 pandemic

Consumer clothing presents behaviors defined by pre-established trends and patterns in contemporary societies, and in general the consumption of textile products follows this trend. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions perpetuated as a consequence of it, the consumption of textile products has been affected throughout the world. Under this premise, the objective of this research is to analyze the effect of store images, trust and perceived quality on the habits of the textile consumer in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, for which, firstly, a review of the literature was carried out regarding the variables of the habits of the textile consumer and their relationship with the store image, trust and perceived quality, for which documents from academic search engines were taken into account, such as Scopus, Web of Science, ResearchGate and Google Scholar. On the other hand, a survey was conducted among textile consumers in Ecuador. The measurement tool was completed by 500 participants. In this way, the survey was conducted virtually through Google Forms and through the use of IBM SPSS software. The sampling technique consisted of convenience sampling. For the specific case of this investigation, it was decided to opt for the use of 500 valid questionnaires. This allowed one to propose a model of structural equations based on constructs associated with reference investigations. The main results of this research confirmed that there is a positive impact of the image of the trusted establishment on the product, as well as a positive impact on the general perceived quality of consumption habits (comparison) and on the effect of the quality of perceived service in consumption habits (planning).

Fashion localism: evaluation and extensions of utility in Sri Lankan fashion brands

PurposeLocalism refers to a concept that encourages local production, consumption and promotion of goods. It is a movement to encourage consumers and businesses to purchase from locally owned, independent businesses that has grown rapidly in the past decade. However, localism remains understudied by researchers. This study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the localism movement by capturing the dynamism of fashion localism in the context of the Sri Lankan fashion retail sector.Design/methodology/approachAdopting a qualitative exploratory approach, the authors conducted a series of in-depth interviews with 12 fashion practitioners.FindingsBased on the findings, the authors propose a conceptual model of fashion localism consisting of eight themes: fashion localism design approach, locally sourced staples, land ethic, employee development, community development, consumer, regulations and limitations and future opportunities.Originality/valueThis research sheds some light on localism literature by capturing the dynamism of fashion localism. In particular, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this research is the first study in marketing to propose a conceptual model of fashion localism. This research further points out certain managerial implications by illustrating a few practical approaches to the concept of localism within the Sri Lankan fashion retail sector.

ZnO coated nonwoven polypropylene fabric with antibacterial and antiviral function for medical applications

The present pandemic has highlighted the necessity of infection protection gear as a crucial protective approach, particularly given the fact that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) readily infects individuals in poorly ventilated environments. Embedding antimicrobial function onto protection gear would have major implications in minimizing pathogen contamination and lowering healthcare associated illness. In this study, non woven polypropylene fabric (NWPP) which is widely used in personal hygiene products and hospital protective gears has been subjected to surface fictionalization with corona treatment. Surface polarity of the treated fabric was studied by use of dyne liquid which showed generation of surface polarization. Subsequently, the resultant surface polarized NWPP were spray coated with zinc oxide (ZnO) antiviral agent. The antiviral agents were rendered to adhere to NWPP by use of polyurethane solution coating on the fabric. The effect of antiviral coatings on NWPP fabric with the use of polyurethane solution as an adhesive were investigated in terms of antiviral activity and anti-bacterial activity against MS2 bacteriophage and Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia bacteria respectively. Coating of surface polarized NWPP with polyurethene binder reduced the leaching of antiviral coating. More importantly, the fabrics exhibited promising antiviral and anti bacterial activity with 99.90 % reduction in microorganisms after 24 hours of exposure. © 2022 IEEE.

Mitigation of SARS-CoV-2 by Using Transition Metal Nanozeolites and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds as Antiviral Agents in Suspensions and Soft Fabric Materials.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has demonstrated the need for novel, affordable, and efficient reagents to help reduce viral transmission, especially in high-risk environments including medical treatment facilities, close quarters, and austere settings. We examined transition-metal nanozeolite suspensions and quaternary ammonium compounds as an antiviral surface coating for various textile materials. Methods: Zeolites are crystalline porous aluminosilicate materials, with the ability of ion-exchanging different cations. Nanozeolites (30 nm) were synthesized and then ion-exchanged with silver, zinc and copper ions. Benzalkonium nitrate (BZN) was examined as the quaternary ammonium ion (quat). Suspensions of these materials were tested for antiviral activity towards SARS-CoV-2 using plaque assay and immunostaining. Suspensions of the nanozeolite and quat were deposited on polyester and cotton fabrics and the ability of these textiles towards neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 was examined. Results: We hypothesized that transition metal ion containing zeolites, particularly silver and zinc (AM30) and silver and copper (AV30), would be effective in reducing the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Additionally, AM30 and AV30 antiviral potency was tested when combined with a quaternary ammonium carrier, BZN. Our results indicate that exposure of SARS-CoV-2 to AM30 and/or AV30 suspensions reduced viral loads with time and exhibited dose-dependence. Antiviral activities of the combination of zeolite and BZN compositions were significantly enhanced. When used in textiles, AM30 and AV30-coated cotton and polyester fabrics alone or in combination with BZN exhibited significant antiviral properties, which were maintained even after various stress tests, including washes, SARS-CoV-2-repeated exposures, or treatments with soil-like materials. Conclusion: This study shows the efficacy of transition metal nanozeolite formulations as novel antiviral agents and establishes that nanozeolite with silver and zinc ions (AM30) and nanozeolite with silver and copper ions (AV30) when combined with benzalkonium nitrate (BZN) quickly and continuously inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in suspension and on fabric materials.

Dual-Network Structured Nanofibrous Membranes with Superelevated Interception Probability for Extrafine Particles.

Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution has caused a public health threat, including nanoscale particles, especially with emerging infectious diseases and indoor and vehicular environmental pollution. However, most existing indoor air filtration units are expensive, energy-intensive, and bulky, and there is an unavoidable trade-off between low-efficiency PM0.3/pathogen interception, PM removal, and air resistance. Herein, we designed and synthesized a two-dimensional continuous cellulose-sheath/net with a unique dual-network corrugated architecture to manufacture high-efficiency air filters and even N95 particulate face mask. Combined with its sheath/net structured pores (size 100-200 nm) consisting of a cellulose framework (1-100 nm diameter), the cellulose sheath/net filter offers high-efficiency air filtration (>99.5338%, Extrafine particles; >99.9999%, PM2.5), low-pressure drops, and a robustness quality factor of >0.14 Pa-1, utilizing their ultralight weight of 30 mg/m2 and physical adhesion and sieving behaviors. Simultaneously, masks prepared with cellulose-sheath/net filters are more likely to capture and block smaller particles than the N95 standard. The synthesis of such materials with their nanoscale features and designed macrostructures may suggest new design criteria for a novel generation of high-efficiency air filter media for different applications such as personal protection products and industrial dust removal.

Traditional washing formulations outstand commercial ones for washing Antheraea assamensis (Muga) silk cloth

Safe silk washing is an issue faced by its users for long because silk is prone to get damaged during conventional washing. The current study focused on the possible Antheraea assamensis (Muga) silk washing formulation which was a rare event until people realized the importance of cleaning and hygiene with the onset of covid-19 pandemic. Kolakhar, lemon (citrus) juice, and some commercially available washing products were studied for bond changes by FTIR, surface changes by SEM and colour deviations from control samples. The study showed that there was formation of new bands in all treated samples (except water wash) between 1513-1518 cm-1 that is attributed to beta-sheets;and 1698-1703 cm-1 linked with beta-turn conformation in all the treatments. The morphological observation illustrated fibrillation and peeling off fibers in the commercial washed fabrics. Colour change (E) was least in fabric conditioner (0.85) < citrus wash (1.06) < Kolakhar wash (1.13) and maximum for fabric whitener (5.46). Overall, the traditional agents proved excellent washing factor and has the potential in opening a window for optimized formulation that can be employed for Muga washing.

Toxicity testing of nonwovens used for production of respiratory protective equipment.

OBJECTIVES: During the covid-19 pandemic, protective equipment such as respirators and masks were widely used to protect respiratory tract. This disposable protective equipment is usually made from plastic fibre-based nonwoven fabrics. If used masks and respirators are improperly discarded, they pollute the environment by becoming a source of micro and nanoplastics. The aim of the study was to find out how stable the materials of protective equipment are and how released nano and microplastics can affect aquatic and soil organisms. MATERIALS: The input materials used to produce respirators and masks were tested for their thermal stability and resistance to the release of plastic particles into the environment. To determine the thermal stability of the materials, a simultaneous thermal analysis - thermogravimetry (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were performed. RESULTS: Materials of masks and respirators are stable at temperatures common to temperate climate zone. However, the possible effects of chemical reactions of the materials with the environment were not considered during the measurement. The materials were also subjected to ecotoxicity tests according to European standards. CONCLUSION: While the leachate obtained by shaking the materials in water did not show acute toxicity to the selected aquatic organisms, the material itself had a significant effect on selected soil organisms (springtails).

Chitosan Coating in the Form of Polymer and Nanowhiskers on Clothing Fabrics for Improved Particulate Matter Removal Efficiency in Face Mask Filters

The demand for face masks is increasing exponentially due to the coronavirus pandemic and the particulate matter (PM) in the atmosphere. As a result, an enormous number of disposable mask filters have been produced and discarded, contributing to plastic waste. Underprivileged people who cannot afford to purchase commercial face masks have started making fabric masks with waste clothing;however, this material does not effectively filter viruses or PM. Therefore, in this study, a chitosan coating was applied to clothing fabrics to increase their effectiveness as face masks. The improvement in the PM removal efficiency owing to the chitosan polymer was observed for stocking, innerwear, and bamboo materials, but not for cotton. Furthermore, chitosan prepared in the form of a nanowhisker (CsW) achieved a PM 2.5 removal efficiency of 96% in a five-layer cotton fabric. In addition, a commercial biodegradable poly(lactic acid) filter was coated with CsW, which increased the PM 2.5 removal efficiency from 67% to 83%. Additionally, microbial growth was significantly suppressed in the chitosan-coated fabrics, and the degree to which it was suppressed depended on the coating concentration. The study will aid in the utilization of face mask filters that are more sustainable, efficient, and widely accessible. © 2023 The Author(s). Published with license by Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

A standardized procedure for quantitative evaluation of residual viral activity on antiviral treated textiles

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has increased the demand for antiviral technologies to mitigate or prevent the risk of viral transmission. Antiviral treated textiles have the potential to save lives, especially in healthcare settings that rely on reusable patient-care textiles and personal protective equipment. Currently, little is known about the role of textiles in cross-contamination and pathogen transmission, despite the wealth of information on hard surfaces and fomites harboring viruses that remain viable in certain circumstances. In addition, there is no international standard method for evaluating residual viral activity on textiles, which would allow a thorough investigation of the efficacy of antiviral textile products. Therefore, this pilot study aims to develop and refine a standardized protocol to quantitatively evaluate residual viral activity on antiviral textiles. Specifically, we focused on general textiles, such as bed linens, commonly used in healthcare settings for patient care. The Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50 (TCID50) method is frequently used to quantitatively evaluate viral infectivity on textiles, but has not been established as a standard. This procedure involves observing the cytopathic effect of a given virus on cells grown in a 96-well plate after several days of incubation to determine the infectivity titer. We used HCoV-229E and Huh-7 human liver cancer cells for this investigation. We worked to improve the TCID50 method through variations of different steps within the protocol to attain reproducible results. Our proposed optimized hybrid protocol has shown evidence that the protocol is technically simpler and more efficient, and provides successful, consistent results. The analysis showed a significant difference between the treated fabric compared with controls.

What is to Hand: The Fold as Landscape Within Textile Imagination

This article explores the fold and textile imagination within art by using as main case study the author's project Imaginary Landscapes. This work consists of a series of photographs taken during the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK in 2020 and was motivated by a longing for spaces and places at a time of confinement. It provided an opportunity to work with "material to hand”, pointing to Martin Heidegger and Barbara Bolt's discussion of his theory regarding "handling.” The cloth as arranged or folded allows for light to enhance form whilst suggesting landscapes such as shorelines, mountains, forests, deserts or volcanoes. The discussion refers to Gilles Deleuze's reading of Leibniz, Christine Buci-Gluckmann's observations on the Baroque, and to various theoretical and artistic positions concerning the fold, drapery, and textile imagination within different visual contexts, including Giuliana Bruno's observations on the fold in relation to the screen. Imaginary Landscapes is explored with particular attention to contemporary artists Christo and Jeanne Claude, Christian Boltanski and Angela de la Cruz. The argument concludes that the fold as visual and conceptual process allows us to engage in spatio-temporal relations where the appreciation of materiality through handling/folding informs ideas of movement within and across media.

When Life Hangs by a Thread: Representations of Covid-19 by the Mapula Embroidery Project

In 2020, the Mapula Embroidery Project were commissioned to produce a series of 14 artworks in cloth on the topic of Covid-19 and its impact on their community. However, as the article reveals, the relationship of the works to the actual lived experiences of project members turned out to be complex, indirect or even paradoxical. In their choice and treatment of subject matter, members of the project sometimes represent their aspirations rather than necessarily their difficulties. While sometimes exposing hardships people experience or illustrating their own fears, they also often represent scenarios that are suggestive of an aspiration to be part of an ordered society where difficulties are overcome. Furthermore, while the works include imagery drawn from designers' own perceptions of their everyday environment, they also at times incorporate motifs and text gleaned from online searches and television broadcasts, in effect recording messages and discourses about Covid-19 current at a particular historical juncture. Consequently, while not literal reflections of practices in the context of the pandemic, the cloths have an important "truth” value: they invoke people's fears and anxieties while also suggesting their capacity to sustain hope in a time of challenge and uncertainty.

Tutorial review on the processing and performance of fabrics with antipathogenic inorganic agents.

Functionalized textiles have been increasingly used for enhancing antimicrobial or antiviral (antipathogenic) action. Those pathogens can cause recurring diseases by direct or indirect transmission. Particularly, airborne microorganisms may cause respiratory diseases or skin infections like allergies and acne and the use of inorganic agents such as metal and metal oxides has proven effective in antipathogen applications. This review is a tutorial on how to obtain functional fabric with processes easily applied for industrial scale. Also, this paper summarizes relevant textiles and respective incorporated inorganic agents, including their antipathogenic mechanism of action. In addition, the processing methods and functional finishing, on a laboratory and industrial scale, to obtain a functional textile are shown. Characterization techniques, including antipathogenic activity and durability, mechanical properties, safety, and environmental issues, are presented. Challenges and perspectives on the broader use of antipathogenic fabrics are discussed.

The Environmental Impacts of Disposable Nonwoven Fabrics during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Case Study on the Francesc de Borja Hospital.

Hospitals generate huge amounts of nonwoven residues daily. This paper focused on studying the evolution of nonwoven waste generated in the Francesc de Borja Hospital, Spain, over the last few years and its relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective was to identify the most impacting pieces of nonwoven equipment in the hospital and to analyze possible solutions. The carbon footprint of the nonwoven equipment was studied through a life-cycle assessment. The results showed an apparent increase in the carbon footprint in the hospital from 2020. Additionally, due to the higher annual volume, the simple nonwoven gown used primarily for patients had a higher carbon footprint over a year than the more sophisticated surgical gowns. It can be concluded that developing a local circular economy strategy for medical equipment could be the solution to avoid the enormous waste generation and the carbon footprint of nonwoven production.

Cuprous oxide nanoparticles incorporated into a polymeric matrix embedded in fabrics to prevent spread of SARS-CoV-2.

This paper describes the development of a coating for cotton and polypropylene (PP) fabrics based on a polymeric matrix embedded with cuprous oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O@SDS NPs) in order to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and manufactured by a simple process using a dip-assisted layer-by-layer technology, at low curing temperature and without the need for expensive equipment, capable of achieving disinfection rates of up to 99%. The polymeric bilayer coating makes the surface of the fabrics hydrophilic, enabling the transportation of the virus-infected droplets to achieve the rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 by contact with the Cu2O@SDS NPs incorporated in the coated fabrics.

Designing better cloth masks: The effect of fabric and attachment-style on discomfort.

Cloth masks are a tool for controlling community transmission during pandemics, as well as during other outbreak situations. However, cloth masks vary in their designs, and the consequences of this variability for their effectiveness as source control have received little attention, particularly in terms of user discomfort and problematic mask-wearing behaviors. In the present studies, common design parameters of cloth masks were systematically varied to ascertain their effect(s) on the subjective discomfort and frequency of problematic mask-wearing behaviors, which detract from the effectiveness of cloth masks as source control. The type of fabric comprising a mask (flannel or twill made of 100% cotton) and the attachment-style of a mask (i.e., ear loops or fabric ties) were varied in adults (18 to 65 years) and children (ages 6 to 11 years). For adults, ear loops were less comfortable than ties (p = .035) and were associated with greater face- (p = .005) and mask-touching (p = .001). Children, however, found flannel masks to be more breathable than twill masks (p = .007) but touched their masks more frequently when wearing a mask made of flannel than twill (p = .033). Common design parameters of cloth masks not only affect user discomfort and behavior but do so differently in adults and children. To improve the effectiveness of cloth masks as source control, the present studies highlight the importance of measuring the effect(s) of design decisions on user discomfort and behavior in different populations.

High efficacy of activated carbon fabric filters and masks developed to prevent the inhalation of microorganisms and particles associated with respiratory tract infections

As a major international public health emergency, COVID-19 has posed many challenges for healthcare professionals who have been heavily exposed to contamination. This article describes the development of a high-filtration capacity mask consisting of filter-element layers interspersed with super-activated carbon fiber fabric, non-woven polypropylene for dental–medical–hospital use and antiviral polyamide with nanostructured SiO2 thin film coating. The study found 98.18% particle filtration efficiency and determined 2.11 mmH2O/cm2 differential pressure, while fluid repellency complied with Brazilian standard NBR ABNT 15052:2004. © The Author(s) 2022.

A comparative performance of antibacterial effectiveness of copper and silver coated textiles

During current COVID-19 crises, the antimicrobial textiles primarily those utilized in hospital by doctors and paramedical staff have become increasingly important. Thus, there is an unmet requirement to develop antimicrobial textiles for infection control and hygiene practices. Metallic nanoparticles exhibit great effectiveness towards resistant microbial species making them a potential solution to the increasing antibiotic resistance. Due to this, nanoparticles particularly copper and silver have become most prevalent forms of antibacterial finishing agents for the development of antimicrobial textiles. This review is mainly focused on the significance of copper and silver nanoparticles for the development of antimicrobial textiles. The comparative analysis of the antibacterial effectiveness of copper and silver nanoparticles as well as the possible physical and chemical interactions responsible for their antibacterial action are explained. The negative impact of pathogenic microbes on textiles and possible interactions of antimicrobial agents with microbes have also been highlighted. The significance of nanotechnology for the development of antimicrobial textiles and their applications in medical textiles domain have also been discussed. Various green synthesis and chemical methods used for the synthesis of Ag and Cu nanoparticles and their application on textile substrates to impart antimicrobial functionality have also been discussed. The various qualitative and quantitative standard testing protocols utilised for the antimicrobial characterization of textiles have also discussed in this review. The developed Cu and Ag coated textiles could be effectively applied in the field of hospital textiles for the preparation of antibacterial scrub suits, surgical gowns, panel covers, protective clothing, bedding textiles, coveralls, wound dressings, table covers, curtains, and chair covers etc. © The Author(s) 2022.

Amino‐terminated hyperbranched polymer functionalized graphene oxide with in situ trapped silver nanoparticles for high‐performance antibacterial nonwoven fabric

Antibacterial fabric with high thermal stability and mechanical strength is important for personalized protection, especially under the background of coronavirus pandemic (COVID‐19). This paper presents a facile approach toward high‐efficient antibacterial polypropylene spunbonded nonwoven fabrics (SNFs), which are decorated by a composite of graphene oxide embedded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs/GO) through dip‐coating and in situ reduction effect of pre‐introduced amino‐terminated hyperbranched polymer (HBP‐NH2). Typically, HBP‐NH2 was grafted onto the GO nanosheets, then silver ions were trapped and self‐reduced by the HBP‐NH2 to generate silver nanoparticles decorated GO. The produced AgNPs are uniformly dispersed on the GO with a size of 13 nm. As an antibacterial coating, the Ag/GO composite could tightly wrap the SNFs fibers through the dip‐padding method, capable of enhancing the thermal stability and mechanical property of SNFs. The treated SNFs exhibited excellent antibacterial activities (~99.9%) against both Echerisia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, promising important potential for biomedical and personal protection applications.