Knitted Structures Made of Antibacterial Fibers Intended for Protective Gloves.

At a time of growing epidemic hazards caused by a very rapid evolution of dangerous pathogens, there is a pressing demand for bioactive textiles. Therefore, the development of high-quality knitted structures that could be used as bioactive protective materials has become a priority. This publication describes the fabrication of functional knitted structures from previously prepared antibacterial cellulose fibers containing nanosilica with immobilized silver nanoparticles. The structural and physical parameters of knitted fabrics made from them were studied with a view to their potential application in bioactive protective gloves. Tests of the basic structural and physical parameters of the knitted fabrics did not show that the nanomodifier applied in fibers significantly impacts the physical properties of the resulting fabrics. Moreover, water vapor permeability, cut resistance, and pH test results relevant to the functional and protective properties of interest and to user comfort showed that the obtained fabrics can be used in the production of bioactive protective gloves.

Design Methodology and Technology of Textile Footwear.

Material selection is an important stage in the design of footwear, which determines not only its appearance, but also the comfort of use. The paper presents the methodology for the design of sports textile footwear manufactured by innovative hybrid technology. The upper part of the footwear, designed in CAD and a graphics program, consisted of two elements. Both of them were characterized by a three-layer knitted and embroidered structure. The air permeability and thermal insulation parameters were determined for each layer and for the whole package. The conducted tests demonstrated that the openwork spacer knitted fabric, as a component of the package, increased the air circulation inside the footwear as well as improved the heat transfer outside.

Ratiometric Upconversion Temperature Sensor Based on Cellulose Fibers Modified with Yttrium Fluoride Nanoparticles.

In this study, an optical thermometer based on regenerated cellulose fibers modified with YF3: 20% Yb3+, 2% Er3+ nanoparticles was developed. The presented sensor was fabricated by introducing YF3 nanoparticles into cellulose fibers during their formation by the so-called Lyocell process using N-methylmorpholine N-oxide as a direct solvent of cellulose. Under near-infrared excitation, the applied nanoparticles exhibited thermosensitive upconversion emission, which originated from the thermally coupled levels of Er3+ ions. The combination of cellulose fibers with upconversion nanoparticles resulted in a flexible thermometer that is resistant to environmental and electromagnetic interferences and allows precise and repeatable temperature measurements in the range of 298-362 K. The obtained fibers were used to produce a fabric that was successfully applied to determine human skin temperature, demonstrating its application potential in the field of wearable health monitoring devices and providing a promising alternative to thermometers based on conductive materials that are sensitive to electromagnetic fields.