Multifunctional Dyeing of Wool Fabrics Using Selenium Nanoparticles

This work aims to utilize selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) as a novel dyestuff, which endows wool fibers with an orange color because of their localized surface plasmon resonance. The color characteristics of dyed fibers were evaluated and analyzed. The color depth of the dyed fabrics under study was increased with the increase in Se content and dyeing temperature. The colored wool fabrics were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX) and an X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The results indicated that spherical Se-NPs with a spherical shape were consistently deposited onto the surface of wool fibers with good distribution. In addition, the influence of high temperature on the color characteristics and imparted functionalities of the dyed fabrics were also investigated. The obtained results showed that the proposed dyeing process is highly durable to washing after 10 cycles of washes, and the acquired functionalities, mainly antimicrobial activity and UV-blocking properties, were only marginally affected, maintaining an excellent fastness property.

Evaluation of Color Properties of Wool Fabrics Dyed with Calligonum comosum at Different Dye Conditions

In this search, the wool fabric was dyed with a natural dye Calligonum comosum (Callig. Co. dye); the dyeing process was applied under different conditions by changing dye bath temperature, time of dyeing, and pH of dye bath also using different mordants. Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) was determined for each dyed wool sample. The role of these dying conditions on the via color strength analysis their effects on the reflectance spectra were investigated using the spectro-photometer tool, CIE tristimulus values, and the color parameters. The dye-ability strength and fastness to washing and perspiration properties of these wool samples dyed with (Callig. Co. dye) were carried out spectrophotometrically and evaluated the antimicrobial activity for blank and dyed wool fabrics via gram-positive and gram-negative was followed. The results showed that dyeing wool fabrics with (Callig. Co. dye) increased their protective abilities markedly, and they have effective protection against UV rays, also improving their antimicrobial activity. Moreover, Different conditions of the dye bath changed the optical properties noticeably. The present study will be useful for dermatologists advising patients regarding the UPF properties of clothes made from natural fabrics (wool) and dyed with natural colorants (Callig. Co. dye).

Investigation of fabric movement in a tumble dryer for the development of drying methods for wool fabrics to save energy

Tumble dryers are widely used for drying garments, but felting shrinkage can be caused to wool garments during the tumble drying process. To dry wool fabrics or garments in tumble dryers, the flat dry function has been introduced in the dryers; however, the energy efficiency is very low. The current study investigated fabric movement at different rotation speeds in the tumble dryer and their resultant performances in terms of specific moisture extraction rate, evenness of drying, fabric shrinkage, and fabric smoothness. For shrink-resist-treated wool fabrics, tumble drying at the rotation speed to keep fabric movement in projectile motion accompanied with occasional tumbling could achieve better energy efficiency, drying uniformity, and fabric smoothness. For untreated wool fabrics, introducing vertical movement to the flat dry in the tumble dryer can improve the heat exchange between the fabric and hot air, resulting in an increase in energy efficiency of approximately 30% compared with motionless flat drying. Wool fabric shrinkage can be controlled at less than 2% with the smooth appearance of fabric at grade 3.5 after drying under the recommended drying condition. This study could help tumble dryer manufacturers design optimal drying methods for wool fabrics with the potential for the reduction of energy consumption.