The future of development and innovation in Egypt of solar textiles for the needs of the Middle East to increase the economy

Based on the Solar Textile “SOLTEX” objectives,2 the Egyptian National Strategy for applications for solar Textile.1 The Purpose of the article with a view to being a national guide for moving forward towards the future textile industry in this field, by monitoring the available components of a textile science, technology and innovation system, and introducing operational components and programs. With specific of “SOLTEX” solar textiles, and mechanisms, in cooperation and communication with all “SOLTEX” solar textiles, and relevant international bodies. The Results Obtained : Applications for solar Textile have been identified , that the Technology and innovation should be developed, Resulting to develop a formula for the complete and continuous linkage between the research, technology and innovation sector and the industry, and services sector by utilizing the human and material resources available with the solar textile enterprises” SOLTEX" throughout Egypt, in a way that supports the state's orientation towards a knowledge-based economy, that achieves progress, prosperity and well-being, that the Egyptian society desires and the needs of Africa and the Middle East to increase the economy.

Calibration and validation of the mini-fiber EC image analysis instrument mean fiber diameter through direct or primary measurements

The Minifiber EC (MFEC) is a portable instrument for measuring the diameter of animal fibers. Its accuracy and precision have been estimated but by comparing its measurements with those of laboratory devices that had been calibrated on other devices in turn, not on a direct or primary measure of diameter. This work attempts to test direct measurements by gravimetry, Vernier mini caliper, microscope and the classic microprojector, using a non-deformable, high resistance synthetic fiber (Kevlar) for direct measurement. The MFEC instrument is calibrated with each mean fiber diameter obtained in direct measurements and its results are compared. The conclusions drawn are that it is possible to calibrate the MFEC instrument with direct measurements on Kevlar and measurement accuracy or tolerance of 0.28 microns is obtained. This indicates a very low biased mean fiber diameter measurement by MFEC.

Clicks-and-bricks: a case study of the Amaro brand

The rise of e-commerce has dematerialized retail shopping locations, transposing them to the digital layer in the so-called 'brick-to-click' movement. However, the opposite path, 'click-and-brick', arouses curiosity for the re-association of the physical store with e-commerce, directing attention to new meanings of materiality in fashion retail. In this context, this paper discusses the multidimensional materiality of fashion retail within the e-commerce theme from two main movements: the emergence of physical spaces that complement online stores and the orientation of e-commerce operations towards big data. To illustrate the concepts and reflection on these themes, the authors carry out a case study on the omnichannel operations of a brazilian fashion brand called AMARO.

Modifications of microfiber synthetic leather base (MSLB) to enhance the sanitary performances: a review

Microfiber leather is a type of synthetic leather made up of a high-grade polyurethane resin and microfiber bundles that resemble the microscopic characteristics of natural leather. Microfiber has benefited from its smaller diameter, which is similar to that of real leather fibrils. Microfibers have received a lot of focus and are frequently employed in the synthetic leather basis, which is an important factor in regulating synthetic leather functionality. Microfiber synthetic leather has advantages over natural leather in terms of mechanical behavior, for example. However, there is a significant difference between natural leather and microfiber synthetic leather in terms of other aspects, such as hygiene issues. Microfiber synthetic leather, unlike natural leather, has inferior transmission and absorption qualities, making it feel hotter. As a result, there is a pressing need to improve the sanitary performance of superfine synthetic leather. Several studies have endeavored to improve the hygienic qualities of MSLB by modifying it in various ways. It is attempted to make a review on the different types of modifications in brief.

E-textiles prototypes and applications on wearable devices

This scientific research has the purpose of studying conductive textiles, also known as "smart" textiles. At the ending of the study, we performed the assembly of functional prototypes to give the technology proof of concept to further studies. Between these prototypes are the "smart" jacket, the "smart" pillow, and the "smart" t-shirt. All of these prototypes have electronic devices integrated with conductive textile fabrics and yarns. The functionality of the prototypes involves the obtained vital signals from the user's body, such as heartbeat, and identification of the "touch" made by the user's hand to send commands to a computer or a cellphone screen.

When being pioneers in embracing technological innovation in not enough, an exploration into French Connection

The onset of the pandemic and it impact on business has not only warranted business thinking of new, interesting and innovating ways in which to engage with consumer. However, has also warranted fashion brands to re-establish their core values and traits that originally made them successful. This conversation of re-evaluation of the core factors of success is now more important ever if key players in the fashion industry are seeking to engage in evolutionary transformation via the assistance of technology in order to survive and indeed retain their mantel of being vanguards for societal change during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. The necessity for business to engage with technology to entice Millennials and Generation Z more successfully is also of paramount concern. This is warranted in order to provide a counter voice to the negative viewpoints, which exist in relation to the perception of the fashion industry being exploitive and un-sustainable. The incumbents in the fashion industry reaction to the emergent change that the pandemic has created, necessitates all industries to make actionable plans now more than ever, in conjunction with understanding that change is an inevitable ongoing reality of all business and emergent radical changes may be what the business world will encounter in the future. However, it is important to acknowledge the resurgence in the fashion industry must be managed and navigated in a holistic manner. This warrants the inclusion all parts of an organisation working in conjunction with designers towards to the attainment of the same goals. Thus, unity of purpose is now more acute that ever by using French Connection as a case study the author proposes a model within which to embark upon the change process. The time for change is now and if organisation views this with opportunity in a positive manner, the results could prove to be favourable.

Learning research methods in art and design

The purpose of this review is to represent the significance of learning the research methods in art and design, specifically. The review particularly focuses on learning the methods provided by two key researchers in art and design fields. In the book titled “visualize research: a guide to the research process in art and design", the authors take the reader into a journey with the powerful perception of visual thinking through the experimental approach used in this research category. The review also represents the authors’ emphasis on learning research methods to conduct high-quality research studies in art and design, which ultimately impacts the world.

Impacts of textile and leather effluent on environment: an assessment through life cycle of fishes and plants

The textile and tannery industry in Bangladesh is liable for polluting the soil and water body owing to the discharge of untreated effluents. They use enormous amounts of water, chemicals, and colorants for processing textile and leather products and release a complex mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants and metal contents, which negatively impact the environment. The main objective of this research was to study the deleterious impact of untreated textile and leather effluents on the environment in Bangladesh. For this purpose, textile and leather effluents were collected from industries during discharging after processing. Parameters, such as BOD, COD, pH, TDS, TSS, TH, Turbidity, conductivity, alkalinity, Dissolved Fe, metal contents, etc., were tested to determine the characteristics of the effluents. Moreover, the impact of these effluents on tree plants as well as on fishes was observed over 24 days. The results showed that the effluents contain extremely high values of BOD, COD, TDS, TSS, hardness, conductivity, alkalinity, silica from the recommended discharge limit. It was also observed that leather effluents cause a more harmful effect on the survival of fishes and trees due to the presence of high metal contents than textile effluents. The findings will help address this alarming situation in the ecosystem of Bangladesh and recommend immediate action to save the ecosystem from untreated discharges of industrial effluents.

Thermophysiological clothing comfort

The clothing is not worn only for protecting the human body, but it helps to obtain comfort during high level activities or in unfavorable environmental conditions. Heat generated by the working human body in hot climate or high physical activity, which must be dissipated to the environment. Similarly, in the cold environment, the body is going to be shielded from cold feeling. Thermophysiological clothing comfort related to warmth and moisture transport behaviour of clothing. Good clothing helps to maintain body temperature during various level of physical activities and surrounding environmental condition. Therefore, some improved functional properties are desirable in the clothing. For clothing comfort, thermophysiological comfort properties of fabrics which are related to heat and moisture transport properties play very vital role. These properties can be introduced in the clothing by using various fibrous material and modifying the structure of yarns, fabrics and garments.

A critical study of the effects of flame retardancy on different knit fabrics

A novel flame retardant especially Pekoflam HFC was synthesized to improve the flame retardancy of fabric. Pekoflam HFC is especially suitable for flame retardant back coatings of synthetic fibre based home textiles and high-performance technical textiles. The flame retardancy of the samples was characterized by the spray method and the vertical burning test. The results indicated that the flame retardant had excellent flame retardancy and durability for cellulosic fabrics. The cotton knit fabric treated with Pekoflam HFC obtained the optimum flame retardancy with the decreased char length. Combustion behaviors of treated cotton fabric were tested by manual observation. After treatment, it found that the ignition time increased, and the values of total heat release, heat release rate and mass loss decreased. The strength and durability of treated fabric were studied by tear force test and washing durability test, respectively.