Diameter and strength of Ethiopian pure and cross-breed sheep wool fibers

The wool fibers fineness and strength have a remarkable role to determine the quality of yarn and the subsequent fabrics. The fineness property of the wool fibers is a crucially important fiber property for grading, classifying, selecting for particular applications such as for suit, blanket, shirt, carpet, and so on. The fineness and strength properties of four indigenous (Menz, Wollo, Farta, Tikur), three exotic (Awasi, Dorper, Corrediale), and four cross-breed (50% Dorper, 50% Awasi, 75% Awsi, Washera/Awasi) sheep wool fibers from the four main body parts (sides, neck, back, and belly) at six teeth removed age of 11 different sheep breeds have been investigated. The samples of wool fibers have been conditioned for 24 h at 20ºC ± 1ºC temperature and 65% ± 2% relative humidity. The specimen for sampling has been determined based on ASTM D2130-01. The results revealed that the fineness and strength of whole fibers taken from different parts of sample sheep varied significantly within the breed and among the breeds. The result revealed that the strength and fineness of the wool fibers have a positive correlation and Ethiopian sheep wool fiber is suitable for numerous types of classical and technical applications.

Differential surface characterizations of cotton fibers coated with TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles for nano-based analysis of fabrics

Fibers are the unit component for product development. They can be divided into two types: synthetic and natural fibers. Recently, emerging nanotechnology has played a vital role in advancing next-generation fabrics. The nanomaterials provide several unique properties such as higher conductivity, self-cleaning, water-resistant, and others. Owing to their advanced properties, the fabrics are being developed by coating and integrating with nanomaterials. Therefore, in the presented work two cotton samples were modified with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO). These samples were further examined under various techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Furthermore, these samples were evaluated at varying wavelengths with UV light and the obtained results demonstrated that the nano-coated fiber samples can be differentiated at 365 nm.

Study on process of chemical fiber filament automatic doffing system based on simulation platform and machine learning

In recent years, a large number of automatic equipment has been introduced into the chemical fiber filament doffing production line, but the related research on the fully automatic production line technology is not yet mature. At present, it is difficult to collect data due to test costs and confidentiality. This paper proposes to develop a simulation platform for a chemical fiber filament doffing production line, which enables us to effectively obtain data and quantitatively study the relationship between the number of manual interventions and other process parameters of the production line. Considering that the parameter research is a multi-factor problem, an orthogonal test was designed by using SPSS software and was carried out by using a simulation platform. The multiple linear regression (MLR) and the neural network optimized by genetic algorithm were adopted to fit the relationship between the number of manual interventions and other parameters of the production line. The SPSS software was applied to obtain the standardized coefficients of the multiple linear regression fitting and the neural network mean impact value (MIV) algorithm was applied to obtain the magnitude and direction of the impact of different parameters on the number of manual interventions. The above results provide important reference for the design of similar new production lines and for the improvement of old production lines.

Optimization of presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism based on the complex method principle

The rod presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism of the embroidery machine cannot achieve accurate parking time and position at high speed, which limits the development of high speed embroidery machine and make the quality of embroidery decline. Aiming at solving this bottleneck problem, the characteristics of the embroidery machine presser foot and needle bar driving mechanism based on analyzing the mechanism kinematics is developed. These characteristics and influences of each linkage parameters on the presser foot parking time and position are analyzed. Six main parameters are selected to optimize by using the complex method. Taking the parking position and linkage parameters as constraints, the parameters of the main linkages was optimized in order to obtain the maximum parking time of the presser foot mechanism. The results show that the optimized parameters is more reasonable and effective, the pause time of the presser foot mechanism is increased by 15.5%, and the parking position of the embroidery machine is at 100° ± 0.5° as required by the technological requirements, which satisfies the requirements of the coordinate movement of the needle bar-presser foot drive mechanism of the high-speed embroidery machine. The study also provides a method reference for the follow-up high-speed embroidery machine research and development.

Effect of nano-solid particles on the mechanical properties of shear thickening fluid (STF) and STF-Kevlar composite fabric

To analyze the effect of nano-solid particles on the mechanical properties of shear thickening fluid (STF) and its Kevlar composite fabric. In this study, nano-silica and polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) were used as dispersed and continuous phases. Nano-graphite and nano-diamond particles were used as additives to prepare STF and Kevlar composite fabric. Study the friction characteristics and rheological characteristics of STF at different temperatures. Explore the STF’s mechanical response under transient high-speed impact conditions through the split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment. The mechanical properties of STF-Kevlar fabric are studied through yarn pull-out test and burst experiments. The experimental results show that the intermolecular repulsive force of STF is enhanced under a high-temperature environment, and shear thickening effect is reduced. Nano-diamond particles strengthen the contact coupling force and contact probability between the particle clusters, so that the maximum viscosity of the system reaches 1679 Pa s, the thickening ratio reaches 318 times, and the rheological properties of the shear thickening fluid are improved. The results of the SHPB experiment show that the STF can complete a dynamic response within a 50–75 µs time range, and the maximum stress can reach 78 MPa. The bullet’s incident kinetic energy is not only transformed into thermal energy and phase change energy of solid-liquid conversion, but also into frictional energy between particles. The mechanical experiments of STF-Kevlar composite fabrics show that the tensile force value of STF5-Kevlar is the largest (10.3 N/13.5 N), and the tensile force of neat Kevlar was the smallest (4.3 N/4.9 N). The maximum bearing capacity (0.3 kN) and absorption energy (51.8 J) of Neat Kevlar are less than those of STF1-Kevlar (3.2 kN, 116.7 J) and STF3-Kevlar (1.9 kN, 88.2 J), and STF5-Kevlar (4.7 kN, 143.3 J). Fabric’s failure mode is converted from partial yarn extraction to overall deformation and rupture of the fabric. Therefore, by changing the solid additives’ parameters, the STF and the composite fabric’s mechanical properties can be effectively controlled, which provides a reference for preparing the STF and fabric composite materials.

Susceptibility of strain-hardening cementitious composite to curing conditions as a retrofitting material for RC beams

Strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC) have recently been developed as repair materials for the improvement of crack control and strength of flexural members. This work focuses on strengthening and flexural enhancement using SHCC layer in tensile regions of flexural members under three different curing conditions. The curing conditions simulate the effect of different environmental conditions prevailing in the central and coastal regions of the Arabian Peninsula on the properties of SHCC as a retrofitting material. In this investigation, beams with SHCC layer were compared to control beams. The beams with SHCC layer of 50-mm thickness were cast. The results revealed that the flexural behavior and the load-carrying capacity of the normal concrete beam specimens under hot and dry environmental conditions were significantly reduced, lowering the ductility of the section. However, compressive strength is comparatively unaffected. Similarly, the hot curing conditions have also led to a notable reduction in the loading capacity of the beam with SHCC layer with a slight effect on its stiffness. On the other hand, steam-curing conditions have shown improvement in load-carrying capacity and a reduction in section ductility of the beam with SHCC layer. It was found that the structural unit retrofitted with SHCC layer was a curing-regime dependent as the tensile and strain-hardening properties of SHCC are highly sensitive to the alteration in the cement hydration process. A normal curing regime was found effective and satisfying the practical, cost, and performance requirements. Accordingly, a normal curing regime could be implemented to retrofit reinforced concrete (RC) beams with SHCC layers as recommended in the study.

Intelligent manufacturing of color blended yarn: Color matching algorithm and manufacturing process through computer numerically controlled ring spinning system

Yarn-dyed textiles complement digital printing textiles, which hold promise for high production and environmentally friendly energy efficiencies. However, the complicated structures of color-blended yarns lead to unpredictable colors in textile products and become a roadblock to developing nonpollution textile products. In the present work, we propose a framework of intelligent manufacturing of color blended yarn by combining the color prediction algorithm with a self-developed computer numerically controlled (CNC) ring spinning system. The S-N model is used for the prediction of the color blending effect of the ring-spun yarn. The optimized blending ratios of ring-spun yarn are obtained based on the proposed linear model of parameter W. Subsequently, the CNC ring-spinning frame is used to manufacture color-blended yarns, which can configure the constituent fibers in such a way that different sections of yarn exhibit different colors.

Investigation of interactions between fabric performance, sewing process parameters and seam pucker of shirt fabric

Seam pucker is a common problem in sewing. It not only affects the appearance of product, but also affects product performance. The purpose of this study is to quantify the complex dynamic interactions between fabric performance, sewing process parameters and seam pucker. In order to solve the problem of shirt seam pucker, this study selected four kinds of shirt fabrics, three kinds of polyester sewing threads, three kinds of stitch density and four kinds of seam types for experiments. Through unitary regression analysis, the subjective and objective evaluation results are consistent. Further analysis the results of objective experiment revealed that fabric performances, seams type, sewing thread and stitch densities all have impact on seam pucker. Meanwhile also find out the sewing process parameters for the four fabrics when the seam shrinkage’s were smallest, so it’s helpful for the apparel enterprises to improve seam quality. Multiple linear regression analysis of experimental results show that fabric performances has the greatest influence on seam pucker, thickness, weight and warp density of fabric properties significantly affect seam pucker. And as the breaking elongation of sewing thread increases, seam pucker also increases. Stitch densities and seam type has the least affected on seam pucker, they affect the seam pucker by changing the extension of stitch and thickness of fabric at the seam, respectively. Seam type has greater impact on fabrics that are prone to seam pucker, seam type T1 get larger seam shrinkage than T4. Finally, the complex dynamic interactions was quantified and expressed through mathematical models.

Investigation into the color stripping of the pigment printed cotton fabric using the ozone assisted process: A study on the decolorization and characterization

Color stripping is one of the most convenient ways to rectify the various shade faults occurred during printing or dyeing process of textiles. But, the conventional chemical assisted process poses serious risk of the environmental pollution. Secondly, the chemical recycling of the cellulosic fibers may be disrupted due to the presence of the impurities like colorants, finishes, and the additives in the discarded textiles. So, there is a need to study ways to remove such impurities from the discarded cellulosic textiles in a sustainable manner. This work examines the decolorization of the pigment prints on cellulosic fabrics at pilot scale using an ozone-assisted process. The effect of varying pH, ozone concentration and the treatment time on the decolorization of the pigment prints was optimized using the response surface methodology technique. The effects of ozonation process parameters on the mechanical properties of cellulosic cotton fabric were measured. Decolorization of pigment printed samples was studied with respect to the surface effects by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the chemical removal effects of ozonation treatment were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The possible mechanism regarding the action of ozone for the decolorization is discussed.

Thermal and breathability management of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) incorporated jute fabric

Jute bags are widely used to carry food grains and other materials that may be prone to quality deterioration due to thermal fluctuation. Thermal and moisture properties play a significant role in the packaging materials in the form of a container. This study deals with the effect of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) with hydrophobic binder on thermal and moisture management properties of jute fabric. Jute fabric was treated with MPCM by pad-dry-cure method. The treated sample was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning colorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), moisture management tester (MMT), and air permeability tester. The results revealed that MPCM treated jute fabric shows greater thermal stability and heat absorption ability of 10.58 J/g while changing from solid to liquid phase. The SEM image ensures even distribution of MPCMs on fabric surface and surface roughness was also observed using image processing software. The air permeability was found to decrease whereas the water repellency enhanced in the developed sample.