Simple  homo-polymers may be synthesised according to the scheme below:

nNH2-Ar-COCl → [NH-Ar-CO]- n + nHCl

Aromatic polyamides became breakthrough materials in commercial applications as early as the 1960s, with the market launch of the meta-aramid fibre Nomex by DuPont which opened up new horizons in the field of thermal and electrical insulation. In the 1970s, based on an aromatic polyamide–hydrazine composition, Monsanto developed an aromatic co-polyamide fibre under the code X500 which almost reached the market. A much higher tenacity and modulus fibre was developed and commercialised, also by DuPont, under the trade name Kevlar in 1971. Another para-aramid, Twaron (Twaron is a registered product of Teijin), similar to Kevlar, and an aromatic co-polyamide, appeared on the market towards the end of the 1980s Teijin, after a remarkable scientific interpretation of the prior art by Ozawa and Matsuda, who pioneered the development of the aromatic co-polyamide fibre, commercialised the Technora (Technora is a registered product of Teijin) fibre.

This passage dives into the world of commercially available aramid compounds. Three main types are mentioned: MPDI (poly-(m-phenylene isophthalamide)), PPTA (poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide)), and ODA-PPTA (co-poly(p-phenylene-3,4-diphenyl ether terephthalamide)). For MPDI fibers, the most popular brand is Nomex (DuPont), while Kevlar (DuPont) reigns supreme for PPTA fibers. Teijin also offers Twaron (PPTA-based) and Technora (ODA-PPTA copolymer). Interestingly, the chemical makeup of Kevlar and Twaron is identical (PPTA). The standard method for creating aliphatic polyamides isn’t suitable for aramids due to their high melting points.  Therefore, a special process using NMP (N-methyl-pyrrolidone) and CaCl2 (calcium chloride) solvents is required to synthesize PPTA molecules from 1,4-phenylenediamine (PPD) and terephthaloyl dichloride (TDC) monomers.  Aramid production involves three stages: polymerization, filament yarn spinning, and conversion to usable fiber forms like staple, short-cut, or pulp. MPDI aramids are simpler to produce, using a low-temperature polycondensation process with m-phenylenediamine and isophthaloyl chloride in an amide solvent.  These fibers can be spun using either dry or wet methods.  In wet spinning, the polymer solution goes through tiny holes into a coagulating bath, followed by washing, stretching, and drying steps. Finally, Technora, a co-polymer aramid by Teijin, incorporates three monomers: terephthalic acid, p-phenylenediamine (PDA), and 3,4-diaminodiphenyl ether.  This ether monomer adds flexibility to the backbone chain, resulting in a fiber with slightly better compression properties compared to PPTA aramid fibers produced via the liquid crystal route.  An amide solvent with a small amount of calcium chloride or lithium chloride is used in this process.

Aramid Fiber Formation: A Twist on Wet Spinning

Aramids take a unique route when it comes to fiber formation, using a dry-jet wet-spinning system. This method differs significantly from the traditional wet-spinning process. In regular wet-spinning, the nozzle creating the fibers dips directly into a coagulating bath.  Dry-jet wet-spinning, however, takes a different approach. The aramid solution is extruded through a spinneret positioned just above the coagulating bath (usually water or diluted sulfuric acid). This air gap allows for further alignment of the polymer chains within the solution before it starts to solidify. The specific design of the spinneret capillary and the air gap work together to induce a rotation and alignment of the polymer domains. This results in highly crystalline and oriented fibers right from the start (as-spun fibers). The secret behind aramid’s remarkable strength and modulus (stiffness) lies in the anisotropy (directional dependence) of its solutions and the presence of liquid crystals within them. These factors contribute to an exceptionally high level of orientation and association between the polymer molecules.  Imagine long, strong chains all neatly lined up and tightly connected – that’s the key to aramid’s impressive properties.

The properties of Aramid Fiber: The Strength of Structure in Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), Poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide), often abbreviated as PPTA, owes its remarkable strength to its very rigid building blocks. These stiff “phenylene rings” are linked together in a specific “para” position, maximizing their stability. Another key advantage of PPTA is the presence of amide groups stationed like beads along its long backbone. These amide groups act like tiny magnets, attracting neighboring PPTA chains through a powerful force called “hydrogen bonding.” This extensive sideways bonding between chains creates a super-stable network, contributing significantly to the material’s strength. Here’s a point to remember: similar materials called “meta-aramids” don’t quite reach the same level of strength as PPTA. This is because the way their chains are linked (in a “meta” position) makes them more flexible, resembling textile fibers. While they may not be the strongest, meta-aramids offer excellent thermal stability, making them valuable in different applications.

Chemical Quirks of Aramid Fibers:- Aramids are all drawn together by a common thread – the “amide link.” This special connection loves water (hydrophilic), but the amount of moisture absorbed varies depending on the specific aramid. For example, PPD-T (poly-phenylene terephthalamide) fibers are champions when it comes to resisting many nasty chemicals like organic solvents and salts. However, strong acids can be their kryptonite, causing a significant loss of strength. Dyeing aramids can also be a tricky business. Their high “Tg” (glass transition temperature) makes them stubborn when it comes to taking on color. Here’s another interesting fact: the aromatic structure of para-aramids makes them susceptible to reactions with oxygen when exposed to ultraviolet light. This can lead to a change in color and, unfortunately, a decrease in their strength.

Aramid’s Thermal Resilience :- Aramids are not like other materials – they don’t melt in the traditional sense. Instead, they decompose at high temperatures. Setting them on fire is no easy feat either, thanks to their low “oxygen index values.”Impressively, some aramid types can retain around 50% of their strength even at scorching temperatures of 300 degrees Celsius.  They also boast high crystallinity, which means they barely shrink even when the heat is on. This makes them ideal for applications where maintaining their shape under high temperatures is crucial.

Mechanical Property: Aramid yarn packs a serious punch!  With a breaking tenacity of 3045 MPa, it boasts a strength more than 5 times that of steel underwater (and 4 times stronger even when dry). That’s double the strength of glass fiber or nylon!  This incredible toughness comes from a winning combination of factors: the aromatic and amide groups within its structure, and a highly ordered crystalline arrangement.Here’s the amazing part: aramid retains its strength and elasticity (modulus) even at scorching temperatures as high as 300 degrees Celsius. Imagine staying strong and flexible even in the heat! Aramid behaves predictably under tension, stretching like a spring within a certain range. However, when it comes to sharp bends, it exhibits a non-linear plastic deformation –  meaning it won’t spring back perfectly but might take on a permanent bend.But that’s not all! Aramid is a champion of endurance. Under repeated stress (tension fatigue), it shows no signs of failure even at remarkably high loads and extended cycles. Talk about impressive stamina!  And to top it off, aramid experiences minimal creep strain (only 0.3%), meaning it resists deforming under constant load over time.  This makes it ideal for applications that demand unwavering stability.

Aramid fibers, with their remarkable strength and heat resistance, have woven their way into a wide range of applications. In the aviation industry, they’re used for everything from airplane panels to parachutes. Their impressive strength makes them ideal for ropes and cables, from mooring lines for massive ships to delicate wires in electronic devices. Aramid fibers even play a role in construction, reinforcing concrete and suspending bridges. The automotive industry utilizes them for car parts and tires, while sporting goods like hockey sticks and skis benefit from their durability. Even medical applications and everyday items like conveyor belts and fireproof clothing rely on the unique properties of aramid fibers.

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An evolution towards more functional and sustainable materials has occurred in the textile industry in recent years. Incorporating chitosan nanoparticles into textiles has been identified as a promising innovation, particularly in improving the antibacterial qualities, general performance, and durability of textiles. With a long history of use in a variety of sectors, chitosan is a byproduct of the deacetylation of chitin, which is widely present in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. Because of its unique qualities, chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer made from chitin—the primary ingredient in crab shells—has attracted much attention lately. Chitosan becomes an even more adaptable substance with uses in a variety of industries, such as textiles, agriculture, and medicine, when it is reduced to nanoparticle form.

The history of chitosan begins with the French scientist Henri Braconnot’s discovery of the substance in the early 1800s. Nevertheless, the latter part of the 20th century saw a relative exploration of its possible applications. Chitosan’s distinct qualities—such as its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity—were gradually identified by scientists, opening the door for its application in a variety of industries, including textiles, medicine, and agriculture. The textile industry started looking for environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional antibacterial treatments, accelerating the development of textiles’ chitosan nanoparticles. With its natural source and adaptable qualities, chitosan was a compelling choice. A turning point was reached in the quest for eco-friendly and high-performing textiles when chitosan nanoparticles were introduced instead of traditional textile treatments.

Because chitosan is cationic and can interact with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, it has antibacterial characteristics. Due to the disruption of the membrane structure caused by this contact, bacteria eventually die and spill their cells. In order to produce fabrics with increased resistance to bacterial development, researchers have investigated methods of incorporating chitosan into textiles by utilizing this inherent feature. The necessity for long-lasting and sustainable antibacterial solutions is one of the main drivers driving the incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles into textiles. Conventional antibiotic treatments frequently contain chemicals that could be hazardous to human health and the environment. Being a naturally occurring polysaccharide, chitosan offers an environmentally friendly substitute without sacrificing effectiveness.

Chitosan nanoparticles have two benefits when added to textiles: they not only have antibacterial properties, but they also improve the fabric’s general performance and durability. By acting as reinforcing agents, the nanoparticles improve the mechanical qualities and enhance the textile structure. Because of their two uses, textiles treated with chitosan are positioned as cutting-edge responses to the rising need for high-performance, environmentally friendly materials. Scholars have investigated diverse approaches to incorporate chitosan nanoparticles into textile materials, such as electrospinning, coating procedures, and pad-dry-cure processes. Every technique has a different combination of benefits and drawbacks that affect the finished textile product’s characteristics. Research is still being conducted to optimize these procedures in order to obtain maximal antibacterial efficacy while maintaining the comfort and integrity of the fabrics as the field continues to develop. In addition to meeting the current demand for antimicrobial materials, the usage of chitosan nanoparticles in textiles has created opportunities for other uses. Chitosan nanoparticle-treated fabrics are used in sportswear, outdoor textiles, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical textiles, and other applications where infection control is crucial.

Antimicrobial Textiles: The Requirement and Difficulties

The need for antibacterial fabrics has increased in the modern world, where maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections is crucial. Customers look for textiles that actively fight hazardous bacteria in addition to feeling comfortable, whether they are purchasing medical scrubs or regular apparel. It’s still challenging to obtain long-lasting antibacterial qualities without sacrificing fabric quality.

The Function of Nanoparticles of Chitosan

Researchers have investigated the integration of chitosan nanoparticles into textile fibers to produce materials that possess innate antibacterial properties. The following are some ways that chitosan nanoparticles improve the functionality of textiles:

• Antibacterial Activity: The inherent antibacterial qualities of chitosan nanoparticles are demonstrated. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains can be inhibited in their growth by them. These nanoparticles form an impenetrable barrier against microbial colonization when incorporated into textiles.
• Mechanism of Action: By rupturing bacterial cell membranes, chitosan causes intracellular components to seep out and ultimately causes cell death. In order to promote adhesion and disruption, the positively charged amino groups on chitosan interact with the negatively charged bacterial cell walls.
• Durability and Wash Resistance: After several washing cycles, conventional antibacterial coatings have a tendency to deteriorate. On the other hand, chitosan nanoparticles cling firmly to textile fibers, guaranteeing sustained effectiveness. Even after numerous launderings, the nanoparticles’ antimicrobial qualities endure washing.
• Eco-Friendly Alternative: Chitosan comes from renewable marine resources and is biodegradable. Its application supports sustainable objectives. Chitosan nanoparticles do not pollute the environment like synthetic antibacterial agents do.

Application in Textiles

Researchers have effectively added chitosan nanoparticles to a variety of textile materials:

• Cotton textiles: Using chitosan nanoparticles in cotton, a popular natural fiber, has advantages. Researchers have created cotton wipes with chitosan nanoparticle coating, showing antibacterial action against common infections.
• Polyester and Blends: Synthetic fibers such as polyester can be treated with chitosan nanoparticles. Hybrid textiles with enhanced antibacterial qualities are produced by combining polyester treated with chitosan with other natural fibers.
• Textiles for Medicine: Medical fabrics with chitosan coating, including surgical gowns and bandages, lower the chance of infection. These materials further protect both patients and healthcare workers.

Obstacles and Prospects for the Future

Chitosan nanoparticles have a lot of promise, yet there are still issues to be resolved:

• Uniform Distribution: Consistent antibacterial activity depends on uniform nanoparticle dispersion throughout textile fibers. Scholars are still investigating novel approaches to uniform distribution.
• Multifunctionality: Research is currently being done to determine how to combine chitosan nanoparticles with additional functions (such as moisture management or UV protection) without sacrificing their antibacterial activity.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Production must be scaled up for broad acceptance, and cost-effectiveness must be guaranteed.

In a nutshell, the incorporation of nanoparticles of chitosan into textiles to improve their antibacterial qualities, effectiveness, and longevity is a revolutionary development that will have a significant impact on the textile sector. The journey of chitosan from its 19th-century discovery to its current status as a household name demonstrates this naturally occurring polymer’s extraordinary flexibility and adaptability. The use of chitosan-treated textiles, which have replaced traditional techniques that frequently cause health and environmental issues, represents a calculated response to the growing need for sustainable antibacterial solutions. Because chitosan nanoparticles have two distinct functions—they can be used to strengthen textiles and give fabrics strong antibacterial properties—they are considered cutting-edge materials in the area. The ongoing development of techniques to incorporate chitosan nanoparticles into textiles indicates a dedication to streamlining procedures, maximizing effectiveness, and maintaining the comfort and integrity of the materials. With the increasing emergence of chitosan-treated textiles in a variety of industries, including athletic, medical, and personal protective equipment, the textile landscape of the future is expected to be one of increased performance, durability, and sustainability. The use of chitosan nanoparticles goes beyond the immediate worries about its antibacterial properties; it fits in perfectly with the global trend towards eco-friendly and circular fashion practices, becoming a game-changer in the textile sector. The voyage of chitosan nanoparticles in textiles ultimately leads to a paradigm shift towards more responsible as well as resilient textile manufacturing, while simultaneously addressing the urgent demand for effective antibacterial treatments.

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9699078/
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351639358_Chitosan_Natural_Polymer_Material_for_Improving_Antibacterial_Properties_of_Textiles
3. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00405175221127315
4. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/19/4211
5. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00289-022-04250-x
6. https://www.academia.edu/64687820/Antibacterial_finishing_of_cotton_fabric_via_the_chitosan_TPP_self_assembled_nano_layers
7. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijcc/2012/693629/

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 United States’ National Academy of Inventors is a global network of academic inventors who hold US Patents. The academy has been recognized by the United states’ Senate, Resolution 620, 2018 and is recognized as a prestigious body support research and innovation. This year the academy has elected 124 inventors for the class of 2024.

Ramkumar’s invention FiberTect nonwoven decontamination wipe has been commercialized by Fredericksburg, VA-based First Line Technology (FLT). A new concept of Hybrid Decon has evolved out this technology. Recently, United States’ Army has proven the utility of this technology in sub-zero climates. Translational research on cotton for valued-added applications has resulted in sustainable oil absorbent. These efforts have resulted in national and international collaborations with companies such as Waco-based Hobbs Bonded Fibers and India-based Jayalakshmi Textiles.

Engaged research and outreach in the Nonwovens & Advanced Materials Laboratory at Texas Tech University has resulted in creating awareness of Technical Textiles in India, created global platform for researchers and students via “Advances in Nonwovens and Technical Textiles,” international conferences conducted in India.

Professor Ramkumar publishes a technical outreach newsletter, “TexSnips,” which gets distributed to about 2000 people all over the world on a complimentary basis.

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Suedwolle Group changes perspective by introducing ACTIVEYARN®, the company’s first seasonless corporate collection: ACTIVEYARN® is composed of a selection of weaving, flat and circular knitting, hosiery and technical yarns, with advanced spinning technologies, wool blends and other natural and traceable fibres. It is a seasonless collection of yarns suitable for different occasions, to support everyone’s attitude and style.

This idea is expressed by the concept of “Get active”, which is not just about using Suedwolle Group’s products in sports applications, but about a new mindset, a changing perspective. By taking a fresh look at the company’s wide offer, ACTIVEYARN® provides new opportunities and inspiration to explore Suedwolle Group’s full potential in terms of technology, sustainability and innovations. It considers with a new point of view on the collections for knitting, weaving and technical uses, creating new connections among them and offering a mosaic of new possibilities and versatile combinations.

This theme of the collection and the new mindset may be represented in the concept of a “kaleidoscope”, symbol of the active change inspiring Suedwolle Group’s creativity. People today are asked to make new connections, stay flexible, continue adapting to new needs: like turning a kaleidoscope, in which you encounter new shapes and facets as you view things from different angles. An endless and timeless source of inspiration, in which customers can discover the richness of patterns, yarns, colours, and stitches for so many different applications.

Overview of the ACTIVEYARN® collection

The yarns in the ACTIVEYARN® collection embody the company’s six strategic pillars of innovation – sustainability, circularity, traceability, design, performance and technology – drivers of the entire process of design and production.

Jasmin GOTS Nm 2/48 (100% wool 19,5 µ X-CARE) is a natural, renewable and biodegradable yarn with GOTS certification that meets the company’s demand for sustainability. X-CARE, the innovative treatment by Suedwolle Group, uses eco-friendly and chlorine-free substances that make wool environmentally friendly and suitable for easy-care quality.

Tirano Betaspun® RWS FSC (41,5% wool 17,2 μ TEC RWS certified, 41,5% LENZING Lyocell 1,4 dtex 17% polyamide filament 22 dtex GRS certified) is a fully traceable high-performance yarn, suitable for sportswear and activewear.

OTW® Midway GRS Nm 2/60 (60% wool 23,5 μ X-CARE, 40% polyamide 3,3 dtex GRS certified) comes from the recycling of pre-consumer polyamide and thus is a perfect example of circular production. Suitable for weaving, it combines the added performance that comes from our OTW® patented technology applied to a high-durability blend, ideal for active garments.

Wallaby Betaspun® Nm 1/60 (87,5% wool 18,4 μ TEC, 12,5% polyamide filament 22 dtex) is the result of the application of latest-generation Betaspun® technology to a natural fibre like wool, allowing production of fine yarns with extra strength and abrasion resistance, ideal for seamless and wrap knitting.

Banda TEC X-Compact Nm 2/47 (100% wool 17,2 µ TEC) is a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable yarn benefitting from the innovative X-Compact, permitting production of particularly linear yarns ideal for clean design and fabrics appropriate for today’s fashions.

Caprera GRS Nm 1/60 (45% wool 19,3 μ Non mulesed X-CARE 55% COOLMAX® EcoMade polyester 2,2 dtex GRS certified) increases the performance of the wool-based non mulesed fibre through combination with COOLMAX® EcoMade polyester. This is a material coming from recycling of post-consumer PET bottles, dyeable at low temperatures, that aids evaporation of moisture from the skin to maintain stable body temperature, enhancing the comfort of activewear and urban garments.

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Department of Wet Process Engineering, Shahid Abdur Rab Serniabat Textile Engineering College, Barishal, Bangladesh

Industry Associates: ¹Tropical Knitex Ltd., ²Epyllion Knitex Ltd.

Supervisor: Engr. Pronoy Halder, Lecturer (Textile), Department of Wet Process Engineering, Shahid Abdur Rab Serniabat Textile Engineering College, Barishal.

Introduction

Bio-polishing is a process that removes unwanted fibers from fabric surfaces, often done before, during, or after dyeing of fabric. It relies on cellulase enzymes, which break down long cellulose chains. These enzymes include endo-cellulase, exo-cellulases, and cellobiohydrolases, gradually reducing cellulose to simpler glucose units and eliminating as protruding fibers. Another method, singeing, uses heat to remove fabric hairiness, but it’s temporary and harmful to the fabric’s anti-pilling properties. For a more permanent solution and customer satisfaction, enzymatic bio-polishing is preferred. However, this process can weaken fabric strength. In our project, we used acid-stable enzymes on three fabric types to assess changes in fabric properties.

Materials & Machines

We used three types of knit fabrics (100% Cotton Plain S/J, 100% Cotton 1×1 Rib, and 100% Cotton Interlock), along with chemicals (Acetic Acid, Peroxide Killer, Acid Stable Enzyme), a FONG’S Sample Dyeing Machine, a Dryer Machine, and various instruments (GSM Cutter, Magnifying Counting Glass, Scissors, Electric Weight Balance, Measurement Scale, PH Paper).

Methods

After scouring and bleaching the fabric samples, we measured key parameters such as WPI, CPI, GSM, Stitch length, and Yarn Count. Then, we loaded the samples into the sample dyeing machine using specific chemical ratios for two different companies. The biopolishing process ran for 50 minutes at 55°C and then for an additional 10 minutes at 70°C to deactivate the enzyme. After rinsing for 2 minutes, the fabric was dried in a tumble dryer. We determined CPI and WPI by counting courses and wales in 1 inch of fabric using a magnifying yarn counting glass. GSM was measured using GSM Cutter with ASTM D3786 standards. Stitch length was calculated by marking and measuring 100 wales. Yarn Count was determined by counting and weighing yarns according to a formula. All measurements were taken three times for accuracy.

3. Results & Discussion

3.1. Effects on CPI After Bio-Polishing of Different Knit Fabrics

CPI has a great number of increment found after bio-polishing process. Interestingly, 7.1% to 17.9% CPI increases for Plain S/J, 5.5% to 13.7% CPI increases for 1×1 Rib and 4.9% to 8.3% CPI increases for Interlock fabric.

Table 1: Result of CPI After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Chart 1: Result of CPI After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Table 2: Result of CPI After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Chart 2: Result of CPI After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

3.2. Effects on WPI After Bio-Polishing of Different Knit Fabrics

WPI has also a great number of increment found after bio-polishing process. Interestingly, 9.3% to 12.1% WPI increases for Plain S/J, 7.1% to 10% WPI increases for 1×1 Rib and 6.8% to 8.8% CPI increases for Interlock fabric.

Table 3: Result of WPI After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Chart 3: Result of WPI After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Table 4: Result of WPI After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Chart 4: Result of WPI After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

3.3. Effects on GSM After Bio-Polishing of Different Knit Fabrics

After bio-polishing, GSM is supposed to decrease as biopolishing removes hairy fibers but GSM is increased due to relatively higher stitch density (WPI x CPI) and use of less Enzyme% during the process. For these reasons, GSM has increased from 1.8% to 2.5% for all types of fabric we tested.

Table 5: Result of GSM After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Chart 5: Result of GSM After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Table 6: Result of GSM After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Chart 6: Result of GSM After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

3.4. Effects on Stitch Length After Bio-Polishing of Different Knit Fabrics

After biopolishing, stitch length has decreased from 2.4% to 2.8% for Plain S/J; 2.7% to 3.1% for 1×1 Rib and 2.2% to 2.6% for Interlock fabric.

Table 7: Result of Stitch Length After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Chart 7: Result of Stitch Length After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Table 8: Result of Stitch Length After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Chart 8: Result of Stitch Length After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

3.5. Effects on Yarn Count After Bio-Polishing of Different Knit Fabrics

After bio-polishing, the yarns in the fabrics become finer than before due to reducing the content of hairiness from the fabric surface. That’s why the yarn count has slightly increased after biopolishing process compared to scoured & bleached sample.

Table 9: Result of Yarn Count (Ne) After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Chart 9: Result of Yarn Count After Bio-Polishing (TKL)

Table 10: Result of Yarn Count (Ne) After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Chart 10: Result of Yarn Count After Bio-Polishing (EKL)

Conclusion

When we use Bio-Polish on different types of knit fabric, it makes the fabric smoother by getting rid of fuzzy fibers on the surface. This study looked at how 100% cotton fabrics like Plain S/J, 1×1 Rib, and Interlock changed after using cellulase enzyme. The enzyme increased the number of stitches per square inch and made the fabric a bit heavier because we used only a small amount of the enzyme. It also made the yarn finer by removing the fuzzy fibers. So, overall, biopolishing is a great way to make fabric feel more comfortable, shiny, and smooth without causing big changes in other important fabric qualities.

References

1.         Özdil N., Özdoğan E. and Öktem T., (2003), Effects of Enzymatic Treatment on Various Spun Yarn Fabrics, Fibers & Textiles in Eastern Europe, Vol.11(4), pp. 55-61.

2.         Technical bulletin, (2002), Enzyme Technology for Cotton Products – Cotton Incorporated. North Carolina, p. 2.

5.         BS EN 14970:2006 (2006) Textiles. Knitted Fabrics. Determination of Stitch Length and Yarn Linear Density in Weft Knitted Fabrics.

6.         Khalil, E., Sarkar, J., Rahman, M. and Solaiman, M. (2014) Influence of Enzyme and Silicone Wash on the PhysicoMechanical Properties of Non-Denim Twill Garments. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 3, 231-233.

7.         Gokarneshan, N., Durairaj, C., Krishnamurthy, P., Shanmugasundaram, S., Subhash, R. and Su, P. (2009) Chemical Finishing and Washing of Knit Wear. http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/23/2210/chemical-finishing-and-washing-of-knit-wear1.asp

8.         Buschle-Diller G., Walsh W.K. and Parachuru R., (1999), Effect of Enzymatic Treatment of Dyeing and Finishing of Cellulosic Fibers: A Study of the Basic Mechanisms and Optimization of the Process, National Textile Centre Research Briefs, pp.35-36.

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Growing regulations on the use of plastic-based products in the EU and in the United States have heightened the need for the nonwoven and advanced textiles sector to look for alternatives to synthetic materials. The first-day talks focused heavily on sustainability and the efforts by the global nonwoven sector to become carbon neutral.  

There are enormous opportunities for cellulosic such as pulp and cotton and other natural fibers such as flax and hemp in developing single-use and durable nonwovens.  

Given the number of nonwovens that come out of high-speed machines that can operate at 1200 m/min, there may not be enough non-plastic materials to meet the need in the immediate future, stated, octogenarian Mr. C. K. Wong, Chairman and CEO of Hong Kong-based U.S. Pacific Nonwovens, who has been in the industry for over 53 years. 

Cotton can find new opportunities in the nonwoven sector as the cost will be competitive with bioplastics, added C. K. Wong. The industry has been successful in developing food packaging and medical products using bio-based materials such as PLA. Japan’s AsahiKASEI has been leading in the development of spunbond nonwovens using cotton linters, to develop products for wipes and the cosmetics industry. 

Consumers like green products but expect products with good functionality at similar cost levels as synthetic-based nonwovens, which is a challenge for the industry. “The nonwoven industry is transitioning to less plastic-based raw materials. Consumers are becoming curious about resources, which will drive innovation. Furthermore, growing regulations such as EU Single-Use Plastic Directive will necessitate the immediate need,” stated Tom Carlyle, Nonwovens Commercial Manager-Americas at Lenzing Fibers. 

“Spunlace (hydro entangling) technology is employed in China to develop virgin cotton-based nonwovens with 6 or more lines running,” stated Oliver Doring, Director of Sales & Marketing at Trutzschler Nonwovens. Two spunlace lines are developing cotton-based spunlace nonwovens in India and an additional line will be online in 6 weeks which can develop cotton-based wipes.  

The nonwoven and advanced textiles industry is moving towards an interesting spot to develop sustainable materials at competitive price levels.  

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Renewcell, a pioneering leader in textile recycling innovation, announces the launch of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network (CSN). The CSN is a group of forty-seven yarn and textile producers helping to drive the circular economy forward by enabling a steady supply of CIRCULOSE® to the market.

Renewcell opened the first-ever industrial scale chemical textile-to-textile recycling facility in November 2022 in Sundsvall, Sweden, aptly named, Renewcell 1. The company dispatched the first shipment of CIRCULOSE® dissolving pulp produced at Renewcell 1 in December of last year. With the recent RCS (Recycled Claim Standard) certification achieved at Renewcell 1, accredited CIRCULOSE® pulp is now being produced on a larger scale. With an initial annual capacity of 60,000 metric tons, Renewcell 1 will be scaled up to produce 120,000 metric tons of pulp, equivalent to 600 million t-shirts.

CIRCULOSE® is a Next Generation raw material derived from the recovery of cellulose found in worn-out clothing and transformed into a dissolving pulp made from 100% recycled textiles. The pulp serves as the foundation for various types of regenerated fibers, including viscose, lyocell, modal, acetate, and other man-made cellulosic fibers. Currently viscose made with CIRCULOSE® is available from suppliers including Tangshan Sanyou and Yibin Grace through our commercial partner Ekman.

The CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network is comprised of yarn and textile producers streamlining CIRCULOSE® production across the supply chain. These early adopters are revolutionizing the marketplace by becoming the first to access volumes of CIRCULOSE®. By joining the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network, members are committing to the continuous development of circular solutions and play a vital role in sustainable textiles and end-products under the CIRCULOSE® brand name.

Patrik Lundström, CEO at Renewcell: “The implementation of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network is integral to continue scaling the CIRCULOSE® product. With availability across the textile supply chain, fashion brands now have numerous circular options to design and create clothing with CIRCULOSE®.”

Jennifer Thompson, CEO of COLOURizd comments, “Sustainability takes partnership and at COLOURizd, we believe that 1+1 equals sustainability. We recognize that we can’t solve the environmental challenges of the fashion industry alone. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our partnership with Renewcell at Premiere Vision. By combining their innovative fiber made with CIRCULOSE®, from 100% textile waste with our planet-positive colouration and finishing solutions, we can create stylish and trend-right apparel while significantly reducing the carbon footprint. Together, we are reshaping the global textile industry for the better.”

“At Prosperity Textile, we have chosen to develop a denim capsule with CIRCULOSE®, offering brands and retailers solutions towards a less wasteful and more circular fashion industry. Using a breakthrough process, this regenerated fiber is made from 100% textile waste like worn-out jeans and production scraps and fits in with Prosperity’s vision for a more resilient future – without compromising on quality and design,” explains Bart Van De Woestyne, Creative Director of Prosperity Textile.

Maurizio Baldi, R&D Manager at Diamond Denim states, “Diamond Denim is investing in mechanical and chemical circular solutions that allow us to reduce our carbon footprint and water consumption. We believe CIRCULOSE ® is one of the best options to achieve our sustainability points without compromising fabric visual look and performance.”

The launch of the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network marks a significant milestone in the advancement of the circular economy in the fashion industry. By collaborating with leading yarn and textile producers, CIRCULOSE® aims to revolutionize the way we approach fashion, fostering a circular future for the fashion supply chain.

CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network members span the globe and are operational in twelve countries. The full list is below:

Austria: Linz Textiles

Bangladesh: CYCLO ® Recycled Fibers; Beximco Textiles; Shasha Denims

China: Suzhou Shiyuan Textile Co., Ltd., (aka S&Y); Dezhou Huayuan Eco-Technology Co.,Ltd.; Jiangsu Pointer Textile Co.,Ltd.; Prosperity Textile (H.K.) Ltd.; Dongheng Textile Co., Ltd; Unitedtex Enterprise Ltd.; Hangzhou Jiayi Garment Co.,Ltd; Wujiang Dongfang Group; Polyace Textile and Yarn Co., Ltd.; Tat Fung Textile Co., Ltd. /Panther Denim; Texhong Textile Group; ColouriZD/Taylor Home & Fashions Ltd.; Crystal Group

India: Arvind Ltd; Trident Group; Pallavaa Group

Indonesia: Sritex

Italy: Beste SpA; Albini Group

Mexico: Cone Denim

Pakistan: Sapphire Textile Mills Ltd.; Artistic Milliners; Soorty; AGI Denim

Portugal: Brito Knitting; RDD Textiles; Inovafil; Tearfil Textile Yarns; Tintex Textiles; Riopele; TMG Textiles; Impetus Group; ACATEL; Matias & Araujo

Spain: Hallotex; Textil Santanderina

Sri Lanka: MAS Holdings

Turkey: Bossa Denim; Kipas Holding; Orta Anadolu; Karacasu Tekstil; Gulle Tekstil; Calik Denim

The post Renewcell Introduces the CIRCULOSE® Supplier Network appeared first on Textile Focus.

Manufacturing sector is gaining attention worldwide due to the recent economic situation and supply chain issues.

Recently, United States, United Kingdom and Australia formed the AUKUS nuclear submarine partnership, which will boost jobs as well S & T partnerships in the pacific region. India’s Air India’s proposed procurement of Boeing and Airbus planes will create many manufacturing and R & D jobs in the United States and France. These are some examples of the revival in manufacturing in developed nations. All these projects involve some form of advanced textiles such as soft composites, PPEs, etc.

Technical textiles sector globally is a growth sector with an annual growth rate of above 5 percent. On February 26, 2023, I had an opportunity to present the usefulness of advanced textiles in enhancing human lives, saving the environment, and creating jobs to a global audience at the recently concluded World Textile Conference-3 organized by the world’s largest professional association in the field of textiles, Textile Association (India) [TAI].

The talk featured the demonstration of a cotton-based oil absorbent and emphasized the importance of developing value-added textiles to enhance human life and protect the environment. I pitched the concept developed by U.S. Department of Defense that involves 4S for the growth of the industry: Sensing; Shaping; Sustaining and Shielding (Growing). The sector can sense the need of technologies and products, map the requirements, build, and grow. There is a need to involve more sustainable products and processes to combat global warming.

There is more work to do in the technical textiles sector to develop technologies and products in a cost-effective way to include sustainable aspects. Developing economies need marketing help in this sector.

In the audience were Tony Fragnito, President of USA-based INDA, Dr. Bryan Haynes, Chairman of the Board of INDA-USA. Dr. P R. Roy, former Group CEO of Arvind Group, Dr. Jaywant Irkhede, Department of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Africa, the office bearers of Textile Association (India) and many other participants representing all walks of the textile industry from fiber to fashion. 

The conference attracted over 800 participants who were from India, USA, Germany, Switzerland, South Africa and Uganda.

The post Technical Textiles for Health and Environment appeared first on Textile Focus.

Introduction

Geo textiles is a branch of technical textiles. As we know the prefix of geo-textile, “geo” means “earth” and the “textile” means “fabric”. So, geo textiles can be defined as the permeable textile materials used with foundation, soil, rock, earth or any other civil engineering materials as an integral part of man-made projects, structures or systems. Geo-textiles are mainly made of polypropylene, polyester, polyamide etc. These are primarily used in civil engineering or construction such as tunnel construction, drainage, filtration, reinforcement, erosion control, landfilling, groundwater protection etc. It changes the characteristics of the soil and makes it suitable for the construction of buildings in ineffective places.

History Behind the Use of Geo-textiles

Geotextiles were originally used as an alternative to the filters used for granular soil. The most commonly used term for geotextiles is filter cloth. Originally in the 1950s R.J. Barrett first used geotextiles behind precast concrete sea-beds, precast concrete erosion control, and geotextiles are primarily used under large rock fragments and other erosion control situations. R.J. completed this work using various styles of woven monofilament fabrics. He discussed the need for both sufficient fabric strength and proper stretch, as well as adequate permeability and soil retention, and recommended the use of geotextiles in filtration situations. Since the early 1960s, non-woven geotextiles have been used in various fields of civil engineering for separation, filtration, protection and drainage.

Classification of Geo textiles Based on Manufacture Geotextile is a distinguishable synthetic material made of textile materials. They are mostly made from synthetic fibers such as polyester or polypropylene also made from some natural fibers. There are many types of geotextile:

1.  Woven Geo-textile:

A woven fabric consists of two sets of orthogonally interlaced filaments or staple-fiber yarns. Woven geotextiles perform separation and reinforcement functions and increase the strength of the soil. As the strength of their warp yarns is much higher, so they have more tensile strength. As a result, it is able to take much more load than others. There are various types of woven geo-textiles like woven monofilament, woven multifilament, woven slit-film monofilament, slit-film multifilament and so on.

2.  Non-woven Geo-textile:

Nonwoven fabrics are defined as a web or sheet of randomly or/and directionally oriented fibers/filaments, bonded either mechanically, chemically or by other using other methods like friction, and/or cohesion, and/or adhesion. Though the tensile strength of non-woven geo-textile materials is not very high, but their separation, drainage and filtration ability are better than other type of geo-textiles. Non-woven geo textiles are permeable geosynthetics, usually made by synthetic fibers such as polypropylene, polyethylene etc. Thermal and chemical bonding methods are also used to make non-woven geo-textiles. There are various types of non-woven geo textiles like continuous filament heat bonded, continuous filament needle punched, staple needle punched, resin bonded and so on. In the world of fabric production, the spun bonding method is very popular and is considered as the fastest production method for non-woven fabrics.

3.  Knitted Geo-textile:

Knitted geo-textiles are produced by mostly using warp knitting technology, interlocking a series of loops of yarns or filaments to form a planar structure. The loops in the knitted structure are interlocked in many ways, similar to woven structure These type of textile materials have good flexibility property and are economically profitable. Although the use of knitted geotextiles is less, but the demand of knitted geotextiles for the function of ‘Drainage’ and ‘Soil Erosion Control’ is increasing day by day. Knitted geotextiles are made by using knitting technology, in few times weaving is also used to make these products.

4. Braided Geo-textiles:

Braiding is one kind of fabric production technology, generally used for producing narrow & rope-like materials by interlacing diagonally three or more strands of yarns or filaments. The braided structure geo-textiles can be categorized as biaxial and triaxial braids; both have two sets of braider strands, each strand aligned in the bias direction, but the latter also have an additional set of strands aligned parallel to the braid axis.

In addition to these type of geo-textiles, other geo-textiles products are- Geo-nets, Geo-grids, Geo-cells, Geo-membranes, Geo-composites etc.  Each of these has its own characteristics and is used for special applications like civil & road or railway constructions.

Raw Materials for Geo-textiles

Different types of fibers from both natural as well as synthetic category can be used as geotextiles for various applications.

Natural Fibers: Natural fibers in the form of paper strips, wood pulps, jute nets or wool mulch are used to produce geotextiles. Usually, geotextiles have to serve for more than 100 years in certain soil reinforcement applications. Even so, bio-degradable natural geotextiles are intentionally manufactured to have kind of short period of life. They are generally used to prevent or control soil erosion until vegetation can become properly established on the ground surface.

Synthetic Fibers: There are four main synthetic polymers polypropylene, polyester, polyethene and polyamide; these are most widely used as the raw material for synthetic geotextiles also called geo-synthetics. The oldest synthetic fiber of these is polyethylene, which was discovered in 1931 by ICI. Another group of polymers with a long production history are polyamides, the first of which was discovered in 1935. The next oldest of the four main synthetic polymers applicable to geotextiles is polyester fiber, widely used for manufacture geotextiles and it was announced in 1941. The most recent polymer family applicable to geotextiles to be developed was polypropylene discovered in 1954.

Characteristics of Geo-textiles

Mechanical Properties:

Hydraulic Properties:

Endurance Properties:

Degradation Properties

[g.n.p. = Generally Not Performed and m.b.e. = Must Be Evaluated]

Functions of Geotextiles

Filtration: Filter layers of geotextiles generally trap solid material and allow liquid material to pass almost freely perpendicular to the plane of the filter. Geotextiles maintain soil balance that allows adequate fluid flow while reducing soil erosion. It differentiates between mechanical strength (soil holding capacity) and hydraulic filter performance with the aim of achieving water extraction at minimum pressure loss. Mechanically bonded nonwovens are particularly suitable for this function, provided the thickness of the nonwoven is at least 30 times larger than the selected opening size.

Drainage: Drainage is the removal process of precipitation, groundwater and other liquid or gaseous substances. Dense Non-Woven Geotextile provides an opportunity for water flow through the plane three-dimensionally. Drainage systems are provided as composites consisting of at least one filtering layer and one percolation layer. Filter geotextiles are placed to transmit shear stress to the percolation layer to allow long-term drainage performance.

Separation: Geotextiles separate adjacent soil types or prevent fill material from mixing. These geotextile products are used in the form of durable, strong nonwoven or woven fabrics and composites made of synthetic raw materials capable of withstanding high loads. Mechanically bonded nonwovens are particularly suitable for this task as they adapt very well to irregular subsoils and soft soils due to their high expansion capacity.

Protection: Geo-membranes, coated and non-coated structures need to be protected from mechanical damage. Corrosion due to sharp edges of subsurface or fill material will occur if there is no protective layer.  Nonwovens and composites are used as protection against this mechanical erosion. Thick mechanically bonded nonwovens act as very good protective layers. Secutex® PP nonwovens are used as the sole protective layer for geomembranes.

Reinforcement: Geotextiles, geogrids and composite materials are placed under or between soil layers for the purpose of soil reinforcement to increase tensile strength and simultaneously improve mechanical properties. These materials are used for soils with a poor load-bearing capacity based on the “reinforced soil” principle. Mostly geogrid and oven elements are used as reinforcement. Reinforcing elements, where the reinforcing elements are made of slit film yarns (e.g., woven) and polymer ribs with rigid crossing points.

Sealing: Sealing is essential for environmental and groundwater protection, the application of geotextile as a liquid barrier is used for road rehabilitation, it blocks the vertical flow of water within the pavement structure. Geomembranes of different thicknesses depending on different purposes, mainly used as liquid and gas barriers in landfills, tunnel construction and hydraulic engineering. And geomembranes made of different polyethene formulations (e.g., different densities) are used in these areas. Geomembranes are typically over 1.0 mm thick and are installed and welded together by authorized installers. 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm thick plastic sheet can be used in areas where stress is low.

Erosion Control: Three-dimensional geosynthetics and composite materials prevent erosion of soil particles by water and wind. In nature, it is the roots of plants that prevent soil erosion. The natural structure of plant root layers takes several years to develop, which is easily accomplished by using erosion-control matting or netting. Erosion of river or embankment slopes can be easily prevented with the help of various mesh structures.

Applications of Geo-textiles

Geotextile products are used in various constructional works, which increase the strength of weak & soft soils and prevent erosion, also enabling construction in the areas that were previously unsuitable. Geotextiles are ideal materials for many infrastructure works, such as:

1. Hydraulic Works

• Drainage and Filtration:

• Ground Systems:

• Road Works:

• Constructions:

• Waste Disposal:
  

Sustainable Geo-Synthetics:

Most geosynthetic products contribute to the long-term stability of the soil structure so that the products can be used for long-term performance with little modification, while the demand for biodegradable products with an emphasis on planting and environmental compatibility is also increasing. Therefore, sustainable geosynthetics are classified as “ordinary geosynthetics” and “green geosynthetics”. 

First, environmental adaptive geosynthetics, which we previously mentioned as “general geosynthetics”, have not changed much in the last 20 years but have created a paradigm of composite products using high-performance fibers with the keyword of diversity. Environmentally adapted geosynthetics can be introduced as “ordinary geosynthetics”, which will be used to reinforce ground structures. In other words, general geosynthetics is a product that requires a high resistance to instantaneous loads from the outside and also needs a hybrid function that combines the reinforcement, protection and blocking functions that are the basic and major functions of geotextiles. Since natural fibers have the advantage of being eco-friendly materials, the utility of geotextiles as raw materials such as various types of cotton, jute, coir and straw has started to re-emerge in recent years. However, since it is not widely used and cannot be mass-produced compared to synthetic fibers, it has difficulty generating demand. Some of them use natural geotextiles as slope stabilization, erosion prevention and drainage, but there is no major change here.

On the other hand, polyolefins and polyesters are the most commonly used synthetic polymer materials and polyurethane, carbon & glass fiber polymers are very limited. Since these polymer materials used in the manufacture of geosynthetics are often used in large quantities at low cost. In general, manufacturing high-performance geosynthetics increases production costs, which are economically expensive. In other ways, if the performance is the same, a product with the lower cost of production is economically advantageous. Considering this, geosynthetics using recycled polymer materials can be considered, but the disadvantages of reduced performance compared to geosynthetics using virgin polymers without recycling become an issue.

Second, “green geosynthetics” refers to products that have sustainable degradable geosynthetic fibers and environmental pollution prevention and recovery functions that do not imply the long-term implementation of primary functionality in terms of environmental friendliness. For slope stabilization/protection fields requiring eco-environmental properties, mesh-type geocells using biodegradable resins are applied in slope vegetation, river maintenance, eco-slope composition, garden-based layers, landfill slopes and waterproofing protection. This reflects the demand for eco-environmental geosynthetics.  In the case of fiber, “biodegradability” means decomposition by microorganisms or bacteria in the soil, which is a geotechnical structure, and the initial performance gradually decreases during the service period.

Geo-Textiles Market in Bangladesh:

Bangladesh is a densely populated, predominantly riverine lowland country in South Asia with 580 kilometers of coastline in the northern littoral region of the Bay of Bengal. Since our country has a lot of low land, geotextile can be the best solution in this case. It is a segment of technical textiles used for special purposes. Geotextiles are porous textile structures made of polymeric materials and are mainly used in the civil engineering and construction sector. According to the period of use, there are three types of geotextiles they are first generation, second generation and third-generation. Although the production of geotextile in Bangladesh started a long time ago, its use in various construction sectors has become quite popular in the last few years. During the construction of various Highways, Bridges and Dams such as Bangabandhu Bridge, Padma Multipurpose Bridge, Dhaka-Sylhet Highway, Dhaka-Aricha Highway, DND Dam, Gomti Dam, Tista Barrage, Teknaf Coastal Works, Airport etc., geo-textiles are used for slope stability, soil erosion control and land filling. DIRD Group started manufacturing geosynthetics in Bangladesh in 1989, currently many textile industries in Bangladesh are producing geotextiles commercially for our domestic use and for export. Some of the major geotextile manufacturing companies in our country are-

1. DIRD Felt Ltd.
2. Nahee Geo-Textiles Industries Ltd.
3. B.J. Geo-Textile Ltd.
4. RM Geotex Ltd.
5. United Tex (BD) Int’l Ltd.
6. BST Engineering & Galvanizing
7. M/s.  Knit Sew Combination
8. Xtra Power Bangladesh
9. Seconds Industries Ltd.
10. Traditional Bangladesh
11. Rohani Fabrics
12. Al Salam Fabrics (Pvt.) Ltd.

Prospect of Geo-Textiles in Bangladesh:

The Geotextile manufacturing industry has huge scope in Bangladesh. Every year the Bangladesh government allocates a huge budget for the construction or renewal of roads, bridges and culverts in rural areas. If geotextiles are used in these projects, the life span of those roads/culverts will be many times longer than before. Also, there are many ETP plants installed in Bangladesh but none of them can handle their sludge effectively, the main problem is the separation of solids from liquid. The use of Geo bags can be an excellent, simple and environmentally friendly way to solve this problem. Also, City Corporation people can also use Geo bags while cleaning silted drains to separate solids from liquids. South of Noakhali and Lakshmipur there are many low-lying lands where the lands are not suitable for cultivation or are only suitable for one season and are underwater for the rest of the year. Geo-bag dams made from slurry can be used to make these lands suitable for year-round cultivation.  Soil erosion control can be another very important application of geotextiles. Every year many riverside residents in Bangladesh suffer from erosion problems resulting in total loss of their land and property. Geotextiles can be the simplest and most cost-effective solution to this humanitarian problem of mass destruction.

In some applications, such as erosion control Jute Geo-textiles can be used effectively, we need geotextile for a limited period of time in terms of erosion control and after a certain period, it completely degrades which then acts as a fertilizer. Also, for the advancement of the geotextile sector, we need to master the skills of manufacturing fabrics of various specifications and properties of woven, and non-woven. The use of jute in the production of geotextiles is a recent and emerging technology in the field of geotechnical and bio-engineering. All kinds of jute products can be used as geo-textiles. But one of the disadvantages of jute products is fast biodegradability.  But their lifespan can be extended up to 20 years by various chemical treatments. Thus, designed biodegradable jute geo-textiles with specific stiffness, porosity, permeability, transmissibility as per requirement and location specificity are possible. Some of the important advantages of Jute Geotextiles are-

1. Jute geotextiles are 100% biodegradable.
2. Cheaper than any other type of geotextile.
3. Eco-friendly, flexible, super durable and high strength.
4. Mixes with the soil causing no adverse effect on the environment.
5. Greater moisture retention capacity.
6. It is easy to blend with other natural materials and synthetic fibers.
7. Good drainage properties.
8. Locally available doesn’t need to import.
9. It is also a renewable source of energy as natural biomass.
10. Non-hazardous.

Global Geotextile Market Size:

Geotextiles are widely used in construction due to their performance and cost-effectiveness. Innovations are constantly coming to enhance the performance of geotextiles. According to experts, geotextiles will account for 1% of the total global technical textile market, which will be around USD 1.27 billion. The global geotextile market size was USD 8.04 billion in 2021.  Fortune Business Insights forecasts that the market will grow from USD 8.47 billion in 2022 to USD 12.92 billion in 2029 and exhibits a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.  The world is experiencing lower-than-expected demand compared to the pre-Covid-pandemic period.  Based on their analysis, the global geotextile market declined by 1.44% in 2020 compared to 2019.  However, increasing demand for high-performance and functional textiles along with increasing development in the construction industry in the post-pandemic period is a primary factor driving the market growth of geotextiles.  They are widely used for soil improvement on which pipelines, roads, soil retention structures and dams are constructed. Some prominent players in the geo-textiles market include:

1. Koninklijke Ten Cate B.V.
2. GSE Holdings, Inc.
3. NAUE GmbH & Co. KG
4. Officine Maccaferri S.p.A.
5. Low and Bonar PLC
6. Propex Operating Company, LLC
7. Fibertex Nonwovens A/S
8. TENAX Group
9. AGRU America
10. Global synthetics
11. HUESKER Group
12. Gayatri Polymers & Geo-synthetics

Conclusion:

Geotextiles, an important member of the geosynthetic family, are widely used for civil engineering and construction applications. The engineering design of these geotextiles depends on factors such as the appropriate selection of material fibers/filaments, manufacturing techniques and durability properties. The concept of ‘hybrid’ geotextiles can meet some of these requirements by using both natural and synthetic fibers in optimal proportions. Similarly, the choice of manufacturing technique should be based on the properties of the geotextile that meet the requirements of the desired applications through its performance. Therefore, the most important step towards geotextile selection should be based on the ‘design by function route’. This step can be successfully achieved with a multidisciplinary approach based on the combined efforts of various disciplines including textile, civil, chemical and material sciences. Despite the huge demand for geotextiles in the world, due to some limitations, we are not able to exploit the opportunity to export them in large quantities. The main reasons for this are lack of product variety, lack of high-performance textile production and use of outdated machinery, low investment and lack of research, administrative inefficiency etc. To accelerate exports, the government should recognize geotextiles as a growth and economic sector and set up an office/department under the Ministry of Textiles headed by textile engineers.

Reference:

1. Roshan Paul (2019). High-Performance Technical Textiles. (1^st edition). Hoboken, NJ, USA, Wiley.
2. A. Richard Horrocks, Subhash C. Anand (2016). Handbook of Technical Textiles, Vol 2, Technical Textile Applications (2^nd edition). The Textile Institute and Woodhead Publishing.
3. R. Senthil Kumar (2014). Textiles for Industrial Applications. Boca Raton, London, New York. CRC Press. International Standard Book Number-13: 978-1-4665-6650-7
4. Berube D, Saunier P (2016) Manufacturing Process of Geotextiles, Geotextiles. ELSEVIER, Woodhead publishing, USA, p. 25-60.
5. https://www.dirdgroup.org/engineering/dird-felt-ltd/ | Accessed on 23/12/2022
6. https://www.nahee.com.bd/nahee_geo/index.html | Accessed on 23/12/2022
7. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/amp/industry-reports/geotextiles-market-105063 | Accessed on 03/01/2023
8. P.Dhanapl, “Geotextile Applications”, https://www.fibre2fashion.com/, Accessed on 03/01/2023
9. https://idlc.com/mbr/article.php?id=391 | Accessed on 03/01/2023
10. https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/70598 | Accessed on 03/01/2023

The post An Overview of Geo textiles: Functions, Applications, Prospect in Bangladesh and Global Market appeared first on Textile Focus.

Desk Report: Ms. Rae Eun Sung has been promoted to Group Vice Chairman of the Youngone Group of Companies. Ms. Sung joined the company in 2002 as Director of the Global Compliance/CSR division.

In 2007 she worked her way up to become President of the Sales and General Division of Corporate Management of Youngone Corporation. In 2016 she was appointed as President and CEO of Youngone Holdings Ltd., and in 2020 she became President of Youngone Corporation.

Ms. Sung is the second daughter of Chairman and Founder, Kihak Sung. With this latest appointment, the company has reinforced its future generation-oriented management structure and strategy through the promotion of Ms. Sung, who highly values ESG management and sustainability.

The Board of Directors felt the timing was appropriate, given that the company will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024.

Ms. Sung is driving the company’s future growth by implementing ESG management, practicing BCMS (Business Continuity Management System) for sustainable business development, while building a strong culture of teamwork, integrity and excellence among executives and employees of Youngon

Also Read: BGMEA, Youngone keen to collaborate on capacity building in MMF products

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