Papers by Keyword: Wool Fabrics

Abstract: In this study, silica nanocapsules within silica shell (SNPs) based on an amphiphilic silica precursor polymer – poly (ethylene glycol) substituted hyperbranched polyethoxysiloxane (PEOS-m PEG) was synthesized through a self-assembly method in a fully aqueous with high efficiency. SNPs was homogeneously distributed in waterborne polyurethane to study the influence on the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite as a novel anti-felting agent for wool fabric. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposite anti-felting agent films improved in comparison with the neat polymer. The storage modulus and tensile strength was increased by 143% and 49%, respectively. The novel nanocomposite anti-felting agent was coated on wool fabrics by a pad-dry-cure process. The area shrinkage of the obtained wool fabrics with nanocomposite was 0.8%, much lower than the fabric treated with the same dosage of neat polymer, 4.1%. The warp tensile strength of the wool fabric was increased to 212.2N with lower polymer consumption by 40%.

Abstract: Reactive dyeing of wool fabrics in non-aqueous green solvents was investigated with the aim to cut effluent discharge via dyebath reuse. Hydrolysis of reactive dyes is the major obstacle for recycle and reuse of the spent dye bath. In the current work, 10 non-nucleophilic solvents were screened based on their Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) profile to be used as the dyeing media. Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethyl carbonate were chosen for their favorable EHS score. ATR-IR, SEM and XRD analysis had revealed DMSO pretreatment induced appreciable morphological and structural changes wool fabrics, leading to enhanced dyeability. DMC was used in combination with DMSO to facilitate dye adsorption as a poor solvent for the dyes. The effect of dyeing temperatures, dyeing time, and DMC content on final depth of shade was investigated. Covalent fixation and ionic fixation were determined for the solvent-dyed wool fabric using a pyridine-stripping procedure and compared to that of an aqueously-dyed control. The results showed that about 30% higher covalent fixation was achieved in non-aqueous system, which leads to higher depth of shade (ΔK/S = 1.3-4.9), enhanced color build up properties and better colorfastness (0.5-1 grade). A multi-cycle repeated dyeing sequence involving the recovered solvents and dyes was demonstrated to give consistently high shade buildup and colorfastness. The recyclable dyeing procedure developed in the current study provides an alternative to effluent treatment in reduction of pollutant discharge for a more sustainable textile industry.

Abstract: In our previous work, we have produced a photochromic wool fabric by applying a thin layer of hybrid silica-photochromic dye onto the wool surface. The coating showed a very fast optical response, but had little influence on the fabric handle, however durability was low. In this context, we reported that durability of the hybrid layer can be improved by introducing epoxy groups into the silica matrix via co-hydrolysis and co-condensation of an alkyl trialkoxysilane (ATAS) and 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (GPTMS). The presence of epoxy groups in the silica enhanced both washing and abrasion durabilities. Also, the optical response speed was slightly increased as well. Effects of the type of alkyl silane and the GPTMS:alkyl silane ratio on the coating durability, fabric handle and optical response were examined.