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Screen-printing and spray-coating methods were used to produce photoluminescent, water-repellent, and antimicrobial films on textile fibers. The cotton fabrics were firstly finished with a flame-resistant agent. There are a number of functional agents that have been applied during the textile finishing process, including strontium aluminate pigment as antibacterial and photoluminescent agent, flame-retardant organophosphate, and water-repellent silicone rubber. The current research investigated the surface morphologies and chemical compositions of the screen-printed and spray-coated fabric cottons using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). According to morphological analysis, the phosphor nanoparticles had sizes ranging from 2 to 12 nm. After excitation at 399 nm, the generated colorless photoluminescent layer deposited onto cotton surface showed an emission profile at 516 nm. The luminescence spectra and CIE Lab characteristics confirmed that the phosphor-coated textiles displayed a white color in visible spectrum and green emission in the presence of UV light. It has been shown by analysis that the tested colors are very stable over time. The measurements of static water contact and sliding angles were also explored. The self-extinguishing activity of the coated fabrics retained their flame-retardant properties over 24 laundry cycles. Antimicrobial activity, hydrophobicity, and luminous properties were improved without affecting the intrinsic physical and mechanical features of the treated textiles. Details on the CIE Lab colorimetric measurements were discussed. The stiffness and air permeability were examined to explore the flexibility and breathability of the treated textile fibers. Excellent reversibility and photostability were seen in the phosphor-coated materials.

Photochromic and photoluminescent clothes can be described as smart textiles that alter their color and emission spectra upon exposure to a light stimulus. Recycled nonwoven polyester fabrics screen-printed with rare-earth strontium aluminate nanoparticles were developed to introduce photochromic and photoluminescent properties. Both spinning and preparation of nonwoven fibrous mat was performed industrially starting from recycled polyester waste. Aqueous-based phosphor-binder nanocomposites containing different concentrations of inorganic phosphor with excellent thermal and photostability were applied directly onto nonwoven polyester fabrics. The screen-printing process produced a uniform photochromic and photoluminescent film onto the nonwoven polyester surface that showed strong green emission color (440 nm) under UV light even at lower phosphor concentrations (0.5 wt%) in the printing paste. The excitation wavelength of the printed nonwoven polyester samples was monitored at 382 nm. Long-persistent greenish-yellow phosphorescence was detected in the dark at higher phosphor concentrations. The morphological microscopic data of phosphor nanoparticles and printed nonwoven polyester fabrics were collected using various analytical methods. TEM analysis of phosphor nanoparticles designated diameters of 4–11 nm, whereas XRD analysis indicated a crystal size of 9 nm. The printed cloth exhibited a quick and reversible photochromic emission when exposed to ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial and superhydrophobic properties were improved with increasing the pigment concentration in the printing paste. The static contact and slide angles improved in the ranges of 108.6°–132.6°, and 12°–7°, respectively. The effects of increasing the phosphor concentration in the printing paste on the comfort features and colorfastness were examined.

Linen fibres were coated with a glow-in-the-dark photoluminescence, flame-retarding, and hydrophobic smart nanocomposite using the pad-dry-curing process. Ecologically friendly ammonium polyphosphate and lanthanide-activated strontium aluminium oxide (LSAO) nanoparticles were immobilized into linen fabric using eco-friendly room-temperature-vulcanizing silicone rubber. Different analytical techniques were used to examine the morphological characteristics and elemental compositions of LSAO nanoparticles and treated linen textiles. The self-extinguishing properties of the treated linen textiles were tested for their fire resistance. After 24 washing cycles, the coated linen samples retained their flame-retarding properties. The treated linen's superhydrophobicity rose in direct proportion to the LSAO concentration. After being excited at 365 nm, the colourless luminescent film that was coated on linen surface gave out an emission wavelength of 519 nm. The photoluminescent linen was monitored to create a range of different colours, including off-white in daytime light and green under ultraviolet (UV) light radiation, according to the Commission Internationale de l'éclairage laboratory colorimetric coordinates and photoluminescence spectra. Emission, excitation, and lifetime spectral analysis of the treated linen revealed persistent phosphorescence. For mechanical and comfort evaluation, the coated linen textiles' bending length and air permeability were assessed. Good UV light shielding and enhanced antibacterial activity were detected in the treated linens.

A raindrop solar cell can work either on rainy days to collect mechanical energy of the raindrops or on sunny days to harvest solar energy, which achieves high energy conversion efficiency in various energy environments. However, the low efficiency of raindrop energy harvesting is a dominating barrier to the raindrop solar cells in practical applications. In this work, a MoO

There have been strong demands for nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated by electrospinning for various fields due to their various advantages. Electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) fibre mats were prepared. The effects of processing variables as well as the inclusion of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) on the morphologies of generated fibres were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The average fibrous diameter was monitored in the range 400-3000 nm relying on the total content of PEG. The fluorescence cell imaging of electrospun mats was also explored. The results of cell viability demonstrated that skin fibroblast BJ-1 cells showed different adhesions and growth rates for the three kinds of PHBV fibres. Electrospun PHBV mats with low amount of PEG offer a high-quality medium for cell growth. Therefore, those mats exhibited high potential for soft tissue engineering, in particular wound healing.

Photochromic and long-lasting photoluminescent transparent, rigid, ultraviolet (UV) protective and superhydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic able to switch colour beneath UV irradiation was developed. Photoluminescent transparent PMMA plastic was prepared by the simple polymerization process of methyl methacrylate immobilized with alkaline earth aluminate (AEA) nanoparticles. These colourless PMMA plastic substrates showed a colour switch to greenish underneath UV light as proved using CIELAB screening. The morphology of AEA was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Conversely, transparent PMMA samples were evaluated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, scanning electron microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and for hardness properties. Additionally, the photoluminescence properties were explored by studying excitation and emission spectra. The produced luminescence colourless PMMA plastic substrates displayed excitation band at 370 nm, and three emission peaks at 433, 494 and 513 nm. Photoluminescent PMMA with lower contents of AEA showed fast and reversible photochromism under UV light, while PMMA samples with higher contents of AEA showed long-lasting luminescence such as a flashlight with the ability to replace electric power. The findings showed that the produced photoluminescence colourless PMMA plastic substrates exhibited enhanced UV shielding and superhydrophobicity.

Photochromism has been applied as an interesting technique in order to improve the anticounterfeiting of commercial commodities. To build up a mechanically reliable anticounterfeiting nanocomposite, it has been vital to enhance the engineering process of the anticounterfeiting material. In the current study, we developed mechanically reliable and highly photoluminescent lanthanide-doped strontium aluminate nanoparticles (LSAN)/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) hybrid nanofibres successfully fabricated using an electrospinning technique for anticounterfeiting applications. The produced nanocomposite films exhibited ultraviolet-induced photochromic anticounterfeiting properties. To guarantee the transparency of the LSAN-PAN film, LSAN must be immobilized onto the nanoparticle size to allow better dispersion without aggregation in the polyacrylonitrile matrix. The LSAN-PAN nanofibrous film demonstrated absorbance intensity that exhibited at 354 nm and associated with an emission intensity at 424 nm. The produced LSAN-PAN films demonstrated an enhanced hydrophobicity when increasing the ratio of LSAN, without adversely influencing their native appearance and mechanical performance. Upon excitation with ultraviolet light, the translucent nanofibrous substrates exhibited fast and reversible photochromic activity to greenish-yellow without exhaustion. The nanofibrous films exhibited stretchability, transparency, flexibility, and ultraviolet light-induced photochromism at low cost. The current strategy can be considered as an efficient technique towards the development of various anticounterfeiting materials for a better market with economic and social values.

Smart photoluminescent nanocomposite surface coating was prepared for simple industrial production of long-persistent phosphorescence and superhydrophobic wood. The photoluminescent nanocomposite coatings were capable to continue emitting light in the dark for prolonged time periods that may reach 1.5 hrs. Difference ratios of lanthanide-doped aluminum strontium oxide (LASO) nanoparticles immobilized into polystyrene (PS) was developed as a nanocomposite coating for wood substrates. To accomplish transparency to the prepared nanocomposite coating, LASO was efficiently dispersed in the form of nano-scaled particles to ensure homogeneous dispersion without agglomeration in the polystyrene matrix. The coated woods showed an absorption band at 374 nm and two emissive bands at 434 and 518. The luminescence spectra showed both long-persistent phosphorescence as well as photochromic fluorescence relying on the LASO ratio. The improved superhydrophobicity and resistance to scratching of the coated woods can be attributed to the LASO NPs incorporated in the polystyrene matrix. In comparison to the uncoated wood substrate, the coated LASO-PS nanocomposite film displayed also photostability and high durability. The current study proved potential high-scale manufacturing of smart wood for a number of applications, such as safety directional signs in buildings, household products, and smart windows.

Smart windows with long-persistent phosphorescence, ultraviolet (UV) light protection, high transparency, and high rigidity were developed by easily immobilizing varying ratios of lanthanide-activated aluminate phosphor nanoscale particles within a composite of recycled polyester/cellulose nanocrystals (RPET/CNC). Cellulose nanocrystals were prepared from rice straw waste. Cellulose nanocrystals were used at low concentration as both crosslinker and drier to improve both transparency and hardness. The phosphor nanoscale particles must be distributed into the recycled polyester/cellulose nanocrystals composite bulk without agglomeration to produce transparent RPET/CNC substrates. Photoluminescence characteristics were also studied using spectroscopic profiles of excitation/emission and decay/lifetime. The hardness efficiency was also examined. This transparent recycled polyester waste/cellulose nanocrystals nanocomposite smart window has been shown to change colour under UV light to strong green and to greenish-yellow when it is dark, as proved by Commission Internationale de l'éclairage (CIE) laboratory colour parameters. It was found that the afterglow RPET/CNC smart window had phosphorescence intensities of 428, 493, and 523 nm upon excitation at 368 nm. There was evidence of improved UV shielding, photostability, and hydrophobic activity. In the presence of a low phosphor ratio, the luminescent RPET/CNC substrates showed quick and reversible fluorescence photochromic activity when exposed to UV radiation.

A polyviologen-based adsorbent was prepared via polymerization of a viologen-dialdehyde with a hydroxyl-substituted aryl-dihydrazide in acidified water. The viologen-based covalent polymer aerogel was then generated by freeze–drying. The adsorption of Reactive Blue 19 (RB19) dye onto this viologen-based covalent polymer in aqueous solutions was explored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy were employed to study the surface morphology and chemical composition of the cationic polyviologen before and after the adsorption of RB19. The thermal stability of the prepared cationic polyviologen was also explored. The polymer adsorbent displayed the formation of nanoparticles (70–120 nm) with a high surface area (32 m2 g−1) upon dispersion in an aqueous environment. The adsorption experiments were conducted as a function of the polymer amount (0.1–0.5 g L−1), contact time (5–30 min), pHo (3.0–9.0), and initial dye concentration. It was found that a total amount of 0.5 g L−1 of the polymer removes up to 99% of 20 mg L−1 RB19 solution preadjusted to pHo 3 in 10 min. Under optimum conditions, the adsorption course was best described by the Lagergren pseudo-first-order kinetics and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models. The results of the kinetic and isotherm analyses proposed that physisorption is the main mechanism of adsorption.

Novel inorganic-organic hybrid photochromic and fluorescent ink for anticounterfeiting documents was developed using a pigment/resin ink formula enclosing a long-lived luminescent inorganic pigment with good thermal photostability. The produced ink exhibited an optimal excitation wavelength at 360 nm with an absorption colour and fluorescence changes in the printed document. To develop a transparent printed film from pigment/resin ink, the phosphorescent pigment has to be well dispersed physically without agglomeration. The pigment/resin hybrid was applied effectively onto commercial cellulose paper sheets using screen-printing technology. An homogeneous photochromic layer was deposited on cellulose paper document surface to afford a considerable greenish-yellow colour as demonstrated by CIE coloration measurements under a UV lamp, even at a pigment concentration as low as 0.1 wt% of the ink formulation. The printed paper sheets exhibited three excitation bands at 235, 274 and 378 nm and three emission bands at 416, 418 and 436 nm. Fluorescence optical microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry of the printed paper sheet were explored. The screen-printed paper sheets displayed a reversible and fast photochromism during ultraviolet irradiation without fatigue. The rheological properties, stability, and printability of the ink were studied.

In-situ preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into plasma-pretreated cotton substrates adds novel functional properties and expands their potential applications. Herein, we report a new approach toward the assembly of multifunctional coated technical textiles. AgNPs was in-situ prepared onto plasma-pretreated cotton fibers using the simple pad-dry-cure method to impart ultraviolet protection, brilliant colors, antimicrobial and photocatalytic self-cleaning properties. AgNPs was produced by thermal reduction of excess Ag+ from an aqueous solution of silver N-(2-ethylhexyl)carbamate on the fibrous cotton surface at 130 °C. The immobilization of the generated AgNPs onto the fibers was improved by plasma activation. Both morphology and elemental content of the treated fabrics were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and scanning electron microscopy (EDX-SEM). The morphology of the generated AgNPs was also investigated by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The generated AgNPs exhibited a homogeneous distribution and high depositing density with a nanoparticle size between 35 and 80 nm. AgNPs incorporated onto cotton fibers endowed with brownish-yellow color for plasma-untreated fibers and brown for plasma-pretreated fibers. The colorfastness and color strength of the AgNPs-coated fabrics were explored. The colored cotton fibers demonstrated persistent antimicrobial performance to S. aureus, E. coli and C. albicans pathogens. AgNPs/cotton displayed excellent photocatalysis and self-cleaning properties to the photochemical decomposition of methylene blue.

Background: 3-Cyanopyridine analogues are significant moieties with a variety of biological effects such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents. In addition, they could be applied in the treatment of several diseases. Objective: The study conducted cyclo-addition of 3a-e derivatives with malononitrile to yield the corresponding 6-(4-((3-cyano-pyridinyl) amino) phenyl)-4-phenylnicotinonitriles 4a-e. Materials and Methods: Physical and spectral analyses were performed to demonstrate the proper structures of all incorporated analogues. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the preps derivatives was investigated by testing them with a panel of pathogenic strains of bacteria and fungi. The anti-tuberculosis activity was observed against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. When examining cytotoxic agents for four different cell lines, researchers found that their activity was persuasive compared with that of standard antibiotics. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the synthesized analogues was evaluated using the DPPH method. Results and Discussions: The synthesized analogues were examined to determine their activity against the M. tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Derivatives 2c, 2e, 3d and 3e had good inhibition. Further screening was done for the highest potency against M. tuberculosis to determine the MICs. The antioxidant efficacy was evaluated via the DPPH technique matched with vitamin C as a positive control. The prospective results showed that the derivatives did not display scavenging efficacies in comparison with the standard. Conclusion: Some synthesized derivatives displayed good potency against bacterial activity and M. Tuberculosis. However, the antioxidant performance of these derivatives did not display scavenging efficacies compared to vitamin C. The cytotoxic activity of the synthesized derivatives was examined against various cell lines to display good cytotoxic activity in the order 4a-e > 2a-e > 3a-b.

The surrounding environment is largely contaminated with phenols, and consequently qualitative and quantitative determination of phenols in water is of interest. In the current report, a low cost, naked-eye, portable and disposable cellulosic strips-based sensor was fabricated to detect phenols in aqueous media. The cellulosic filter paper was molecularly imprinted with Fe(III) to prepare strips sensor of Fe(III)-imprinted filter paper. The prepared strips were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The sensitivity performance of Fe(III)-imprinted filter paper strips was monitored for a series of phenolic compounds. The colorimetric detection of gallic acid was selectively studied herein due to its greatest sensibility. The chromogenic Fe(III)-imprinted filter paper strips provided an instant color shift from yellow to purple upon binding to Gallic acid in an aqueous environment, as visually noted and instrumentally detected by absorption spectral and coloration measurements. The change in color of strips attributing to sensing of Gallic acid was readout at quite low limit (0.1 ppb). This sensor performance was rationalized on formation of coordination complex between phenol and Fe+3. The facile fabricated molecularly imprintedfilter paper strips could be easily used as sensor in rapid potential for colorimetric detection of phenols.

The formulation of polymer with embedded nanoparticles results in promising nanocomposites and substrates for smart, medical and analytical applications. Nanocomposite polyacrylonitrile (PAN) films containing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were developed to introduce multifunctional film matrix with antimicrobial activity, electrical conductivity, ultraviolet blocking and catalytic activity. In addition, the prepared PAN/Ag NPs nanocomposite films can be applied in the identification of biological molecules using surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). PAN/Ag NPs nanocomposites were prepared by reducing Ag+ to Ag0 under microwave irradiation. The reduction process of Ag+ to Ag NPs was performed in-situ within the matrix of polyacrylonitrile fibers dissolved in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Thus, DMF was functioned as a reducing agent for the generation of Ag NPs from silver nitrate (AgNO3) and as a solvent for polyacrylonitrile. The Ag NPs were evaluated Via UV–vis spectrum TEM. The PAN and PAN/Ag NPs nanocomposite were analyzed, by using SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, XPS, TGA and DSC. The reaction mechanism for in-situ deposition of Ag NPs onto PAN polymer matrix was also explored. The influence of Ag NPs on multifunctional properties of PAN nanocomposite films such as coloration properties, antimicrobial activity, electrical conductivity property, UV protection activity, SERS and catalytic activity were evaluated. The results displayed that, the PAN/Ag NPs nanocomposites films were exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities against different micro-organisms as well as very good electrical conductivity and UV protection properties. Moreover, the PAN/Ag NPs nanocomposites films were shown highly SERS sensitivity at low concentration as well as high catalytic activity. In straightforward, this simple, fast and inexpensive novel approach will pave the way for a variety of smart medical applications, such as scar-less burn wound healing and biological protective substrates as well as analytical application.

Cotton fabrics have been known as one of the most common fibers due to its high absorption ability to chemicals, cheapness and high strength. The functionalization of natural fabrics with conductive polymers can produce conductive surfaces of high-performance textile with multifunctional properties. In the current work, conductive natural high-performance fabric was prepared by plasma assisted coating of cotton fabrics with different conductive polymers in presence or absence of silver nanoparticles. Nanostructured thin layer of polyaniline derivative was prepared in situ after plasma activation technique. Silver nanoparticles were deposited from silver nitrate solution by taking advantage of reduction capability of the conductive polymers. By changing the type of conductive polymer and the incorporation of silver nanoparticles, high-performance fabrics with altered or improved multifunctional properties were obtained including antibacterial, electrical conductivity, thermochromism, acid sensitivity and responsiveness to metal ions for a variety of potential purposes, such as biomedical, geo-textile and antistatic applications.

A facile approach for possible industrial production of long-persistent phosphorescence, continuing to emitting light for a long time period, smart cobbles were developed toward photoluminescent hard surfaces. The inorganic strontium aluminium oxide pigment doped with rare earth elements was added to a synthetic organic epoxy in the presence of polyamine as a hardener to make a phosphor-loaded viscous fluid that can then be hardened in a few minutes. The transparency of the solid cobbles can be accomplished easily using homogeneous dispersion of the phosphor in the epoxy resin fluid before the addition of a hardener to avoid pigment aggregation. This pigment-epoxy formula can be easily applied industrially onto flagstones surfaces under ambient conditions. The photoluminescent cobblestones demonstrated an optimum excitation wavelength at 366 nm and an emission band at 521 nm with a long-persistent phosphorescence cobble surface. The development of a translucent white colour under normal daylight, bright green under ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, bright white colour after 30 sec in the dark, and phosphorescent green colour after 75 min in the dark was indicated using Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) Laboratory coloration measurements. The luminescent hard composite cobble exhibited a highly durable and reversible long-persistent phosphorescence light. Photoluminescence, morphological, and hardness properties as well as the elemental composition of the prepared cobbles were explored.

Environmentally-friendly, cyanidin(Cy)-based anthocyanin isolated from red-cabbage served as a spectroscopic probe imprinted onto chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs), which were in turn integrated onto cellulose paper strip (CPS) as a host matrix to develop a metallochromic solid state sensor for real-time selective determination of ferric ions in an aqueous medium. The ferric transition metal ions in aqueous environments were detected using a novel, simple, portable, fast responsive, low-cost, real-time, environmentally safe, reversible and colorimetric sensor based on chitosan nanoparticles as a hosting biopolymer and cyanidin phenol chromophore as a biomolecular probe. In order to use the cyanidin biomolecule as a pH indicator and chelating agent, it was purified from red-cabbage and added into the CsNPs biosensor film. The colorimetric shift increased in direct proportion to the ferric ion concentration. As a result, the current research that was both qualitative and quantitative was carried out. While the Cy-CsNPs-CPS sensor showed high selectivity for ferric ions, no color change was detected for other metal cations. It was discovered that the detection process occurred as a result of a coordination complex formed between the active sites of phenolic cyanidin and Fe(III) ions.

Multifunctional fibrous surfaces with ultraviolet protection, self-cleaning, or antibacterial activity have been highly attractive. Nanocomposites consisting of silver (AgNPs) and titanium dioxide (TiO2 NPs) nanoparticles (Ag/TiO2) were developed and coated onto the surface of viscose fibers employing a straightforward pad–dry–cure procedure. The morphologies and elemental compositions were evaluated by scan electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectra (FTIR), and energy-dispersion X-ray spectra (EDS). The resultant multifunctional textile materials displayed antibacterial and photo-induced catalytic properties. The photocatalyzed self-cleaning properties were investigated employing the photochemical decay of methylthioninium chloride, whereas the antibacterial properties were studied versus E. coli. The viscose fibers coated with Ag/TiO2 nanocomposite demonstrated improved efficiency compared with viscose fibers coated with pure anatase TiO2 nano-scaled particles.

Novel fluorescent nanofibres were developed via the electrospinning of chromophore-doped cellulose. Two different perylene-doped cellulose fluorescent fibres were fabricated using cellulose as a host material and perylene dye derivatives as active dopants. Fluorescent cellulose nanofibres were prepared via the electrospinning technique using two different perylene dyes, including perylene diimide and perylene mono-imide sodium/potassium salts. The generated fluorescent silica nanoparticles exhibited diameters varying in the range 80-180 nm. The generated electrospun fluorescent nanofibrous structures displayed smooth surfaces with average diameters of 200-300 nm for cellulose comprising perylene diimide and sodium/potassium salts of perylene mono-imide dyes, respectively, dispersed uniformly in the cellulose matrix. The generated fluorescent nanoparticles and nanofibres were characterized by different standard methods, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fluorescent optical microscope (FOM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FT-IR). The fluorescence properties of the fabricated cellulose nanofibres were explored. Those fluorescent nanofibres pave the way for the development of promising textile fluorescence materials, such as flexible displays, photonics, and optical devices.

The target of the presented research work was the development of new smart textiles with photoluminescence properties which maintain light emission for a prolonged time period, even when the illumination source is turned off. Phosphorescence has been frequently used to improve the reliability of various safety products. Thus, simple and photoluminescent and superhydrophobic smart cotton fibers were fabricated. Rare-earth-doped aluminate (REA) nanoparticles (NPs) were immobilized into room-temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber (RTV) and spray-coated onto cotton fibers. The coated fabrics were excited at 365 nm, while the emission peak was detected at 518 nm. Various concentrations of REA nanoparticles in the REANPs@RTV composite formula were used to create a homogeneous phosphorescent coating on the surface of the cellulosic fabrics. CIE (Commission Internationale de L’éclairage) lab values and emission spectra confirmed that the fabric had a white color under visible light, green color under UV rays, and greenish-yellow color in darkness. The lifetime of phosphorescence and decay time were examined. The findings also displayed an improvement in the superhydrophobic activity of the treated cellulosic fabrics as the phosphor content was increased in the REANPs@RTV composite formula. Additionally, the stiffness and air permeability of the treated cellulosic fabrics were determined in terms of comfort characteristics.

A series of lightweight, hydrophobic, and fire retardant foams were fabricated through activation of cellulose by phosphoric acid as a primarily step. Dolomite clay was embedded onto the cellulosic suspensions with gelatin/ tannin as adhesive followed by freeze drying process. A solution of the environmentally friendly silicone rubber (RTV) was applied onto foam samples via spray-coating to improve their water repealing performance, which was explored by investigating both of water contacting angle and wettability time of the coated foam samples. Flammability characteristics, thermal decomposition, surface morphology, and chemical structure of treated and untreated foams were investigated by flammability test, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared, respectively. Results showed that the foams loaded dolomite and coated RTV have high hydrophobicity as well as anti-inflammability.

Functionalization of natural fibers with electroactive polymeric materials can create conductive surfaces with multifunctional properties. Herein, we develop smart fibers using plasma supported coating of wool fabrics with various polyaniline derivatives (PANi) in the presence/absence of in-situ prepared silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Nanostructural thin film of PANi was synthesized in-situ employing plasma-pretreatment to assess the polymerization process. AgNPs were immobilized in-situ during the formation of PANi starting from silver nitrate (AgNO3) by taking benefit of the reducing ability from the electroconductive polymer derivatives. Some selected electroactive polymers were applied starting from aromatic amines, including m-anisidine, o-phenylenediamine and p-nitroaniline. The morphological characteristics of the produced fabrics were studied by scan electron microscope (SEM). The chemical analysis was studied by energy-dispersive X-ray analyzer and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. As monitored by CIE Lab colorimetric measurements, instant reversible color variations were monitored by recording the colorimetric measurements of the produced sensor fabrics. By changing the sort of the electroactive polymer and the inclusion of silver nanoparticles, the imparted characteristics of the developed wool fabrics, including antimicrobial, electroactivity and stimuli-responsive effects were explored for a diversity of promising medical applications.

New photochromic film was developed toward the preparation of anti-counterfeiting documents utilizing inorganic/organic nanocomposite enclosing a photoluminescent inorganic pigment and a polyacrylic binder polymer. To generate a translucent film from pigment/polyacrylic nanocomposite, the phosphorescent strontium aluminum oxide pigment should be well-dispersed in the solution of the polyacrylic-based binder without agglomeration. The photochromic nanocomposite was applied efficiently onto commercial cellulose paper documents utilizing the effective and economical spray-coating technology followed with thermofixation. A homogeneous photochromic film was immobilized onto cellulose paper surface to introduce a transparent film changing to greenish-yellow upon exposure to ultraviolet light as depicted by CIE coloration measurements. The photochromic effect was monitored at lowest pigment concentration (0.25 wt%). The spray-coated paper documents exhibit two absorbance bands at 256 and 358 nm, and two fluorescence peaks at 433 and 511 nm. The morphologies of the spray-coated documents were explored. The spray-coated paper sheets showed a reversible photochromic effect without fatigue under ultraviolet irradiation. The rheology of the produced photochromic composites as well as the mechanical properties and photostability of the spray-coated documents were studied.

Herein, we develop a novel smart cotton swab as a diagnostic assay for onsite monitoring of sweat pH changes toward potential applications in monitoring human healthcare and drug exam. Anthocyanin (Ac) can be extracted from Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra using a simple procedure. Then, it can be used as a direct dye into cotton fibers using potash alum as mordant (M) to fix the anthocyanin dye onto the surface of the cotton fabric (Cot). This was monitored by generating mordant/anthocyanin nanoparticles (MAcNPs) onto the fabric surface. The cotton sensor assay demonstrated colorimetric changes in the ultraviolet-visible absorbance spectral analysis associated with a blueshift from 588 to 422 nm with increasing the pH of a perspiration simulant fluid. The biochromic performance of the dyed cotton diagnostic assay depended essentially on the halochromic activity of the anthocyanin spectroscopic probe to demonstrate a color change from pink to green due to intramolecular charge transfer occurring on the anthocyanin chromophore. After dyeing, no significant defects were detected in air-permeability and bend length. High colorfastness was investigated for the dyed cotton fabrics.

Utilization of natural products in medical textiles toward multifunctional applications without side effects is an extremely motivating goal. Herein, a novel, eco-friendly procedure was developed to introduce multifunctional cotton gauze fabrics using guava leaf powder extract. Biocompatible microcapsules composed of guava leaf powder extract and starch core and calcium-alginate (Ca-alginate) outer membrane were developed. The current strategy involved the identification and assessment of the bioactive compounds extracted from guava leaf via ultrasonic technique. Then, the guava leaf extract was loaded within a matrix of sodium alginate/starch and coated onto the cotton gauze fabrics. The morphological properties of both blank and treated cotton gauze fabrics were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial activity of the developed cotton gauze was evaluated against E. coli as Gram negative pathogenic bacteria and S. aureus as Gram positive pathogenic bacteria using the agar diffusion and bacterial counting methods. Furthermore, the treated cotton gauze fabrics were also used to conduct further studies toward the production of wound healing dress. The treated cotton gauze demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial, antioxidant, UV shielding, and wound healing properties. As a result, the current study presents a new simple approach to design smart cotton gauze for multifunctional medical and healthcare applications employing bioactive extract from sustainable plant waste.