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A finite element model was developed for assessing the efficacy of rugby body padding in reducing the risk of sustaining cuts and abrasions. The model was developed to predict the onset of damage to a soft tissue simulant from concentrated impact loading (i.e., stud impact) and compared against a corresponding experiment. The damage modelling techniques involved defining an element deletion criterion, whereby those on the surface of the surrogate were deleted if their maximum principal stress reached a predefined value. Candidate maximum principal stress values for element deletion criteria were identified independently from puncture test simulations on the soft tissue simulant. Experimental impacts with a stud were carried out at three energies (2, 4 and 6 J), at three angular orientations (0°, 15° and 30°) and compared to corresponding simulations. Suitable maximum principal stress values for element deletion criteria settings were first identified for the 4 J impact, selecting the candidates that best matched the experimental results. The same element deletion settings were then applied in simulations at 2 and 6 J and the validity of the model was further assessed (difference < 15% for the force at tear and < 30% for time to tear). The damage modelling techniques presented here could be applied to other skin simulants to assess the onset of skin injuries and the ability of padding to prevent them.

Humans are surrounded by numerous pathogens, which can cause severe infections and even become a source of death. The world has seen the impact of COVID-19 on the health and economic sector and continues to see the other impact if corrective measures are not taken. Similarly, the impact of bacteria on the human body has increased noticeably over the past few years, and is one of the significant challenges the healthcare sector faces. Therefore it is imperative to focus on the systems through which the impact of pathogens could be reduced. Scientists are rigorously working on the development of biological protective textiles using the encapsulation of organic compounds to protect the user from harmful pathogens. This chapter will review recent advancements in the development of biological protective textiles using encapsulated organic compounds. The fundamentals of micro/nanoencapsulation and the most important encapsulation techniques used for the development of microcapsules loaded with organic compounds (essential oils) will be described. The application of various organic compounds onto textiles through suitable encapsulation techniques will also be discussed. The control-release kinetics with mathematical modeling will be thoroughly discussed to understand the release behaviors of microcapsules. Novel biological protective textiles such as antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, mosquito repellent, insect repellent, etc., will be reviewed. Finally, the mode of action of essential oils against viruses, pathogens, insects, mosquitoes, and oxidants will be explained.

With the advancement of technological development, polymers are grabbing huge consideration in developing Energy Harvesting and Electromechanical devices. Polyvinylidene Fluoride, commonly referred to as PVDF, a semicrystalline polymer from the fluoropolymer family, has received tremendous interest among the research community. This polymer is astonishing to researchers with its excellent piezoelectric and dielectric properties. Apart from this, properties like outstanding thermal stability, flexible processing, anticorrosive, and mechanical strength make them more appropriate for applications such as wearable sensors, nanogenerators, spin valve ultrafiltration membranes, and separators in lithium-ion batteries. Furthermore, while exploring deep through its electrical properties, PVDF is a ferroelectric non-polar insulating matrix and is majorly adopted in insulating materials. But few researchers have resulted that incorporating certain fillers into PVDF can improve their electroactive crystalline phase without an external poling process. This enhancement enhances their piezoelectric properties and makes them an advanced polymer for multifunctional applications such as shielding material for Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), Acoustic sensors, energy storage and smart scaffolds. Hence this review discusses PVDF as an advanced polymer for Multifunctional applications.

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the virtual fit pressure map in a clothing-specific CAD program to predict pressures applied by sports compression garments by analyzing pressure prediction accuracy and process practicability. In wearer trials with whole-body compression sportswear, we measured in vivo pressures and compared them to virtual pressures recorded from the virtual fit pressure maps of the garments fitted to 13 participants’ body scan avatars. No clear correlations between virtual and in vivo pressures were identified and problems in the virtual fit process became apparent. The CAD software currently lacks a link to physical fabric, seam and component properties, which inhibits its use for predictions in new product development. By considering all simulation settings and assessing the numerical pressure prediction capability of a clothing-specific CAD program, this research provides a step forward in assessing the limitations of virtual fit for technical product development.

Medical textiles are a growing technical textile sector. Knitted fabrics have many advantages over woven and nonwoven fabrics mainly being able to produce complex structures, simulate human organs, and being conformable to the body. The properties of weft- and warp-knitted structures are critically articulated in the context of medical textile applications. Specific properties of fiber types—biopolymers and nanofibers used for medical textiles—are reviewed. 3D illustrations of knitted structures are provided to enable the reader to understand complex knitted structures. Various examples of medical textile applications have been highlighted, and six different medical textiles (ankle braces, compression stockings, vascular implants, hernia mesh, wound dressings, and 3D spacer fabrics) have been identified for further discussion. The systematic review provides a critical discussion on the current practice and research developments with a specific focus on knitted structures, finishes, and methods used in the designing of devices, and finally, the future trends were highlighted.

Plant-based antimicrobial finishing of textiles is comparable in efficacy, can replace synthetic antimicrobial agents, and is environmentally safe and effective. However, developing durable antimicrobial finishes on cotton-based textiles is a challenge. This research reports the development and characterization of nano-emulsions obtained from Karanja [Milletia pinnata] and Gokhru [Pedalium murex Linn] plants. The nano-emulsions were produced using Milletia pinnata, coconut oil, and curry leaves (nano-emulsion 1) and Pedalium murex, coconut oil, and curry leaves (nano-emulsion 2). The nano-emulsions were characterized for their thermal stability, particle size, pH, and percentage add-on. Two different oils, with surfactant (polysorbate) ratios [1:1 and 1:2], were finished on organic cotton fabrics using a batch process. Scanning electron microscopy images were evaluated to determine the surface morphology of the finished fabrics, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry images of nano-emulsions were studied to determine the specific chemical constituents of nano-emulsions 1 and 2. The finished fabrics were evaluated for their antimicrobial resistance using various gram-positive bacteria [Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis], which are found on human skin and cause nosocomial infections, gram-negative bacteria [Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae], which cause urinary tract infections, and fungi [Aspergillus niger]. The antimicrobial resistance was in the range of 98.62–99.87%, even after 10 washes, indicating that the finishes were effective and durable. The finished and unfinished fabrics were also evaluated for their performance properties, tensile strength, and moisture vapor transmission rate, and the results indicated good durability and comfort characteristics. Our findings highlight the potential of plant-based antimicrobial agents for durable finishing of cotton textiles with antimicrobial properties, thus preventing the spread of infecti

The potential of a radically Indigenous and endangered textile to improve human well-being and environmental health is the subject of an ongoing cross-disciplinary and multi-faceted research project between the United Kingdom and Uganda. This article presents the researchers’ findings to date on Ugandan barkcloth, produced from the mutuba tree and part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Methods included fieldwork in Uganda, natural dye experiments, testing a biodesign strategy, textile laboratory testing and scientific laboratory testing of the unique antimicrobial properties of barkcloth. Although beginning with artistic, practice-based research, the group uncovers important knowledge that may provide significant medical science benefits. They identify the central role of the mutuba tree in restorative and agroforestry systems; create natural dyes that may confer barkcloth’s properties to other materials. Thus demonstrating barkcloth production as a truly slow fashion textile and well-making system that promotes the well-being of people and planet in multiple ways.

Silicone is a synthetic polymer widely used in the biomedical industry as implantable devices since 1940, owing to its excellent mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Silicone biomaterials are renowned for their biocompatibility due to their inert nature and hydrophobic surface. A timeline illustration shows critical development periods of using silicone in varied biomedical applications. In this review, silicone properties are discussed along with several biomedical applications, including medical inserts, speciality contact lenses, drains and shunts, urinary catheters, reconstructive gel fillers, craniofacial prosthesis, nerve conduits, and metatarsophalangeal joint implants. Silicones are prone to microbial infections when exposed and interactions with the host tissue. As in the case of medical inserts, the development of specific antimicrobial strategies is essential. The review highlights silicone implants' interaction with soft and bone tissue and various antimicrobial strategies, including surface coating, physical or chemical modifications, treating with antibiotics or plasma-activated surfaces to develop the resistance to bacterial infection. Finally, 3D printing technology, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine applications, and future trends are also critically presented, indicating the silicone's potential as a biomaterial.

Aims Surgical site, soft tissue and wound infections are some of the most prominent causes of Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Developing novel antimicrobial textiles and wound dressings may help alleviate the risk of developing HCAIs. We aimed to determine the antimicrobial efficacy of natural Ugandan bark cloth derived exclusively from the Ficus natalensis tree. Methods and Results Antimicrobial contact and disc diffusion assays, coupled with time‐kill kinetic assays demonstrated that bark cloth inhibited the growth of a clinically relevant Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strain and acted as a bactericidal agent causing a seven‐log reduction in bacterial viability. Scanning electron microscopy was used to reveal morphological changes in the bacterial cell ultrastructure when exposed to bark cloth, which supported a proposed mechanism of antimicrobial activity. Conclusions The observed antimicrobial properties, combined with the physical characteristics elicited by bark cloth, suggest this product is ideally suited for wound and other skin care applications. Significance and Impact of the study This is the first report where a whole bark cloth product made by traditional methods has been employed as an antimicrobial fabric against MRSA. Bark cloth is a highly sustainable and renewable product and this study presents a major advance in the search for natural fabrics which could be deployed for healthcare applications.

Alginate is a linear biodegradable polysaccharide polymer, which is bio-renewable and widely used for various biomedical applications. For the next generation of medical textiles, alginate nanofibres are desirable for their use in wound dressings that are biocompatible, sustainable, and abundantly available. This study has developed a unique manufacturing process for producing alginate nanofibres with exceptional antimicrobial properties of oregano essential oil (OEO) as a natural antimicrobial agent. OEO with varying degrees of concentration was incorporated in an aqueous alginate solution. Appropriate materials and electrospinning process parameter selection allowed us to manufacture alginate fibres with a range of diameters between 38 and 105 nm. A unique crosslinking process for alginate nanofibres using extended water soaking was developed. Mechanical characterisation using micro-mechanical testing of nonwoven electrospun alginate/oregano composite nanofibres revealed that it was durable. An extensive antimicrobial study was carried out on alginate/oregano composite nanofibres using a range of Gram-positive (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Listeria monocytogenes) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica), which are common wound and food pathogens. The results indicated that increasing the concentration of OEO from 2 to 3 wt % showed improved antimicrobial activity against all pathogens, and activity was significantly improved against MRSA compared to a non-alginate-based control disk containing OEO. Therefore, our research suggests that all-natural alginate/oregano nanofibre composite textiles offer a new generation of medical textiles for advanced wound dressing technology as well as for food packaging applications.

The development of textile finishing with improved functional properties has been a growing interest among industry and scientists worldwide. The recent global pandemic also enhanced the awareness amongst many toward improved hygiene and the use of antimicrobial textiles. Generally, natural herbal components are known to possess antimicrobial properties which are green and eco-friendly. This research reports a novel and innovative method of developing and optimising nano-emulsions using two combinations of herbal extracts produced from Moringa Oleifera, curry leaf, coconut oil (nano-emulsion 1) and other using Aegle marmelos with curry leaf and coconut oil (nano-emulsion 2). Nano-emulsions were optimised for their pH, thermal stability, and particle size, and percentage add-on. Organic cotton fabrics (20 and 60 gsm) were finished with nano-emulsions using continuous and batch processes and characterised for their surface morphology using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. The finished fabrics were evaluated for their Whiteness Index, assessed for antimicrobial resistance against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) using AATCC 100 and 147 methods. In addition, fabrics were assessed for their antifungal efficacy (AATCC 30), tensile strength and air permeability. Results suggested that finished organic fabrics with nano-emulsions had antimicrobial resistance, antifungal, wash fastness after 20 washing cycles, and sufficient strength. This novel finishing method suggests that organic cotton fabrics treated with nano-emulsions can be used as a durable antimicrobial textile for healthcare and hygiene textiles.

The recent global pandemic and increasing awareness of hygiene led to changes in consumers’ behaviour towards their health and wellbeing. Owing to growing consumers’ knowledge on the environmental impact of textiles, especially those who are health conscious and living in cities, it becomes vital to explore their perception towards antimicrobial textiles. This study investigated the consumer perception and specific requirement of sustainable antimicrobial textiles. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted online and collated from 306 participants (Female 49.3%; Male 50.6%) of five main cities in India including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The majority of participants were healthcare workers and academics with an average age of 32 ± 7 (6.6 standard deviation). The questionnaire had high internal consistency and reliability, and the factor analysis indicated 15 items relating to four attributes that were relevant to extract information from the community on environment-friendly antimicrobial textile. The findings show that consumer’s awareness of rural health, hygiene and environmental issues could influence the purchase of sustainable antimicrobial textiles made of organic fibres with herbal finish. Consumers believe that by purchasing a sustainable product they contribute towards society. This is the first study to report on consumers’ preferences for sustainable antimicrobial textiles and contributes to the literature by developing a scale with high reliability that is community-relevant, consumer centered, and product-specific. This research underscores the importance of consumers’ awareness, knowledge, and preference of environmentally friendly antimicrobial hygiene textiles. The outcomes will benefit various stakeholders [healthcare workers, industry, and community] in promoting environmental-friendly and sustainable products among consumers in India.

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of using the virtual fit pressure map in a clothing-specific CAD program to predict pressures applied by sports compression garments by analyzing pressure prediction accuracy and process practicability. In wearer trials with whole-body compression sportswear, we measured in vivo pressures and compared them to virtual pressures recorded from the virtual fit pressure maps of the garments fitted to 13 participants’ body scan avatars. No clear correlations between virtual and in vivo pressures were identified and problems in the virtual fit process became apparent. The CAD software currently lacks a link to physical fabric, seam and component properties, which inhibits its use for predictions in new product development. By considering all simulation settings and assessing the numerical pressure prediction capability of a clothing-specific CAD program, this research provides a step forward in assessing the limitations of virtual fit for technical product development.

The recent global pandemic has raised awareness of hygiene and increased the need to control the spread of infection through textiles. The textile industry professionals and academics have focussed on developing various antimicrobial and antiviral compounds for textiles. In addition, the use of plant-based antimicrobial compounds is environmentally safe when compared with synthetic chemicals. In this study, we report the extraction of nano-emulsion using a combination of herbal oil - milletia pinnata L., curry leaf, coconut oil and the other combination using pedalium murex, curry leaf, and coconut oil mixture. The oils were extracted using the solvent extraction method, which offered a good yield of 92%. The different oil ratios [1:1 and 1:2] have been extracted and analysed for their effectiveness. Thermal stability (50-60°C) and pH [5-6] was determined to identify the best possible add-on for the chosen fabric structure. 100% organic cotton woven fabrics were treated with herbal nano-emulsion using exhaust method and evaluated for its antimicrobial efficacy [AATCC 100] before and after 10 washes with gram-positive [MRSA – Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis] and gram-negative bacteria – [Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae]. The performance properties of the above-finished fabrics were also evaluated. Antimicrobial results reveal a clear zone of inhibition when treated with both the herbal extracts [Millettia pinnata L. and Pedalium murex], suggesting that herbal nano-emulsions studied in this work is a potential antimicrobial finish for cotton textiles that is sustainable and environmentally safe to use and is biodegradable after usage.

World Rugby™ permits players to wear padded clothing meeting the requirements of Regulation-12, which limits density, thickness and impact performance. Due to non-uniform geometry, measuring the density of padding can be challenging and provides limited information on mechanical properties. This study investigated how well density could predict the impact performance of rugby padding, whilst reviewing compliance parameters as alternatives. Eleven samples of rugby padding, plus one control material, were tested for compliance, then impacted at energies of 4.9, 9.8 and 14.7 J using the setup as defined in Regulation-12, and finally cut to calculate density. The density and compliance parameters were correlated against peak impact accelerations using a Spearman’s rank test. Density was not significantly correlated with peak acceleration at any energy level, with compliance tests significantly correlated with impact acceleration at only 4.9 J.

Auxetic materials behave unconventionally under deformation, which enhances material properties such as resistance to indentation and energy absorption. Auxetics, therefore, have the potential to enhance sporting protective equipment. This study explores finite element modeling, additive manufacturing and impact testing of three auxetic lattices, and a conventional equivalent, with a view to advance auxetic implementation within sports equipment. The lattices are modeled and impacts are simulated between 1 J and 5 J, for flat and hemispherical drop hammers. Simulation outputs, including peak impact force, impact duration, maximum axial strain and Poisson’s ratio are compared to experimental results from equivalent impact energies on additively manufactured lattices, using an instrumented drop tower and a high‐speed camera. The simulation and experimental results show broad agreement for all lattices and scenarios, demonstrated by comparative force vs time plots and maximum compression images. The benefits of developing and validating finite element models of three auxetic lattices (as well as the conventional honeycomb lattice) under various impact scenarios as a process is discussed, including material characterization of an exemplar thermoplastic polyurethane. Future work could use the models to investigate auxetic lattices further, selecting and tailoring candidates to further explore their potential application to specific personal protective equipment in sport.

Ugandan bark cloth has been recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of the ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’, to protect the knowledge, traditions and livelihoods associated with its production. Bark cloth is a non-woven, fibrous textile that has been produced from the wild fig or mutuba tree (Ficus natalensis) by the Baganda people of southern Uganda for hundreds of years. A typical bark cloth has a rich, terracotta colour and is worn by kings and chiefs during coronations, religious ceremonies and cultural gatherings, as well as for funeral shrouds. Due to the growing awareness and the need to reduce the environmental impact of textiles, there is a pressing rationale to use natural materials or fibres in fashion clothing in recent years as designers and practitioners embrace environmentally sustainable raw materials and promote traditional craftsmanship. Various properties and significance of bark cloth from cultural, ethical, technical and aesthetic perspectives to determine its feasibility as a sustainable fashion textile was explored. The potential of bark cloth specifically in relation to the characteristics of luxury fashion (craftsmanship, quality, rarity, heritage and storytelling), through using techniques that include embroidery, appliqué, gilding, laser cutting, natural dyeing and fusing is highlighted. The bark cloth was investigated for its practical suitability for apparel end use. Various fabric tests were conducted to determine its performance including fabric drape, stiffness, surface morphology, and tearing strength. The bark cloth was subjected to CO2 laser etching and sublimation printing to incorporate surface patterns and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [ATR-FTIR] was used to monitor the loss of fibres. Based on the trials, an optimum set of parameters were identified to use laser and sublimation printing. Raw bark cloth was stiff when heat-pressed, so it was fused with various fusible interfacing fa

Denim garments are particularly popular with the younger population of adults. Distressed or worn out effects have been and will continue to be popular with this market sector. These faded or worn effects have been achieved using a range of physical, chemical and mechanical finishes. Both wet and dry finishing of denim fabrics and garments pose severe environmental and health risks. Recently, environmentally beneficial decolourisation/ablation methods for denim fabrics have been investigated. Such methods have included plasma, laser, and ozone treatments. Researchers in this field have highlighted the potential of CO2 laser treatment of 100% cotton denim, however the textile performance post-treatment has not been properly investigated. In this study, light, medium and heavy weight indigo dyed 100% cotton denim fabrics were exposed to a CO2 laser at a range of power and intensity levels. Colour change was investigated using a Spectrophotometer, morphological structural analysis was carried using Scanning Electron Microscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) was used to monitor the loss of indigo dye and degradation of the cellulose fibres. The thermal-oxidative degradation behaviour of fabrics was also studied using differential scanning calorimetry to obtain oxidation onset temperature. In addition, several fabric performance assessments were carried to evaluate tensile strength, colour fastness, air permeability and thickness. Findings reveal that the grayscale rating, which is the tone density and hence laser power affected the colour change and as the grayscale increased, the colour fading was higher and affected the fabric performance across all fabric weights. Based on this, the research recommends an optimum set of laser processing parameters to produce stressed or faded denim effects without compromising the fabric performance. This research demonstrates that faded effects on denim can be produced with low e