Журнал текстильной науки и техники

The present paper reports some of the important developments in the field of application of textile materials in earthquake resistance constructions. Cement concrete reinforced with steel rods and rings are very popular in ordinary construction material. One major drawback of using steel is its susceptibility to environmental attack which can severely reduce the strength and life of concrete structures. Recent developments in the field of fiber reinforced cement (FRCs) composites have resulted in the development of highly efficient construction materials. The FRCs are unaffected by electro-mechanical deterioration and can resist corrosive effects of acids, alkalis, salts and similar aggregates under a wide range of temperatures. The fibers used in FRCs, their properties and their applications have been reported here. The various techniques of application of FRCs on the new and existing masonry structures to protect them from earthquake have been discussed here.

The incidence of skin cancer has been increasing at an alarming rate over the past several decades. While there are many factors involved in the onset of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) has clearly been identified as an important factor. Apart from avoidance of the sun, the most frequently used form of UV protection is the application of sunscreens. Secondly, the most frequently recommended form of UV protection is the use of hats, and proper selection of clothing. The ultraviolet properties of textiles dyed with synthetic dyes have been widely reported in literature. However, there are limited studies on the ultraviolet protection level of eco-friendly fabrics dyed with natural colorants.

This study reports the Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of bamboo fabric with three different knit structures dyed with natural colorants of plant origin. The bamboo fabrics were dyed with two natural colorants namely Annatto Gold and Eclipta Green. The dyeing parameters were optimised. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor of the fabric with respect to fabric construction, weight, thickness and dyeing was measured in-vitro using Ultraviolet Transmission Analyzer, standard AATCC – 183. The results indicate that there is positive correlation between the weight of the fabric and Ultraviolet Protection Factor. Similarly, thicker the fabric more is the protection. Dyeing with natural colorants dramatically increased the UV protection of all three fabric constructions. Thus, dyeing bamboo fabrics with natural colorants increases the ultraviolet protection of the fabrics and can be considered as an effective protection against ultraviolet rays.

Among the diverse fields of application of technical textiles, which are poised for tremendous growth in fastdeveloping economies like those of India and China, non-implantable healthcare and hygiene products are assuming significant importance because of specificity of their end uses. Protective textiles offer protection from hazardous chemicals, microbes, heat, extreme cold and radiation and have special application potential in today’s technologically advanced world. In addition to this, the advent of nanotechnology has opened innumerable new avenues giving rise to high-performance textiles and apparel. Today, the healthcare industry is increasingly concerned with the exposure and transference of various microorganisms that are commonly present in the atmosphere. Studies have been carried out in the present work to fine-tune the properties of zinc oxide nano-particles for special applications. In the current work, soluble starch (stabilizing agent), zinc oxide nitrate and sodium hydroxide (precursors) were used for the preparation of zinc oxide nanoparticles by wet chemical method. The zinc oxide nano-particles were microencapsulated and applied to single jersey cotton fabric. The antibacterial property of the coated fabric was determined quantitatively and qualitatively. Techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and physical and chemical characterisation were employed to study the phase and morphology of the nanoparticles. The results indicate that the coated fabric have high antibacterial efficiency. The nanoparticles synthesized in this work have an average size of 50 nm and the physical and chemical properties of the treated fabric are markedly different from those of the untreated fabric. Insights into zinc oxide encapsulated coated fabric prove their efficacy against microbes and hence can be used for medical apparel.