This study investigates the knitted fabrics’ air permeability and water vapor resistance as complex phenomena of the interaction between the fiber nature, fabric structural characteristics and, different wet processes. Bleaching and dyeing together with the content of elastane are the main factors determining fabric structural characteristics. 100% cotton fabrics have a higher intensity of warm/cool feeling since they have higher air permeability than elastane containing fabrics. The air permeability and water vapor resistance of elastane containing fabrics decreased after the wet processes, whereby the bleached knitted fabrics showed higher air permeability and lower water vapor resistance than dyed. Decreased air permeability and increased water vapor resistance of softened elastane containing fabrics are governed by the cationic softener pick-up mechanism. Namely, the cationic softener is deposited on the yarns’ surfaces; its hydrophobic carbon ends repel from each other. This acts as a barrier for air which contributes to an increase in the fabric water vapor resistance. The softened dyed knitted fabrics have lower air permeability and slightly higher water vapor resistance than softened bleached fabrics which may be attributed to the interaction between reactive dyestuff and cationic softener. The comfort properties quality of finished knitted fabrics decreased with elastane incorporation and with softening.

Lignocellulosic fibers extracted from plants are considered an interesting raw material for environmentally friendly products with multiple applications. This work investigated the feasibility of using hemp- and flax-based materials in the form of felts as biosorbents for the removal of metals present in aqueous solutions. Biosorption of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn from a single solution by the two lignocellulosic-based felts was examined using a batch mode. The parameters studied were initial metal concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and pH. In controlled conditions, the results showed that: (i) the flax-based felt had higher biosorption capacities with respect to the metals studied than the hemp-based felt; (ii) the highest removal efficiency was always obtained for Cu ions, and the following order of Cu > Cd > Zn > Ni > Co > Al > Mn was found for both examined biosorbents; (iii) the process was rapid and 10 min were sufficient to attain the equilibrium; (iv) the efficiency improved with the increase of the adsorbent dosage; and (v) the biosorption capacities were independent of pH between 4 and 6. Based on the obtained results, it can be considered that plant-based felts are new, efficient materials for metal removal.