Cellulose fibers are promoted for use in various textile applications due their sustainable nature. Cellulose-based fibers vary considerably in their mechanical and flammability properties depending on their chemical composition. The chemical composition of a cellulose-based fiber is further dependent on their source (i.e., seed, leaf, cane, fruit, wood, bast, and grass). Being organic in nature, cellulose fibers, and their products thereof, pose considerable fire risk. In this work we have compared the flammability properties of cellulose fibers obtained from two different sources (i.e., cotton and peat). Compared to cotton cellulose textiles, peat-based cellulose textiles burn longer with a prominent afterglow which can be attributed to the presence of lignin in its structure. A series of phosphoramidates were synthesized and applied on both cellulose textiles. From thermogravimetric and pyrolysis combustion flow analysis of the treated cellulose, we were able to relate the flame retardant efficacy of the synthesized phosphorus compounds to their chemical structure. The phosphoramidates with methyl phosphoester groups exhibited higher condensed phase flame retardant effects on both types of cellulose textiles investigated in this study. In addition, the bis-phosphoramidates exhibited higher flame retardant efficacy compared to the mono-phosphoramidates.

Intelligent textiles are predicted to see a ‘surprising’ development in the future. The consequence of this revived interest has been the growth of industrial goods and the improvement of innovative methods for the incorporation of electrical features into textiles materials. Conductive textiles comprise conductive fibres, yarns, fabrics, and finished goods produced using them. Present perspectives to manufacture electrically conductive threads containing conductive substrates, metal wires, metallic yarns, and intrinsically conductive polymers. This analysis concentrates on the latest developments of electro-conductivity in the area of smart textiles and heeds especially to materials and their assembling processes. The aim of this work is to illustrate a potential trade-off between versatility, ergonomics, low energy utilization, integration, and heating properties.

Multifunctional fabrics using conventional processes have piqued increasing global interest. The focus of this experiment was to assess the modification of the cotton fabric surface by utilizing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and introducing functional properties along with sustainable dyeing performance. A single-jersey knitted fabric composed of cellulose-enriched 100% natural fiber (cotton) with an areal density of 172 GSM was used in this study. The standard recipe and test methods were employed. FTIR-ATR spectra were used to determine the fixing of AgNPs onto the fiber surface. A comparative assessment was conducted in response to the distribution of color, color fastness to wash, water, perspiration, rubbing, and light. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to characterize the surface of nano-Ag-deposited specimens. In terms of functional properties, antimicrobial activity was scrutinized. Our findings reveal that the nanoparticles impart remarkable antibacterial effects to cellulose-enriched fabric against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative). Direct dyes were used for dyeing the proposed samples, resulting in enhanced dyeing performance. Except for light fastness, the samples dipped with AgNPs showed outstanding color levelness and color durability characteristics. The developed fabrics can be applied in a wide range of functions, including protective clothing, packaging materials, and healthcare, among others.

This study attempts to investigate the influence of the inlay-yarn insertion density into a knitted structure and of the area of a rigid element integrated into a knitted orthopaedic support on a compression generated by the support. The samples were made on a flat double needle-bed knitting machine with a laid-in structure knitted on a rib 1 × 1 pattern base, differing in the inlay-yarn insertion density. In general, research studies analyse compression and other properties of compressive stockings and do not investigate the influence of non-textile parts usually used in the knitted orthopaedic support. It was established that the linear density of the inlay-yarn has a visible influence on the compression generated by knitted support when inlay-yarn insertion density is every other course and less. When inlay-yarn is inserted into every course, the generated compression is the highest and the influence of inlay-yarn linear density on the generated compression is significant. It was found that compression of the support increases depending on the area of the rigid element in the knitted support. The rate of influence of the rigid area on compression rises with an increase in the inlay-yarn insertion density and in the elongation value. By designing a knitted compressive orthopaedic support, it is necessary to find an optimal ratio between an inlay-yarn insertion density and an area of a rigid element, thereby achieving the best compressive, wear comfort and economical result.

The main goal of this research was to determine the influence of the inner layer thickness and tightness, which depends on the length of the float determined by the float step and number of floats in the pattern repeat, on the thermal insulation and air permeability of the multilayered weft-knitted fabric. For this reason, weft-knitted spacer fabrics were produced by using woolen yarns for the outer layers and polyester filament yarn for the inner layer, with the number of floats in the inner layer varying between two and 20. Results from this research showed that the consequent increase in thickness and tightness of the spacer fabric’s inner layer has unequal effect on the thermal insulation and air permeability. Therefore, similar thermal insulation can be achieved by having significantly higher air permeability. This is especially evident over a long period of time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely affected the textile and apparel industry. Besides the negative impact due to supply chain disruptions, drop in demand, liquidity problems, and overstocking, this pandemic was found to be a window of opportunity since it accelerated the ongoing digitalization trends and the use of functional materials in the textile industry. This review paper covers the development of smart and advanced textiles that emerged as a response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. We extensively cover the advancements in developing smart textiles that enable monitoring and sensing through electrospun nanofibers and nanogenerators. Additionally, we focus on improving medical textiles mainly through enhanced antiviral capabilities, which play a crucial role in pandemic prevention, protection, and control. We summarize the challenges that arise from personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal and finally give an overview of new smart textile-based products that emerged in the markets related to the control and spread reduction of SARS-CoV-2.