In recent years, the use of functional textiles has attained attention due to their advantageous health and safety issues. Therefore, this study investigated the flame retardancy on cotton (COT) and polyester-cotton (PC) fabrics treated with different concentrations of silica and zinc nanoparticles through a sol-gel finishing technique. FTIR, SEM, and TGA were conducted for the characterization of coated fabric samples. The FTIR and SEM of Pristine and Treated Cotton and PC fabrics illustrated that the SiO₂ (silica dioxide) and ZnO (Zinc oxide) nanoparticles were homogeneously attached to the fiber surface, which contributed to the enhancement of the thermal stability. The starting thermal degradation improved from 320 to 350 °C and maximum degradation was observed from 400 to 428 °C for the COT-2 cotton substrate. However, the initial thermal degradation improved from 310 to 319 °C and the highest degradation from 500 to 524 °C for the PC substrate PC-2. The outcomes revealed that the silica has a greater influence on the thermal properties of COT and PC fabric samples. Additionally, the tensile strength and flexural rigidity of the treated samples were improved with an insignificant decrease in air permeability.

The cross-linked hierarchical structure in biological systems provides insight into the development of innovative material structures. Specifically, the sarcoplasmic reticulum muscle is able to transmit electrical impulses in skeletal muscle due to its cross-linked hierarchical tubular cell structure. Inspired by the cross-linked tubular cell structure, we designed and built chemical cross-links between the carbon nanotubes within the carbon nanotube yarn (CNT yarn) structure by an esterification reaction. Consequently, compared with the pristine CNT yarn, its electrical conductivity dramatically enhanced 348%, from 557 S/cm to 1950 S/cm. Furthermore, when applied with three voltages, the electro-thermal temperature of esterified CNT yarn reached 261 °C, much higher than that of pristine CNT yarn (175 °C). In addition, the esterified CNT yarn exhibits a linear and stable piezo-resistive response, with a 158% enhanced gauge factor (the ratio of electrical resistance changing to strain change ~1.9). The superconductivity, flexibility, and stable sensitivity of the esterified flexible CNT yarn demonstrate its great potential in the applications of intelligent devices, smart clothing, or other advanced composites.

Functionalization of textile fabrics with metal oxide nanoparticles can be used to add antibacterial and moisture management properties to them. Current work focuses on the development of these properties on polyester/cotton woven fabrics by treating them with zinc oxide nanoparticles for workwear and sportswear applications. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, prepared by sol-gel method, were applied on fabric samples, which were then tested for antibacterial and moisture management properties using standard test methods AATCC 147 with Staphylococcus aureus and AATCC 195, respectively. It was found that application of ZnO nanoparticles improved both these properties with smaller particle imparting larger effects on both of them.

This study aims to reduce the content of formaldehyde in pigment printed cotton fabric with deep shades. A hand screen printing method was applied using various curing temperatures and concentrations of urea for preparation of skin-friendly products. The woven, bleached fabrics were printed following a precise process of screen printing and these samples were dried and curried for proper fixation. Standard test procedures were followed to assess the content of H-CHO (formaldehyde) during washing and rubbing. H-CHO contents were instantly reduced by increasing the temperature of the printed fabric during curing. The best outcome for wet and dry fastness of rubbing was achieved at 160˚C, while a little enhanced rubbing outcomes were observed when the concentration of urea was 2% at a fixation temperature of 150˚C. The final product may be effectively used for clothing purpose, meeting the OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 standard for low formaldehyde content.