Preliminary study from rice husk extracts to finish textile fabrics

[EN] Nowadays, envoronmental concern is increasing and textile industry is aware of it. Circular economy are two words which are linked together and frequently used nowadays. In this report, we focus the reseach on the rice husk in order to dimish the problem rice waste generates to farmers. Rice husk was treated with some chemicals (HNO3). The extract was dried and conveniently dissolved to apply it on textile fabrics made of 100 % cotton and 100 % polyester.. The extract was dissolved on NaOH solution and applied by padding on a cotton and polyester fabric at different concentrations. The dried extract was analysed by FTIR and both the extract and fabrics were observed by FESEM-EDX to detect the presence of some particles Results evidence the presence of some particles on the fibres, despite having applied low concentrations FTIR is sensitive enough to detect its presence on fibers. It was expected to observe Si from the extract but FESEMEDX could not appreciate it. Once the treatment was applied on the fabric yellowing was observed but also water repellence thus with the FTIR spectrum gives the idea that the extract was mainly comprised of lignin. Further studies will be conducted in order to spcecify the new properties conferred to the textiles.Soler, A.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Bonet-Aracil, M. (2020). Preliminary study from rice husk extracts to finish textile fabrics. Annals of the University of Oradea: Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork (Online). 1:117-122. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/165410S117122

A study of reproducibility of kinesiology tape applications: review, reliability and validity

Background: Literature addressing the mechanical properties of kinesiology tape is quite scarce. There are no studies which focus on the mechanical characteristics of kinesiology tape, its mechanical properties, nor its adherence following the ISO international standard test methods for tape elongation. Methods: This study quantified the mechanical characteristics of 380 samples of kinesiology tape from 19 different brands and in 4 different colors using a dynamometer. Mechanical testing was controlled by UNE EN ISO 13934-1. Results: Significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of grammage, maximum force tenacity, work, pre-elongation and percentage elongation (P < .001). Regarding kinesiology tape color, statistically significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of grammage, maximum force and tenacity (P < .001), work and pre-elongation (P < .05). When adherence was studied, statistically significant differences were found between tape brands in terms of maximum force and work (P < .001). Conclusions: The different kinesiology tapes presented different behaviors with regard to rupture and removal when applied to skin in dry state, wet state and after being submerged in artificial acidic sweat solution. Therefore, different kinesiology tape brands will produce different levels of strain even though the same elongation is used. Depending on the characteristics (body dimensions) and properties (skin elongation) of each subject in the sample, bandages with different elongations must be applied to achieve the same strain in all of the tapes and therefore produce the same effect. The absence of these data at this time limits the reliability of previous clinical studies, makes comparing their findings impossible and presents new challenges for research in this field

Peer instruction. A tool to involve students on the learning process

[EN] Teaching at engineering schools is affected, as many other disciplines, by the necessity of moving from traditional lecturing to more active methods. Preparation to real work must not be only focused on the special skills related to the studies but include transversal competences as well. Those competences must be focused on what society is supposed to request. Nowadays, considering we are living in a competitive environment, those competences are basically: critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, lifelong learners [1,2] Pear Instruction (PI) is a didactic method that began in 1990 by Professor Eric Mazur to teach Physics. It is based on explaining briefly a concept and let the student to develop it firstly individually and later on in groups. PI is a teaching strategy in which two-three students discuss and explain their thinking in relation to a specific topic. The objective of the discussion is a deeper understanding of the topic or problem under discussion, which makes them much more likely to remember and use the concept and ultimately produce more quality learning. The act of explaining and defending what one has understood against the alternative explanations of others, helps students to become deeply involved in learning [3]. The aim of this paper is to show the results of an experience when Peer instructions was adapted and used in a different subject from physics. The method was used among the students in an optional subject at Engineering studies in design, a subject from textile engineering area. Three important concepts on the subject were selected. The contents were thought by flip teaching as a recorded lesson (less than 10 minutes). The student answered a test and worked in teams in the classroom discussing which was the correct answer. Finally, the team answered and it was analyzed, offering feedback to the whole class. It was evidenced that students changes their attitude towards considering different points of view and tackling the subject from different points of view. The results from the experience also showed how the method was capable to move the students to work in teams and the benefits of it. Students also gave importance to the feedback given at the end of each topic, they considered it necessary despite getting a good mark as it allowed them to get a deep knowledge.Díaz-García, P.; Bou-Belda, E.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Bonet-Aracil, M. (2021). Peer instruction. A tool to involve students on the learning process. IATED. 7109-7115. https://doi.org/10.21125/inted.2021.1414S7109711

The effect of the combination of multiple woven fabric and nonwoven on acoustic absorption

[EN] Textile materials can be used as acoustic materials. In this study, the acoustic absorption coefficient of multilayer fabrics with 60 ends/cm and 15, 30, 45, and 60 picks/cm is measured when the fabric is added as a resistive layer on top of a polyester nonwoven, in order to study the influence of the fabric spatial structure in the acoustic absorption of the assembly. Five different fabric structures are used. Design of experiments and data analysis tools are used to describe the influence of two manufacturing factors on the sound absorption coefficient of the ensemble. These factors are the fabric weft count (picks/cm) and the thickness of the nonwoven (mm). The experimental conditions under which the maximum sound absorption coefficient is achieved are found. The influence of each factor and a mathematical model are obtained. Results of statistical and optimization analysis show that for the same fabric density, sound absorption coefficient increases as the number of layers decreases.Segura-Alcaraz, P.; Segura Alcaraz, JG.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Bonet-Aracil, M. (2021). The effect of the combination of multiple woven fabric and nonwoven on acoustic absorption. Journal of Industrial Textiles. 50(8):1262-1280. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837198587711262128050

Influence of the size of tourmaline particles applied on polyester fabric on the release of negative ions

[EN] There are some scientific papers that verify that the generation of negative ions in the air have positive consequences on people's mood and health. In this work is intended to increase the generation of negative ions from polyester fabrics to achieve an increase in well-being and comfort through the realize of negative ions. To improve the negative ion release ability on different substrates there have been many studies which have considered silicates as a good particle with these characteristics. Polyester fabrics were treated using padding system with different tourmaline microparticles in order to modify the surface behavior when rubbed and demonstrating that it is possible to modify the number of negative ions generated. Two types of tourmaline microparticles with different size particles, 3 and 30 m, were studied and applied on the samples with and without an acrylic resin to get a better fixation. To determine the quantity of negative ions released, an ion counter was used, testing each sample. Finally, the results were studied, analyzing the different parameters that influence them, as the concentration, the addition of resin or the kind of the particle. The best results were obtained with the Tourmaline with 30 m at 50 g/L concentration and without the addition of the acrylic resin.Authors would like to acknowledge the financial support given by Spanish Ministry of Science, innovation and universities under the RETOS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN, I+D+i ORIENTADA A LOS RETOS DE LA SOCIEDAD program on the 2018 call, because of the project reference RTI2018-094014-B-I0.Mira, C.; Díaz-García, P.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Bou-Belda, E. (2020). Influence of the size of tourmaline particles applied on polyester fabric on the release of negative ions. Annals of the University of Oradea: Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork. 21(2):53-56. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/165359S535621

Evaluation of flexural rigidity of cotton fabrics treated with poliurethane and acrilyc resin and montmorillonite particles

[EN] Textile manufacturers are demonstrating an increasing interest in the application of different types of micro or nanoparticles in order to add new properties to the fabric. For example, it is demostrated that fabrics treated with some type of silicate particles, like montmorillonite improve the wrinkle resistance of cotton fabric or improve the flame retardant effect, among other interesting properties. Usually these particles, are not a reactive agent that can react with the fibers. Because of that, the resin product are necessary to make them adhere to the fiber, otherwise they will be lost during the actions of treated fabric use and maintenance such as washing, ironing, drying, etc. The resin plays an important role in treating the fuctionalization of the textile. Instead, this compound can modify its properties. In this work, flexural rigidity of treated cotton fabrics with binder and with and without montmorillonite particles were evaluated. Two different resins were studied, acrilyc and poliurethane, and 1, 2.5 and 5 g/L of this product were applied. It was appreciated that fabric treated with particles modify the flexural rigidity in less difference than when treating it only with resin, regardless of the type of binder used.Author would like to acknowledge the financial support given by Spanish Ministry of Science, innovation and universities under the RETOS DE LA INVESTIGACIÓN, I+D+i ORIENTADA A LOS RETOS DE LA SOCIEDAD program on the 2018 call, because of the project reference RTI2018-094014-B-I0.Carette, M.; Díaz-García, P.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Bou-Belda, E. (2020). Evaluation of flexural rigidity of cotton fabrics treated with poliurethane and acrilyc resin and montmorillonite particles. Annals of the University of Oradea: Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork. 21(2):11-14. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/165406S111421

Screen printing on cotton fabric using chitosan and alginate as natural thickening agent

[EN] In the process of making a print on a fabric, several steps that require many materials and substances are involved. When the purpose is to create a pattern through the use of natural products, it is necessary to pay close attention, not only to the origin and method of extraction of the pigments that you intend to use, but also, for example, to the thickeners to be added to the paste for increasing the viscosity of the pastes and molding, to the stains to be applied for better color rendering on the fabric and to the final fixatives, designed to make the product durable. Thickeners are a fundamental step in the success of printing on fabrics. These agents are generally compounds with a high molecular weight whose task is to transfer to the fabrics the dyes and chemical compounds necessary to create the printing pattern, thanks to the plastic action that they give to the compound used. As far as the environmental consequences of the use of thickeners are concerned, starting from the analysis of the wastewater of the processes, it has emerged that the use of biodegradable additives and guar rubber on the fabrics is preferable, since they are less harmful to the ecosystem. In this work different natural compounds, chitosan and alginate, are used in order to increase the viscosity of the paste prepared for printing. Color measurement of each printed cotton simple was analized and it could be appreciated that alginate paste printed on pretreated fabric with chitosan reached good results.Rondanini, S.; Díaz-García, P.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Bou-Belda, E. (2020). Screen printing on cotton fabric using chitosan and alginate as natural thickening agent. Annals of the University of Oradea: Fascicle of Textiles, Leatherwork. 21(2):77-80. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/165395S778021

Influence of Structure and Composition of Woven Fabrics on the Conductivity of Flexography Printed Electronics

[EN] The work is framed within Printed Electronics, an emerging technology for the manufacture of electronic products. Among the different printing methods, the roll-to-roll flexography technique is used because it allows continuous manufacturing and high productivity at low cost. Nevertheless, the incorporation of the flexography printing technique in the textile field is still very recent due to technical barriers such as the porosity of the surface, the durability and the ability to withstand washing. By using the flexography printing technique and conductive inks, different printings were performed onto woven fabrics. Specifically, the study is focused on investigating the influence of the structure of the woven fabric with different weave construction, interlacing coefficient, yarn number and fabric density on the conductivity of the printing. In the same way, the influence of the weft composition was studied by a comparison of different materials (cotton, polyester, and wool). Optical, SEM, color fastness to wash, color measurement using reflection spectrophotometer and multi-meter analyses concluded that woven fabrics have a lower conductivity due to the ink expansion through the inner part of the textile. Regarding weft composition, cotton performs worse due to the moisture absorption capacity of cellulosic fiber. A solution for improving conductivity on printed electronic textiles would be pre-treatment of the surface substrates by applying different chemical compounds that increase the adhesion of the ink, avoiding its absorption.This work was supported by the Spanish Government/FEDER funds [Ministerio de Economia y Empresa (MINECO)/Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)] under Grant RTI2018-100910-B-C43.Rodes-Carbonell, AM.; Ferri, J.; Garcia-Breijo, E.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Bou-Belda, E. (2021). Influence of Structure and Composition of Woven Fabrics on the Conductivity of Flexography Printed Electronics. Polymers. 13(18):1-17. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13183165S117131

PVA Nanofibers as an Insoluble pH Sensor

[EN] Turmeric has been widely studied as a color indicator for pH variations due to its halochromic properties. It has been tested in solution or included in some polymeric matrices. Some studies have demonstrated that its change in color is due to the tautomeric species of curcumin, and this property can be observed even if turmeric is assimilated in a film or nanofiber. Chitosan/polyethylene oxide (PEO) polymers have been tested in previous studies. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers are used as potential carriers of drugs once they are insolubilized. The aim of this work is to cross-link PVA with citric acid (CA) to insolubilize the nanofibers and determine the effect on turmeric¿s halochromic properties. The nanofibers were treated with a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, and a chromatic study was undertaken to determine color change. The change in color was assessed by eye (subjective) and by spectroscopy (objective). The nanofibers were characterized, in addition to the colorimetric study, by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well. The results demonstrate how thermal treatment induces cross-linking between the nanofibers, allowing them to keep their shape once the NaOH solution is applied to them. The opposite effect (solubilization) can be observed for non-cross-linked (NCL) samples. Although the final color varied, the cross-linked (CL) nanofibers¿ halochromic behavior was maintained. It was demonstrated that during cross-linking, ester groups are formed from the free carboxyl group in the cross-linked CA and the ketones present in the curcumin under acid conditions. So, CA acts as an acid catalyst to bond turmeric to the cross-linked PVA nanofibers.This research was funded by INSTITUTO VALENCIANO DE COMPETITIVIDAD EMPRESARIAL (IVACE), through the nominative line assigned to the Universitat Politècnica de València, approved by the Generalitat Valenciana Budget Act 2023.Mínguez-García, D.; Montava-Seguí, I.; Bonet-Aracil, M.; Gisbert Paya, J.; Díaz-García, P. (2023). PVA Nanofibers as an Insoluble pH Sensor. Polymers. 15(23). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15234480152

Textile industry indicators for management

Traditional accounting is based on financial indicators; the balanced scorecard divides management into different perspectives, some authors suggesting no more than four or five for each company. To measure each perspective some indicators should be defined. The aim of this work is to propose some indicators that fit each perspective for some textile companies that work in weaving fabrics. These indicators are specific for them, and very useful to help companies' management in the current circumstances of globalisation. Businesses must strive to increase their competitive advantage, which will increasingly depend on the parameters of innovation, development of new products, versatility, quality, costs, etc., and indicators will measure it.Montava Seguí, IJ.; García Paya, R.; Bonet Aracil, MA.; Díaz-García, P. (2010). Textile industry indicators for management. Total Quality Management and Business Excellence. 21(1):1-9. doi:10.1080/14783360903492470S19211Heredia Álvaro, J. A. (2001). Sistema de indicadores para la mejora y el control integrado de la calidad de los procesos. doi:10.6035/athenea.2001.4Kaplan, R. S., & Norton, D. P. (2001). The strategy-focused organization. Strategy & Leadership, 29(3). doi:10.1108/sl.2001.26129cab.002Lleonart, P. and Garola, [Agrave]. 2003. “El impacto de la liberización de los intercambios comerciales en el sector textil confección. Gabinet D'estudis Econòmics S.A. Josep MaArús, Estudis Econòmics I Serveis Empresarials. Minesterio de Ciencia y Tecnología. Boletin Económico de ICE, 2868”. 47–5