Analysis of hybrid woven fabrics with shape memory alloys wires embedded

Until recently, Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) were predominantly developed for applications in the biomedical and engineering industry, and only a limited number of applications in textiles are known. Fabrics made of natural fibres (e. g. cotton, flax and their mixtures) present many advantages, such as wearing comfort, but they are subject to creasing. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of compensating for this disadvantage by using SMAs to create aesthetic low crease flax/cotton fabrics. Body Temperature SMAs (BT SMA) that regain their (straight) form when they are subject to human body temperature were used for this purpose. Clothing and bed sheeting are potential applications of these hybrid structures, which become wrinkle-free when they are exposed to the heat of the body, a hair dryer or that generated by an electrical current. The materials selected to achieve this purpose were the following: (1) textile yarns (e. g. single cotton or flax/cotton yarns, two-fold flax yarns and two types of loop fancy yarns) and (2) BT SMA wires of 300 mu m diameter. A power weaving loom and a hand-weaving shuttle loom were used to embed the SMA wires, and four types of hybrid fabrics were produced. The thickness, wrinkle recovery, dimensional stability as well as the cohesion of the SMA wires in the woven fabric were tested. All the tests were performed before and after a washing cycle for both the hybrid and reference fabrics. An increase in thickness was noticed after washing, and the recovery time after crushing varied according to the type of fabric. The slippage of SMA wires from the fabrics was noticed for all the samples, which was dependent on the type of yarns used, their linear density and the weaving process

Geotechnical Parameters for Explotation Hydrogenous Uranium Deposits in Mongolia

The parameters of the opening for explotation hydrogenic uranium deposits in Mongolia and recommendations on the technology for their development

Evaluation of the fineness of degummed bast fibers

Fiber fineness characteristics are important for yarn production and quality. In this paper, degummed bast fibers such as hemp, flax and ramie have been examined with the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer (OFDA100 and OFDA2000) systems for fiber fineness, in comparison with the conventional image analysis and the Wira airflow tester. The correlation between the results from these measurements was analysed. The results indicate that there is a significant linear co-relation between the fiber fineness measurement results obtained from those different systems. In addition, the mean fiber width and its coefficient of variation obtained from the OFDA100 system are smaller than those obtained from the OFDA2000 system, due to the difference in sample preparation methods. The OFDA2000 system can also measure the fiber fineness profile along the bast fiber plants, which can be useful for plant breeding. <br /

Dundee’s Jute mills and factories: Spaces of production, surveillance and discipline

Taking Dundee’s jute industry as its focus, this paper provides a geographical reading of the architectural form, design and layout of the mills and factories of the late nineteenth century. By tracking the change from the multi-storey to the shed system, it emphasises the importance of the internal geographies of the production process. And drawing upon Foucault’s notion of disciplinary power, notably his rule of functional sites and techniques of enclosure and partitioning, together with his tentative references to the factory system, I show how the external architecture and internal space of the mills and factories were used to create an ordered geography of both people and machinery and help maintain a gendered labour hierarchy. With the industry’s largely female workforce channelled through points of visibility, a preliminary investigation is made into the matrix of knowledge, spanning the entire works, that ensured all space and all those within it, could be accounted for

Ecological study of Barrett Domain, New Plymouth

An ecological survey of Barrett Domain (New Plymouth) was conducted by the Environmental Research Institute, University of Waikato, for the New Plymouth District Council. The main ecological features of the domain were mapped and described, preliminary ecological impact assessments of domain upgrades were conducted, and recommendations made for the future management of the site. Barrett Domain encompasses a regionally significant wetland habitat (Barrett Lake), several hectares of remnant semi-coastal forest and areas of well-established planted native species. Wetland vegetation around Barrett Lake comprised reedland (kuta, raupo) and flaxland, and the lake provides refuge to a number of indigenous water birds. Semi-coastal forest at the site was dominated by tawa, kohekohe and pukatea, with a diverse range of understory and epiphyte species. Planted natives included a significant kauri grove, and patches of pohutukawa and puriri. Swamp forest to the west of the lake comprised mature pukatea and swamp maire, and if acquired in the land transfer, the ecological value of the domain would be greatly enhanced. Four permanent i-Tree vegetation monitoring plots and a National Wetland Monitoring plot were established at the domain and should be re-measured at 5 yearly intervals. Any ecological impacts associated with the construction of a path around the perimeter of Barrett Lake could be offset by restoration planting at the southern lake margin. Management recommendations include: • Restoration planting with appropriate native species at the southern lake margin and several other key areas within the domain. • Removing/monitoring exotic species, including the gorse and grey willow on the lake margin, and wandering Jew and climbing asparagus in the forest remnants. • Fencing (stock proofing) the swamp forest at the west of the lake once it is acquired. • Continuing with pest control and monitoring. • Obtaining new interpretive signage

Preparation and properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with wheat and flax straw fibres - Part 1: Fibre characterization

Copyright @ 1997 Chapman and Hall. This article is the author version of the published article which can be accessed at the link below.The microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties of flax and wheat straw fibres have been examined with a view to using these natural fibres as reinforcing additives for thermoplastics. In this regard, the fibres were characterized prior to incorporation into the polymer, using a range of techniques, including SEM, image analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and micro-mechanical tensile testing, at room and elevated temperatures. The thermal and mechanical properties obtained have been discussed in relation to the measured composition and structural form of the fibres.This work was supported by the EPSRC, DTI and Cookson Plantpak Ltd through the LINK Crops for Industrial Use programme

Evaluation of the fineness of degummed bast fibers

Fiber fineness characteristics are important for yarn production and quality. In this paper, degummed bast fibers such as hemp, flax and ramie have been examined with the Optical Fiber Diameter Analyzer (OFDA100 and OFDA2000) systems for fiber fineness, in comparison with the conventional image analysis and the Wira airflow tester. The correlation between the results from these measurements was analysed. The results indicate that there is a significant linear co-relation between the fiber fineness measurement results obtained from those different systems. In addition, the mean fiber width and its coefficient of variation obtained from the OFDA100 system are smaller than those obtained from the OFDA2000 system, due to the difference in sample preparation methods. The OFDA2000 system can also measure the fiber fineness profile along the bast fiber plants, which can be useful for plant breeding. <br /

Flax Production at South Union, Kentucky

From 1810 to 1849, through several tedious processes, the Shakers cultivated flax and manufactured linen at South Union, Kentucky. Converts brought a diverse body of knowledge and skills to each community, including the manufacture of textiles. Known for their ingenuity and industriousness, they tried new techniques and equipment, with varying degrees of success, to make this arduous work easier