Indian Journal of Fibre & Textile Research (IJFTR)

Ecofriendly dyeing of recycled cotton yarn using babool bark extract and biomordants for enhanced performance

Ramakrishnan G — 2025-10-24

This study investigates an eco-friendly process for producing naturally dyed recycled cotton yarn, integrating traditional desizing and scouring techniques with natural mordanting and dyeing. An aqueous extract of babool bark is employed for natural dyeing. Mordanting with myrobalan and pomegranate rind is reported to enhance dye fixation and colour vibrancy. FTIR analysis confirms characteristic functional groups associated with improved dye–fibre interactions, with spectral variations between mordants.

Optimisation of flax rove bleaching using Box-Behnken design of experiments

ABHIJEET WAYCHAL — 2025-10-24

This study aims to optimise the flax rove bleaching process using Box Behnken design in combination with response surface methodology. The effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration, sodium hydroxide concentration, bleaching time, and temperature on whiteness index and weight loss are evaluated for their individual and interaction effects. Statistical analysis reveals that all process variables significantly affect the whiteness index, while sodium hydroxide concentration and temperature predominantly influence weight loss. Multi-response optimisation using a desirability function identified the optimum conditions as 0.09 kg/kg H₂O₂, 0.02 kg/kg NaOH, 60 min, and 91.3 °C, achieving a whiteness index of 70.4 and weight loss of 8.88%. The findings demonstrate the potential for attaining high whiteness with minimal fibre damage under optimised bleaching parameters.

Natural fibres as sustainable engineering materials: scope, challenges, and prospects

Sumi S — 2025-10-24

Natural fibres are increasingly becoming popular in various geotechnical applications. Being environment-friendly renders them a more appealing choice over the polymer-based counterparts. However, the strength and deformation properties and the long service life of synthetic polymer fibres cannot be matched by natural fibres. Natural fibres and geotextiles have been found to lose strength over time while in use. Among the tropical fibres, coir has better longevity due to its high lignin content. In-field studies presented in available literature conclude that the tensile strength of coir geotextiles drops by around 80% of its actual strength within the initial year of its installation in a tropical climate, whereas the strength loss for jute geotextiles takes place at an even faster rate. Investigations on the durability enhancement of natural fibres for composites have been reported worldwide. Most of the chemicals used for surface modification are considered expensive, hazardous and unsuitable for geotechnical applications. Moreover, certain types of modifications alter the desirable properties such as drapability, flexibility and fibre strength, which are the crucial characteristics for geotextiles. A critical review of the fibre modification methods attempted to date has been presented. The effectiveness of plant-based natural components on the surface modification of natural fibres and the challenges that may arise are also reviewed. Despite the research reported in the past, it remains necessary to pursue further investigations until natural fibres/geotextiles with suitable environment-friendly treatments emerge as viable and sustainable alternatives to synthetic geosynthetics. Given their cost-effectiveness, local availability, and reduced carbon footprint, natural fibres/geotextiles with an extended useful life can serve as superior alternatives to synthetic geotextiles for long-term engineering applications.

Design and development of an innovative attachment in rapier loom

Pavithra Shen G T — 2025-10-24

This study presents the design and development of an automated device to eliminate auxiliary selvedge in shuttleless rapier looms, thereby reducing material waste and production costs. The device grasps, cuts, and suctions the protruding weft ends after each pick insertion, effectively minimising selvedge formation without altering loom parameters. Experimental results show a 62.5% reduction in yarn waste and associated costs, while the fabric retains comparable properties in terms of yarn density, tensile strength, tearing strength, bursting strength, air permeability, dimensional stability, and crimp percentage. The attachment also functions efficiently in jacquard fabric structures, demonstrating its broader industrial applicability. The device provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for modern textile production, enhancing material efficiency without compromising fabric quality.

Investigation on impact of bell pique weft knit fabrics on geometric and comfort properties

Manigandan G — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the thermal comfort and moisture management properties of knitted fabrics using two different pique knit structures: single tuck pique and bell pique. The impact of knit structure on various geometric and comfort properties is evaluated, including loop length, wales per inch, course per inch, tightness factor, bursting strength, fabric thickness, GSM, fabric stretch, air permeability, warmth retention rate, thermal transmittance coefficient, thermal resistance, CLO, and moisture management. To construct the fabrics, a yarn linear density of 24s Ne is used, and three different loop lengths (0.265 cm, 0.285 cm, and 0.305 cm) are tested for each knit structure. The goal of this research is to compare the performance of these two knit structures and determine how they affect the comfort properties of the resulting fabrics. It is observed that the bell pique structure exhibits better comfort properties than single tuck pique at two loop lengths, and it may help the fabric manufacturers and designers in selecting the appropriate fabric structure based on the desired comfort properties.

Development of a novel bacterial transport swab using bioscoured Himalayan Urtica parviflora fibres

Tsering Yangzom — 2025-10-24

The Himalayan stinging nettle (Urtica parviflora) remains an underutilised natural resource in Sikkim, with limited research exploring its fibre potential. This study introduces a novel application of nettle bast fibres for the development of bacterial transport swabs — a first of its kind globally. Nettle fibres are extracted through retting and enzymatic bioscouring, followed by detailed characterisation using SEM, FTIR and TGA analyses. Swabs fabricated from these fibres are evaluated for absorption capacity and validated through qualitative (roll-plate) and quantitative (swab elution) bacterial recovery tests against standard cotton and viscose swabs. The results reveal that nettle fibre swabs perform comparably to cotton and viscose in terms of bacterial recovery and absorption efficiency. Additionally, nettle offers advantages of renewability, biodegradability, and low production cost. The findings highlight nettle fibre as a promising sustainable alternative for microbiological transport swabs, combining functional performance with environmental and economic benefits.

Effect of braiding parameters on physio-mechanical properties of braided structures

Rudra Narayan Saha — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the effects of braided samples composed of polyester filament yarns simultaneously for variables like braid structure (1/1 and 2/2) and take-up rate on braiding angle, braid diameter, braid fineness, pick count, pitch length, total mass, tensile strength, elongation and bending stiffness. This study indicates how changes in braid pattern and take-up rate affect the mechanical properties of polyester tubular braided structures. The braiding machine's take-up speed directly impacts the braid's formation speed, and it is possible to modify this speed without affecting the carriers' sequential motion. To determine the significance of the difference in results, statistical analysis is performed at each state of observation.

Development and characterisation of superabsorbent fibrous web for hygiene applications

Priya Gothandaraman — 2025-10-24

This study focuses on developing superabsorbent fibrous web using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and citric acid (CA). The superabsorbent polymer solution is electrospun into a fibrous web with varying
CA concentrations (0 %, 2 %, 4 %, 6 %, 8 %, and 10 %). Then, the morphology and chemical functional groups of the fibrous webs have been analysed using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The liquid absorption properties, such as free absorption capacity, liquid retention capacity, absorption under load, and structural stability of the webs, have been evaluated using distilled water, saline solution, and synthetic blood. The fibrous web containing 4 % CA (CA4: 10 % Na CMC, 10 % PVA, and 4 % CA) exhibits maximum absorption capacity among the tested samples. The absorption properties of CA4 sample have also been compared with those of a commercially available sanitary napkin. Furthermore, the crosslinked CA4 sample exhibits better structural stability compared to the non-crosslinked sample.

Fire-resistant and thermo-physiological comfort properties of balaclava for firefighter clothing

Prasanti Devi — 2025-10-24

Balaclavas are essential protective clothing in firefighting, and their thermo-physiological comfort properties are critical for ensuring wearer safety and performance. This research aims to enhance the flame resistance of firefighter balaclava materials through innovative design and material selection, striving for superior protection and comfort in high-temperature environments. Twenty-seven fabric combinations, varying in density and layering, are evaluated using para-aramid, meta aramid, and a cotton blend as the control. Several configurations exceed standard protection thresholds, enabling safe operation under extreme heat without compromising comfort. The relative contributions of fibre type, fabric density, and layering are analysed using statistical methods to assess their effects on thermal resistance, conductivity, and heat transfer modes (contact, radiant, and convective). Results indicate that meta-aramid fabric with areal densities of 400 g/m²(for 1-3 layered fabrics) and 250 g/m² (for 2- and 3-layered fabrics) provide optimal protection, as they swell under heat exposure to create an additional barrier. Para-aramid fabrics perform effectively across all three-layered configurations, offering high thermal stability, strength, and resistance to shrinkage. The findings provide material-specific recommendations for designing advanced firefighter balaclavas with improved protective and comfort characteristics.

Herbal-based antimicrobial textiles: efficacy of Datura metel extract on cotton and linen

Dr. Jesica Roshima — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the application of natural plant extracts (Datura metel) to cellulose fabrics (linen and cotton) using microencapsulation, with the aim of improving the durability and bioactivity of these natural materials for health benefit applications. The fabrics have been treated with microencapsulated plant extracts, and their surface chemistry has been analysed using FTIR, while SEM is employed to assess microcapsule deposition. The antibacterial properties of the fabrics have been evaluated under different washing conditions to determine their durability. Results show successful encapsulation and deposition of the plant extracts, with the treated fabrics retaining their antibacterial efficacy even after washing. This indicates improved durability, making them suitable for medical applications. The research demonstrates the potential of herbal-based materials to enhance the functionality and longevity of medical textiles.

Effect of GO/rGO coating on morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of sisal fibres

Jitendra Kumar Gautam — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the potential of natural lignocellulose fibres (NLFs) as sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibres by addressing their inherent limitations in mechanical, interfacial, and thermal performance. Sisal fibres have been subjected to 5 wt% alkali treatment followed by coating with 1 wt% graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Structural and thermal characterizations have been carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The presence of GO/rGO coating has been confirmed by FTIR, while XRD analysis has revealed improved crystallinity. Mechanical testing has demonstrated significant enhancements in tensile strength by approximately 62% (GO) and 94% (rGO), along with increases in interfacial shear strength by nearly 95% and 133%, respectively, compared with untreated fibres. These findings have shown that GO/rGO-coated sisal fibres exhibit superior performance while maintaining environmental compatibility, making them promising candidates for applications in automotive, aerospace, household products, sports, and naval vessel industries.

Dyeing and antibacterial properties of silk fabric based on silver nanoparticles

walaikorn nitayaphat — 2025-10-24

This study investigates the colouration and antibacterial functionalisation of silk fabrics using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The variation in AgNP morphologies imparted a range of colours to the silk, attributed to differences in the nanoparticles’ localised surface plasmon resonance. The dyed fabrics are characterised for surface morphology, colour strength, and physical and mechanical properties. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis reveals that the synthesised AgNPs range in size from 2.8 to 79.8 nm. The resulting fabrics exhibit vivid colours corresponding to the morphological variations of AgNPs deposited on their surfaces. Moreover, the AgNP-dyed silk shows strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Cationic pretreatment of silk significantly enhances washing fastness. This study demonstrates that AgNP-based dyeing can be effectively performed at room temperature within a short time, offering a low-energy approach to functionalising silk fabrics.

Investigation of pH influence on madder-dyed cotton blends

T. Kanimozhi — 2025-10-24

The study aimed to optimise the dyeing pH of Banana/Cotton and Bamboo/Cotton blended fabrics using natural madder dye. In this study, eight fabric samples are dyed under varying pH conditions (pH 7–10) using madder dye extracted through an aqueous process. Punica granatum peel is employed as a natural mordanting agent for all samples. The Banana/Cotton blend exhibits the highest colour strength at pH 9 (K/S = 24), while the Bamboo/Cotton blend shows maximum colour strength at pH 10 (K/S = 26). SEM analysis of the optimised dyed samples reveals distinct surface modifications, while FTIR spectra confirm chemical changes among raw, mordanted, and dyed fabrics. Colour fastness to rubbing, washing, and light exposure is found to range from good to excellent. All madder-dyed fabrics demonstrate higher antimicrobial activity than their undyed counterparts, with the Bamboo/Cotton blend exhibiting superior antimicrobial performance compared with the Banana/Cotton blend.

Thermal comfort properties of silk fabrics dyed using natural extracts

Gracy P — 2025-10-24

In this study, commercially acquired mulberry silk cut filaments are processed into 100% spun silk yarns and subsequently woven into fabrics using traditional underpick looms with uniform warp and weft. The fabrics are dyed with pomegranate peels without mordanting. Twenty-seven silk fabric samples are produced, with varying dye concentrations and dyeing durations (1-3 concentrations across 3, 6, and 12 h). The investigation aims to analyse the effect of dyeing parameters on the thermal comfort properties of the resulting fabrics, thereby offering insights into dye-fibre interactions and their influence on the final thermal characteristics. The results prove that the samples dyed at lesser concentrations, shorter durations and under lowered pH conditions possess better thermal comfort properties.