pISSN : 1229-9197 / eISSN : 1875-0052
Fibers and Polymers, the journal of the Korean Fiber Society, provides you with state-of-the-art
research in fibers and polymer science and technology related to developments in the textile
industry. Bridging the gap between fiber science and polymer science, the journal’s topics
include fiber structure and property, dyeing and finishing, textile processing, and apparel science.
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Latest Publication (Vol. 27, No. 4, Apr. 2026)
MXene/Polymer Composite Fibers in Flexible Electronics
Lichang Liu Qian Zhang Jinfa Ming Xiaowei Huang Shumeng Bai
MXene, an emerging class of two-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties, has attracted growing interest within the domain of flexible electronics. However, MXene flakes are difficult to spin independently due to the incomplete nanosheet alignment, interfacial void formation, and oxidative instability. The integration of MXene with other materials enables the development of novel MXene-based composite fibers that combine mechanical flexibility, electrical conductivity and multifunctional properties, thereby fulfilling the diverse requirements of flexible electronics. This review examines the recent developments in MXene-based composite fibers for flexible electronics. In this review, we initially present the principles and recent strategies for fabricating MXene-based composite fibers using synthetic polymers, natural polymers, and carbon-based nanomaterials. Next, the applications of MXene-based composite fibers are summarized, focusing on supercapacitors with enhanced electrochemical performance, sensors with high sensitivity, and electromagnetic shielding devices with exceptional absorption efficiency. Finally, the current challenges of MXene-based composite fibers are critically discussed, along with future directions emphasizing multifunctional integration, structure–property regulation, and sustainable production technologies.
Enhancing Control in the RAFT Copolymerization of N-Vinyl Formamide and N-Vinyl Pyrrolidone Through Low-Temperature Photoinitiation
Jun-Hee Cho Joon Young Koh Jiu Kim Jaeman J. Shin Young-Je Kwark
Copolymers of N-vinyl formamide (NVF) and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) with controlled molecular weight (MW) and narrow molecular weight distribution were successfully synthesized via xanthate-mediated Reversible Addition–Fragmentation chain Transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The RAFT homopolymerization of NVF showed inefficient chain transfer to the chain transfer agent, which was attributed to the rapid propagation of NVF. Two strategies were employed to improve controllability: copolymerization with NVP and photoinitiated RAFT polymerization at lower temperatures. Although copolymerization with NVP improved control compared to NVF homopolymerization, dispersity increased during polymerization owing to the persistently fast propagation of NVF. In contrast, low-temperature photoinitiated RAFT polymerization effectively moderated the polymerization kinetics and enhanced chain transfer efficiency. Under optimized conditions (10 °C, low-intensity blue LED irradiation), well-defined copolymers were obtained with dispersity values as low as Đ ~ 1.16, while maintaining an NVF content exceeding 50% and predictable MW evolution. Subsequent hydrolysis yielded vinyl amine-containing copolymers, as confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. This approach provides a practical route to well-defined NVF- and vinyl amine-based copolymers.
From Rigidity to Adaptability: Intelligent Support Structures Enabled by Shape Memory Polyurethane in Functional Clothing
Xueran Yuan Heng Zhang Xiaochun Zhu Guoqian Lu Xue Liang Weiyi Xie Mingjie Hu Zihan Wang Jie Diao Xiaoyu Guan
Traditional garment support materials such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) suffer from plastic deformation and poor fatigue resistance, limiting their durability and comfort in long-term use. To address these issues, this study developed shape memory polyurethane (SMPU)-based intelligent support components and systematically evaluated their mechanical and shape memory performance through tensile, bending, compression, and cyclic fatigue tests. Experimental data from SMPU‑45, SMPU‑65, and SMPU‑95 were compared with PET, ABS, and polyamide (PA) as a ductile reference material, to assess stress retention, flexural strength, and recoverability under repeated deformation. The results showed that SMPU‑95 retained over 90% of its initial stress after 50 bending cycles, exhibited a compressive strength of 5.19 MPa, and achieved shape fixity and recovery ratios of 99.9% and 79.1%, respectively, indicating substantially higher cyclic stability than conventional materials, including PA. These findings demonstrate that SMPU‑based supports can maintain garment silhouette, conform to human body contours and joint curvature, and recover shape through thermal activation, offering a new pathway toward reconfigurable, durable, and ergonomic intelligent apparel systems.
Synthesis and Characterization of Guar Gum-Based Polyurethane Dispersions for Textile Applications
Rai Umar Farooq Abid Khalid Mahmood Zia Shazia Tabasum Aqdas Noreen
A series of bio-functionalized guar gum (GG)-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions (GWPUDs) for textile applications was synthesized by step-growth polymerization reaction. The initial stage included synthesizing a hydrophilic-NCO-ended polyurethane pre-polymer utilizing GG as the polyol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA). In the second stage, five samples were obtained by adding varying moles of 1,4 butanediol (BDO) as a chain extender to hydrophilic-NCO-ended polyurethane pre-polymer. In the next step, neutralization was carried out by using triethylamine, and finally, distilled water was added to obtain GWPUDs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify the presence of GG and BDO in the synthesized GWPUDs matrix (disappearance of - NCO peak at 2158.1 cm-1 and appearance of -NH stretching vibration peak at 3324.8 cm-1), and dynamic light scattering was used to measure the particle size. The X-ray diffraction method was used to investigate the crystallinity, and the findings indicated that GWPUDs are semi-crystalline with a greater value of % crystallinity (42.21%) for GWPUD-3. The thermogravimetric study showed that as the proportion of GG increased, the thermal stability of GWPUDs improved. By using GWPUDs on printed and dyed fabrics by the pad dry cure method, textile performances, including colorfastness to washing, colorfastness to perspiration, pilling, and tensile strength, were evaluated. The findings demonstrate the improvement in textile evaluations, including colorfastness to washing (3-4 to 4-5), colorfastness to perspiration (3–4 to 4–5), and pilling (4 to 4-5). The treated fabric's tensile strength increased. Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 were inhibited by the antibacterial activity of dyed and printed cloth treated with GWPUDs, demonstrating their ability to inhibit bacteria.
Fluorine-Free Waterproof and Breathable Nanofibrous Membranes with Thermal-Insulation and Anti-icing Performances
Yang Yuan Jingjing Wang Kai Zhang
Poly (styrene-b-butadiene-b-styrene) (SBS) is inherently hydrophobic and displays good processing performance, excellent elasticity and tensile strength. Therefore, SBS is an ideal material for preparing waterproof and breathable membranes. Nevertheless, SBS nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning are not superhydrophobic, and their performance can be further improved. In this study, hydrophobic silicon dioxide (SiO2) and SBS-based nanofibrous membranes were created by electrospinning at first, and then they were exposed to UV irradiation. Due to the incorporation of SiO2, the nanofibrous membranes exhibited superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties. The obtained membranes also exhibited good waterproof and breathable properties. The maximum hydrostatic pressure and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) reached 80.6 kPa and 11.9 kg m−2 day−1, respectively. The cooling and anti-icing performances of the membranes were also investigated for expanding their applications. Compared with SBS nanofibrous membrane, the SBS/SiO2 nanofibrous membranes displayed better thermal-insulation and anti-icing performances. The developed SBS/SiO2 nanofibrous membranes can find many applications such as protective clothing and waterproof coatings.
Rational Electrode Design for Uniform Electric Fields in Bubble Electrospinning: A Simulation-to-Experiment Study
Shiyong Wu Ya Li Chengyan Zhu Wanli Lin Rongfei Zhang Wei Tian
High energy consumption and electric field nonuniformity severely limit the scalability and reproducibility of bubble electrospinning for producing morphologically consistent polymer nanofibers. To address these challenges, we presented a simulation-guided design of a high-curvature auxiliary electrode array based on a spherical arc configuration. Using COMSOL Multiphysics, the effects of key geometric parameters, including pin number, spacing, diameter, length, and tip angle, on electric field distribution were systematically investigated. The optimal setup, comprising five needles (1 mm diameter, 30 mm length, 30° tip angle, 20 mm spacing), effectively mitigated edge effects and enhanced both field strength and uniformity at the bubble interface. Guided by simulations, the optimized electrode array was implemented experimentally, yielding nanofibers with significantly smaller and more uniform diameters compared to conventional bubble electrospinning systems. This work establishes a generalizable, simulation-driven framework for rational electrode design in needleless electrospinning, where geometric alignment between electrode curvature and liquid interface enables localized field enhancement with global homogeneity, offering a scalable, energy-efficient pathway toward industrial-grade nanofiber manufacturing.
Recycling and Melt-Blown Forming of Polylactic Acid KN95 Mask Scraps
Jiawei Zhou Chengjian Li Yongrui Li Yinchao Zhu Feichao Zhu
In order to achieve efficient and low-cost recycling of clean edge scraps during the processing of polylactic acid (PLA) KN95 masks, the physical recycling technology was used to prepare recycled polylactic acid (RPLA) by melt extrusion using PLA KN95 mask edge scraps as raw materials. After melt blending with PLA masterbatch and granulation, RPLA/PLA melt-blown materials with different proportions were prepared by melt-blown process. The thermal–crystallization properties, thermal stability and rheological properties of RPLA/PLA blends, as well as the morphology, pore size distribution, and mechanical properties of melt-blown materials were studied. The results show that the molecular chain of RPLA is broken due to multiple processing, the melting point is reduced, the melt flow index is significantly increased, and the fiber diameter distribution is widened, and the adhesion is serious. After adding PLA, the material properties were significantly improved: MFI and rheological tests showed that PLA could compensate the molecular weight loss of RPLA and improve the processing stability; when the PLA ratio reaches 50%, the fiber diameter distribution is more uniform and the pore size is significantly optimized. The mechanical properties of the melt-blown materials were effectively restored. The peak stress of the RPLA/PLA (50/50) melt-blown material was 147.4% higher than that of the RPLA melt-blown material, reaching 86% of the peak stress of the PLA melt-blown material. The research provides an effective strategy for the recycling of PLA KN95 mask edge scraps.
Effect of the Polycarbonate-to-polypropylene Ratio on the Pressure Drop and Filtration Efficiency of a Melt-blown Nonwoven
Yuji Shibata Ren Tomisawa KyoungHou Kim Masashi Sato Eiko Meguro
The quality factor (QF) of an air filter depends on the pressure drop and filtration efficiency. In this study, mixing thick polycarbonate (PC) fibers into a polypropylene (PP) melt-blown (MB) nonwoven improved the QF. We investigated how the PC fiber diameter affected QF. A series of MB nonwoven samples were prepared by changing the PC throughput rate (L) from 0 to 90 cm3/min, while maintaining a constant PP throughput rate. We used X-ray computed tomography to evaluate the nonwoven characteristics, i.e., the thickness, fiber diameter, fiber orientation, and fiber volume fraction. We used these characteristics to determine the relationship between the nonwoven structure and QF. The PC fiber diameter increased with L, and the initial nonwoven thickness increased linearly with the PC fiber diameter. However, loading at 0.5 and 50 kPa considerably decreased the nonwoven thickness for all L values except the maximum L. The enhanced QF for samples prepared using L values of 15–52.5 cm3/min resulted from a decrease in the pressure drop caused by the incorporation of thick fibers, as has been previously reported. The further enhancement of QF for the sample produced using the maximum L of 90 cm3/min was attributed to the uniform fiber volume fraction and fiber orientation in the thickness direction of this sample (the fiber orientation factor increased slightly in the thickness direction).
A pH-Responsive Textile Functionalized with a Luteolin-Cyclodextrin Polymer Complex
Xiao-Zhu Sun Wan-Chang Chen Meng Wang
To develop a pH-responsive drug-releasing textile, a water-soluble cyclodextrin polymer (HCP) was synthesized and loaded with luteolin (Lut) to form an inclusion complex. This complex was immobilized onto cationized cotton via electrostatic adsorption and subsequent Ca2⁺ cross-linking. The resulting textile achieved a stable drug loading of 0.106 mg/cm2 while exhibiting high tensile strength (467.5 N) and good water vapor permeability (1100 g/m2). In vitro release studies demonstrated a pH-responsive mechanism with accelerated release in the acidic microenvironment (pH 5.5) compared to physiological pH 7.4. The functionalized textile displayed bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus and biocompatibility with L929 fibroblasts. Kinetic analysis indicated a diffusion-controlled release profile fitted to the Higuchi model, suggesting potential for smart wound-dressing applications.
A Novel Tannic Acid-Derived Bio-Based Adhesive with Intrinsic Anti-Ultraviolet Performance for Sustainable Fragrance Finishing on Cotton Fabrics
Xinyu Li Mazen Khaled Alsahari Mingyan Sui Tingting Yang Yan Luo
Traditional petroleum-based adhesives are widely used in textile finishing due to their strong bonding ability, but their high volatile organic compound (VOC) content and poor degradability restrict sustainable applications. In this paper, a novel bio-based adhesive (EGT) featuring intrinsic ultraviolet (UV) protection was developed through a biomimetic design inspired by mussel adhesion. The adhesive was synthesized by cross-linking epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and glycerol (Gl) with tannic acid (TA), where polyphenolic catechol groups imparted strong interfacial bonding and UV-shielding capacity. The optimized formulation (mESO: mGl: mTA = 1:1:1) with 7.69 wt% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) produced a stable emulsion for 30 days, a mean particle size of 6.04 µm, and a viscosity of 5.54 mPa s. The resulting EGT film exhibited a water contact angle of 55.43° and a water absorption rate of 34.31%, enabling durable adhesion in fragrance finishing of cotton fabrics. Moreover, the EGT-finished fabric took on excellent UV protection (UPF = 56.32, T(UVA) = 3.26%) and exhibited superior softness and mechanical properties compared to conventional petroleum-based adhesives. Meanwhile, the fabric retained 2.83 mg/g of fragrance microcapsules after 20 washing cycles, with only slight reductions in whiteness and air permeability. This work highlights the dual functionality of EGT by combining eco-friendly adhesion with inherent UV resistance, offering a sustainable strategy for developing safe, protective, and high-performance finishing materials for outdoor clothing.