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. 26, No. 12, Dec. 2025)
High-Performance Polytetrafluoroethylene Filaments Prepared via Wet Spinning from Polytetrafluoroethylene/Polyethylene Oxide Hybrid System
Siqi Zhou Yangfeng Guo Tingting Zhang Kangjia Ding Dongfang Wang Zihui Li Qian Li
The fabrication of PTFE micron filaments with superior mechanical properties remains both a key research focus and a considerable challenge in the field of engineering technology. In this study, the PTFE micron filaments were successfully prepared via wet spinning and molding process by optimizing the concentration of the carrier polyethylene oxide (PEO) aqueous solution, molecular weight of the coagulation bath poly-(ethylene glycol) PEG, mass ratio of PTFE to PEO, and sintering temperature. Due to its higher hygroscopicity and surface tension compared to the spinning solution, PEG provided favorable conditions for the solidification of the PTFE/PEO primary filaments. Elemental analysis results confirmed the complete removal of PEO and PEG from the PTFE fibers after sintering. When the mass fraction of PEO is 4%, the mass ratio of PTFE to PEO is 4:1, PEG molecular weight is 200 Da, and the sintering temperature is 370 ℃, the resulting PTFE fibers display a smooth and compact Surface, with a diameter of 27.50 ± 0.66 μm. Furthermore, tensile testing reveals that the PTFE filaments achieved a tensile strength of 133.02 ± 5.39 MPa and an elongation at break of 567.77 ± 93.67%. These findings demonstrate a feasible and efficient approach for the fabrication of high-performance PTFE micron filaments.
Properties and Application Potential of Mechanically and Chemically Recycled PET Fibers for Tire Cord and Airbag Applications
Hak Jun Lee Seong Joo Kim Ji Ho Youk Ki Hoon Lee
The influence of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) recycling methods on recycled PET (rPET) fiber properties was evaluated for tire cord and airbag applications. Virgin PET (vPET), mechanically recycled PET (mrPET), methanolysis-based chemically recycled PET (cmPET), and glycolysis-based chemically recycled PET (cgPET) were subjected to solid-state polymerization, followed by melt spinning and application-specific drawing to 1500 denier (tire cord) and 500 denier (airbag). rPET fibers displayed significant differences in molecular weight (MW), IPA and DEG contents, residual catalyst profile, and crystallinity depending on the recycling route, resulting in varied mechanical properties. Compared with vPET, mrPET fibers showed lower tenacity and higher elongation, correlated with reduced crystallinity and molecular orientation associated with IPA and DEG units. cmPET suffered substantial MW loss during melt spinning, attributed to uncomplexed Mn catalysts, and consequently displayed the lowest tenacity and elongation. In contrast, cgPET delivered balanced tenacity and elongation and the smallest RFL dip-induced tenacity loss (12.3%), delivering the best tire cord performance. For airbag applications, cgPET fibers demonstrated mechanical properties, hot rod puncture resistance, and stability under thermal and humidity aging that were comparable to those of vPET fibers. These findings identify cgPET as the most promising candidate for safety–critical automotive fibers, emphasizing the need to control comonomer content, crystallinity, and residual catalysts across recycling routes.
Fluoropolymer-Free Treated Polyamide Fiber Inspires Hydrophobic, Chemically Durable Liquid Removal and Self-Cleaning Performance
Shaokun Gao Liujun Pei Limin Yan Xiaomin Gu Qiushuang Hu Jiping Wang
Amid growing environmental concerns and tightening regulations on hazardous fluorochemicals, fluorine-free waterproofing agents have emerged as sustainable alternatives to conventional fluorinated systems (e.g., C6, C8). This study comprehensively evaluates the performance of modern non-fluorinated agents-polyurethane-based (Zelan R3, TF-5015) and acrylic-based (NR-7565, DM-3696) formulations-against traditional fluorinated counterparts on nylon textiles. Results demonstrate that fluorine-free agents achieve a water repellency rating of 5 grades at 15 g/L application concentration, whereas fluorinated systems require only 6 g/L to attain equivalent hydrophobicity. However, polyurethane-based fluorine-free agents exhibit exceptional durability, outperforming both acrylic-based and fluorinated systems under extreme conditions: water contact angle (WCA) reductions remain minimal (5°–10°) after exposure to strong acid (pH 1), alkali (pH 13), and boiling water immersion. These systems also display superior wash fastness, with a marginal 0.5-grade decline in water repellency after 30 laundering cycles, and moderate abrasion resistance (WCA reduction ≤ 14 after 1600 Martindale cycles). Furthermore, fluorine-free treatments confer enhanced anti-fouling and self-cleaning functionality, effectively repelling dyes and common liquid contaminants while retaining performance post-treatment. The advancements are attributed to optimized molecular architectures, such as branched polyurethane chains, which enhance crosslinking density and hydrophobic stability without fluorinated components. This work confirms that contemporary fluorine-free agents can rival or surpass fluorinated counterparts in durability, multifunctionality, and environmental safety, albeit with slightly higher application demands for hydrophobicity. The findings underscore the feasibility of transitioning to eco-friendly waterproofing technologies without compromising industrial performance, offering critical insights for developing sustainable textiles aligned with circular economy principles and global regulatory trends. Future efforts should focus on refining application efficiency to bridge the performance-concentration gap while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Coaxial Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride/Fluorinated Polyurethane Nanofibrous Membranes with Superhydrophobicity for Waterproof and Breathable Application
Wener Huang Chuyun Ling Qiang Zhou Qiulei Fan Peimin Shen Xi Yu Chi-wai Kan Xuexian Du Xuan Kong Lingrui Wen Lihuan Wang Yuxiao Wu Baoliu Qu
Super-hydrophobic fibrous materials are highly sought after for improving protective performance and wearer comfort. However, developing durable superhydrophobic fabrics with exceptional moisture permeability and strong resistance to water penetration remains a considerable challenge. To address this, we propose a simple, yet efficient method for producing PVDF/FPU superhydrophobic nanofibers via direct coaxial electrospinning. The nanofibers exhibit stable hierarchical micro-nano-roughness, featuring numerous integrated nano-protrusions derived from the shell solution. Further modification with low-surface-energy FPU enhances the super-hydrophobicity. Additionally, the PVDF/FPU nanofibrous membranes possess a finely structured hydrophobic porous network, characterized by small pore size and high porosity, which ensures outstanding water penetration resistance while Maintaining high moisture permeability. As a consequence, the resultant membranes display remarkable comprehensive waterproof and breathable properties with high water vapor transmission rate of 9.3 kg m-2 d-1, excellent hydrostatic pressure of 94 kPa, as well as good superhydrophobic property with water contact angle of 153°, suggesting great promise as exceptional candidates for personal protection and comfort management.
Effect of Aminosilane-Treated Hemp Viscose Fabric and Shrimp Shell Powder on Sustainable Polyethylene Terephthalate Polyester Structural Composite
M. Mohan Prasad K. Ganesan N. Ramesh Babu K. Anand
This research investigates the influence of stacking sequence and silane treatment on the shrimp shell powder and hemp viscose fabric on the mechanical, fatigue, and creep behavior of polyester-based hybrid composites. Four different stacking sequences, such as symmetric, alternating, quasi-isotropic, and asymmetric along with silane surface-treatment, were examined across composite series A to D, each incorporated with 0, 1, and 3 vol.% of filler. The results revealed that stacking sequence and filler dispersion significantly influence the composite’s structural performance. Among all configurations, composite designation D2 from the asymmetric stacking series exhibited superior mechanical properties. Similarly, the creep resistance was also highest in composite D2, with minimal strain development over time, reaching just 0.059 at 10,000 s. Moreover in fatigue, composite specimen D1 exhibited the best endurance, maintaining high strength values up to 35.2 MPa, 29.7 MPa, and 24.2 MPa at 25%, 50%, and 75% cycle levels. Finally, the microstructure analysis supported the mechanical findings, showing that D2 had uniform dispersion of filler particles due to the silane treatment, while C2 demonstrated strong filler–matrix interfacial bonding. In contrast, A0 showed interfacial separation, correlating with its lower mechanical performance. Overall, the results confirm that an optimized combination of asymmetric stacking and well-dispersed silane-treated filler significantly enhances both short-term and long-term performance of biohybrid composites. These property improved composites could be used in the structural domains where the composites are aimed to be lightweight, strong water resistance, and economical.
Efficient and Sustainable Bleaching of Cotton and Cotton/Polyester Fabric Using Alternative Chemicals
Nur Musaoglu Derya Unlu
In textile wet processing, caustic soda is widely used in the pre-treatment stage, serving as the primary chemical for bleaching and mercerization processes. The conventional use of caustic soda leads to issues, such as high water consumption and wastewater pollution. Therefore, this study explores alternative chemicals that could replace caustic soda while minimizing environmental harm. The research was conducted on 100% cotton (CO) and cotton–polyester (CO–PES)-blended fabrics. The chemicals used in this study include caustic soda, gelatin, acetic acid, oxalic acid, and ethanol. For bleaching, oxalic acid was found to be the chemical that provided the best wettability in both fabric types. The use of sodium hydroxide gave the most effective results for high whiteness in both CO and CO–PES fabrics. When color retention was evaluated, the bleaching process using gelatin gave the closest result to the reference fabric in terms of color retention. Oxalic acid made the biggest difference in color retention. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of using environmentally friendly alternatives in the textile industry and demonstrates the potential of chemicals that can replace caustic soda. The findings contribute to the adoption of sustainable practices in textile production and represent an important step in reducing environmental impact.
Development of Multifunctional Textiles with Mosquito Repellent and Antibacterial Properties Using Microencapsulated Lemongrass Essential Oil on Cotton–Polyester Fabric
Nur Ain Arina Johan Hannan Hamimi Hasmadi Khatheline Shantie Peter Siti Hana Nasir Helmy Mustafa El Bakri Norashiqin Misni
This study presents an eco-friendly approach to developing multifunctional textiles by incorporating microencapsulated lemongrass essential oil (LEO) onto cotton–polyester blended fabrics. The treated fabrics were designed to exhibit mosquito repellent, antibacterial, and aromatic properties, offering a natural alternative to conventional synthetic finishes. LEO microcapsules were synthesized using the complex coacervation method and applied to the fabric via the pad-dry-cure method. The morphology of the microcapsules was analyzed using optical microscope, while the treated fabric was examined with scanning electron microscope (SEM). The functional performance of the treated fabric was evaluated through the arm-in-cage test, antibacterial assays, and sensory evaluation. Results showed that fabrics treated with 15% LEO microcapsules achieved 88% mosquito repellence efficacy protection before washing and 59% after 30 washing cycles, demonstrating durable functionality. The treated fabrics also maintained effective antibacterial activity and pleasant aroma retention. This study highlights a sustainable and eco-friendly finishing strategy for producing bio-functional textiles with potential applications in healthcare, outdoor wear, and wellness-related clothing.
A Green Method of Developing Copper Nanoparticle-Based Antiviral Textiles
Smita Deogaonkar-Baride Tanushree Tandel Anupama Chandel
The current study outlines the use of a bioreduction process to synthesize copper nanoparticles. Copper sulfate pentahydrate serves as a precursor salt, while lemon leaf extract acts as an eco-friendly bio-reducing agent for synthesizing copper nanoparticles. The formation of copper nanoparticles was characterized by UV–visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Attenuated Total Reflectance–Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). UV–visible spectroscopy revealed surface plasmon resonance at 320 nm. The size and shape of the CuNPs were evaluated through TEM investigations, which showed that the typical particle size ranged from 3 to 11 nm. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the biosynthesized CuNPs was analyzed using the broth dilution method against four microbial cultures: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6835, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145. Using the Pad-Dry-Cure technique, these biosynthesized CuNPs were applied to cotton fabric. The developed CuNP-finished cotton fabrics were then evaluated in terms of SEM–EDX, antimicrobial activity, in vitro cytotoxicity (direct method), and UV protection. The antimicrobial activity showed 99.93% antiviral effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and over 95% bacterial reduction against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus after 20 washes. The cytotoxicity and UV protection results for the CuNP-finished fabric indicated mild cytotoxicity and very good UV-protective properties, ensuring the commercial viability of the finished fabric for various applications.
Surface Treatment of Cotton Fabric Using Aloe vera-Modified ZnO Nanoparticles for Self-cleaning and UV-Protective Coating
Lorein Angelique P. Caro Mary Donnabelle L. Balela Ricky Kristan M. Raguindin
Highly protective clothing requiring minimal maintenance is essential for outdoor workers who face prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and encounter chemical and biological pollutants. In this study, a self-cleaning and UV-protective coating was developed on cellulose fabric via the green in situ synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and subsequent modification with stearic acid. The self-cleaning effect of the fabric is attributed to its superhydrophobic, water-repellency-induced particulate removal and antibacterial properties. The solution-immersion method was employed for fabric modification, utilizing zinc (Zn) acetate, Aloe vera leaf skin extract, and stearic acid. XRD and SEM–EDX analyses confirmed the formation of amorphous, irregularly shaped ZnO NPs after the in situ synthesis. This led to excellent UV protection and effective antibacterial activity. Further modification resulted in a superhydrophobic fabric due to the precipitation of stearic acid crystals on the surface. The fabrics exhibited good washing durability and excellent UV protection, even with prolonged sun exposure. Overall, the study demonstrates a viable method for producing a UV-protective and self-cleaning cellulose fabric using environmentally friendly materials and processes.
Cellulose Solution As Both Mercerizing and Sizing Agent to Impart Antibacterial Properties to Gauze Fabrics
Zerun Zhang Jialing Xie Maolin Chen Feiya Fu Xiangdong Liu
Mercerization and sizing constitute essential pretreatment protocols for optimizing the processability and wear performance of cotton gauze in textile manufacturing. Nevertheless, conventional methodologies relying on high-concentration alkali solutions and non-degradable sizing agents (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol) present critical challenges. To address these limitations, we developed an integrated cellulose/NaOH/urea ternary system (1 wt% cellulose, 7 wt% NaOH, 12 wt% urea) that synergistically achieves fiber mercerization, sizing, and in situ synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) through a single-bath process. Within this system, NaOH was used as a mercerizing agent, while cellulose derivatives served as triple functions: (1) as a green reductant for Ag+ ions, (2) as a stabilizer of Ag NPs, and (3) as a biodegradable sizing matrix. Urea operates as a multifunctional adjuvant through [Ag(NH2)2CO]+. Compared with Ag-NaBH4@GZ, the optimized Ag-140°C@GZ composite demonstrated exceptional functional integration: the attachment of Ag NPs was confirmed through characterization techniques, such as FTIR, XPS, and so on. Notably, the modified gauze still achieved complete sterilization of Escherichia coli within 4 h after 100 accelerated washing cycles. Crucially, functionalization preserved intrinsic textile characteristics with a minimal impact on vapor transmissibility (1079 g/m2/day) while enhancing tensile strength by 25.6%. Biosafety is confirmed via cyto-compatibility assessments. This efficient collaborative process has developed durable medical textiles while addressing issues of antibacterial performance, environmental sustainability, and industrial scalability.