Biofunctional Textiles and the Skin


Book Description

In recent years the development of new technologies has permitted the production of 'functional' or 'smart' textiles. These fabrics are capable of sensing changes in environmental conditions or body functions and are adequately responding to them. They are able to absorb substances from the skin or to release therapeutic or cosmetic compounds. For instance, they can be used in underwear with an integrated cardio-online system or as textiles with carrier molecules. The focal point of interest in biofunctional textiles lies currently on the use of textiles supporting therapy and prevention in dermatology. This volume collects information about new trends in the interaction between textiles and the skin, particularly the development of antimicrobial finished textiles. It presents a selection of papers which will contribute to further consolidate the dialogue between dermatologists, allergologists, biomaterial scientists and textile engineers.




Textiles and the Skin


Book Description

Completely new textile technologies have recently been developed with the goal of giving additional functionality to garments. Textiles have been improved to protect against UV radiation and toxic gases or to enhance breathability. In addition, they may have integrated sensors to diagnose medical conditions or may be equipped with carrier molecules to absorb substances from the skin and release therapeutic compounds. At the same time, the awareness of unwanted effects clothing may have on human health has increased. This volume familiarizes the dermatologist, allergologist and occupational physician with what he should know about textiles, and, on the other hand, the textile or chemical engineer with what he should know about the human skin. Further, it is divided into two parts the first of which discusses the functionality of textiles also in medicine, for instance in the prevention of skin infections or wound healing. The last part deals with allergic contact and irritant dermatitis and the risks of possible exposure to hazardous chemical residues in textiles. For the first time the knowledge of textile engineers and dermatologists has been brought together to stimulate a promising interchange.




Innovative and Emerging Technologies for Textile Dyeing and Finishing


Book Description

With the public enhanced awareness towards eco-preservation, eco-safety and health concerns, environmentally benign, nontoxic and sustainable bioresource materials produced mainly from non-food crops have revolutionized all industrial sectors particularly textile industry. In recent years, textile industries in developed countries are getting increasing interest in global interest due to the varied and changing world market conditions in terms of price, durability and fiber mixtures as well as design, colors, weight, ease of handling and product safety. The increasing environmental and health concerns owing to the use of large quantities of water and hazardous chemicals in conventional textile finishing processes lead to the design and development of new dyeing strategies and technologies. Effluents produced from these textiles wet processing industries are very diverse in chemical composition, ranging from inorganic finishing agents, surfactants, chlorine compounds, salts, total phosphate to polymers and organic products. This aspect forced western countries to exploit their high technical skills in the advancements of textile materials for high quality technical performances, and development of cleaner production technologies for cost effective and value-added textile materials. Therefore, vast and effective research investigations have been undertaken all over the world to minimize the negative environmental impact of synthetic chemical agents through the sustainable harvest of eco-friendly bioresource materials. The book will discuss following research developments in academic and industry: Improvement in dye extraction and its applications Impact of textile dyeing on environment Textile finishing by natural and ecofriendly means Natural dyes as environmental-friendly bioresource products Textile effluent remediation via physical, chemical and biological processes.




Antimicrobial Textiles


Book Description

Antimicrobial textiles have attracted a great deal of interest in recent years due to their potential for reducing the transmission of infection in medical and healthcare environments. Antimicrobial properties can also improve the performance and lifespan of consumer products, and so these fabrics are increasingly finding applications in the wider textile and apparel industry. This book provides systematic coverage of the technologies and materials required for developing these important textiles. In Part One, chapters address key issues and technologies in the creation of antimicrobial textile products. Topics covered include testing and regulation, microencapsulation, sol-gel coating and plasma technologies, nanotechnology and life cycle assessment. Part Two then reviews key antimicrobial agents, such as N-halamines, plant based compounds and photo-active chemicals. Finally, the chapters of Part Three offer detailed reviews of antimicrobial textiles for particular important applications, including medical devices, protective clothing and products with improved durability and longevity. - Reviews key issues and technologies in the creation of antimicrobial textile products - Offered a detailed overview of by antimicrobial agents and a wide range of important applications - Produced by an experienced editor and a distinguished and international team of contributors




Novel Smart Textiles


Book Description

The sensing, adapting, responding, multifunctionality, low energy, small size and weight, ease of forming, and low-cost attributes of smart textiles and their multidisciplinary scope offer numerous end uses in medical, sports and fitness, military, fashion, automotive, aerospace, the built environment, and energy industries. The research and development on these new and high-value materials cross scientific boundaries, redefine material science design and engineering, and enhance quality of life and our environment. “Novel Smart Textiles” is a focused Special Issue that reports the latest research of this field and facilitates dissemination, networking, discussion, and debate.




Active Coatings for Smart Textiles


Book Description

Active Coatings for Smart Textiles presents the latest information on active materials and their application to textiles in the form of coatings and finishes for the purpose of improving performance and creating active functional effects. This important book provides detailed coverage of smart coating types, processes, and applications. After an introduction to the topic, Part One introduces various types of smart and active coatings, including memory polymer coatings, durable and self-cleaning coatings, and breathable coatings. Technologies and related processes for the application of coatings to textiles is the focus of Part Two, with chapters devoted to microencapsulation technology, plasma surface treatments, and nanotechnology-based treatments. The book ends with a section on applications of smart textiles with responsive coatings, which are increasingly finding commercial niches in sportswear, protective clothing, medical textiles, and architecture. - Introduces various types of smart and active coatings for textiles - Covers technologies and application processes for the coating and finishing of textiles - Reviews commercial applications of such coatings, including in sportswear, protective clothing, medical textiles and architecture




Handbook of Medical Textiles


Book Description

With a rising population and the increasing range of textiles for medical products, the need to understand and improve medical textiles is gaining in importance. The Handbook of medical textiles provides an overview of the different types of medical textiles currently available as well as specific information on more specialised topics and applications.In part one, the types and properties of medical textiles are discussed, with chapters covering topics including reusable textiles, textiles for implants and textiles with cosmetic effects. Part two focuses on the interaction of textiles with the skin, examining key issues such as contact sensations, allergies and mechanical irritation. Chapters in part three provide information on the latest developments in textiles for hygiene and infection control, while part four provides a range of applications and case studies, including improvements in medical occupational clothing, medical filters and superabsorbent fibres.With its expert editor and contributions from some of the world's leading authorities, the Handbook of medical textiles is a standard reference for designers and manufacturers of medical textile products, as well as for biomaterials scientists and medical professionals. - Explores the different types of medical textiles currently available as well as specific information on more specialised areas and applications - Chapters cover topics such as reusable textiles, textiles for implants and interaction of textiles with the skin - Is a standard reference for designers and manufacturers of medical textile products, as well as for biomaterials scientists and medical professionals




Improving Comfort in Clothing


Book Description

Wear comfort has been listed as the most important property of clothing demanded by users and consumers according to recent studies. A fundamental understanding of human comfort and a knowledge of how to design textiles and garments to maximise comfort for the wearer is therefore essential in the clothing industry. Improving comfort in clothing reviews the latest developments in the manufacturing of comfortable apparel and discusses methods of improving it in various articles of clothing.The book begins by outlining the fundamentals of human comfort in clothing, from the human perception of comfort in apparel and factors which affect it such as the properties of fibres and fabrics, to laboratory testing, analysing and predicting of the comfort properties of textiles. Part two discusses methods of improving comfort in apparel, from controlling thermal comfort and managing moisture, to enhancing body movement comfort in various garments. Part three reviews methods of improving comfort whilst maintaining function in specific types of clothing such as protective garments, sports wear and cold weather clothingThe international team of contributors to Improving comfort in clothing has produced a unique overview of numerous aspects of clothing comfort, provides an excellent resource for researchers and designers in the clothing industry. It will also be beneficial for academics researching wear comfort. - Reviews the latest developments in the manufacturing of comfortable apparel and discusses methods of improving fit in various articles of clothing - An overview of how to design textiles and garments to maximise comfort begins with factors affecting comfort and properties of fibres and fabrics that contribute to human comfort - Improvements in thermal and tactile comfort and moisture management are explored featuring developments in textile surfaces




Nanotechnology in Skin, Soft Tissue, and Bone Infections


Book Description

The main goal of the present book is to deal with the role of nanobiotechnology in skin, soft tissue and bone infections since it is difficult to treat the infections due to the development of resistance in them against existing antibiotics. The present interdisciplinary book is very useful for a diverse group of readers including nanotechnologists, medical microbiologists, dermatologists, osteologists, biotechnologists, bioengineers. Nanotechnology in Skin, Soft-Tissue, and Bone Infections is divided into four sections: Section I- includes role of nanotechnology in skin infections such as atopic dermatitis, and nanomaterials for combating infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Section II- incorporates how nanotechnology can be used for soft-tissue infections such as diabetic foot ulcer and other wound infections; Section III- discusses about the nanomaterials in artificial scaffolds bone engineering and bone infections caused by bacteria and fungi; and also about the toxicity issues generated by the nanomaterials in general and nanoparticles in particular. The readers will be immensely enriched by the knowledge of new and emerging nanobiotechnologies in a variety of platforms.




Handbook of Natural Fibres


Book Description

The Handbook of Natural Fibres: Volume Two, Processing and Applications, Second Edition provides detailed coverage of the latest processing techniques and industrial applications of a wide range of natural fibers. Natural fibrous resources, both lignocellulosic and protein ones, are renewable, biodegradable, and nontoxic, making them an important source of sustainable textile solutions. A broad range of sources of natural fibers are covered in the book, including flax, hemp, bast, jute, coir, linen, cotton and silk. This wealth of expert information provides a uniquely detailed reference for the processing, characterization, selection and application of natural fibers. - Connects natural fibers to a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, packaging and medical - Helps readers appraise natural fibers on the basis of their mechanical, electrokinetic, antimicrobial or flame retardant qualities - Provides a rare glimpse of emerging manufacturing methods for silk