Through its hydrophobic properties, polypropylene (PP) offers unique potential as a functional fiber for a wide range of applications, for example, in nonwovens for hygiene applications or as a baselayer in sports textiles. Current work is focused on the modification of PP presently used in baselayers for sports textiles to increase the hydrophilicity by use of a production scale plant for low pressure plasma treatment. Attention was directed toward an increase in hydrophilicity and time stability of the achieved modification during storage. Changes in the fabric were characterized by sorption of the cationic dye (methylene blue), water retention value, water transport properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and color measurement. The obtained results indicate an improved wettability and wicking. The extent of modification decreased with storage time and parallel yellowing of treated samples was observed. This indicates chemical rearrangement of the products initially formed on the fiber surface.
New hybrid materials based on unsaturated polyester resin and modified halloysite with different coupling agents were synthesized. The effect of functional groups grafted on the surface of halloysite against the properties of the final hybrids was studied using different characterization methods. The results of dynamic mechanical analyses showed that the glass transition temperature value of hybrids was strongly influenced by the halloysite modifier type. The concentration of halloysite and the modifier agent type influence the thermal stability of final hybrid materials.Keywords Halloysite; Hybrid materials; Unsaturated polyester resin; X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
INTRODUCTIONRecently the halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were used as nanofillers in polymer matrices and monomers such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), polystyrene, polypropylene, epoxy resin, elastomers, natural rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) .HNT represents a natural clay with a chemical structure similar with the kaolin minerals but with a distinct morphology. HNT exhibit different morphology depending on the soil from which they are extracted. The most interesting morphology of HNT is hallow nanotubular structure characterized by 20-50 nm in diameter and several hundreds nanometers in length [1] .As other layered silicates, halloysite in the natural state exhibits a high hydrophilic behavior and therefore a low compatibility with polymer matrix like epoxy resins, unsaturated polyester resins. In the case of layered silicates like montmorillonites which exhibit high cationic exchange capacity (CEC) value the compatibilization step of inorganic compound with organic matrix was done by a cationic exchange process between silicate and protonated
Senior citizens have specific needs for bedding, clothing, hygiene and medical textiles that are an essential part of their daily life. The "Textiles for Ageing Society (TAGS)" project deals with these specific demands. Caregivers from 6 European countries were asked by means of a semi-structured interview, how bedding textiles can contribute to daily care work. We found that better design could support care work substantially. As examples, in the short term, better design of colour and style should avoid a hospital like appearance, and better control of bed climate will improve a resident's sleep quality. Long term developments are prevented by a number of barriers. Introduction of new bedding concepts is retarded by the fragmented situation between the elderly, care givers, purchasers, manufacturers, researchers, care organisations and politics which needs to be overcome. Caregivers as experts must be heard and their needs must be transformed into more appropriate, cost effective designs of bedding textiles, which can support to the quality of residents in care homes substantially. More intelligent textiles substantially could contribute to support care workers, however their potential has not been exploited yet.
New nanocomposites were synthesized by the reaction between a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) with eight epoxy groups (epoxy-POSS) and diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) using Jeffamine D230 as curing agent. The reactivity of the systems was extensively studied by Raman spectroscopy. The hybrid materials were characterized by different techniques like thermogravimetric analysis, dynamical mechanical analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The "Si-O-Si" cages of the POSS component form aggregates, which was shown by the conversion data obtained from the Raman spectra and confirmed by the DSC curves, XPS spectra, and SEM images.
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