Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

The novel coronavirus pandemic has created an aerration of massive proportions worldwide. One of the major issues faced by most countries affected by this pandemic is the sudden quantitative inadequacy of personal protective equipment (PPE), gloves and masks, as the production rates cannot compare with the sheer expansion rate of the infection. Although the fatality rate is lower than SARS or MERS, the transmission rate is very high, which clearly indicates that protective textiles play a major role in controlling the spread. Because of the sudden spike in necessity of protective textiles, alternatives like cloth masks are being used as well, which do not have the efficiency as compared to surgical masks in terms of particle filtration, this paper will explain how antiviral biocides in different mediums play a role in reducing the burden caused by the insufficient mask production. In this paper, the properties of biocides as well as the kinds of biocides which can be utilised will be described, and products in this field which could aid in fighting coronavirus pandemic will be delineated as well.

The traditional polyester and synthetic polymer materials are imposing a boundless threat to our environment; by contrast, bio-based and biodegradable plastic material is offering a great solution to overcome this detrimental effect of conventional plastics. However, to protect our ecosystem by utilizing marine waste like algae as a polymer material is another approach and getting attention to the scientific community. This study investigates the comprehensive understanding of using biodegradable nonwoven composite made of polylactic acid (PLA) and marine waste algae. This review also finds the potential compatibility of using PLA and algae as a nonwoven composite to substitute the non-degradable synthetic polymers. Moreover, this current study explores the extent to which the adhesion between filler(algae) and matrix (PLA) in bioplastic composite can be used for the end-uses purposes, and inspects the underlying factors related to thermal and mechanical properties of PLA-algae nonwoven composite. Future research needs to quantify the adhesion (between filler and matrix) as well as advance characterizations of this potential biodegradable nonwoven composite.

In today’s fast growing market, apart from general apparel clothing, some special applications are expected from textile fibers. Such fibers are used specifically for protective clothing and thus require certain high performance properties. This generation of fibers has been recently developed in the 20th century and are called high performance fibers. A class of these fibers have very high tenacity and high modulus which are used in applications such as bullet proof jackets, whereas another class of fibers would have high thermal or chemical resistance which can be used as flame resistant fabrics etc.

High performance fibers include polymeric fibers such as aramids, aromatic copolyesters, extended chain flexible polyolefin etc.; carbon fiber; glass fibers; ceramic fibers and metallic fibers. High performance polymeric fibers being used for high mechanical properties should be highly oriented, linear aliphatic or aromatic molecules since flexible chains would give low melting polymers and thus low thermal resistance. On the other hand, carbon fibers are planar graphite structures with outstanding mechanical properties. Inorganic fibers have a three dimensional structure compared to a one dimensional and two dimensional structure of polymeric materials and carbon fibers respectively. They have very good mechanical properties but are brittle and have the highest thermal resistance. However, carbon fibers as well as inorganic fibers (except glass fibers) are very expensive. In the following sections, particularly, polymeric fibers would be discussed in detail. Although in the past there were some research works had done and papers also been published, but this paper just simplifies the things as well as highlight some superb features of the Kevlar fiber. However this is not a research article rather than a review article.

Face shields are close to home defensive gear gadgets that are utilized by numerous specialists (e.g., clinical, dental, veterinary) for assurance of the facial region and related mucous films (eyes, nose, mouth) from sprinkles, showers, and scatter of body liquids. Face shields are commonly not utilized alone, yet related to other defensive gear and are thusly delegated adjunctive individual defensive hardware. Despite the fact that there are a huge number of expected clients of face shields, rules for their utilization change between legislative organizations and expert social orders and little examination is accessible with respect to their viability.

The pandemic has not just affected the interest in the material and attire area yet additionally its flexibly. India is one of the significant materials and clothing exporters (around 60% of nation's fares) to US and EU markets and these business sectors are hit hard by the pandemic.

The Textile and Clothing Industry involves a significant spot in the assembling area regarding its commitment to business. It is the biggest manager after farming and utilizes around 45 million to 60 million individuals straightforwardly or in a roundabout way.