In order to obtain the textile materials with potential for use in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions, this study approached the laboratory experiments related to depositing by padding of oil-in-water emulsions type based on chitosan-propolis-cinnamon essential oil. In this regard, seven experimental variants of emulsions were prepared and then characterized by specific methods from physical-chemical and stability point of view. The chitosan-propolis- cinnamon essential oil-based emulsions were then immobilized on a knitted textile structure from 100% organic cotton. The functionalized textile materials were characterized from morphological and antibacterial activity point of view. pH values obtained for the synthesized polymeric systems were in the range 4.67–4.88 and electrical conductivity of the emulsions increases with the concentration of the hydrophilic phase in the system, the highest values were registered for the emulsion code R4CSP developed with the smallest volume fraction of water. The stability index over a period of 10 days indicated that emulsions are stable, not showing the presence of one of the flocculation, creaming / sedimentation, coalescence or Ostwald ripening phenomena. The highest values of emulsifying activity index were obtained for the R7CSP, emulsion developed with the smallest volume fraction of water. The highest value of viscosity was obtained for the experimental variant R4CSP in which the highest volume fraction of chitosan and the smallest volume fraction of water were used. The textile materials treated with synthesized emulsions based on chitosan- propolis-cinnamon essential oil have antibacterial effect against the S. aureus test strain, with inhibition zones between 1.5 mm (R2CSP and R7CSP) and 4 mm (R6CSP).

Modern world environmental challenges dictate the need for obtaining of alternative materials in various industrial sectors. Filamentous fungi strains are complex microorganisms that are able to produce rich enzymes batteries that are able of breaking down a wide variety of organic substrates. Present work explored the potential of Fusarium oxysporum strain for creating a novel biocomposite structure, based on an alternative substrate, composed of recycled shredded paper and worn coffee. Strain was successfully grown on an alternative nutritive substrate, which allowed formation of a 64.23µm biofilm on the surface of the substrate, and development of a homogenous hyphal matrix inside the aerial structure of the substrate, yielding a high rigidity material. Both optical and SEM analyses revealed even distribution of the hyphae and partial enzymatic hydrolysis of the recycled paper, which acted as a carbon source for cell development. Flammability analysis conducted on the biofilm surface of the material revealed very good fire retardant properties, withstanding close flame contact up to 80 seconds, after which smoldering fire occurred. Preliminary results are promising in exploiting the potential of an important plant pathogen in obtaining high added value materials, based on use of organic wastes which serve a double functionality, with nutritive role and mechanical substrate.

The objective of this study is to investigate the methods to create durable self-cleaning textiles by coating fabrics with TiO2-(1%)Fe-N-graphene (2%). To improve the adherence of the nanoparticles, the polyester/cotton woven fabrics were pre-treated with polyacrylic acid (PA), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene polyamine resin (EZF). The pre-treated materials were immersed in a doped TiO2 for 30 minutes at 40oC and dried at 125oC. The finished fabrics were stained with methylene blue dye and exposed to visible light. The SEM images show the presence of particles on polymers layers firmly attached on the material surface. The treatments determine the decrease of the exothermic peak (452.48oC), characteristic of the cellulose decomposition, demonstrating an increase of the thermal conductivity of the materials. The doped TiO2-graphene induces a double degradation of methylene blue in comparison with untreated material and the materials treated with CMC, polyacrylic acid and cationic polymer. The effect is maintained after washing

This study presents the results of laboratory experiments to prepare cotton woven fabrics with photoactive properties. The fabric was treated with TiO 2 – Fe(1%) – N + 2% graphene by exhaustion followed by a fluorocarbon polymer treatment. The fabric was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDAX), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Contact Angle measurement, physical properties (weight, thickness, breaking strength, elongation, air/water permeability, electrical resistance). The photocatalytic activity was determined initially and after 5 washings by measuring the trichromatic coordinates of the treated fabrics stained with methylene blue and exposed to UV and visible light on a Hunterlab UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results demonstrate a uniform deposition of doped TiO 2 -graphene particles on material surface. The thermal stability of the coated cotton fabric is practically unmodified in comparison with blank cotton fabric. The decrease of the surface resistivity demonstrates the deposition of graphene layer, known for its good electrical conductivity. The wetting capacity of initial hydrophilic cotton fabric is dramatically modified, the fabric becoming hydrophobic after treatment. The photocatalytic efficiency is higher under visible light than under UV-radiation due to the TiO 2 doping and decoration with graphene, which extend the light absorption from UV to visible range. The good photocatalytic activity under visible light is maintained after 5 washing cycles.

In time the environmental conditions could damage textiles (materials/ artifacts) causing the need to develop better non-destructive or at least micro-destructive analysis techniques of the samples. There are ethnographic textile artifacts that were treated in the past with various pesticides, that have not been mentioned in any document. These are often re-treated with chemicals by museum staff as a method of preventing pest infestation. Due to the progressive use of many pesticides, this paper was focused on the detection and quantification of three pesticides: malathion, methoxychlor, and permethrin (cis- and trans- isomers). Gas chromatography is one of the most widely used analytical techniques for characterizing volatile organic compounds and therefore was the analytical method of choice for the present study. Because these analytes are found at trace levels, the detection and quantification limits of analytes are very small and it is necessary to optimize and validate a SIM method - that allows the mass spectrometer to detect specific compounds with high sensitivity. In SIM mode, the instrument is set to collect data at selected masses of interest, thus increasing the accuracy and precision of the quantitative results. The present paper is aimed to develop this type of method with specificity and selectivity, high precision (expressed in terms of repeatability and intermediate accuracy), accuracy, suitable working range and linearity, and high degree of series� homogenity.