This paper reports a novel route for the coloration of polyester fabric with green synthesized silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs@PET) using chitosan as a natural eco-friendly reductant. The formation of AgNPs was confirmed by UV-visible spectroscopy. The morphologies and average particles size of G-AgNPs was investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. The uniform deposition of G-AgNPs on the PET fabric surface was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The thermal properties were investigated using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The coloration and fastness properties of fabric were found to be significantly improved, a result related to the surface plasmon resonance of G-AgNPs. The antibacterial properties of fabric were also found to be excellent as more than 80% bacterial reduction was noticed even after 10 washing cycles. Overall, the proposed coating process using green nanoparticles can contribute to low-cost production of sustainable textiles.

In this study, the influence and optimization of the factors of a non-formaldehyde resin finishing process on cotton fabric using a Taguchi-based grey relational analysis were experimentally investigated. An L27 orthogonal array was selected for five parameters and three levels by applying Taguchi’s design of experiments. The Taguchi technique was coupled with a grey relational analysis to obtain a grey relational grade for evaluating multiple responses, i.e., crease recovery angle (CRA), tearing strength (TE), and whiteness index (WI). The optimum parameters (values) for resin finishing were the resin concentration (80 g·L−1), the polyethylene softener (40 g·L−1), the catalyst (25 g·L−1), the curing temperature (140 °C), and the curing time (2 min). The goodness-of-fit of the data was validated by an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimized sample was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to better understand the structural details of the resin finishing process. The results showed an improved thermal stability and confirmed the presence of well deposited of resin on the optimized fabric surface.

The present work highlights the formation of a novel green nanofiber based on H2O2-assisted water-soluble chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (WSCHT/PVA) by using water as an ecofriendly solvent and genipin used as a nontoxic cross-linker. The 20/80 blend ratio was found to have the most optimum uniform fiber morphology. WSCHT retained the same structure as WISCHT. The prepared nanofibers were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Water Contact Angle (WCA) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis). During electrospinning, the crystalline microstructure of the WSCHT/PVA underwent better solidification and after cross-linking there was an increase in the melting temperature of the fiber. Swelling ratio studies revealed noticeable increase in hydrophilicity with increase of WSCHT, which was further demonstrated by the decrease of contact angle from 64.74° to 14.68°. WSCHT/PVA nanofiber mats exhibit excellent UV blocking protection with less than 5% transmittance value and also showed improved in vitro drug release properties with stable release for longer duration (cross-linked fibers) and burst release for shorter duration (uncross linked) fibers. Finally our experimental data demonstrates excellent adsorption ability of Colour Index (C.I.) reactive black 5 (RB5) due to protonated amino groups.

The concept of nanomaterials membranes (NMs) promises to be a sustainable route to improve the membrane characteristics and enhance the performance of membrane bioreactors (MBRs) treating wastewater. This paper provided a critical review of recent studies on the use of membranes incorporating nanomaterials in membrane bioreactor (NMs-MBR) applications for wastewater treatment. Novel types of nanomaterials membranes were identified and discussed based on their structural morphologies. For each type, their design and fabrication, advances and potentialities were presented. The performance of NMs-MBR system has been summarized in terms of removal efficiencies of common pollutants and membrane fouling. The review also highlighted the sustainability and cost viability aspects of NMs-MBR technology that can enhance their widespread use in wastewater treatment applications.

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