The aim of this study was to develop V-shape compression socks that should exert graduated lateral compression around the leg. For the development of socks, three types of yarns: main yarn (MY), plaiting yarn (PY) and inlaid yarn (IY) were used. Each yarn contained spandex yarn as the core. Machine adjustments were optimized to achieve the special V-shaped compression socks according to size of the wooden leg. Eighteen socks samples were developed and quantified for pressure exertion at ankle and calf portions using the MST MKIV, Salzmann pressure measuring device. Consequently, only two socks samples were accepted, which had the pressure exertion values of 21 mmHg and 23 mmHg with graduation percentage of 73% and 80%, respectively.

Conventional conductive homopolymers such as polypyrrole and poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (PEDOT) have poor mechanical properties, for the solution to this problem, we tried to construct hybrid composites with higher electrical properties coupled with high mechanical strength. For this purpose, Kevlar fibrous waste, conductive carbon particles, and epoxy were used to make the conductive composites. Kevlar waste was used to accomplish the need for economics and to enhance the mechanical properties. At first, Kevlar fibrous waste was converted into a nonwoven web and subjected to different pretreatments (chemical, plasma) to enhance the bonding between fiber-matrix interfaces. Similarly, conductive carbon particles were converted into nanofillers by the action of ball milling to make them homogeneous in size and structure. The size and morphological structures of ball-milled particles were analyzed by Malvern zetasizer and scanning electron microscopy. In the second phase of the study, the conductive paste was made by adding the different concentrations of ball-milled carbon particles into green epoxy. Subsequently, composite samples were fabricated via a combination of prepared conductive pastes and a pretreated Kevlar fibers web. The influence of different concentrations of carbon particles into green epoxy resin for electrical conductivity was studied. Additionally, the electrical conductivity and electromagnetic shielding ability of conductive composites were analyzed. The waveguide method at high frequency (i.e., at 2.45 GHz) was used to investigate the EMI shielding. Furthermore, the joule heating response was studied by measuring the change in temperature at the surface of the conductive composite samples, while applying a different range of voltages. The maximum temperature of 55 °C was observed when the applied voltage was 10 V. Moreover, to estimate the durability and activity in service the ageing performance (mechanical strength and moisture regain) of developed composite samples were also analyzed.

During current COVID-19 crises, the antimicrobial textiles primarily those utilized in hospital by doctors and paramedical staff have become increasingly important. Thus, there is an unmet requirement to develop antimicrobial textiles for infection control and hygiene practices. Metallic nanoparticles exhibit great effectiveness towards resistant microbial species making them a potential solution to the increasing antibiotic resistance. Due to this, nanoparticles particularly copper and silver have become most prevalent forms of antibacterial finishing agents for the development of antimicrobial textiles. This review is mainly focused on the significance of copper and silver nanoparticles for the development of antimicrobial textiles. The comparative analysis of the antibacterial effectiveness of copper and silver nanoparticles as well as the possible physical and chemical interactions responsible for their antibacterial action are explained. The negative impact of pathogenic microbes on textiles and possible interactions of antimicrobial agents with microbes have also been highlighted. The significance of nanotechnology for the development of antimicrobial textiles and their applications in medical textiles domain have also been discussed. Various green synthesis and chemical methods used for the synthesis of Ag and Cu nanoparticles and their application on textile substrates to impart antimicrobial functionality have also been discussed. The various qualitative and quantitative standard testing protocols utilised for the antimicrobial characterization of textiles have also discussed in this review. The developed Cu and Ag coated textiles could be effectively applied in the field of hospital textiles for the preparation of antibacterial scrub suits, surgical gowns, panel covers, protective clothing, bedding textiles, coveralls, wound dressings, table covers, curtains, and chair covers etc.

Compression pressure exertion is strongly related to mechanical properties of compression socks deployed with various type of materials and machine adjustments. These socks work on the principle of highest pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease towards the calf portion. Compression socks are used for the prophylaxis and treatment of venous disorders. Venous disorders range from minor asymptomatic incompetence of venous valves to chronic venous ulceration. Current research work contains analysis of the force at practical extension compared to experimental pressure (Ps), the relationship between experimental pressure (Ps), force at practical extension, and tensile indices which include hysteresis (H), tensile resilience (TR), and tensile linearity (TL). Results showed that the force value at practical extension (FL) impart the significant influence on experimental pressure (Ps). It is also portrayed that the tensile indices (W, W′, H, TR, and TL) combined with force at practical and experimental pressure also shown to have contributed significantly to the explanation of experimental pressure (Ps) results. Compression sock tensile characteristics are highly significant and directly related to their productivity, effectiveness, and working life.

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