The aim of this work was to investigate the barrier and comfort properties of protective uncoated and coated-impregnated three-layered knitted fabrics with different arrangements of special yarns, such as conductive yarns and yarns with different filament cross sections. Depending on content (7.5-30%) of conductive PES yarns with carbon core filaments and PES/stainless steel spun yarns, fabrics were grouped into A and B. In order to achieve multifunctional barrier and comfort properties, high porosity polyurethane and fluorocarbon resin coatings were applied. At the beginning of the research, the fabrics of groups A and B were coated with commercially available micro-porous polyurethane foam Tubicoat Õ MB according to the crushed foams method and impregnated with fluorocarbon water-repellent agent Tubiguard Õ 270. The achieved functional, barrier (water and oil repellency, resistance to water penetration, and electrostatic shielding), and comfort (air permeability, water vapor permeability, water retentivity, and drying intensiveness) properties were determined.

Purpose -The purpose of this research is to perform instrumental comparison of hand parameters of knitted fabrics produced from different biodegradable fibres and to analyze peculiarities of hand parameters' extent influenced by fabric structure and chemical softening. Design/methodology/approach -The hand of five types of different biodegradable fabrics was evaluated. Experiments were performed using a method based on the principle of specimen biaxial punching deformation when a disc-shaped specimen is extracted through a round nozzle. The Influence of fabric weave (terry and plain jersey) and finishing (padding with the silicone softener "Belfasin SI") on the fabric hand was investigated. Findings -Investigations have shown that weave type and finishing significantly influenced fabric hand properties. It was also stated that even tenuous differences between fabric parameters could be obtained by one numeral value of complex hand rate Q. Practical implications -Experiments have shown that KTU -Griff -Tester is a simple, reliable instrumental device suitable to obtain quantitative information about fabric mechanical properties. Evaluation of finishing influence on a fabric hand could be precisely expressed by one parameter Q. Originality/value -In the present research quantitative evaluation of new fabrics from biodegradable fibres hand was performed. Comparison between new biodegradable and traditional cotton fabrics has shown that new biodegradable fibres which are generally used for underwear, sportswear and for medical application are characterized by soft hand, as a result a good affinity with skin.

To ensure the thermal comfort during high physical activity, clothes must have good thermoregulation properties. Textiles containing ceramic additives, which are able to absorb and emit back the thermal energy from the human body, can be used to improve the thermal properties of the fabric. The aim of the research was to investigate the thermal and moisture management properties of different, three-layer knitted fabrics containing fibers impregnated with infrared-emitting ceramic particles. The thermal efficiency of the manufactured knits was characterised by the dynamics of accumulated/released heat generated by infrared rays and expressed as achieved steady-state surface temperature while and after the heating. Thermal resistance and liquid moisture management properties were investigated during the research as well. The elemental analysis of different pure bio-ceramic additives in yarns, used for development of knitted fabrics, was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. It was determined that heat accumulation is directly related to the calculated quantity of bio-ceramic additives in the knits. The obvious correlation between accumulated/released heat, thermal resistance, and the quantity of bio-ceramic additives in all investigated knitted structures was also investigated. Taking into account all the results obtained during the study of the thermoregulation properties, the optimal knitted structure, which could be comfortable for wearing next to the skin in cold weather, was selected.

The use of a new generation chemical fibers with various functional additives offers new possibilities for the development of advanced (multi)functional textile products. Such compounds as phase change materials (PCMs), metals (like cooper, silver), also natural or chemical insect repellents, FIR emitting ceramic particles and etc. incorporated into fibres’ structure are essential for development of knitted fabrics directly contacting to the skin with effective thermoregulation and such protective properties as: antimicrobial, antistatic, repellence against blood sucking insects. The main parts of socks investigated were knitted in plain plated single jersey pattern. The 3-ply twisted yarns of new structures were used in the outer layer of socks. Yarns were made by using single yarns with PCMs, insect repellent permethrin, ceramic and silver additives containing fibres (Cell Solution® Clima, Cell Solution® Protection, Resistex® Silver). The inner layer of socks was made of polyester (PES) 3-ply twisted yarns with different number of filaments resulted in different structures of socks’ fabric. Based on all obtained thermoregulating and protective characteristics of investigated different knitted fabric structures of socks, the optimal knitted socks were selected. The obtained results of investigations are significant for the development of other knitted fabrics worn next to the skin.

The recycling technologies of textile industry waste usually are adjusted for materials manufactured of uniform fibers. Unfortunately, usually materials are manufactured of blended chemical and natural fibers to achieve better wearing properties, i. e. abrasion resistance, durability and etc. This paper presents investigation about the destruction of cotton component and easy separation from non-biodegradable polyester. The pre-treatment (soaking in aqueous solutions of reagents) was carried out at different temperatures for blended knitting yarn (50 % cotton / 50 % polyester) waste. The waste was pre-treated by aqueous solutions of reagents: MgCl 2 ; Al 2 (SO 4) 3 , MgCl 2 and Al 2 (SO 4) 3 mixture, MgCl 2 and citric acid mixture at 20, 50, 90 and 130 °C. After the pre-treatment all samples were dried at 102 °C and heat-treated at different temperatures: 150, 160 and 180 °C. The investigation results showed that the highest degradation rate (95.47 %) of cotton component from 50 % cotton / 50 % polyester blended knitting yarn waste was achieved by using the pre-treatment at 20 °C temperature by aqueous solution of 20 g/l MgCl 2 and 4 g/l Al 2 (SO 4) 3 mixture and heattreatment of dry samples at 180 °C temperature.