{"title":"Comparison of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (r-PET) Nanofiber Layered Medical Masks with FFP3 (N99) Respirators","authors":"Hüsnü Aydemir","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01536-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01536-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Medical masks (MMs) engineered to arrest hazardous airborne particles have experienced unprecedented demand following the coronavirus pandemic. To achieve elite protective thresholds against sub-micron bioparticles without inducing physiological breathing resistance, this study systematically integrates sustainable, post-consumer r-PET nanofibers into conventional nonwoven substrates via a three-stage optimization paradigm. In the first stage, functional nanofibers were electrospun onto polypropylene spunbond substrates utilizing r-PET concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% w/v across deposition times of 15, 30, and 45 min. Comprehensive screening of particulate filtration efficiency (PFE) and aerodynamic pressure drop variations isolated the 10% concentration group as the optimal candidate due to its ultra-fine morphology and balanced permeability. In the second stage, specialized nanofiber networks were engineered onto high-density meltblown substrates using this optimized 10% r-PET solution under identical deposition times to map their localized performance boundaries. In the third stage, specific structural configurations exhibiting the highest Quality Factors (QF) specifically samples C10S30 and C10M15 were combined into distinct multi-layered composite designs. Empirical characterization revealed that the finalized three-layer nanofiber-coated MM configuration achieved an elite sub-micron PFE of 99.1%, while maintaining a static breathing resistance of 270.5 Pa, comfortably satisfying the strict requirements specified for European EN 149 (FFP3) and US NIOSH (N99) standards. Capillary flow porometry verified a contracted mean flow pore size of 2.425 µm, confirming that these sustainable, mechanically dominant, and charge-decay-immune r-PET nanofiber meshes deliver exceptional biological protection alongside superb physiological breathability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4713 - 4731"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Namhyun Kim, Kun-Woo Nam, Won-Jin Kim, Sung Gyu Shin, Jae Hyun Jeong, Sung-Hoon Park
{"title":"Oxygen-Functionalized Plasma-Treated Surfaces Enhance Cell Adhesion, Proliferation, and Migration","authors":"Namhyun Kim, Kun-Woo Nam, Won-Jin Kim, Sung Gyu Shin, Jae Hyun Jeong, Sung-Hoon Park","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01538-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01538-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Integrins mediate cell-substrate adhesion by interacting with extracellular matrix ligands, enabling attachment, spreading, and stabilization. Cells typically adhere more strongly to hydrophobic surfaces and detach more easily from hydrophilic ones, a property widely exploited in bioengineering applications such as cell sheet engineering. In this study, tissue culture polystyrene substrates were treated with O<sub>2</sub>, Ar, and CF<sub>4</sub> plasma to systematically modify surface wettability, and the effects on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFn) adhesion, proliferation, and migration were dynamically analyzed using live-cell imaging. Interestingly, despite the hydrophilic nature of O<sub>2</sub> plasma-treated surfaces, HDFn cells exhibited a 1.7-fold increase in adhesion and a 2.3-fold enhancement in proliferation compared to CF<sub>4</sub>-treated surfaces. These observations may be associated with oxygen incorporation and are consistent with previous reports suggesting enhanced protein adsorption on the plasma-treated surfaces, which is expected to enhance the adsorption of adhesion-related proteins and may facilitate subsequent cell–surface interactions. Although direct integrin activation was not examined, the observed cellular responses are consistent with mechanisms reported in previous studies. This study underscores the pivotal role of oxygen-functionalized hydrophilic surfaces in enhancing cell adhesion and growth, providing insights into the design of bioactive polymer surfaces in bioengineering applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4831 - 4842"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981261","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Synergistic Enhancement of Acid Resistance in Basalt Fibre Composites via Phytic Acid–Silane Interfacial Engineering","authors":"Hechen Liu, Ziying Wang, Junbo Men, Huajie Shen, Yuli Wang, Chengao Xiong","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01537-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01537-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Basalt fibre-reinforced epoxy composites have attracted increasing attention due to their excellent mechanical properties and chemical stability. However, their long-term durability in acidic environments remains a critical challenge, mainly due to interfacial degradation and fibre corrosion. To address this issue, this study proposes a synergistic surface modification strategy based on phytic acid and silane coupling agents, and investigates the influence of different phytic acid mass fractions on the corrosion resistance of basalt fibre composites. By characterising the surface morphology and elemental changes of the fibres, and combining this with tests on weight loss, electrical properties, mechanical properties and thermal stability, the synergistic modification effects and corrosion resistance mechanisms are comprehensively evaluated. The results indicate that the synergistic treatment with phytic acid and KH550 forms a stable complex film and a roughened structure on the fibre surface, effectively enhancing the bond strength between the fibres and the resin. Within the phytic acid mass fraction range investigated in this study, the composite exhibited the best acid resistance when the phytic acid mass fraction was 5%. Following acid corrosion, the retention rates of both breakdown strength and flexural strength exceeded 90%. The self-corrosion current density decreased to 74.72 μA cm<sup>−2</sup>, and the weight loss was only 0.207%. This synergistic modification strategy works in tandem to inhibit the acid corrosion process through both physical barrier and interfacial reinforcement mechanisms, providing a green and efficient technical approach for enhancing the long-term stability of basalt fibre composites in complex acidic environments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"5023 - 5039"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Composites with Carbon Nanofillers: Experimental and Mesoscale Modelling","authors":"Aditya Pratap Singh, Sunny Zafar, Himanshu Pathak, Siddharth Suman","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01539-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01539-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) into thermoplastic composites enhances electrical and thermal conductivity, as well as fire resistance, but may impair mechanical performance. To address this challenge and develop multifunctional yet mechanically robust materials, Kenaf fibre-reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites have been developed using a microwave-assisted compression moulding technique, incorporating 5% weight fraction of CNTs and GNPs. Addition of nanofillers resulted in up to a 30% reduction in energy consumption and a 12.5% reduction in processing time. The reinforcing effect of CNTs due to their high strength and aspect ratio enhanced bonding and mechanical performance, with tensile strength increasing by 11% and hardness by 17%. To complement the experimental findings and support future design optimisation, this study also introduces a novel, simplified two-step finite element method-based mesoscale model for predicting composite’s anisotropic properties. Employment of the cohesive zone model accounts for imperfect bonding between CNTs and the HDPE matrix. Simulations reveal that at a maximum fibre content of 29%, the in-plane elastic modulus is 3.6 times that of the pure matrix. This study demonstrates the potential of these nanofillers reinforced natural fibre composites for lightweight aerospace and automotive applications, offering enhanced performance while contributing to environmental sustainability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"5011 - 5022"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s12221-026-01539-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
R. Kabilan, Subramani Narayanasarma, K. Geetha, Karthik Ramasundaram
{"title":"Role of Interfacial Adhesion Between Nutmeg Fiber and Biochar in Enhancing Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Efficiency of Biocomposites Under High-Frequency Bands","authors":"R. Kabilan, Subramani Narayanasarma, K. Geetha, Karthik Ramasundaram","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01522-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01522-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To achieve superior mechanical strength and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, this study develops lightweight vinyl ester biocomposites reinforced with nutmeg short fibers and porous watermelon rind biochar. The nutmeg fibers act as primary load-bearing reinforcements, while the carbon-rich biochar obtained through controlled pyrolysis functions as a lightweight functional filler that enhances dielectric polarization and electromagnetic attenuation. Among the developed formulations, the hybrid composition containing a higher fiber fraction with a moderate biochar loading exhibited the most balanced performance, demonstrating consistently improved dielectric behavior across a broad frequency range and effective EMI shielding within the practical attenuation range required for commercial applications. Mechanical evaluation revealed a clear improvement in tensile, flexural, impact, and surface hardness properties compared to non-hybrid or lower-filler systems, indicating efficient stress transfer and structural integrity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed bonding and homogeneous biochar dispersion, which collectively minimized microstructural defects and contributed to the observed property enhancements. Overall, the synergistic interaction between lignocellulosic fibers and conductive carbonaceous biochar highlights a sustainable and lightweight alternative to conventional synthetic or metal-based shielding materials, with strong potential for use in electronic enclosures, automotive interior components, aerospace cabin panels, and building-integrated EMI shielding applications where structural reliability and moderate electromagnetic attenuation are simultaneously required.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4999 - 5010"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981306","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Binlin Shi, Zhijia Dong, Kai Wang, Bo Liu, Honglian Cong, Pibo Ma
{"title":"Structural Design and Tensile Performance of High-Stretch Fabric for Embodied Intelligence Outer Covering","authors":"Binlin Shi, Zhijia Dong, Kai Wang, Bo Liu, Honglian Cong, Pibo Ma","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01525-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01525-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To meet the deformation requirements of embodied intelligence robotic joint coverings, this study investigates the structural design and tensile behavior of highly stretchable weft-knitted fabrics produced using four yarn types and seven knit structures (28 samples in total). Tensile properties, cyclic elastic recovery, and plastic deformation were systematically evaluated, and deformation behavior under flexion (0°–110°) and torsion (0°–120°) was quantified using a 3D-printed joint model combined with a grid-based measurement method. Results show that fabric structure is the dominant factor governing elastic performance (<i>η</i><sup>2</sup> = 0.740–0.995), while the outer polyester filament fineness of spandex-covered yarns play a secondary role. Rib and purl structures exhibit a clear directional reversal in extensibility and recovery behavior due to loop geometry differences. Under joint motion, local fabric elongation reaches up to 110% during flexion and approximately 21% during torsion, indicating strongly non-uniform deformation distributions. Based on these findings, a zoned design strategy for robotic joint coverings is proposed, assigning different knitted structures to functional regions according to deformation characteristics. This work provides a structure–deformation–function framework for the design of textile-based robotic skins.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"5129 - 5146"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981260","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Development of Hemp Fibre-Reinforced Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN)-Based Epoxy Composites Incorporating Epoxidized Rice Bran Oil","authors":"Sampoorna Sriramula, Tarun Vakiti, Suresh Babu V, Raghu Raja Pandiyan Kuppusamy","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01526-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01526-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of accelerated weathering on the mechanical behaviour, failure modes, and service life of alkali-treated hemp fibre-reinforced composites with interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) developed with commercial epoxy and a bio-epoxy obtained from epoxidized waste rice bran oil (ERBO). The bio-resin (<i>B</i>) was blended with commercial epoxy (<i>C</i>) in ratios from 100<i>C</i>:0<i>B</i> to 50<i>C</i>:50<i>B</i> to form IPN matrices, which were characterized through chemical, thermal, and rheological analyses. FTIR and <sup>1</sup>H NMR confirmed successful epoxidation, while the resin exhibited shear-thinning flow behaviour and showed endothermic curing peak at 119 °C from DSC. Composites fabricated by hand lay-up were exposed to weathering for 500 and 1008 h at 60 °C, 0.7 W/m<sup>2</sup> UV intensity, and 100% relative humidity, followed by mechanical evaluation. The 90<i>C</i>:10<i>B</i> system showed the highest initial tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strengths (ILSS), which decreased 13.69%, 23.12%, and 9.79% after weathering, accompanied by a shift towards more elastic failure. Fractography revealed lower void content and reduced moisture uptake-about 3 wt.% less than the 100<i>C</i>:0<i>B</i> system. Service-life estimates based on 50% strength retention suggested useful durations of 3.73, 2.80, and 5.25 years for tensile, flexural, and ILSS performance.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4977 - 4998"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Moisture-Induced Textile–Skin Adhesion Underlies Clinginess and Comfort Loss in Sportswear","authors":"Xiaoyu Guan, Xianshan Luo, Wenxia Han, Zhenzhu Zhang, Guangwei Fu, Ying Wang, Zihan Wang, Yuheng Wang, Xixi Wei","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01531-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01531-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Sweating-induced clinginess is a major source of sportswear discomfort because liquid moisture alters the mechanical interaction at the textile–skin interface. Conventional comfort evaluations mainly emphasize absorption, wicking, drying, air permeability, or subjective ratings, but they do not fully explain how wet fabrics adhere to and drag along the skin during movement. Here, we developed a multilevel material–interface–garment–perception framework to evaluate moisture-induced wet adhesion in sportswear, with particular emphasis on normal adhesion, shear adhesion, adhesion work, forearm perception, and garment-level wear response. From dry to fully wet states, the mean shear adhesion force increased from 5.77 to 48.94 cN, and shear adhesion work increased from 74.93 to 743.61 cN·mm; after exercise, wet–dry, clingy–dry, and sticky–separated scores decreased by 3.77, 3.63, and 3.50 scale units, respectively. These results indicate that wet-state shear adhesion and adhesion work can serve as interface-level indicators of wet clinginess, providing a practical basis for designing sportswear that is not only moisture-managing but also resistant to wet textile–skin drag and comfort loss.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"5113 - 5127"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preparation and Properties of Antibacterial and Liquid-Repellent Flash-Spun/Mugwort Viscose Composite Materials","authors":"Yongchao Duo, Yujing Zhang, Sixuan Zhang, Xun Guo, Xiaoyan Tang, Feipeng Gao, Qiao Li, Wenyu Wang, Xiaoming Qian","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01527-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01527-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study used waterborne polyurethane (WPU) as an adhesive and employed a spraying process to laminate two types of flash-spun nonwoven fabrics (high barrier properties) with a viscose nonwoven fabric (natural antibacterial properties). By optimizing the adhesive solid content and proportion amount, a balance was achieved between thermal–moisture comfort and interlayer peel strength. Following comprehensive evaluation, an adhesive solid content of 25 wt% and an adhesive proportion of 12 wt% were selected as the final process. Under identical conditions, the flash-spun spunlace/mugwort viscose composite outperformed the flash-spun hot-rolled/mugwort viscose composite, and was therefore further finished to be hydrophobic and oleophobic. After finishing, the treated material exhibited antibacterial rates greater than 90% against <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and <i>Escherichia coli</i>, with water and oil contact angles ≥ 140°, combining excellent antimicrobial and dual hydrophobic/oleophobic properties. This work provides a feasible approach for developing multifunctional composite materials with comfort, antibacterial activity, and liquid-repellent properties, showing potential for medical protective textile applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4965 - 4976"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Study on the Microstructure and Properties of Conductive Films Prepared on Fiber Surfaces by Direct Writing Method","authors":"Fan Zhang, Lingqi Kong, Lizhong Wang, Yaoning Sun, Jingwen Guo, Wurikaixi Ayiti","doi":"10.1007/s12221-026-01533-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12221-026-01533-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Using a novel direct writing method combined with the principles of generalized additive manufacturing, a non-immersive, controllable preparation of Ag films on polyester fiber surfaces was achieved. This method precisely controls the deposition process through the micro-liquid droplet, overcoming issues in traditional chemical plating processes such as significant waste and poor controllability. The effects of micro-liquid droplet moving speed and deposition passes on film morphology, structure, and performance were systematically studied. The results show that this method can effectively regulate the microstructure of the films, introduce an inert Ag<sub>2</sub>O phase to enhance corrosion resistance, and provide new ideas for the continuous and refined preparation of functional films.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":557,"journal":{"name":"Fibers and Polymers","volume":"27 10","pages":"4819 - 4830"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148981257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}