Advancements in Textile Technology
Advancements in textile technology are constantly changing the way we produce our clothing. Some of these innovations include bioprinting, non-thermal plasma technology, and multi-spindle spinning frames.
Multi-spindle spinning frame
James Hargreaves invented a multi-spindle spinning frame for textile advancements in the early 18th century. The device was a clever solution to one of the biggest problems facing the industrial revolution: how to speed up production without destroying the quality of the finished product.
Hargreaves’ invention was a metal frame with eight wooden spindles at one end. These spindles were designed to spin up to eight spools of thread at a time. It was a big step forward in the mechanization of the textile industry.
This multi-spindle machine was one of the first machines to achieve true mechanization. In fact, the device made it possible for workers to spin up to 120 spindles.
The multi-spindle spinning frame was a milestone in the creation of the modern national textile industry. As a result, factories replaced hand labor and increased demand for cotton.
When James Hargreaves first came up with the spinning jenny, he had an illiterate mind. He was also a weaver, so his idea was not to make a machine that would produce a gimmick. His initial design had eight spindles, but he thought it was possible to spin more.
Non-thermal plasma technology
Non-thermal plasma technology is used to change the surface properties of polymer films and complex substrates. The treatment is used for a wide variety of applications, such as decontamination, tissue engineering, blood coagulation, wound healing, and cancer therapy.
Plasma treatment has been used to modify the functional properties of fibers. It can also enhance the quality of textile products and make them more resistant to damage. These processes can be applied to both natural and synthetic fibers.
Depending on the chemical composition of the plasma, a number of effects can be obtained on the surface of the fabric. They include increased wettability, enhanced adhesive bond strength, and improved bath exhaustion.
The application of plasma to the textile industry has become an active research field. Recent developments have shown that the treatment can improve the quality of textiles, increase their adhesion, and even improve the printed decorations.
Non-thermal plasma has been used in various fields, including veterinary medicine and biomedical research. Studies have demonstrated the positive effect of plasma on cell adhesion, proliferation, and growth.
Electro-textiles
E-textiles, also called smart textiles, are electronic devices that can be integrated with clothing and apparel. These fabrics feature advanced materials, interdisciplinary studies, and a wide variety of applications. Moreover, they are conformable, flexible, and highly conductive.
These textiles are woven or knitted with metals, semiconductors, or other materials. They are used for a variety of applications, including electromagnetic shielding, communication, and USB. In addition to these applications, they can be used for wearable sensors, energy harvesting, and health monitoring.
The conductivity of these materials is determined by a number of factors, such as light, chemical treatments, and abrasion. It is important to provide durable and washable e-textiles.
One of the key issues with garment-type smart textiles is the waterproofing of the electronic units. But there is a way to fix this problem, and it involves putting the parts together with conductive glue.
Another approach to solving the problem is to infuse diodes into the fiber. This may be achieved with conductive liquid metals. But there are concerns about the toxicity of nanomaterials in textiles. Therefore, research is needed to further develop compact and environmentally-friendly solutions.
Bioprinting
Bioprinting is a technology that uses biomaterials to create artificial tissues. These tissues are printed by a process in which cells are deposited layer by layer. This technology can also be used to fabricate organs and scaffolds.
Bioprinting has been used for printing a variety of different tissues, including cartilage and bone. It has also been used to print blood vessels, hearts, and kidneys. However, it has limitations. There are still issues to overcome, such as the inability to produce a mechanically stable bioink.
While there are a number of companies offering bioprinting, the market is limited. The industry is estimated to be worth 6.7 million USD by 2020. According to Research and Markets, the 4D bioprinting market will reach 36 million USD by 2027. With the recent formation of new companies, the industry is set to grow.
Inkjet-based bioprinting is the most common technology. In this process, picoliter droplets of “bioink” are deposited onto the substrate. Other materials, such as hydrogels, have also been used in this process.