Sohel Rana

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi | IIT Delhi · Department of Textile & Fibre Engineering

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) build upon existing technologies to develop truly smart textiles: garments that sense, react, and adapt. Thermoregulatory e-textiles are an area of significant interest across the field. Designing e-textiles that satisfy electrical performance and simple construction is a significant challenge. To address these issu...

The development of a bio-inspired method to fabricate ZnO nanostructure-modified functional wool fabric represents a substantial challenge in the textile field. This article reports for the first time the use of wool as a reducing agent for the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles. While previous studies have employed alternative natural reducing agents...

Wool fibers from several different sheep breeds in the UK have very limited applications. The main aim of this study was to establish an understanding of the dye sorption properties of different wool fibers through thermodynamics and kinetics of dyeing using Acid Red 1 dye. Wool fibers from Leicester, Ryeland, and Dartmoor sheep breeds were pretrea...

In this work, a new physical method was used to process agro-waste pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) instead of any chemical treatment for fabricating polypropylene (PP) matrix composites. The carding process was used for individualization and partial fibrillation of PALF, as well as for the removal of dust and sticky fibres. The high melt viscosity of...

This paper reports the development of novel surface parameters which can be used to characterise the scale structure of wool fibres obtained from different breeds. Scanning electron microscopy and subsequent image analysis technique were used to study wool fibres from Leicester, Dartmoor, Ryeland and Herdwick breeds of sheep. Novel scale parameters...

This work investigates the potential utilisation of the agro-waste pineapple leaf fibre (PALF) as a green reinforcement in polypropylene (PP) composites. Generally, chemical treatment is used to clean the scratched PALF, and the effluents of those chemicals are discharged into nature. A new mechanical approach (carding) was used in this work to rem...

In this work, a new physical method was used to process agro-waste pineapple leaf fibres (PALF) instead of any chemical treatment for fabricating polypropylene (PP) matrix composites. Carding process was used for individualization and partial fibrillation of PALF as well as for removal of dust and sticky fibres. The high melt viscosity of PP hinder...

Electronic textiles (e-textiles) are undergoing rapid technological advancements to attain e-textiles that look and feel like conventional textile fabrics. Research seeks to develop highly functionalized textile-based sensors, actuators, and energy storage devices that integrate seamlessly with current textile technologies. Presently, developments...

The purpose of this paper is the comparison of the environmental performance between a reusable face mask, made from British Wool, a single-use conventional mask, made of polypropylene (PP), and a reusable cotton mask, using Life Cycle Assessment. The analysis revealed that although one woollen mask has higher environmental impact than a single-use...

Chemical bonding remains popular because of the variety of adhesive binders available and the broad variety of final properties that can be engineered in nonwoven fabrics. This chapter explores the chemical composition and properties of common binder systems used by the nonwovens industry and the considerations involved in their selection. The mech...

In this work, multi-scale cementitious composites containing short carbon fibers (CFs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were studied for their tensile stress sensing properties. CF-based composites were prepared by mixing 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 wt.% CFs (of cement) with water using magnetic stirring and Pluronic F-127...

The novel reactive methylmethacrylate (MMA) thermoplastic resin (commercially known as Elium® resin) is the first liquid thermoplastic resin which is curable at room temperature. This resin is a competitive solution against traditional epoxy-based composites. In this work, novel non-crimp (NC) glass fabric/MMA resin composites were manufactured usi...

Advanced Knitting Technology provides complete coverage of the latest innovations and developments in knitting technology, including emerging methods as well as the latest best practice for classical processes. Many technologies can be used for the production of cloth such as weaving, knitting, nonwoven, and braiding. Knitting methods are being sel...

Textile fibres derived from natural resources can be sustainable alternatives for synthetic fibres in different technical applications due to their low-cost, low-density, high specific strength, renewability, and biodegradability, among other benefits. However, natural fibre-based textiles and composites cannot often compete with high-performance s...

The growing interest in wool fibres as an eco-friendly and sustainable material for diverse indus-trial applications requires an enhancement of their functional performance. To address this, wool fabrics were treated in the present research with low-pressure hexafluoroethane (C2F6) plasma to impart superhydrophobicity and improve their abrasion res...

The removal of agriculture residual plastic films is nowadays a big concern for all environmentalists. Several ecological alternatives were developed for more sustainable products and cleaner production. In this work, the effect of three months of exposure under accelerated weathering conditions (ultraviolet light, moisture, and heat) on the proper...

This paper reports new hierarchical cementitious composites developed using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), sisal fibers and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as the dispersing agent. MCC was dispersed in water without and with CTAB at different concentrations using ultrasonication and the optimum CTAB concentration for achieving homogeneous...

This research work attempts, for the first time, to use sisal fibres and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in combination for developing multi-scale cementitious composites with improved strength, modulus as well as fracture energy. MCC (0.1 %–3.0 wt.%) was first dispersed in water with the help of Pluronic F-127 surfactant (20 % of MCC wt.) using u...

This research work attempts, for the first time, to use sisal fibres and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in combination for developing multi-scale cementitious composites with improved strength, modulus as well as fracture energy. MCC (0.1 %–3.0 wt.%) was first dispersed in water with the help of Pluronic F-127 surfactant (20 % of MCC wt.) using u...

Electrically conducting fibers based on carbon nanomaterial/polymer composites are of special interest in a number of industrial applications. The electrical conductivity of blends, nanocomposite fibers, and coated fibers depends strongly on the amount of conjugated polymers or conducting fillers. Melt spinning is a commonly used method to produce...

This paper gives an overview of hierarchical composites and discusses their application potential in advanced technical sectors including defence. The concept of hierarchical composites, their production methods and properties have been discussed and compared with conventional composites. Production and properties of hierarchical composites fabrica...

This paper reports the use of cellulose microcrystals (CMCs) for improving fibre-matrix interface, mechanical, dynamic mechanical and thermal degradation behaviour of glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites. An ultrasonic treatment for 1 h was used to disperse CMCs (1–3 wt%) within an epoxy resin, which was subsequently infused through glass fabric...

This book is a collection of high quality research and review papers submitted to the 1st World Conference on Advanced Materials for Defense (AUXDEFENSE 2018). A wide range of topics related to the defense area such as ballistic protection, impact and energy absorption, composite materials, smart materials and structures, nanomaterials and nano str...

Electrically conducting fibers based on carbon nanomaterial/ polymer composites are of special interest in a number of industrial applications. Extensive research has been carried out on incorporating various carbon nanofillers, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and graphene oxides (GO), into different types of polymeric materials, aiming...

This book covers selected research papers submitted to AuxDefense 2018 – 1st World Conference on Advanced Materials for Defense held in Lisbon, Portugal. Auxdefense 2018 was the meeting point for everyone interested in these outstanding advanced materials, including researchers, technicians, technologists, militaries and students. This conference f...

Medical textiles (medtech) are considered one of the key growth areas in the high tech textile and apparel industry. Medtech is clearly driving the emergence of new and improved raw materials and processes, leading to new technological solutions specifically designed to tackle the problems medical professionals and patients are daily faced with [1]...

In contrast to the conventional methods of improving interface and performances of plant fibre composites through fibre surface modification, this paper reports a novel approach based on the dispersion of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in the composite’s matrix. MCC was dispersed within the matrix of jute fibre reinforced epoxy composites to impr...

This paper reports the development of novel auxetic fibrous structures from high performance yarns using knitting technology for application as reinforcement in composites. Two types of high performance yarns, namely, para-aramid (p-AR) and polyamide 6.6 (PA), were used to produce three distinct auxetic structures: purl, re-entrant lozenge and re-e...

Auxetic fibrous structures and composites with negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) have huge potential for application in ballistic protection due to their high energy absorption and excellent impact resistance. In the present research, re-entrant lozenge auxetic fibrous structures were produced through weft knitting technology using high performance po...

In the present study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced cementitious composites have been developed using a short and less energy intensive physical dispersion technique. MCC–cement mortar specimens were prepared through addition of aqueous MCC suspensions to the cement-sand mixture. Aqueous MCC suspensions (0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, 1.6% and 2%...

This paper reports the first attempt to utilize ultrasonication energy for homogeneously dispersing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to develop MCC reinforced cementitious composites. Aqueous suspensions of MCC (1.0-5.0 wt.% with respect to water) were prepared using ultrasonication treatment and the suspensions were then added to the cement mortar...

The present research investigated for the first time the combined effect of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and carbon nanotube (CNT) on the performance of cement composites. Multi-scale or hierarchical composites were developed by dispersing MCC and multi-wall CNT (MWCNT) within the cementitious matrix as reinforcements. Homogeneous suspensions o...

Recently, multi-scale composites have been developed by combining reinforcements from different length scales, in order to overcome the drawbacks of conventional composites as well to enhance their performances. Most of the research works on multi-scale composites have been performed using carbon based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs)...

Nowadays, the use of plant fibers in the civil construction industry is growing rapidly due to their low cost, light weight and good specific mechanical properties, lower health hazard, and environmental benefits. Nanodimensional fibers derived from plants such as nanocellulose are also getting considerable attention due to their excellent mechanic...

This book presents selected high-quality research papers submitted to ICNF 2017, the 3rd International Conference on Natural Fibers, which was held in Braga, Portugal, on 21–23 June 2017. It discusses the latest research and developments in the field and covers a wide range of topics related to various aspects of natural-fiber composites, such as p...

Recently, multi-scale composites have been developed by combining reinforcements from different length scales, in order to overcome the drawbacks of conventional composites as well to enhance their performances. Most of the research works on multi-scale composites have been performed using carbon based nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs)...

This paper presents an overview of advanced auxetic fibrous architectures produced from natural fibres. Different types of structures, their production techniques, properties and current as well as future applications are discussed. Challenges for widespread applications of these advanced materials in various industrial sectors are also discussed.

In the present research, cementitious composites have been developed using micro crystalline cellulose (MCC) as reinforcement and characterized for workability and mechanical performance. The MCC/cement composites were developed using homogenous aqueous suspensions of MCC. Homogenous dispersion of MCC in water was achieved by using magnetic stirrin...

Nowadays, growing concern about environment and sustainability led to development of new types of materials, which are called “environment friendly” materials. In agricultural field, the use of biodegradable agrotextiles and ecological products is increasing steadily and their performance is getting better and better so that they can be used as rep...

This work has been performed to study the mechanical properties of multiscale cementitious composites developed by using microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as reinforcements. The experimental work was carried out in two steps: (a) homogeneous suspensions of MCC (0.4 wt.% and 1 wt.%) and CNTs (0.2% and 0.6%) in...

In this work, mechanical performance of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) reinforced cementitious composites has been studied. For this purpose, homogeneous suspensions of MCC (1- 5 wt. %) in water were prepared using ultrasonication energy and subsequently, the suspensions were added to cement/sand mixture to fabricate cementitious composites. The...

This paper reports an overview of advanced auxetic fibrous structures and composites for various industrial applications. Most recent developments in the area of auxetic fibres, yarns, textile structures and composites are reviewed. Innovations in terms of materials, design and structures, processing technologies and innovative applications have be...

This paper reports a novel approach of preparing aqueous suspensions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for fabrication of cementitious composites. MCC was dispersed homogeneously in water using Pluronic F-127 as a surfactant with the help of ultrasonication process and the aqueous suspensions were added to cement/sand mixture to prepare cementiti...

This paper reports the development of innovative tri-axial braided structures for strain and damage sensing of geotechnical structures. These innovative braided structures have been developed through braiding of polyester multi-filaments over an axial core composed of mixture of conductive (carbon) and non-conductive (glass) fibres. It was observed...

The present work reports the first attempt of developing auxetic structures using high performance fibres through knitting technology. Polyamide (PA) and para-aramid (p-AR) fibres and their combination were knitted in to purl structures using flatbed knitting machine, varying different structural (such as loop length, cover factor and yarn density)...

Advanced Composite Materials for Aerospace Engineering: Processing, Properties and Applications predominately focuses on the use of advanced composite materials in aerospace engineering. It discusses both the basic and advanced requirements of these materials for various applications in the aerospace sector, and includes discussions on all the main...

This introductory chapter will look at the current scenario for using composite materials in aerospace engineering. It will discuss the general requirements for these materials, their different applications and their advantages and disadvantages. It considers existing commercial composites currently in use as well as the new types of composite mate...

This chapter explains the design concept behind multiscale composites, and the use of various nanomaterials in their fabrication. Processing techniques and challenges, properties and modelling are also discussed. The potential for these new composite materials and their use in future aircraft or aerospace structures are also considered.

This chapter presents a summary and conclusions of different topics presented in various chapters and highlights the future direction of research and developments on composite materials for aerospace applications

Auxetic materials are gaining special interest in technical sectors due to their attractive mechanical behaviour. This paper reports a systematic investigation on missing rib design based auxetic structures produced from braided composites for civil engineering applications. The influence of various structural and material parameters on auxetic and...

Self-sensing composites are becoming highly attractive for civil engineering applications to improve the safety and performance of structures. These smart composites show a detectable change in their electrical resistivity with applied stress or strain and this unique characteristic make them useful for health monitoring of structures. Till date, d...

This paper reports the first attempt of developing macro-scale auxetic structures based on re-entrant hexagon design from braided composite materials for civil engineering applications. Braided composite rods (BCRs) were produced and arranged as longitudinal and horizontal elements to produce three types of auxetic structures: (1) basic re-entrant...

Commercial stents, especially metallic ones, present several disadvantages, and this gives rise to the necessity of producing stents with different materials, like natural polymers, in order to improve their biocompatibility and minimize the disadvantages of metallic ones. Another way to improve the biocompatibility and create a stent with less thr...

This chapter presents an overview of different types of composite reinforcements (fibres, textiles, nanofibres, nanotubes, particles, etc.) with special properties like piezoresistivity, self-sensing property, self-healing capability, conductivity, electromagnetic shielding, heat generation, and so on. The properties of reinforced polymers and comp...

This book focuses on the fibers and textiles used in composite materials. It presents both existing technologies currently used in commercial applications and the latest advanced research and developments. It also discusses the different fiber forms and architectures, such as short fibers, unidirectional tows, directionally oriented structures or a...

This book collects selected high quality articles submitted to the 2nd International Conference on Natural Fibers (ICNF2015). A wide range of topics is covered related to various aspects of natural fibres such as agriculture, extraction and processing, surface modification and functionalization, advanced structures, nano fibres, composites and nano...

Braiding is a very old textile manufacturing technique and is being traditionally used for many years to produce ropes, shoe laces, cables, and so on. Recently, this technology is getting special attention in various technical fields, such as medical, aerospace industries, civil engineering, transportation, and others, due to its ability to produce...

This chapter presents an overview of braided composites. Different types of braided composites and their advantages and applications are briefly discussed. Production routes of both thermosetting and thermoplastic braided composites are presented, and various properties such as in-plane mechanical properties, shear performance, crashworthiness, fri...

This chapter discusses about the life cycle assessment (LCA) of cotton textiles and clothing. A brief introduction will be provided about the present production scenario of cotton fibre and textiles and their different application areas. Issues related to sustainability of cotton textiles and the importance as well as methodology of LCA used for th...

In spite of all innovations in stent design, commonly used metallic stents present several problems such as corrosion, infection and restenosis, leading to health complications or even death of patients. In this context, the present paper reports a systematic investigation on designing and development of 100% fibre based stents, which can eliminate...

Carbon footprint is an important ecological parameter representing the amount of greenhouse gas emission due to production and use of different materials. Being produced in one of the biggest industries in the word, textile and clothing materials are responsible for high energy usage and significant carbon footprint. In this context, this chapter p...