Salwa Mowafi’s research while affiliated with National Centre for Agricultural Research and other places

This work aims to extraction of valuable cellulosic biomaterials namely; carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carbon quantum dots (CQDs) from agriculture cellulosic waste (agro wastes) via economically and ecofriendly single-step method. CMC and CQDs were then mixed with nylon-6 to get suitable composite solutions that electro-spun into nano-fibers (NFs) by using nozzle-less electrospinneret. The obtained functional NFs were applied in adsorption and capturing of dye molecules and heavy metal cation from the contaminated water. The morphological structure of the obtained NFs was investigated by SEM. Chemical and thermal properties of the obtained NFs were studied by FT IR, T GA, and DSC. Depending on their composition, the capacities of the prepared NFs to capture Cr as well as to adsorb cationic dye were examined. Results of this study show the higher efficiency of the prepared cellulosic biomaterial/nylon-6 NFs to adsorb and capture dye molecules and Cr reached to about 86% and 93%; respectively

The dyeing process is an important part of the textile industry, where a broad spectrum of dyes, including synthetic and natural dyes, is applied to improve the product’s appearance and performance attributes. In order to avoid the environmental pollution that occurred from using synthetic dyes, there is a rapid movement towards natural dyes due to their eco-friendliness, non-toxicity, low cost, biodegradability, and antimicrobial properties. This work aims at extracting the coloring materials from the Azollapinnata plant via water or ethanolic extraction. Both extracted powders were utilized for the simulation dyeing and finishing of wool and silk fabrics at different pH values for 1 h at 90°C. The antioxidant properties and the ferric-reducing power of the aforementioned extracts were examined. FTIR was used to study the chemical structure of both the extracted colorant and the dyed substrates. The color intensity, fastness properties, and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of the dyed wool and natural silk fabrics were evaluated. The protection of the dyed fabrics against pathogenic microorganisms, besides the antioxidant properties of the extracted colorant, was also examined. The results show the successful dyeing of wool and natural silk fabrics by Azollapinnata extracts with a novel cumin color with high UV protection, antimicrobial activity, and antioxidant properties. The thermal behavior of the treated fabric was not highly affected as declared by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

This article review is devoted to throw the light on the unique characteristics of keratin- and sericin-based electro-spun nanofibers which make them suitable for various applications in different fields. The principles of electro-spinning together with the various devices usually used to fabricate nanofibers are also highlighted. The chemistry of keratin and sericin bio-polymers and the methods of extraction from their respective natural resources, such as wool and natural silk fibers, were criticized. Blending of keratin or sericin with various natural and synthetic polymeric materials to improve their rheological properties to obtain electro-spinnable composite suitable for production of functional nano-fibrous mat was discussed. Incorporation of nanosized metals and metal oxides as well as bioactive materials into keratin and sericin-based electro-spun nanofibers imparts new functions to the produced nanofibres. The utilization of these functional nano-fibrous mats in biomedical, filtration and smart textile applications was illustrated. The current status and future prospects of the electro-spun nanofibers were highlighted.

Crossbred wool is widely used in the textile and clothing fields. Nevertheless, the surface roughness of crossbred wool fabric is higher than that of Merino wool. Herein we propose a reactive nonionic softener (RNS) based on fatty acid (FA) and 2-amino-2-methyl propane diol (AMPD) to impart desirable multi-functions for crossbred wool fabric, such as improved smoothness, enhanced wettability, and induced resistance to felting shrinkage. Adopting the pad-dry-cure method, treatment of wool with the said softener was carried out using different concentrations of FA/AMPD condensate at different curing temperatures and durations. The results showed that the highest fabric surface smoothness was attained when wool fabric was treated with 3.5% (o.w.f.) RNS, and the curing temperature and time were 130 °C and 5 min, respectively. The surface smoothness of the treated fabric and its resistance to felting shrinkage were increased by 21.7% and 90% respectively. The effects of treatment of wool with the RNS on its bending stiffness, air and water permeability, yellowness, electrostatic charge, and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were monitored. The reaction mechanism between the used RNS and wool was studied using FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopic investigation showed a layer of the used RNS on the surface of the treated fabric. The finished fabric retained its air permeability and dyeability with anionic dye. The imparted fabric smoothness was find to be durable against washing until 5 washing cycles, and decreased by 5.5% of after 10 washing cycles respectively.

A new sustainable and environmentally benign approach was developed for multifunctional natural fabric/fiber surfaces for healthcare and technical textiles applications. This approach is to explore, identify and evaluate the bioactive compounds extracted from Hibiscus flowers by different solvents as a potential benign agent for multifunctional natural fabrics/fibers via three different designs. In the first design, a novel green route to producing multifunctional cotton gauze fabrics was adopted. In this design, the silver nanoparticles were simultaneously synthesized and deposited on the cotton gauze fabrics through in situ synthesis using silver nitrate and Hibiscus flower extract without further additives. The second design was focused on the application of Hibiscus flower extract for simultaneous coloration and bioactive functionalization of wool fibers. In the third design, cotton fabrics were dyed with Hibiscus flower extract were used to create an eco-friendly, reversible pH sensor. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermal analysis were used to investigate the chemical and thermal properties of the treated fabrics/fibers. Coloration, sensor properties, and protective properties against pathogenic microorganisms and UV radiation, as well as antioxidant properties, were evaluated in treated fabrics.