These alternative materials must still perform satisfactorily, in applications that cause them to be subjected to high and fluctuating stresses, and frequently harsh environmental conditions.
As with any manufacturing innovation, a large amount of research takes place during development, and the end product must go through a quality control process to assess its physical properties. Whether its ensuring shoes have the stitching integrity to remain intact, plant-based leathers have comparative burst strength to animal leathers or glued joints provide an adequate adhesion strength, the correct measurement will ensure product expectations are met.
What are the new material and product ideas in leather and textile product research, development and production and how can a Texture Analyser be applied?
The leather and textile industries are constantly evolving, integrating sustainability, technological advancements, and novel materials. Here are some of the newer ingredient and product ideas in leather and textile research, development, and production and a typical academic reference to show how the Texture Analyser has already being applied:
- Vegan or Bio-based Leather: This includes leather made from mushrooms (mycelium), pineapple fibres (Piñatex), and lab-grown leather using yeast, bacteria, and other microorganisms.
Example: Study of the physicochemical and mechanical stability of an edible leather of mango (Mangifera indica) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) pulp - Smart Textiles: Textiles embedded with technology such as sensors, LEDs, and conductive fibres for wearables and health monitoring.
Example: Fabrication and evaluation of a conductive polymer coated elastomer contact structure for woven electronic textile - Recycled Textiles: Using recycled PET bottles, discarded fishing nets, and other waste materials to produce new fabrics.
Example: Studies on development of adhesive material from post-consumer (waste) expanded polystyrene: a two-edged sword approach - 3D Knitting: Computer-controlled knitting machines create garments directly, reducing waste.
Example: The determinant role of fabrication technique in final characteristics of scaffolds for tissue engineering applications: A focus on silk fibroin-based scaffolds - Self-healing Fabrics: Materials that can repair minor damages on their own.
Example: Waterborne organic silicone polyurethane with excellent self-healing performance for oil/water-separation and oil-recovery applications - Shape Memory Alloys in Textiles: Textiles that can change shape in response to various stimuli, e.g., temperature.
Example: In search of the optimal conditions to process shape memory alloys (NiTi) using fused filament fabrication (FFF) - Nano-textiles: Using nanotechnology to impart properties like water repellence, UV protection, antimicrobial effects, and self-cleaning.
Example: In vitro and in vivo study of novel antimicrobial gellan–polylysine polyion complex fibres as suture materials - Natural Dye Processes: Using sustainable, non-toxic natural dyes derived from plants, insects, or minerals.
Example: Ionic liquid and ultrasound-assisted extraction of chestnut shell pigment with good hair dyeing capability - Spider Silk & Bio-Synthetics: Bio-engineered silk proteins that can be produced by yeast, bacteria, or other microorganisms.
Example: Silk fibroin/hydroxyapatite composite membranes: Production, characterization and toxicity evaluation - Lab-Grown Leather: Bio-fabricated leather produced using cellular agriculture, without the need to raise and slaughter animals.
- E-textiles: Fabrics embedded with electronics, sensors, and conductive threads for functionalities beyond traditional textiles.
- Phase Change Materials (PCMs): Materials that absorb, store, or release heat as they change phase, integrated into textiles for temperature regulation.
The world of leather and textiles is seeing a shift towards more sustainable and technologically advanced solutions. As research progresses, the industry will likely continue to evolve, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation.
Using a Texture Analyser in leather and textile development
Texture Analysers can be crucial in assessing the physical properties of leather and textiles. Here’s how they can be applied:
In leather and textile product research and development (R&D), the Texture Analyser plays a pivotal role in comprehensively assessing and refining the properties of materials. Tensile strength measurements offer insights into fabric strength under pulling forces, a key determinant of durability. Tear resistance evaluations quantify the force needed to initiate or propagate a tear in fabrics, providing valuable information about material robustness.
Elasticity and stretchability analyses focus on understanding the stretch and recovery characteristics of elastomeric fibres or fabrics. Flexural rigidity testing measures fabric stiffness during bending, offering insights into drape and comfort aspects. Abrasion resistance examinations delve into material wear resistance against repetitive rubbing, a critical factor in longevity. Pilling resistance evaluations gauge the propensity of fibres to form pills on the fabric surface, a consideration for maintaining appearance over time. Shear and drapability analyses determine fabric behaviour under shear forces, influencing drape and tactile feel. Peel strength assessments address laminated textiles or leather, measuring the bond strength between layers. Compressibility studies cater to padded textiles or leather goods, assessing material responses to compressive forces. Frictional properties examination delves into textile touch and interaction with various surfaces, encompassing factors like smoothness and slipperiness.
By collaborating with other testing methodologies, the Texture Analyser contributes to a holistic understanding of material performance. The insights gained from these evaluations guide formulation adjustments, ensuring leather and textile products meet desired performance criteria, elevating durability, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. Incorporating texture analysis into the R&D of leather and textiles ensures that these materials meet the desired tactile and mechanical specifications. This is paramount not only for ensuring quality but also for optimising the user's comfort and experience.
Typical leather product test and resulting graph
Request an article about how to apply a Texture Analyser to leather and textile testing.
There is a Texture Analysis test for virtually any physical property. Contact Stable Micro Systems today to learn more about our full range of solutions.
For more information on how to measure texture, please visit the Texture Analysis Properties section on our website.
The TA.XTplusC texture analyser is part of a family of texture analysis instruments and equipment from Stable Micro Systems. An extensive portfolio of specialist attachments is available to measure and analyse the textural properties of a huge range of food products. Our technical experts can also custom design instrument fixtures according to individual specifications.
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