Effect of different mercerization techniques on tactile comfort of cotton fabric

The effect of different mercerization techniques on tactile comfort properties of woven cotton fabric has been studied.Desized, scoured and bleached cotton fabrics are subjected to four different mercerization treatments at two levels oftemperature (20C and 65C) under two different conditions (tension and slack). Non-mercerized fabric is served as control.Results show that mercerization treatments improve the tensile strength of cotton fabrics owing to reduced fibre crystallinityafter mercerization. Highest increase in tensile strength is observed in case of hot mercerization in slack condition. Increasein low-stress mechanical properties, such as tensile energy, bending rigidity and shear rigidity values, indicates higherstiffness/toughness of mercerized fabrics. This is further reflected in their high Koshi (stiffness/firmness), low Sofutosa(softness) and medium Fukurami (fullness) values. However, mercerization causes significant decrease in frictionalcoefficient and surface roughness, and results in improved total hand value (THV). Total hand values range from 3 to 3.61;with highest being presented by fabric mercerized under hot and slack conditions. High hand value indicates fair suitabilityof this fabric in wear comfort

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Not AvailableIn this work, nano-fibrillated cellulose (NFC) with a diameter in the range of 50 to 200 nm was prepared from bleached cotton linter pulp by a combination of enzymatic and mechanical processes. To circumvent the problem of high energy consumption during mechanical processes, pretreatment with cellulase enzyme was carried out and achieved 27% energy reduction. A custom-designed recirculation setup was used with a Tri-Disc Refiner for repeated refining of the pulp. The crystallinity of the raw material (83.3%) was reduced to 81.0% in the final product (NFC) due to shearing and cutting actions involved in the processing steps (pulping, beating and refining), as could be assessed by XRDanalysis. The stages of fibrillation and their corresponding size reduction were demonstrated by SEM analysis. The resultant NFC has potential applications in papers, electronics, pharmaceuticals, fuel cells and fertilizers.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe mechanical properties of both brown and green coconut husk were evaluated by using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). Different auxiliary tools were employed for gripping and mounting the peculiar shaped coconut husk on to the machine. Tensile and compression test (both in longitudinal and transverse direction), tear strength, and U-bend test of the husk were carried out. Husk offered maximum resistance in longitudinal direction of tensile load and in the transverse direction for compression load. Husk disintegration is easy in longitudinal direction. The green husk was found stable to deformation and resilient as compared to brown husk, thus needing less beating force for fiber disintegration.ICAR-CIRCO

Development of Greaseproof Paper from Banana Pseudostem Fiber for Packaging of Butter

A study was undertaken to make greaseproof packaging paper using banana pseudostem fiber. Kraft pulp produced from banana fiber was beaten to the freeness of 60°SR and 70°SR, and handsheets (40 ± 1 g/m2) produced were coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (3% and 5% w/v) and sodium alginate (3% and 5% w/v). Handsheets were compared based on differences in their mechanical (tensile index and bursting strength) and barrier properties (contact angle, grease resistance, and air resistance). Significant differences among the treatment were found for all the responses studied. Results obtained for ‘turpentine oil test’ showed that handsheets made at 70°SR and subsequently coated with 3% and 5% carboxymethyl cellulose had grease resistance properties. It was observed that handsheets (70°SR) coated with 5% carboxymethyl cellulose possess maximum tensile index (65.00 ± 3.46 Nm/g), burst strength (3.76 ± 0.21 kg/cm2), contact angle (41.27 ± 0.45º), and air resistance (29.95 ± 0.38 s/100 ml). However, if the amount of coating absorbed per unit area of the sheet is taken into consideration, handsheets produced with 70ºSR pulp freeness in combination with 3% carboxymethyl cellulose coating seem to be more efficient and can be used for packaging of butter

An Extensive Survey on Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Record Systems

Healthcare systems around the world are beset by problems due to the lack of effective communication. Significant problems relating to patient medical records access, transition, and storage have persisted due to the lack of resources to adequately interact and track records between all main participants. To overcome this challenge, a nationwide Electronic Health Record (EHR) solution may be utilized. To further enhance EHR efficiency, Blockchain technology can be used to improve security, performance, and cost. In this survey, various literature proposing Blockchain-based EHR systems are discussed, along with their benefits and potential research gaps. Also Authors proposed a comprehensive architecture that could bridge all the gaps.</p