Browsing by Author "Gunasekara, USW"

Now showing 1 - 5 of 5

item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Design & development of a textile based structure made from discarded polyester textured yarns for oil-water separation
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, 2023-08-31) Nissanka, NPD; Rajapaksha, HPSD; Gunasekara, USW; Fernando, DODP; Nandasiri, GK; Niles, SN; Nandasiri, GK; Pathirana, M; Madhurangi, C
Filtration textiles are not simply appropriate for oil spills since they need to collect polluted water before separating the oil. To overcome the identified problem, a sorbent textile structure is developed in this project. A textile-based structure is developed using discarded Polyester textured yam waste to remove spilled oil from the surface of water and reduce the environmental damage occurred by oil spill accidents. Reusing waste polyester yarn from yam processing mills for a practical solution is an environmentally friendly strategy. Due to the lack of structural integrity of yarn waste, it was decided to use the polyester textured yarns as a filling material by using the outer netting material as polypropylene (PP) leno mesh which are used as packing materials (generally referred as onion bags). In order to make the sorbent hydrophobic, few approaches were chosen. The effectiveness of the final prototype sorbent was assessed by conducting tests on oil sorption and oil-water selectivity.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Developing fibre-reinforced cement paving blocks as a method of fiber waste disposal
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, 2023-08-31) Baines, DM; Bogodawaththa, PBH; Gunasekara, USW; Gamage, DL; Niles, SN; Nandasiri, GK; Pathirana, M; Madhurangi, C
The textile industry contributes significantly to global environmental pollution, generating over 110 million tons of waste annually [1], with severe consequences for the environment. Out of Textile and apparel waste, when Textile waste fibers are considered, both pre-consumer and post-consumer wastes, present a massive challenge. Despite the potential for recycling, the rates remain low [2]. In this project, the focus is on repurposing textile waste fibers as a reinforcement material for pedestrian walkway paving blocks, addressing both waste management and paving block performance. By utilizing polyester waste fibers and recycled polyester waste fibers, the study aims to create a new market for fiber waste, benefiting multiple industries and the environment. The project's significance lies in reducing the environmental impact of the textile fiber-related industry in Sri Lanka, where textile waste is a major problem. However, challenges in recycling certain fiber types exist, and more research is needed to optimize the process and improve the performance and durability of fiber-reinforced cement paving blocks. Implementing this approach can lead to a circular economy, reduced waste management costs, and decreased greenhouse gas emissions.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Feasibility study on the utilization of lotus fibers as a textile raw materials
Jegatheesan, K; Gunasekara, USW
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant and grows abundantly in Sri Lanka. Stalks and roots of this plant contain fine silky fibres. To utilize this fibre as a textile raw material, properties of locally available fibres have to be analyzed to ascertain whether the properties of these fibres meet the end use requirement of textile material. Analyzing the properties of lotus fibre is a prime requirement to determine the feasibility of utilizing of Lotus fibres as a textile raw material. In order to study the physical and chemical properties of lotus fibres, the fibres were extracted by manual method and subjected to relevant testing in order to confirm their suitability in textile applications. Fibre identification methods such as microscopical analysis, chemical resistance properties and fibre density were tested and found the results were similar to other cellulosic fibres. In addition to that, major physical properties such as fibre length, tensile strength, fibre diameter, water absorbent property and moisture regain were tested and found that the test results are superior to cotton fibres such as moisture regain 12.3% and fibre fineness 4.39 um. Fibres were pretreated by scouring and bleaching processes and the properties of water absorbance, dyeability and colour fastness were compared with cotton fibres and found to be similar. It was identified that the properties of lotus fibre is suitable to use as a textile raw material and the textile materials produced from lotus fibre will satisfy the end user requirements.
item: Conference-Abstract
Investigation on antimicrobial properties of biopolymers applied to single-use pet
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, 2023-08-31) Cooray, BRU; Assalaarachchi, DSAM; Gunasekara, USW; Niles, SN; Nandasiri, GK; Pathirana, M; Madhurangi, C
The increasing use of plastic in various applications has led to significant environmental concerns, particularly with the disposal of single-use plastic. Using heavy metals as antimicrobial agents and single-use plastics generate negative environmental impacts, including coral diseases, skin irritation, nonbiodegradability, and the potential for bioaccumulation. This work presents an experimental study of the antimicrobial activity of biopolymers embedded into electro-spun PET nanofiber mats. This project aimed to identify the antimicrobial activity of Chitosan and Curcumin electro spun with PET. Electro spun PET/ Chitosan and PET/ Curcumin nanomembranes consisted of fiber diameters in the range of 100 - 150 nm. The antimicrobial activity was measured using the quantitative standard test method AATCC 100. For this method, both gram-positive (Staphylococcus Aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria were used. The experimental findings revealed that the PET/Chitosan membrane exhibited a significantly higher bacteria reduction rate compared to PET/Curcumin, with reduction percentage of bacteria was 58% and 52%, respectively. The PET/Chitosan membrane displayed impressive effectiveness in combating Staphylococcus aureus, achieving a notably higher reduction in bacterial count. Furthermore, when exposed to a temperature of 260°C to assess their industrial viability, both samples displayed encouraging results in their ability to combat the tested bacteria. The chitosan sample exhibited significantly greater activity compared to the Curcumin sample. These findings underscore the PET/Chitosan membrane's potential as a valuable antimicrobial option and indicate the beneficial impact of elevated temperature on the antimicrobial characteristics of these materials, paving the way for potential commercial production.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Towards the development of a super absorbent textile structure for enhanced absorption
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, 2023-08-31) Wijewardhane, NMNG; Gunasekara, USW; Nandasiri, GK; Niles, SN; Nandasiri, GK; Pathirana, M; Madhurangi, C
Super absorbent textile materials are materials that have been developed to have the ability to absorb and hold large amounts of liquid in comparison to their own weight. The super-absorbent textile structure is a type of textile that incorporates super-absorbent polymers (SAPs) into its fibers or yarns[1]. Superabsorbent textiles can be produced in various ways. The properties of super absorbent textiles can be further enhanced by incorporating other functional materials, such as antimicrobial agents, into the fibers or yarns. The amount of time it takes for the sample to absorb a specific volume of distilled or deionized water involves the determination of the absorption capacity of the material. The hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of certain materials is mainly influenced by the chemical groups that are present[3]. However, the capillary radius and water viscosity of a textile structure determine its absorbency and wicking ability.