Cement penetrability is a key factor in multifilament cement composites. However, the modes of action and the concepts vary because of brittle and ductile fibers. In the case of brittle fibers such as glass, high penetrability of cement products in between the bundle filaments can lead to brittle composite behavior, and therefore addition in ductility is required. In order to have efficient bundle action and high bonding, fillers can be introduced in between the glass filaments, keeping the telescopic mode of failure but at the same time improving the bond and stress transfer within the filaments of the bundle, even at late ages, resulting in a ductile and high strength composite. On the other hand, ductile fibers such as polypropylene (PP), which also developing low bonding with the cement matrix, result in ductile cement composite but with relatively low strength. Therefore, in this case good penetrability of the cement in between the filaments of the bundle is essential in order to maximize the reinforcing efficiency of the bundle by improving bond. The penetrability of the matrix into a fabric structure and especially in between the bundle filaments made up the fabric is a result of fiber- matrix compatibility, which depends on: level of opening and spaces between the filaments, bundle surface properties including wetting and chemical affinity to the cement matrix, matrix viscosity, processing of the composite, and the nature of the fabric junctions and the resulting tightening effects of the bundle, i.e., influenced by the fabric structure itself.

The adoption of Blockchain technology looks promising in many areas. However, it is still a relatively new area of research, and implementations are not entirely free of challenges. This study focuses on the potential benefits of blockchain adoption in the public sector, with the potential to enhance democratic processes. Blockchain technology is, by design, apt at managing several significant challenges regarding communication and security in digital networks. This includes maintaining data integrity, enhancing security and privacy, and to mitigate fraud and manipulation. Possible issues that might arise when applied to the public sector is regarding law and regulation compliance. To cover the current state of the field, an exploratory literature review has been conducted. Among the results are several interesting blockchain projects around the world with emphasis on civic dialogue. Studying possible network architectures it appears that Hyperledger Fabric is the most prominent when it comes to implementations in the public sector. Based on this study, and on input from experts within the field, a proposed model that could be implemented and tested on a smaller scale is presented. The purpose is to record and track expenditures on public sector projects and make them available to the public. / Antagandet av Blockchain-teknik ser lovande ut på många områden. Det är dock fortfarande ett relativt nytt forskningsområde, och implementeringar är inte helt fria från utmaningar. Denna studie fokuserar på de potentiella fördelarna med blockchain-tillämpningar i den offentliga sektorn, och dess potential att förbättra demokratiska processer. Blockchain-tekniken är designad för att hantera flera viktiga utmaningar när det gäller kommunikation och säkerhet i digitala nätverk. Detta inkluderar upprätthållande av dataintegritet, förbättrad säkerhet och integritet för att minska risken för bedrägerier och manipulation. Möjliga problem som kan uppstå när de tillämpas på den offentliga sektorn handlar om efterlevnad av lagar och förordningar. För att täcka fältets nuvarande tillstånd har en undersökande litteraturstudie genomförts. Bland resultaten finns flera intressanta blockchain-projekt runt om i världen med tonvikt på medborgardialog. När man studerar möjliga nätverksarkitekturer verkar det som att Hyperledger Fabric är den mest framträdande när det gäller implementeringar i den offentliga sektorn. Baserat på denna studie och på input från experter inom området presenteras en föreslagen modell som kan implementeras och testas i mindre skala. Syftet är att registrera och spåra utgifter för projekt inom den offentliga sektorn och göra dem tillgängliga för allmänheten.

Juxtaposing in art and design is a commonly used method of creating something new by recomposing already existing elements. The hybrid outcome allows the spectator to re-evaluate the elements merged, and the new relationship set up between them. Hybrids is an attempt to find such meetings through investigating possible material combinations through a series of fabric manipulating techniques, with the aim to generate volume and expression. Parts of the development, with emphasis on print making, have been conducted in a generative methodological way, using randomization and the computer as an autonomous co-creator. Two fabric manipulating techniques were developed during the course of the work; laser cutting mesh and combining stretchy with stiff materials. The common feature of these techniques is their ability to transform from 2D to 3D. Hybrids questions the hierarchy of the traditional fashion design process where form dictates the choice of material. Instead, material comes first, while form relating to body follows. The result is expressive and bold, positioning itself at the intersection of fashion and textile design.

Reconfigurable computing architectures combine the flexibility of software with the performance of custom hardware. Such architectures are of particular interest at the nanoscale level. We argue that a bottom-up self-assembled fabric of nodes will be easier and cheaper to manufacture, however, one has to make compromises with regards to the device regularity, homogeneity, and reliability. The goal of this thesis is to evaluate the performance and cost of a self-configurable computing architecture composed of simple reconfigurable nodes for unstructured and unknown fabrics. We built a software and hardware framework for this purpose. The framework enables creating an irregular network of compute nodes where each node can be configured as a simple 2-input, 4-bit logic gate. The compute nodes are organized hierarchically by sending a packet through a top anchor node that recruits compute nodes with a chemically-inspired algorithm. The nodes are then self-configured by means of a gate-level netlist describing any digital logic circuit. A topology-agnostic optimization algorithm inspired by simulated annealing is then initiated to self-optimize the circuit for latency. Latency comparisons between non-optimized, brute-force optimized and our optimization algorithm are made. We further implement the architecture in VHDL and evaluate hardware cost, area, and energy consumption. The simple on-chip topology-agnostic optimization algorithm we propose results in a significant (up to 50\%) performance improvement compared to the non-optimized circuits. Our findings are of particular interest for emerging nano and molecular-scale circuits.

No description available.

Technologies that facilitate reusing and recycling printed textile products will contribute to achieving a circular textile industry. This project was done in collaboration with Vividye, a company developing a technology to create removable textile prints to be able to extend the lifespan of screen-printed textile products without affecting their quality. The technology involves several steps, including re-formulating printing paste and using a treatment to remove the print. This particular treatment consists of the use of different organic solvents. The aim of this project was to evaluate the effect of four organic solvent treatments, which are of interest to the company, on the physical and sensorial properties of conventional cotton (CO) and polyester (PET) knitted fabrics. Three cycles of the treatment were evaluated. Significant changes in yarn and fabric properties, such as tension and thickness, were found after the treatment, also for fabric sensorial properties, such as stiffness, softness, and smoothness. The behavior was different for each type of material which can be attributed to the affinity between the polymer and the solvent and the polymer, yarn, and fabric structure that facilitates the swelling. The properties assessed within this project can be related to the fabric's quality and feel. Therefore, it can be an essential factor in the user's preferences or influence the material's printability.

In this study we looked into an existing textile baby stroller seat and investigated whether there can be any advantage in changing the material to a spacer fabric from perspectives such as functionality, comfort, and sustainability. The subject of 3D knitting, and advanced knitting is being researched more and more because of its versatility in producing and changing parameters of knitted high quality products, but there is a lack of studies done on comfort for children when it comes to knitted spacer fabrics and not many studies have been done on spacer fabrics used for baby seats in strollers or other types of seats for children. A reason for further development and research in the area of 3D knitting is that it could be giving products a better appearance, functionality or potential for more sustainable pro-duction which could lead to better possibilities of producing more attractive advanced textile products. This could in turn make the producer more attractive among customers as well as stand out more amongst competitors on the market. Recently there has been attention on the use of warp knitted spacer fabrics in the application of cushioning to protect against impact. Thermoregulation, compression, air permeability and good energy absorption are some characteristics of spacer fabrics which are being further investigated in this study (Gokarneshan 2015). Another reason for further investigation of spacer fabrics, and their good cushioning properties, in child products is that it was shown in a previous study that children who are transported in carriers for bicycles are exposed to more vibration compared to children who are transported in automotive rides (Rothhamel 2023). A reason for examining the possibilities of replacing polyurethane foam with spacer fabric is that PU foams generally have lower air permeability in com-bination with higher heat resistance which can lead to problems regarding comfort. (Gokarneshan 2015). Testing of different spacer fabric samples was carried out based on air permeability, burst strength, and moisture management. These tests were then evaluated to determine the optimal parameters of a spacer fabric for increased comfort and functionality in an outdoor child product. Other tests that were carried out were specific tests for child products such bite test, finger probe test, and pulling test to examine the safety of each sample. We concluded that the optimal spacer fabric should be constructed of polyester rather than cotton to have as good wicking properties as possible. The fabric should have one side of the spacer fabric that does not consist of mesh so that the requirements from the finger probe test will be fulfilled. The other side of the spacer fabric should be constructed of a mesh structure to ensure good properties of air permeability. The holes should, however, not be too big since this might be less comfortable against the skin. The mesh structure recommended for this purpose is a hexagonal mesh which results in both good permeability of both water and air flow. The fabric should also be constructed with a multifilament for the spacer yarn for safety reasons.

This paper presents MusiCushions, a set of interactive sofa cushions used as an interface to music. Built on physical affordances of sofa cushions and e-textile technology, the artefact is used to explore how an e-textile interface can be used for music interaction at home. Challenges in prototyping e-textile interfaces would also be identified. Three cushions are prototyped with off-the-shelf e-textile and electronic components: in one cushion, its case is explored as an interactive surface; another cushion explores the softness and how it can be easily pressed; and the last cushion explores its portability. The set is then mapped to music interaction in two scenarios: as a remote control to a music player and as a musical instrument to control a synthesizer. Evaluation is conducted in two focus group discussions involving students in Media Technology. It is concluded that MusiCushions could be received as a new way to control media such as music player at home, with broader possible use to interact with other services and objects. As a musical instrument, however, it might not be accepted due to the lack of precision control. / Den här studien handlar om MusiCushions, ett set med interaktiva soffkuddar som används som ett gränssnitt för interaktion med musik. De är utvecklade baserat på soffkuddars fysiska affordances och teknologier för e-textil och används för att undersöka hur ett e-textilt gränssnitt kan användas för att interagera med musik i hemmet. Utmaningar som kan komma att uppstå när man utvecklar ett gränssnitt av e-textil är också identifierade. Tre soffkuddar utvecklades med off-the-shelf elektronik och komponenter för e-textil: en kudde undersöker möjligheten att använda dess fodral som en interaktiv yta; en annan undersöker kuddens fysiska egenskaper, att den är mjuk och enkelt kan pressas ihop, medan den tredje är baserad på att den är enkel att flytta runt. Kuddarna är sedan mappade till två olika scenarier där man interagerar med musik: som en kontroll att styra musik med och som ett musikaliskt instrument. Kuddarna är sedan testade i två olika fokusgrupper där studenter från medieteknik deltar. Av denna studie kan slutsatsen dras att MusiCushions kan användas som ett nytt sätt att kontrollera musik på och det finns även möjlighet att integrera dem med andra tjänster och objekt. Däremot är de inte uppskattade som ett musikaliskt instrument, då interaktionen med det textila gränssnittet saknar precision.

Silt fence is one of the most widely used perimeter control devices and is considered an industry standard for use in the control of sediment transport from construction sites. Numerous research studies have been conducted on the use of silt fence as a perimeter control, including a number of studies involving controlled laboratory flume tests and outdoor tests performed in the field on construction sites with actual monitored storm events. In field tests, due to the random and uncontrollable nature of real storm events and field conditions, studies have shown difficulty in evaluating silt fence performance. These field studies have shown the need for performance testing of silt fence in a more controlled environment, which can also simulate the actual use and performance in the field. This research, which is a continuation of ongoing research on silt fence fabrics at UCF Stormwater and Management Academy, was conducted in order to evaluate silt fence performance under simulated field conditions. Presented in this thesis are evaluation of two silt fence fabrics, a woven (ASR 1400) fabric and nonwoven (BSRF) fabric. Both fabrics were installed separately on a tilted test bed filled with a silty-sand soil and subjected to simulated rainfall. Previous field studies on the performance of silt fence fabrics have evaluated the turbidity and sediment removal efficiencies only after the rain event, with the assumption that the efficiency values represent the true overall performance of silt fence. The results of this study revealed that the turbidity and suspended sediment performance efficiencies of silt fence were significantly affected by the time of sampling. The performance efficiencies during rainfall remained less than 55 percent, however, after the rainfall event ended, the performance efficiencies increased over time, reaching performance efficiency upwards of 90 percent. The increase in efficiency after rainfall was due to the constant or decreasing ponding depth behind the silt fence, increased filtration due to fabric clogging, and sedimentation of suspended particles. The nonwoven fabric was found to achieve higher removal efficiencies and flow-through rates both during and after the rain event when compared with the woven fabric. However, over the entire test duration (during and after rainfall combined), the projected overall efficiencies of both fabrics were similar. The projected overall average turbidity performance efficiencies of the woven and nonwoven silt fence fabrics was 80 and 78 percent, respectively. Both fabric types also achieved comparable overall average suspended sediment concentration efficiencies of 79 percent. This result leads to the conclusion that silt fence performance in the field is dependent on three main processes: filtration efficiency occurring during the rain event, filtration and sedimentation efficiency occurring after the rainfall event, and flow-through rate of the silt fence fabrics. Decreases in the flow-through rate lead to increases in the overall efficiency. This thesis quantifies the different mechanisms by which these processes contribute to the overall efficiency of the silt fence system and shows how these processes are affected by different conditions such as the degree of embankment slope and rainfall intensity.

Amid growing environmental concern and continuous depletion of natural resources (such as water), the textile industry is constantly searching for sustainable production process. Traditional dyeing processes, notorious for their enormous water consumption, have led society to search alternative dyeing method. Super critical carbon dioxide (scCO2), emerging as a promising dyeing medium shows a potential solution to mitigate water utilization, consequently raising sustainable textile material wet processing. As this innovative technology characterize by its waterless nature, no effluents are generated and conserves enormous amount of water, energy while increasing productivity. Although it has attained commercial focus in polyester fabric dyeing, the imperative remains to reduce energy demand during dyeing process including commercially available dyes. As a result, the optimization of dyeing conditions assumes crucial importance, broadening the feasibility of these eco-friendly dyeing techniques. The objective of this thesis work is to find out the optimum dyeing conditions of polyester (PET) fabric dyeing with an azo disperse dye (Corangar orange PE3330) utilizing supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2) as a dyeing medium. The investigation aims to unravel the dynamic correlation withing scCO2 dyeing conditions and dye performance. To conduct this study, comprehensive methodology employing a statistical design of two-level three-factor (23) full factorial design was adopted. The studied factors enclose temperature, pressure and dyeing durations, enclosing ranges of 80-1200C, 10-25Mpa and 1-2 hours respectively. Dye concentration was kept constant at 0.2%. The study looks for individual conditions of studied parameters and their impacts on color strength (K/S). Moreover, an analysis of color fastness attributes, comprising washing, sublimation, rubbing and extraction, is carried out. The statistical analysis shows that the prominence of pressure and temperature as the principal factors in scCO2 dyeing medium. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis proves the negligible morphological transition in PET fabric following dyeing (crystallinity % for dyed and undyed fabric is 28.80 and 28.42% respectively). Findings also shows that comparable color properties to the traditional standard of PET fabric can be obtained by adapting dyeing pressure (20Mpa) and time (1 hour) while keeping the dyeing temperature (1200C). The findings concluded that satisfactory color strength (K/S) and color fastness related to the standard scCO2 dyeing process can be obtain with reduced energy and pressure. The outcome of this study subtle the relationship between temperature, pressure, and time towards color strength (K/S) and color fastness properties. Nonetheless, investigation of this study remained confined to laboratory-scale and for the purpose to upscale this finding for commercial use, it is crucial to carry out rigorous industrial trials.