An object of the present invention is to provide a method capable of producing a protein fiber in which shrinkage at the time of first contact with moisture after production is more reliably suppressed and generation of crimp is also suppressed. A method for producing a protein fiber according to the present invention includes: a pre-shrinking step of shrinking a protein fibril in a relaxed state after drawing and before being wound; a winding step of winding the protein fibril subjected to the pre-shrinking step to obtain a wound product; and a post-shrinking step of shrinking the protein fibril subjected to the winding step in a relaxed state.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and methods for producing a high-performance camouflage and thermal management composite fabric textile systems. The systems comprise woven and non-woven composite fabrics consisting of layers for thermal and electromagnetic wave propagation as well as human thermal emission control. The systems incorporate thermal plastic insulation, felt insulation, electromagnetic wave absorption materials, electromagnetic wave propagation and thermal emission control elements, and camouflage pigment patterns. Dots containing encapsulated metallic particulates enable omni-spectral electromagnetic wave and thermal radiation signature manipulation and control as well as cost-effective manufacturing. Single blended textile processed via needle punching produces hair/fur-like protrusions made from a multilayer fabric composition having EM wave and thermal radiation control elements. The protrusions subsequently contain EM propagation and thermal emission control elements on their surfaces for omni-spectral camouflage and detection mitigation. The systems expand the options for meeting the demands of today and future stealth missions.

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and methods for producing a high-performance camouflage and thermal management composite fabric textile systems. The systems comprise woven and non-woven composite fabrics consisting of layers for thermal and electromagnetic wave propagation as well as human thermal emission control. The systems incorporate thermal plastic insulation, felt insulation, electromagnetic wave absorption materials, electromagnetic wave propagation and thermal emission control elements, and camouflage pigment patterns. Dots containing encapsulated metallic particulates enable omni-spectral electromagnetic wave and thermal radiation signature manipulation and control as well as cost-effective manufacturing. Single blended textile processed via needle punching produces hair/fur-like protrusions made from a multilayer fabric composition having EM wave and thermal radiation control elements. The protrusions subsequently contain EM propagation and thermal emission control elements on their surfaces for omni-spectral camouflage and detection mitigation. The systems expand the options for meeting the demands of today and future stealth missions.

A method of generating a coiled actuator fiber that includes twisting a fiber to generate a twisted fiber; wrapping the twisted fiber around a core yarn or fiber to generate a coil in the twisted fiber, which generates a coiled twisted fiber; setting the coiled twisted fiber by heat or chemical treatment; and removing at least a portion of the core yarn or fiber to generate a coiled actuator fiber.

A method of generating a coiled actuator fiber that includes twisting a fiber to generate a twisted fiber; wrapping the twisted fiber around a core yarn or fiber to generate a coil in the twisted fiber, which generates a coiled twisted fiber; setting the coiled twisted fiber by heat or chemical treatment; and removing at least a portion of the core yarn or fiber to generate a coiled actuator fiber.

Described herein is an antiviral face mask and methods of use thereof to inactivate a virus in contact with the face mask. The face mask may include a fibrous material with silicon nitride powder impregnated therein and a layer surrounding the fibrous material. In some embodiments, silicon nitride is present in the fibrous material at a concentration of about 30 wt. % to about 50 wt. %.

The invention relates to a method for producing an antimicrobial fabric or yarn, said method comprising the steps of immersing a fabric or yarn in an aqueous solution of a metal salt whilst simultaneously subjecting said solution to ultrasonic radiation; and removing the fabric or yarn from said solution and subsequently converting the metal salt in situ in the fabric or yarn into metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably via chemical and heat treatment. Fabrics and yarns obtained or obtainable by such method are also provided. In a further aspect the invention provides an apparatus for performing such method.

The invention relates to a method for producing an antimicrobial fabric or yarn, said method comprising the steps of immersing a fabric or yarn in an aqueous solution of a metal salt whilst simultaneously subjecting said solution to ultrasonic radiation; and removing the fabric or yarn from said solution and subsequently converting the metal salt in situ in the fabric or yarn into metal oxide nanoparticles, preferably via chemical and heat treatment. Fabrics and yarns obtained or obtainable by such method are also provided. In a further aspect the invention provides an apparatus for performing such method.

A method of preparing a ceramic fabric for use in a ceramic matrix composite includes arranging a plurality of tows to form a ceramic fabric with a first inter-tow spacing, applying a binder material to the ceramic fabric, and applying pressure to the ceramic fabric to form a pressure stabilized ceramic fabric. Each of the plurality of tows of the ceramic fabric has a first thickness, and each of at least a subset of the plurality of tows of the pressure stabilized ceramic fabric has a second thickness less than the first thickness.

A method of preparing a ceramic fabric for use in a ceramic matrix composite includes arranging a plurality of tows to form a ceramic fabric with a first inter-tow spacing, applying a binder material to the ceramic fabric, and applying pressure to the ceramic fabric to form a pressure stabilized ceramic fabric. Each of the plurality of tows of the ceramic fabric has a first thickness, and each of at least a subset of the plurality of tows of the pressure stabilized ceramic fabric has a second thickness less than the first thickness.