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This study examined dyers’ knowledge, attitudes, and utilisation of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the production of tie-and-dye (adire) fabrics, alongside the factors influencing PPE use in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The study population comprised fabric dyers from the Itoku and Asero markets, with 320 respondents selected through a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation (PPMC). Findings indicated a high level of knowledge regarding the importance of PPE (x̅ = 1.78), a favourable attitude towards its use (x̅ = 3.05), and a moderate level of actual utilisation (x̅ = 2.62). Foot protectors and hand gloves were reported as the most frequently used PPE. Key factors influencing usage included price (x̅ = 3.51), accessibility (x̅ = 3.47), and comfort (x̅ = 2.67). Furthermore, significant relationships (p < 0.05) were observed between educational status and PPE use (r = –0.169), as well as between years of dyeing experience and PPE use (r = –0.678). Overall, the findings suggest that while dyers demonstrate substantial knowledge and positive attitudes towards PPE, their level of utilisation remains moderate, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to promote consistent and comprehensive PPE adoption in the informal textile sector.

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This study investigates the influence of bamboo leaf nano-silica (BLNS) filler on the mechanical and physical properties of recycled low-density polyethylene (RLDPE). RLDPE composites were fabricated using a two- roll mill at 150°C, followed by compression moulding. A comprehensive evaluation of the composites was conducted, encompassing tensile, impact, flexural tests, water absorption, modulus of elasticity, and hardness measurements. Results demonstrated that the incorporation of BLNS significantly enhanced the hardness of RLDPE composites. However, an increase in filler loading led to decreased tensile strength and increased water absorption. Interestingly, impact strength exhibited an improvement with increasing BLNS content. These RLDPE/BLNS composites with enhanced mechanical properties hold promise in various applications, including automotive components, construction materials, packaging, and consumer goods.

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This study investigates the effects of maize straw as a filler material in polypropylene composites, with a focus on understanding the influence of filler loading on the material's mechanical and physical properties. Maize straw was prepared by drying and grinding before being compounded with polypropylene using a two-roll mill. The resulting composite samples were subjected to property evaluations. The findings revealed that an increase in filler loading enhanced the hardness of the composite. Conversely, the impact strength decreased with higher filler loading, reaching its lowest value at 40% filler content. Similarly, tensile strength diminished as the filler content increased, with the most significant reduction observed at 40% filler loading. In contrast, both the density and water absorption of the composite increased with higher filler loading, peaking at 40% filler content. These findings suggest that maize straw-polypropylene composites could be tailored for applications requiring specific property profiles. Potential areas of application include construction materials, automotive components, and packaging products where optimized hardness, density, and water absorption are critical considerations.

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The purpose of this paper is to analyse the challenges preventing manufacturers from producing smart clothing for professional wear on a large scale. To answer this main research question, three research sub- questions have been defined: what the main components of smart clothing are, what manufacturing techniques make traditional textiles smart, and which smart clothing applications for professional wear are currently on the market or in the final prototype stage. The results showed that despite technological development and research, the technologies used for smart clothing are still not mature enough. But even more than that, the biggest challenges lie in the lack of standards, regulations, and cultural adaptability of smart clothing on the work floor. Manufacturers do not want to invest in production lines if there are no guarantees that employees and employers will use the smart clothing on the work floor. For this, privacy issues need to be dealt with and testing standards and legislation need to be put in place.

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The global ageing population and the rising average life expectancy present significant social and economic challenges. Ensuring prolonged independence and mobility for older adults is essential to reduce unnecessary institutionalisation and hospitalisation. One promising solution lies in the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with textiles, leveraging the close and constant contact individuals have with clothing. This paper reviews current developments in IoT-enabled textiles aimed at enhancing the mobility of the elderly. The findings indicate that this is an emerging area of interest; however, dedicated research focusing explicitly on mobility enhancement remains limited. While some existing studies suggest potential for supporting physical capabilities, they were not specifically designed for that objective. This paper argues for a targeted approach to addressing elderly mobility through IoT-based wearable technologies, emphasising the broader societal implications of neglecting this issue.

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This study investigates strategies for revitalising the teaching and learning of crafts in primary schools in Abia State, Nigeria. It examines the current status of crafts taught, the challenges impeding effective instruction, and potential strategies to enhance craft education. A survey research design was employed, targeting a population of 1,270 individuals, comprising 1,088 pupils and 182 teachers from schools offering crafts as a subject. A sample of 254 participants was selected using systematic sampling techniques. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire and analysed using mean and standard deviation. Findings indicate that ten distinct crafts, including painting, crocheting, and bead-making, are currently taught in Abia State primary schools. Key challenges identified include pupils’ lack of interest, a shortage of qualified craft teachers, and the high cost of materials. Proposed strategies to rejuvenate craft education include providing adequate teaching equipment, raising awareness among parents and pupils about the value of crafts, and fostering creativity and skills to encourage engagement with textile and related crafts. It is recommended that the primary school handicraft syllabus be adaptable to incorporate locally available materials, thereby enhancing relevance and accessibility across different regions of the state.

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This study investigated the influence of polylactic acid (PLA), nanoclay, and glycerine as compatibilisers on the degradation properties of virgin and waste low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a primary material in polyethylene bag production. Virgin and waste LDPE, PLA, and nanoclay were sourced locally and compounded using a two-roll mill and compression moulding to fabricate bio-composite samples. The moulded specimens were prepared according to ASTM standards for mechanical and degradation testing, including tensile, flexural, hardness, impact, water absorption, and soil burial tests. Results demonstrated enhanced tensile, flexural, and hardness properties in the bio-composites compared to the control (100% virgin LDPE). The incorporation of PLA, nanoclay, and glycerine facilitated strong interfacial bonding between the matrix and fillers, improving mechanical performance, water absorption, and biodegradation in soil burial tests. However, increased filler content reduced impact strength due to the brittle nature of nanoclay and PLA. These findings highlight the potential of PLA and nanoclay to enhance the mechanical and degradation properties of LDPE-based bio-composites for sustainable applications.

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Banana fibre, extracted from the pseudostem of Musa species, offers a promising sustainable alternative for textile applications. This study examines the influence of water retting duration on fibre yield, tensile strength, and morphological properties to optimise processing for eco-friendly textile production. Banana sheaths were retted for 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days. Fibre yield increased from 4.3% to 8.8% with extended retting, due to microbial breakdown of non-cellulosic components that facilitate fibre separation. However, tensile strength declined slightly from 7.50 to 7.32, suggesting that excessive retting may weaken fibre integrity. An optimal retting period of 6 – 8 days achieved a balance between high yield and mechanical strength. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed that the fibres have a cylindrical surface morphology, giving them a natural lustre similar to man-made fibres. The internal porosity supports superior dye uptake and moisture management, while minimal surface scaling allows smoother processing and better yarn uniformity. These findings demonstrate banana fibre’s potential as a viable raw material for sustainable fashion and technical textiles. The study recommends standardising retting protocols and exploring complementary fibre-enhancement techniques to improve commercial viability and consistency.

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Socio-economic pressures such as unemployment, inflation, and declining income opportunities continue to undermine livelihood security in many Nigerian communities. In this context, clothing and textile construction careers have emerged as a critical pathway for sustainable livelihoods through skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and inclusive economic participation. This study examined the contributions of clothing and textile construction careers to livelihood sustainability in Bade Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria, with a focus on identifying key roles and strategies for optimisation amid prevailing socio-economic challenges. A descriptive survey design was adopted, targeting 1,200 practitioners comprising tailors, apprentices, fabric sellers, and textile workers, from which a sample of 330 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed a high overall agreement that clothing and textile careers enhance sustainable livelihoods (grand mean = 3.08), with steady income provision, employment creation (85.2%), and women and youth empowerment (80.0%) emerging as the most significant contributions. Optimisation strategies such as the promotion of locally produced fabrics (mean = 3.22) and the establishment of vocational training centres (mean = 3.10) were perceived as highly effective, while industry partnerships recorded comparatively lower effectiveness. The study concludes that clothing and textile construction careers remain central to socio-economic resilience and livelihood sustainability in Bade Local Government Area. However, maximising their developmental impact requires targeted policy support, strengthened skills infrastructure, promotion of indigenous textiles, and improved linkages between small-scale practitioners and the wider textile industry. The study provides evidence-based insights relevant to policymakers, training institutions, and development practitioners seeking sustainable responses to livelihood challenges in similar contexts.