Biomimetic materials are those inspired from nature and implemented into new fibre and fabric technologies. Biologically inspired textiles explores the current state of the art in this research arena and examines how biomimetics are increasingly applied to new textile technologies.Part one discusses the principles, production and properties of biomimetics. Chapters include recombinant DNA technologies and their application for protein production, spinning of fibres from protein solutions and structure/function relationships in spider silk. The second part of the book provides a review of the application of biomimetics to a range of textile applications, including the design of clothing and self cleaning textiles.Written by a distinguished team of international authors, Biologically inspired textiles is a valuable reference for textile technologists, fibre scientists, textile manufacturers and others in academia. - Discusses the principles, production and properties of biomimetics - Reviews the application of biomimetics to a range of textile disciplines - Chapters explore recombinant DNA technologies, spinning of fibres and structure/function relationships in spider silk

Academic scholars, entrenched in the complexities of various domains, face the daunting task of navigating intricate decision-making scenarios. The prevailing need for efficient and effective decision-making tools becomes increasingly apparent as traditional methodologies struggle to keep pace with the demands of modern research and industry. This pivotal issue necessitates a shift, urging scholars to explore unconventional approaches that can transcend disciplinary boundaries and unlock new dimensions of problem-solving. In response to these pressing challenges, Intelligent Decision Making Through Bio-Inspired Optimization emerges as a beacon of ingenuity. This groundbreaking book transcends usual disciplinary boundaries, seamlessly integrating computer science, artificial intelligence, optimization, and decision science. Its multidisciplinary approach addresses the inherent complexities faced by scholars, offering a comprehensive exploration of nature-inspired algorithms such as genetic algorithms, swarm intelligence, and evolutionary strategies. The book's core mission is to empower academic scholars with the tools to overcome contemporary decision-making hurdles, providing a holistic understanding of these bio-inspired approaches and their potential to revolutionize the scholarly landscape.

More and more, the patterns and scientific principles of natural living systems are being mimicked and exploited in man-made engineered systems and products. That trend is now starting to appear in the curricula design of engineering schools. This will be the first broad-based introduction to the influence of nature and biological systems in how things are designed and made, from new design paradigms and structural systems to "self-healing materials" and "smart" systems and robotics. Presented as a traditional textbook, with accompanying Solutions and Instructor's Manuals, it will offer both students and professionals new to the subject a window into the new world of engineering. The reader will find: * A general overview of the relationship between living systems and engineering and how biosystems can and do affect engineering design, from structural materials to thermal-fluid behavior to systems engineering * Applications of bio-systems to robotics and biomedical engineering. * End of chapter problems and exercises to reinforce design concepts and expand understanding.

Nature gives us ample opportunity to understand and observe her secrets, and scientists and inventors can and do study the characteristics of things in nature to come up with amazing and astonishing technologies and products invented as a result. This new volume provides a sampling of technological issues that have been tackled with the help of biologically inspired engineering, by such things in nature as bionic plants, the lotus leaf, insects and beetles, geckos, bats, spiders, and butterflies. It considers bio-inspired technologies that have been applied in water purification, for business lessons, in healthcare and medicine, and more. This unique volume is an inspiring resource for professionals, researchers, scholars, engineers, and businessmen and businesswomen interested in the latest developments by studying the wonders of natural science.

Protective Textiles from Natural Resources provides systematic coverage of the fundamentals, production methods, processing techniques, characterization techniques, properties and applications of natural textile products for protective purposes. The subject of this book is an important kind of technical textile designed to protect the wearer from injuries, illness and death. They offer enhanced protection against phenomena including heat, cold, flame, chemical, biological, nuclear agents, radiation, disaster and even ballistics. As no single type of clothing can be adequate for all kinds of protection, extensive research is carried out to develop protective clothing for specialized civilian and military applications. The latest research on the use of natural fibres in PPE is also covered, which could make a significant contribution to the fight against the spread of COVID-19. This comprehensive guide explores a wide variety of themes from material processing and design to finished products, through protection against specific hazards to specific applications, including all significant new developments on natural materials for protective textiles. - Explains the latest technologies related to fibre extraction from natural sources, chemical treatments, weave constructions, fabric finishes and coatings. - Includes the latest research on natural fibers in personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect wearers from bacterial and viral contamination. - Explains the state of the art in testing methods and standards for protective clothing.

Smart Textiles from Natural Resources is an interdisciplinary guide to best practice and emerging challenges in the use of natural textiles in smart applications. The movement towards smart textiles has attracted researchers from many fields creating multidisciplinary research frontiers with nanoscience, smart materials and structures, microelectronics, and wireless communication. This ground-breaking book provides technical advice and foundational support to researchers from all of these backgrounds seeking to include sustainability in their solutions.Each chapter in this book is written, reviewed and edited to cover the principles of manufacture, process techniques and mechanisms, and the state-of-the-art construction specifications, properties, test methods and standards of the major product areas and applications of this field. - Covers a wide variety of novel applications of smart textiles, including medical, protective, and automotive - Proposed solutions are based on case studies from academic and industrial labs around the world - Explains how to improve the biodegradability, renewability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity of smart products

Waterproof and Water Repellent Textiles and Clothing provides systematic coverage of the key types of finishes and high performance materials, from conventional wax and silicone, through controversial, but widely used fluoropolymers and advanced techniques, such as atmospheric plasma deposition and sol-gel technology. The book is an essential resource for all those engaged in garment development, production and finishing, and for academics engaged in research into apparel technology and textile science. Rapid innovation in this field is driving new performance demands in many areas, including the sporting and military sectors. However, another innovation driver is the regulatory framework in the USA, Europe and globally, addressing both health concerns (e.g. with PFOS / PFOA) and environmental impacts (e.g. C8 fluorocarbon finishes). Both of these aspects are fully covered, along with the replacement materials / technologies currently available and under development. In addition, oleophobic and multifunctional coatings are discussed, as are aspects of performance, testing and applications in sportswear, protective clothing, and footwear. - Introduces innovative materials and technologies, exploring their current and potential use across different sectors - Provides expert guidance on the health and environmental aspects of key waterproof materials and coatings and their associated regulations - Demystifies testing processes and design principles