Authors Romualda Marsza?ek, Barbara Binkowska, Andrzej Sapieja, Teresa Hernik, Bo?enna Marcinowska
The Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants, the Zyrardow branch, responding to the market needs, conducted research on the modification of linen fabrics with preparations containing any of these products: E vitamin, aloe vera, beeswax, extract from natural silk protein, all designed for use in so-called wellness products. E vitamin is one of the water-indissoluble and fat-soluble vitamins. It is a strong antioxidant which retards the process of aging of the body. From the chemical point of view, it is the C29H50O2 compound, described as ?-Tocopherol. This vitamin has been used in the production of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics for years. In cosmetics it serves as an antioxidant and moisture absorber, thus caring for the skin and enhancing the treatment of various skin diseases. E vitamin is used in cosmetics containing lipids e.g., creams, ointments, emulsions, face and body oils and lipsticks. In the human body E vitamin acts as an important antioxidant i.e. a molecule that neutralizes free radicals, which are metabolites forming during molecular respiration and potentially damaging cell membranes. Natural beeswax is a substance produced by bees. Chemically it is a mixture of organic acids, hydroxyl acids, one or two hydroxyl alcohols, esters and hydrocarbons. It is characterized with antimicrobial, enhancing tissue regeneration, immune- stimulation and a generally positive effect on the whole organism, which is indicated by the general improvement of the physical-mental condition, faster recovery, and toning action in elderly people. Aloe vera L. is a tree plant with flesh of high nutritional value, as it is a rich source of proteins in the form of amino acids. Aloe flesh has antifungal properties, especially sought for after antibiotic treatments. It is also used in the treatment of skin diseases as well as in the cleaning, moistening, and nourishing of skin. Protein extracted from natural silk i.e. soluble hydrolysate of silk proteins is obtained from Bombyx mori silkworms. It exhibits a wide range of molecule mass, starting from free amino acids and finishing with long chain polypeptides, which endows it with both moistening and filmmaking properties. Wellness reflects a new philosophy of life. In the textile industry it refers to the functionality of clothing textiles, require have to be comfortable both for the body and soul. The application of fully biodegradable linen raw material for fabric production, a material characterized with moisture absorption, air permeability, and the absence of allergenic factors, combined with modification with the use of health promoting substances led to the production of wellness products. Works on the modification of linen fabrics with health promoting preparations that endow the fabrics with the functionalities were carried out with respect to their biodegradation and use properties. The use properties are divided into the following groups: properties that determine durability (tensile strength, resistance to tear, abrasion resistance), aesthetic properties (fastness to change of colour or whiteness, pilling), hygienic properties that determine the comfort of using the clothes. The use comfort (hygienic properties) comprises three elements: sensory, psychological and physiological. Sensory comfort includes sensations perceived in the direct contact of clothing with the skin. Several properties are listed in this category e.g., smoothness, dryness, roughness etc. Psychological comfort implies feelings linked with current fashion. In numerous cases it is fashion that determines whether the user feels comfortable wearing certain types of clothing. Physiological comfort is linked with the microclimate perceived by the user in the layer beneath clothing, especially during physical effort. The groups of properties that affect physiological comfort are referred to as physiological parameters, including air permeability, hygroscopicity, absorbing capacity (the drop method), water vapour permeability, heat insulation, capacity of accumulating electric charge. The combination of these properties constitutes the feeling of comfort in the user.
