WO2023161711A1

WO2023161711A1 - Color change material for monitoring the wear of a textile-based material

Info

Publication number: WO2023161711A1
Application number: PCT/IB2023/000089
Authority: WO
Inventors: Artur Manuel CAVACO PAULO; Carla Manuela PEREIRA MARINHO DA SILVA
Original assignee: Aquis Eu, Unipessoal Lda
Priority date: 2022-02-24
Filing date: 2023-02-23
Publication date: 2023-08-31
Also published as: TW202348869A

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a color change material for monitoring the wear of a textile article. The textile article may include a material dyed with a dye colorant for use as an indicator, and a textile support for receiving the indicator thereon. The color of the indicator provides a color intensity that changes with washing or wear causing the color of the indicator to become similar to the color of the support after at least 20 washings.

Description

COLOR CHANGE MATERIAL FOR MONITORING TEXTILE-BASED MATERIAL WEARING

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Portuguese Provisional Application No. PT117810A, filed February 24, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a color change material for monitoring the wearing or the washing of textile-based materials. Particularly, it relates to a color change indicator for determining the intensity of usage of pieces of textile, like garments or goods, where the indicator changes color as a result of being washed a number of times. The indicator can be a textile material as well.

State of the Art

[0004] Textile fibers are natural or synthetic/artificial structures that can be spun into yam. Yams are then woven, knitted or bonded into fabric. The inherent fiber properties are directly related to the performance and required care and maintenance of the finished fabric.¹

[0005] Natural fibers occur in nature and can be divided into animal, vegetable or mineral. Animal fibers include wool and silk, vegetable fibers include cotton, linen, and viscose (/.< ., regenerated cellulose) and mineral fibers include asbestos. Artificial fibers include rayon viscose and rayon acetate, and synthetic fibers contemplate acrylics, polyamide, and polyester.^2,3 [0006] Most molecules absorb light in the ultraviolet (hereinafter “UV”) region causing them to appear white, however some of them absorb light in the visible region and for this reason they have color. The color formation derives from the delocalization of electrons through conjugated systems of single and double bonds.⁴ [0007] Textile materials are generally dyed with 3 dyes from primary colors which can be mixed to achieve the overall spectrum of colors and shades.

[0008] These dyes are composed of unsaturated molecules mainly conjugated aromatic rings, called chromophores, which provide the ideal conjugations for color formation.⁴’⁵

[0009] The affinity of a specific dye for a textile fiber is given by the dyes classification; Group I: acid, direct, cationic and disperse dyes; Group II: Sulphur, vat, di- and tri-arilmetane and azoic dyes; and dyes that react with the fibers called reactive dyes.^4,5

[0010] Cotton fibers are generally dyed with reactive and direct dyes being also dyed with insoluble azoic, Sulphur, vat or indigo dyes. Polyester fibers are normally dyed with disperse dyes.⁵

[0011] Direct dyes have moderate fastness to light and poor fastness to washing on cellulosic fibers; indigo dyes disclose moderate color fastness to light and washing on cellulosic fibers; the fastness to washing and light of disperse dyes on synthetic and acetate fibers is usually moderate to good.⁶

[0012] Several color sensors have been developed and described for applications in textile industry; some examples include a reflective color sensing system for process monitoring and control applications in paper and textile industries; the system is developed using a solid state RGB sensor and a smart signal processing algorithm implemented on micro-controller architecture.⁷

[0013] Other types of textile sensors have been described as wearable textiles electronics; one example is the triboelectric all-textile sensor array (hereinafter “TATSAs”) having high pressure sensitivity and comfort. This textile sensor exhibits a pressure sensitivity of 7.84 millivolts per pascal (hereinafter “mV Pa^-1”), a fast response time of 20 milliseconds (hereinafter “ms”), stability greater than 100,000 cycles, a wide working frequency bandwidth up to 20 hertz (hereinafter “Hz”), and machine washability greater than 40 washes. The fabricated TATSAs were stitched into different parts of clothes to monitor the arterial pulse waves and respiratory signals simultaneously.⁸

[0014] Other contributions include the development of a UV protective material containing photo chromic dyes or pigments as integrated part of summer clothes, these materials detect the UV radiation using the dyes as color sensors indicators.⁹ Several smart dyes may be applied for the development of sensor-responsive materials. These dyes comprise: electrochromic dyes, based on electrochromism in which reversible changes of color occurs due to the gain and loss of electron; thermochromic dyes cause reversible changes in color within the absorption spectrum of a thermochromic molecule, usually in the visible light range, the changes typically induced by a change in temperature; photochromic dyes, which change their chemical structure (z.e., color) due to UV rays; chemochromic dyes, which change color due to differences in pH; solvatochromic dyes, which work on the principle of solvatochromism corresponding to reversible changes of color due to solvent polarity; mechanochromic dyes, based on a phenomenon in which a polymer changes it color due to deformation such as elongation and compression.¹⁰

[0015] International publication W02020141216A1 discloses a type of board treated in a way as to give it color changing properties; the board comprise a fabric dyed with pH sensitive molecules.

[0016] European patent EP3257900A1 discloses the use of novel and known indigo-derivatives as irreversible color changeable dyes for textile materials and to novel compounds.

SUMMARY

[0017] The present disclosure provides a color change material for a textile garment or textile good, for monitoring textile wear (z.e., usage).

[0018] The textile indicator may be based on the embroidering or embedding of a textile material motif onto a colored textile piece, for example made of polyester, to incorporate on textile garments or goods. The material developed will serve as indicator for textile garments wear or goods monitoring, after sunlight exposure or laundry washing cycles.

[0019] The color change material will be able to give visual indication, by color change, of the age and wear of a textile-based material such as a textile good or garment.

[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure relates to a color change material for monitoring the wear of a textile piece comprising: an indicator having a textile material dyed with a dye colorant; and a textile support for receiving the indicator; wherein the indicator has a color strength higher than the color strength of the textile support; wherein the color of the indicator provides a color intensity that changes due to washing of a textile piece, becoming similar to the color of the textile support after at least 20 washings. [0021] In an embodiment, the indicator is bonded or connected to the textile support.

[0022] In an embodiment, the indicator is embroidered, embedded, sewed, glued, or combinations thereof to the textile support. [0023] In an embodiment, the textile support is dyed with a dye colorant.

[0024] In an embodiment, the dyes will fade differently by wear (/.< ., by contact with sunlight and/or during washing cycles). In an embodiment, the different fading of the dyes will create special patterns under wear in a dyed multi fiber textile indicator that indicates the level of wear. [0025] In an embodiment, the color of the indicator is 50% to 75% as a ratio of absorption to back-scattering (hereinafter “K/S”) of the color of the textile support.

[0026] In an embodiment, the textile support has a color loss lower than 20% (K/S).

[0027] In an embodiment, the color of support is 75% (K/S) of the color of the indicator or 50% (K/S) of the color of the indicator.

[0028] In an embodiment, the color of the indicator is darker than the color of the color of the support.

[0029] In an embodiment, the indicator is embroidered, embedded, sewed, or glued to the textile support.

[0030] In an embodiment, the dye colorant for the indicator is selected from a class of direct dyes, indigo dyes, disperse dyes, acid dyes, cuba dyes, reactive or smart dyes, or combinations thereof.

[0031] In an embodiment, the dye colorant for the textile support is selected from direct dyes, indigo dyes, disperse dyes, acid dyes, cuba dyes, reactive or smart dyes, or combinations thereof.

[0032] In an embodiment, the concentration of the dye colorant used for either the indicator or the textile support is 0.1 to 2 grams per liter (hereinafter “g/L”), preferably 0.5 to 1 g/L.

[0033] In an embodiment, the dye colorant for the indicator is a indigo dye, cuba dye, direct dye, or acid dye.

[0034] In an embodiment, the dye colorant for the textile support is a disperse dye or reactive dye.

[0035] In an embodiment, the indicator is selected from cotton, polyester, cellulosic yarns, or combinations thereof.

[0036] In an embodiment, the textile support is cotton, polyester, polyamide, or a combination thereof.

[0037] In an embodiment, the indicator is a fiber yarn, woven fabric, non-woven fabric or knit fabric.

[0038] In an embodiment, the textile support is a textile garment, textile good or textile base. [0039] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a textile garment comprising the color change material described above.

[0040] In an embodiment, the textile good is a towel.

[0041] In an embodiment, the color change material may comprise several materials with different fiber compositions (i.e., cotton and polyester).

[0042] In an embodiment, the color change material comprises a textile support and yams bounded to the textile support. Preferably the textile support is polyester.

[0043] In an embodiment, the indicator is preferably yams forming a motif.

[0044] In an embodiment, the textile support is made of polyester.

[0045] In an embodiment, the color of the indicator changes after about 40 to about 60 washing cycles.

[0046] In an embodiment, the polyester textile support, is dyed with a disperse dye with a final color strength, evaluated in terms of K/S, lower than the color of the indicator. Preferably the indicator is an embroidering, embedded, or sewed motif.

[0047] In an embodiment, cotton or other cellulosic fibers of the indicator, are dyed with direct dye, indigo dye or other smart dyes. The color of the indicator, preferably cotton, is darker than the color of the textile support, preferably polyester, such that the color strength is higher than 50% - 75% K/S.

[0048] Reflectance of a dyed fabric sample is generally measured by using a spectrophotometer; the strength of any colorant (dyestuff / pigment) is related to an absorption property and is evaluated using a Datacolour apparatus, Spectraflash 600 Plus, from Datacolor International, at standard illuminant D65. Kubelka-Munk theory gives the following relation between reflectance and absorbance: K/S = (1-R)²/2R, where R is the reflectance, K is absorbance and S is back-scattering. Using the above equation, color strength of different samples may be measured.

[0049] In an embodiment, the wavelength used for measuring the reflectance for a K/S measurement is 400 to 800 nm, preferably 500 to 700 nm, more preferably 600 to 680 nm. Preferably, the embroidered, embedded, or sewed motif, is made using dyed textile material, preferably fiber yams, to form a motif such as a letter, drawing, or other, onto a polyester (PES) textile piece, preferably a textile base. The textile base may be selected from a woven, knitted, or non-woven fabric. [0050] In an embodiment, color of the textile indicator, preferably cotton yams, is darker than the textile support, preferably polyester textile base, becoming, with washing cycles or wear, progressively similar to the color of the textile substrate (i.e., lighter).

[0051] In an embodiment, the color change material comprises the textile support with an embroidered, embedded, sewed, glued indicator onto a visible part of the textile support.

[0052] The similarity of coloration between the embroidered, embedded, sewed, glued indicator and the textile support, preferably the polyester textile support, will define the moment of textile garment disposal.

[0053] Preferably, from about 30 to about 60 washing cycles are defined to be the minimum number of washes to cause color loss of the indicator embroidered, embedded, sewed in the textile support, until coloration levels of the indicator are similar to those of textile support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] The novel features of the disclosure are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the disclosure are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a non-limiting schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of the color change material of the present disclosure comprising a letter embroidered on a fabric base;

[0056] FIG. 2 shows a non-limiting schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of the textile indicator of the present disclosure wherein a) represents the identification of fabrics dyed and sewed onto the tested towels and wherein b) represent the comparison of washed fabrics with non-washed fabrics, evaluated regarding color fading after 60 washing cycles;

[0057] FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of the textile indicator of the present disclosure wherein the color fading of fabrics sewed onto polyester towels after 60 washing cycles; the color strength (K/S) was evaluated in comparison with the samples without washing cycles (not sewed to towels), where K is absorption coefficient and S is scattering coefficient;

[0058] FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of the color change material of the present disclosure in particular, photographs of indicator samples with embroidered Q letter before (control samples) and after 50 washing cycles; and [0059] FIG. 5 shows a non-limiting schematic representation of an example of an embodiment of the color change material of the present disclosure in particular a) a color change material where the indicator has the same color as the textile support and the indicator becomes lighter during the number of washes and b) a color change material where the indicator has a darker color tone than the textile support and during the number of washes the color becomes similar to the color of the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof. In the figures, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, figures, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0061] Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments, however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

[0062] For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

[0063] The present disclosure relates to a color change material, preferably a color change material for monitoring the wear of a textile piece comprising: a textile material dyed with a dye colorant as an indicator; a textile support for receiving the material; wherein the indicator has a color strength higher than the color strength of the textile support; wherein the color of the indicator provides a color intensity that change with washing, becoming similar to the color of the textile support after at least 20 washings. It also relates to a textile good and textile garment comprising said color change material.

[0064] Preferably the color change material monitors textile garments or goods disposal, based on the embroidering/embedding/sewing of a motif in a substrate. Preferably the support is a textile and the color change material is also a textile.

[0065] In an embodiment, the textile substrate is then sewed, glued or embedded onto a textile garment or good for monitoring during laundry washing cycles. Preferably is sewed, glued or embedded onto a towel.

[0066] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the color change textile material, which comprises a Q letter embroidered on the textile support or substrate represented by the rectangle. It shows the color letter Q fading regarding the number of washing cycles, and turning into a color very similar to the fabric base. It shows that for 20 washing cycles, the color of the embroidering is lighter than the color of the unwashed Q and after 40 washing cycles the color is even brighter than the previous, turning very similar to the fabric base.

[0067] FIG. 2a shows a representation of the embodiments where textile indicators were sewed onto towels. The choice of the textile to use as a textile support, preferably a textile base, was established according to the best fading results obtained after 40-60 washing cycles of the PES fabrics sewed together and then sewed onto a polyester textile good, for example a towel (FIG. 2). The sewed/embedded textile comprise a plain cotton fabric, dyed with single direct dye, preferably a blue dye (Fabric 1); a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match the previous cotton fabric (Fabric 2); a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 75% (in terms of K/S) of the color of the previous cotton fabric (Fabric 3); a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 50% (in terms of K/S) of the color of the previous cotton fabric (Fabric 4); and a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 25% (in terms of K/S) of the color of previous cotton fabric (Fabric 5). [0068] FIG. 2b shows a comparison between the unwashed textile with the washed textiles. The color fading was evaluated after several washing cycles 40-60, preferably after 60 washing cycles following the conditions: detergent X-TRA Total (5-15% anionic surfactant; <5% non ionic surfactant; soap, phosphates; enzymes; hexyl cinnamal; benzisothiazilinone; methylisothiazilinone) using a gentle cycle of lh32min (Ih: washing; 20 min: rinse; 12 min: centrifugation) in a vertical washing machine; the color strength (K/S) is measured in a spectrophotometer.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows the color strength (K/S) evaluation of washed samples compared with the unwashed samples (non-sewed to towels) to define the best material to be the textile support. Levels of color fading lower than 20% are acceptable to select the textile as the support for indicator development. Five samples were used, where one sample comprised a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match the previous cotton fabric, a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 75% (in terms of K/S) of the color of the previous cotton fabric; a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 50% (in terms of K/S) of the color of the previous cotton fabric, a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 25% (in terms of K/S) of the color of the previous cotton fabric, and a plain cotton woven fabric dyed with a direct dye. After 60 washing cycles the fabric base made of cotton lost almost 50% of the initial color while the PES base lost less than 20% of initial color. The most preferably results were for PES with 75% (K/S) and PES with 50% (K/S).

[0070] In an embodiment, the wavelength for measure the dyed textile material was 630nm. [0071] In an embodiment, the wavelength for measure the textile support was 650 nm.

[0072] The method of yarn dyeing comprised the use of indigo dye, preferably Vat blue 1. The method comprises the steps of incubation of 100-500mg of indigo dye into a beaker containing distilled water (100-500mL) and let it stir at room temperature for a few minutes. To this solution add 0.5-2g of dithionite and 200-1000mg of sodium hydroxide, and after 1 minute stirring confirm if the pH is 12. The beaker is then transferred to a water bath at 40 °C and the solution is stirred for 5 minutes until the color of the solution changes from blue to dark green. The cotton yarn is then immersed into this solution for 2 minutes with gentle stirring and then in distilled water during 5 minutes. The yarn is dried at room temperature.

[0073] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment where the embroidering of the Q letter on the textile substrate comprises the manual sewing of the Q letter using the indigo dyed cotton yams (0.1-lg/L) in two PES fabric bases, namely Fabric 3 and Fabric 4. The color fading of the Q letter was evaluated after 40-60 washing cycles of the overall indicator and compared, visually and spectrophotometrically, with the color of the fabric polyester base. [0074] The fabric polyester base comprises a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 75% of the color of the previous cotton fabric (fabric 3) or a plain PES woven fabric dyed with disperse dye trichromy to match 50% of the color of the previous cotton fabric (fabric 4).

[0075] From FIG. 4 it is clear that the yarns dyed with 0.5g/L or with Ig/L of indigo, when sewed onto 50% PES base lost coloration during washing cycles to resemble the color base after 40-60 washing cycles, when the yams are sewed onto 75% PES base the coloration of the yam is lighter and does not resemble to coloration of the base (see Table 1).

Table 1. Comparison between samples with PES base to match 50% of the dyed yarns and samples with PES base to match 75% of the dyed yarns

[0076] K/S leter is the K/S of textile material, preferably yarn, and the K/S fabric is the K/S of the textile piece, preferably the textile base.

[0077] Each washing cycle had the following conditions: detergent X-TRA Total (5-15% anionic surfactant; <5% non-ionic surfactant; soap, phosphates; enzymes; hexyl cinnamal; benzisothiazilinone; methylisothiazilinone) using a gentle cycle of lh32min (Ih: washing; 20 min: rinse; 12 min: centrifugation) in a vertical washing machine; the color strength (K/S) is measured in a spectrophotometer.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows the fading of the indicator along cycle washings. Figure 5(a) shows an indicator with the same color intensity as the color of the support in the beginning, and after at least 20 washings the intensity of the color of the indicator is lighter than the intensity of the color of the support. Figure 5 (b) shows an indicator with the color intensity higher than the color intensity of the support and after 20 washings the intensity of the color of the indicator is lighter, turning similar with the color intensity of the support.

[0079] In an embodiment, the color change material is sewed on a towel, and the color change material comprises an indicator and a textile base.

[0080] In an embodiment, the textile indicator for monitoring textile goods or garments disposal, preferably for towels, is based on: the embroidering/embedding/sewing of a motif in a textile piece, such as textile base which is embedded or sewed or glued onto the textile goods in a visible part; and the use of textile material selected from woven, knitted or non-woven fabric, which serves as indicator and a textile substrate(selected from woven, knitted or non-woven fabric).

[0081] In an embodiment, the disclosure comprises the textile indicator with a polyester textile base with a medium-light coloration (50-75% K/S than the yarn), a cotton yam/fabric embroidered motif under the polyester textile base; the sewing of the textile indicator on the border of a towel; the washing of the towel for several washing cycles; the embroidering might be made of cotton/viscose/lyocell/Wool or other natural/ synthetic material which have a different dye fading of polyester.

[0082] In an embodiment, the color fading of the embroidered motif until a color similar to the textile substrate defines the moment that the textile good, preferably a towel, should be disposal. [0083] In an embodiment, the number of washing cycles is between 40-60.

[0084] In an embodiment, the concentration of indigo dye used to dye the yarns of the textile indicator is between 0.1-lg/L.

[0085] In an embodiment, other dyes can be used such as direct dyes, reactive dyes, acid dyes or cationic dyes, or their mixtures.

[0086] The following table shows the combination of textile indicator and the textile substrate that the colour change textile material can have:

Table 2 - Examples of combinations of materials for textile indicators and textile substrates

Terms and Definitions

[0087] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0088] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

[0089] As used herein, the term “about” in some cases refers to an amount that is approximately the stated amount.

[0090] As used herein, the term “about” refers to an amount that is near the stated amount by 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein.

[0091] As used herein, the term “about” in reference to a percentage refers to an amount that is greater or less the stated percentage by 10%, 5%, or 1%, including increments therein.

[0092] As used herein, the phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. REFERENCES

[0093] 'Houck, M. M. (2009). Ways of identifying textile fibers and materials. Identification of Textile Fibers, 6-26. doi: 10.1533/9781845695651.1.6.

[0094] ²Tridico, S. R. (2009). Natural animal textile fibres: structure, characteristics and identification. Identification of Textile Fibers, 27-67. doi: 10.1533/9781845695651.1.2.

[0095] ³Carr, D., Cruthers, N., Smith, C., & Myers, T. (2008). Identification of selected vegetable textile fibres. Studies in Conservation, 53(sup2), 75-87. doi : 10.1179/sic.2008.53. supplement-2.75.

[0096] ⁴Rocha Gomes J (2000). Quimica da Cor e dos Corantes, Curso de Quimica da Qualidade-Ramo Materials Texteis.

[0097] ⁵Drumond Chequer, F. M., de Oliveira, G. A. R., Anastacio Ferraz, E. R., Carvalho, J., Boldrin Zanoni, M. V., & de Oliveir, D. P. (2013). Textile Dyes: Dyeing Process and Environmental Impact. Eco-Friendly Textile Dyeing and Finishing, doi: 10.5772/53659.

[0098] ⁶LEMIN, D. R., VICKERS, E. J., & VICKERSTAFF, T. (2008). The Dyeing of Direct Dyes on Cotton*. Journal of the Society of Dyers and Colourists, 62(5), 132-150. doi: 10.1111/j .1478-4408.1946.tb02405.x.

[0099] ⁷P Anupama, Sathees Kumar K V, Dr S Rominus Valsalam, G Harikrishnan, V Muralidharan (2012). An Intelligent Reflective Colour Sensor System for Paper and Textile Industries, 2012 Sixth International Conference on Sensing Technology (ICST).

[0100] ⁸Wenjing Fan, Qiang He, Keyu Meng, Xulong Tan, Zhihao Zhou, Gaoqiang Zhang, Jin Yang, Zhong Lin Wang (2020). Machine-knitted washable sensor array textile for precise epidermal physiological signal monitoring, Sci. Adv. 2020; 6: eaay2840.

[0101] ⁹Vikova M (2014). Visual Assessment UV Radiation By Colour Changeable Textile Sensors, Technical Textile.net.

[0102] ¹⁰Pargai D (2021). Application of Smart and Functional Dyes in Textiles, Intechopen, DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.96045.

***

[0103] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the disclosure be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the disclosure has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the disclosure and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A color change material for monitoring the wear of a textile piece comprising: an indicator having a textile material dyed with a first dye colorant; and a textile support for receiving the indicator, the textile support dyed with a second dye colorant; wherein the indicator has a color strength higher than the color strength of the textile support; wherein the color of the indicator provides a color intensity that changes due to washing of a textile piece causing it to become similar to the color of the textile support after at least 20 washings.

2. The color change material of claim 1, wherein the indicator is bonded or connected to the textile support.

3. The color change material of claim 1 or 2, wherein the indicator is embroidered, embedded, sewed, or glued to the textile support.

4. The color change material of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the color of the indicator is 50% to 75% (K/S) of the color of the textile support.

5. The color change material of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the textile support has a color loss lower than 20% (K/S).

6. The color change material of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the color of the textile support is at least 75% (K/S) of the color of the indicator.

7. The color change material of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the color of the textile support is at least 50% (K/S) of the color of the indicator.

8. The color change material of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the first dye colorant of the indicator is selected from a direct dye, indigo dye, disperse dye, acid dyes, cuba dye, reactive or smart dye or combinations thereof.

9. The color change material of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the first dye colorant of the indicator is an indigo dye, cuba dye, direct dye or acid dye.

10. The color change material of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the second dye colorant of the textile support is selected from a direct dye, indigo dye, disperse dye, acid dyes, cuba dye, reactive or smart dye, or combinations thereof.

11. The color change material of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the second dye colorant of the support is a disperse dye or reactive dye. The color change material of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the concentration of either the first dye colorant or the second dye colorant is 0.1 to 2g/L, preferably 0.5 to 1 g/L. The color change material of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the indicator is a fiber yarn, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric or a knit fabric. The color change material of any one of claims 1-13, wherein indicator is a material selected from cotton, polyester, cellulosic yarns, viscose, wool, or combinations thereof. The color change material of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the textile support is a textile garment, a textile good or a textile base. The color change material of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the textile support is a material selected from cotton, polyester, polyamide, or combinations thereof. The color change material of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the color of the indicator fades with washing causing the color of the indicator to become similar the color of the textile support after at least 30 washings. The color change material of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the color of the indicator fades with washing causing the color of the indicator to become similar the color of the textile support after at least 40 washings. A textile garment comprising the color change material according to any of the previous claims 1-18. A textile good comprising the color change material according to any of the previous claims 1-18. The textile good according to claim 20, wherein the textile good is a towel.