Institute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Tailoring Surface Properties of Cotton Fabric with Polycarboxylic Acids for High-Performance Inkjet-Printed Conductive Patterns2472598214110.30509/pccc.2025.167637.1437ENA.Soleimani-GorganiDepartment of Printing Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16765-654, Tehran, IranA.iGoudarziDepartment of Printing Science and Technology, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box 16765-654, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-1555-5255Z.RahmaniDepartment of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranO.AvincDepartment of Textile Engineering, Engineering Faculty, Pamukkale University, Postal code: 20160, Denizli, TurkeyB.Shirkavand HadavandDepartment of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250820The design of new inks is such that they create the desired properties on the substrate while maintaining the characteristics of the ink. The need to produce conductive and smart fabrics with inkjet printers is one of the challenges of today. In this study, an ink was created that creates an electrically conductive layer on cotton fabric after printing. To create the aforementioned layer, first a chemical reduction process is performed using an inkjet printer, and the electrical conductivity is created by the printed layer. For this purpose, in the first stage, a silver nitrate-based ink was formulated, and to increase the electrical conductivity of the printed layer, biodegradable carboxylic acids with different functional groups were used to increase the crosslinking process of cotton fabric. After treating the prepared fabrics and printing with silver nitrate and sodium hypophosphite-based ink, the electrical resistance of the printed layer and the effect of the number of functional groups on it were investigated. Also, the thermal properties, visible/ultraviolet spectroscopy, and infrared analysis of the prepared ink and the morphology of the printed nanoparticles were investigated. The results showed that the surface tension of the synthesized ink was 38.6±1.37 mN/m. The best sample was butane tetracarboxylic acid, which showed a wrinkle reversibility angle of 157 degrees and a decrease in tensile and force at break point values of 11.38 and 12.48 %, respectively. The lowest electrical resistance was also found in this sample, which was 0.10 megaohm after 5 printings.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82141_08b872a53d2591b8d36271230db6ef76.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Enhanced Surface Modulation of CNT and CN-PS Nanocomposites via Plasma Treatment2612798214210.30509/pccc.2025.167654.1445ENR.AlsayedDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqK.ZainulabdeenDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqR. N.AbedDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Al-Nahrain University, P.O.Box: 64040, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqR. T.AbdullaDepartment of Physics, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqM.Al-BaidhaniDepartment of Physics, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqA. A.RashadDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqH.HashimMedical Physics Department, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqB. M.AboodChemical and Petrochemical Research Center, Corporation of Research and Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry and Minerals, P.O. Box: 47182, Baghdad, IraqR.NoamanChemical and Petrochemical Research Center, Corporation of Research and Industrial Development, Ministry of Industry and Minerals, P.O. Box: 47182, Baghdad, IraqK. A.AadimInstitute of Laser for Postgraduate Studies, University of Baghdad, P.O. Box: 47134, Baghdad, IraqA. H.ShakerDepartment of Physics, College of Science, University of Baghdad, P.O. Box: 47131, Baghdad, IraqT. S.GaazDepartment of Prosthetics and Orthotics Engineering, College of Engineering and Technologies, Al-Mustaqbal University, P.O. Box: 100, Babylon, IraqS. A.IsmaelMedical Physics Department, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqE. AYousifDepartment of Chemistry, College of Science, Al-Nahrain University, P.O. Box: 64021, Jadriyah, Baghdad, IraqJournal Article20250906New spectrally nanocomposite films have been developed for high absorption performance. The polystyrene (PS) was dissolved in THF and blended with fixed concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNT) and carbon nanofibers (CN) (5 wt. % CNT, 5 wt. % CN, and 2.5 wt. % CNT+CN) via the casting technique to produce nanocomposite films. Polymer nanocomposite films have been developed to create an economical coating that reinforces the poly (styrene) matrix. The coating exhibits high absorptivity; the optical properties were computed over a wavelength range of 250-1350 nm at 30 °C. The transmittance and reflectance were decreased, skin depth and optical density were increased, and the absorbance coefficient and dielectric constant were increased. The direct and indirect energy gap (Eg) of the films has decreased from 2.8 to 2.4 eV and from 3.4 to 2.9 eV after adding CNT with CN. The Urbach energy (Eu) has increased from 1.24 to 2.71 eV. The XRD test confirms that the films had amorphous structures. The SEM analysis was used to show the surface morphology of thin films. Consequently, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements indicated an increase in surface roughness (SR) from 5.19 to 14.5 nm for the doped PS thin films, and the root mean square (RMS) roughness increased from 6.65 to 16.6 nm. These modified PS nanocomposite thin films find potential applications in various industries, including air transport components, light-emitting diodes, laser sensors, UV energy shielding, light-harvesting devices, memory devices, and light-conversion technologies. https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82142_efd943b743d588187c02212474a7cab0.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701In-silico Dyeing strategy: Unveiling the Binding of Cotton Protein Annexin to Phyto-Pigments through Bioinformatics2812968214610.30509/pccc.2025.167565.1401ENV. KumaraAdiDepartment of Biotechnology, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, P.O. Box: 577004, Karnataka, IndiaV.PatilDepartment of Biotechnology, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, P.O. Box: 577004, Karnataka, IndiaJournal Article20250609Natural dyes derived from plant sources such as fruits and flowers offer enhanced biodegradability and environmental compatibility compared to synthetic alternatives. This bioinformatics study explores the in-silico interactions of phyto-pigments with cotton-specific proteins, emphasizing their potential applications in the cotton textile industry. Utilizing an integrated bioinformatics approach including molecular docking, virtual screening, and visualization tools such as DS Visualizer, we investigated the binding interactions between phyto-pigments and Annexin, a key cotton protein. A total of seven phyto-pigments were examined: Malvidin, Peonidin, Cyanidin, Petunidin, Pelargonidin, Betanin, and Betacyanin. Among these, Betanin and Betacyanin found in beetroot and dragon fruit, respectively exhibited the strongest binding affinities with Annexin. These preliminary findings from in-silico studies suggest a promising role for these bio-pigments in the development of natural dyes with functional biological activity. The elucidation of specific binding modes and structural compatibilities reinforces the value of in-silico studies in advancing the application of bio-based dyes for sustainable textile dyeing processes. The study is conducted using bioinformatics tools and is focused solely on molecular docking simulations. No experimental dyeing or laboratory-based validation was undertaken at this stage. This bioinformatics study underscores the potential of phyto-pigments not only as eco-friendly colorants but also as agents capable of forming meaningful biochemical interactions within textile fibres. https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82146_e6d80c6f3731518543d4128d79ae8afc.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Optimizing Electrophoretic Deposition Parameters and Corrosion Resistance of Nano-Hydroxyapatite/Chitosan Coatings on Ti-6Al-7Nb Alloy Under Various Current Types2973158214810.30509/pccc.2025.167666.1451ENY.Muhi AbdulsahibDepartment of Metallurgical Engineering, College of Production Engineering and Metallurgy, University of Technology, P.O. Box: 35010, Baghdad, IraqA. M.MustafaDepartment of Metallurgical Engineering, College of Production Engineering and Metallurgy, University of Technology, P.O. Box: 35010, Baghdad, IraqM. H.AbdulkareemDepartment of Metallurgical Engineering, College of Production Engineering and Metallurgy, University of Technology, P.O. Box: 35010, Baghdad, IraqJournal Article20250920Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is a highly effective technique for modifying biomaterial surfaces, particularly in biomedical applications. This study investigates the influence of current types-direct current (DC), pulsed direct current (PDC), and alternating current (AC)-on EPD parameters, specifically applied voltage and deposition time, for nano-hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CS) coatings on Ti-6Al-7Nb biomedical substrates. Surface morphology and cross-sectional thickness were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy, while adhesion tests assessed the bonding strength between the coating and substrate. Electrochemical polarization tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) were performed to evaluate corrosion resistance. For optimization, Taguchi’s statistical design of experiments was applied to identify the most significant factors and determine optimal deposition conditions. Results showed that a 16.5 µm-thick HA/CS coating was obtained using PDC at 70 V for 6 minutes with an 800-grit finish. Under these conditions, enhanced adhesion and uniform coating distribution were achieved. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that applied voltage (70.30 %) and deposition time (80.10 %) were the dominant factors influencing coating thickness and adhesion. Electrochemical evaluation confirmed improved corrosion resistance, with the corrosion rate reduced from 9.662×10-3 mm/year for the uncoated alloy to 2.23×10-3 mm/year for the coated alloy. Overall, PDC at optimized conditions produced a well-adhered, uniformly distributed HA/CS coating with superior corrosion protection, highlighting the potential of EPD for biomedical implant surface modification.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82148_27ae193d717237c922ab730c2bb9ca20.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Sustainable Chemical-free Dyeing of Cotton-Polyester Blended (CVC) Fabric with Punica Granatum Extracts: A Green Approach3173278215310.30509/pccc.2025.167652.1443ENMd. A.HaqueDepartment of Textile Engineering, Uttara University, Holding 77, Beribadh Road, Dhaka-1230, BangladeshMd. A. RahmanOmioDepartment of Textile Engineering, Uttara University, Holding 77, Beribadh Road, Dhaka-1230, BangladeshR.SahaDepartment of Textile Engineering, Uttara University, Holding 77, Beribadh Road, Dhaka-1230, BangladeshJournal Article20250901Growing awareness of environmental sustainability has encouraged the search for biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives in textile coloration. This study explores the potential of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract, a tannin-rich natural dye source for dyeing cotton, polyester, and blended fabrics. The dyeing was performed using the exhaust method at 90 °C for 60 minutes under controlled conditions. The colorimetric properties of the dyed samples were then evaluated in terms of color strength (K/S values) and color difference parameters, using a precision spectrophotometer to assess the shade depth and uniformity of coloration. The CVC fabric recorded the highest K/S value of 2.1 at 420 nm, reflecting a moderate shade depth. FTIR spectroscopy was utilized to investigate the molecular interactions occurring between the dye components of Punica granatum and the CVC fabric, providing insight into the bonding mechanisms involved. It confirmed interactions between dye molecules and the fabric, with the O–H stretching band shifting from 3293.82 to 3305 cm⁻¹, indicating hydrogen bond formation between phenolic groups of the dye and functional groups of the fiber. The dyed fabrics exhibited satisfactory color fastness properties when evaluated against washing, water exposure, light, perspiration, and rubbing. Color fastness tests showed encouraging results, with ratings of 4-5 for washing, perspiration, and dry rubbing, 4 for wet rubbing, and 4 for light exposure. These outcomes highlight the potential of pomegranate peel extract as a sustainable substitute for chemical-free dyeing of CVC fabric, combining acceptable shade depth, good fastness, and environmental compa-tibility.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82153_f1385661c94196521beb016fa188b4f3.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Investigation of the Distribution and Placement of Metal-Organic Frameworks in Polyvinyl Alcohol/Sodium Alginate Composites and Their Effects on Adsorption Properties for Dye Removal: A Comparison of Different Synthesis Methods3293508214510.30509/pccc.2025.167568.1403ENJ.MoradiDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, P.O. Box: 49138-15759, Gorgan, IranA.Alikhah ShirayehDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, P.O. Box: 49138-15759, Gorgan, IranE.AramDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, P.O. Box: 49138-15759, Gorgan, IranH.ShakiDepartment of Polymer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, P.O. Box: 49138-15759, Gorgan, IranJournal Article20250611In this work, we investigated the incorporation of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA) composites, analyzing the integration of ZIF-8 into this matrix blend and the effect of its distribution and location on adsorption properties. The PVA/SA@ZIF-8 hydrogels were prepared using three synthesis methods: one-step in situ, two-step in situ, and direct mixing. Morphology, elemental distribution, and structural integrity of the composites were characterized by FESEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, and DLS analyses. In terms of ZIF-8 integration, the two-step in-situ method yielded the most effective distribution and integration, resulting in superior adsorption capacity. We comprehensively evaluated the removal efficiency of basic violet dye under varied conditions, including hydrogel dosage, pH, temperature, initial dye concentration, and contact time. Results demonstrated that the two-step in-situ-synthesized hydrogels exhibited the best performance, achieving approximately 99 % dye removal at an optimal dosage of 20 mg, pH 12, and T = 60 °C. The maximum dye removal efficiency for this method was observed at the initial dye concentration of 5 mg/L, reaching about 69 %. Kinetic studies indicated a predominant chemisorption process (Pseudo-Second-Order R² ≈ 0.99), and thermodynamic evaluation confirmed a spontaneous (ΔG∘= −3.96 kJ/mol at T=298 K) and endothermic (ΔH∘ = +21.85 kJ/mol) adsorption. These results collectively demonstrate the great promise of engineered PVA/SA composites incorporating MOFs for use in environmental remediation and industrial processes, driving the next generation of material design for sustainability.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82145_c4d6dd5fd629509c1fd93f271129813b.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701Photovoltaic Performance of Photoelectric Dye Sensitized Solar Cell Using Silver Nitrate Doped Titanium Oxide (AgNO3-TiO2) Nanoparticles as Photoanode Electrode3513618216310.30509/pccc.2025.167687.1457ENS. OnyekaMalumiDepartment of Physics, Southern Delta University, P.O. Box: 2700, Ozoro, NigeriaOmamoke O. E.EnarosehaDepartment of Physics, Delta State University, P.O. Box: 38733, Abraka, NigeriaA. CynthiaNnannaDepartment of Chemistry, Southern Delta University, P.O. Box: 2700, Ozoro, NigeriaObedOyiboDepartment of Physics, Southern Delta University, P.O. Box: 2700, Ozoro, NigeriaA. BlessingUmukoroDepartment of Physics, Delta State University, P.O. Box: 38733, Abraka, NigeriaR.Daniel-UmeriDepartment of Physics, Southern Delta University, P.O. Box: 2700, Ozoro, NigeriaJournal Article20251005In this research, we focused on designing electrode materials that increase the light-harvesting efficiency of photoanodes. Our experimental report presents a new, economical method for producing high-surface-area transition-metal (TM)- doped TiO2 nanocrystals (NCs) for DSSCs. A Silver nitrate (AgNO3)- doped titanium oxide (AgNO3-TiO2) was successfully synthesized using the Doctor Blade method and effectively utilized as a photoanode in the fabrication of a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to study the effect of the dopant on the dye. The solvent method was used to extract the chlorophyll pigment. The absorption study of the sensitized photoanode was characterized using a UV-Vis spectrometer. The DSSC was assembled and tested for photoelectric properties using a solar simulator. The result revealed a photoelectric conversion efficiency PCE (η) of 0.16 %; Voc of 0.452 V, Isc of 0.692 mA/cm2, Vmax of 0.324 V, Imax of 0.501 mA/cm2, Pmax of 0.162 mW/cm2, and FF of 0.52 were obtained. The coated FTO glass with a TiO2 metal oxide surface, doped with silver at 0.2 molar concentration, has been shown to provide more surface area for dye adsorption and to extend visible light absorption.https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82163_f7f165eacc462e25a3c492d3c254bb7e.pdfInstitute for Color Science and Technology (ICST)Progress in Color, Colorants and Coatings2008-213419320260701A Dual-Functional Surfactant Strategy for High-Yield Synthesis of Epoxy-Loaded Melamine Formaldehyde Microcapsules3633738214710.30509/pccc.2025.167621.1428ENE.BabaeiDepartment of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranM.PishvaeiDepartment of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranF.NajafiDepartment of Resin and Additives, Institute for Color Science and Technology, P.O. Box: 16765-654, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250808The encapsulation of various healing agents can be achieved using amino resins as the shell material. For optimal encapsulation efficiency, pH adjustment is a critical parameter. In this study, epoxy resin was encapsulated via in-situ interfacial polymerization in an oil-in-water emulsion. A dual-functional surfactant featuring a quaternary ammonium moiety serving as the hydrophilic head group, combined with precise pH control, was employed. In addition to catalyzing amino resin formation at the interface, this surfactant significantly suppresses the formation of unwanted nanoparticles. Furthermore, citric acid, used for pH adjustment, also acts as a surfactant due to its structural properties, preferentially localizing at the epoxy/water interface.As a result,a high encapsulation efficiency of 92 % isachieved,which displaysan improvement of about 25 % over conventional ammonium chloride-catalyzed methods. The core-to-wall ratio was systematically optimized, with a 1:2 ratio yielding the highest encapsulation efficiency (92 %), while a 1:3 ratio led to a 15 % efficiency drop. Furthermore, stirring rate modulation enabled size control, producing capsules ranging from 1 μm (at 1100 rpm) to 2 μm (at 500 rpm). Surfactant concentration critically influenced unwanted nano particle formation and encapsulation efficiency where, using 1 wt. % of surfactant, a 92 % encapsulation efficiency was achieved, while concentrations at 10 wt. % caused a 28 % efficiency decline due to excessive aqueous-phase polymerization and capsule aggregation. This work establishes a comprehensive framework for microcapsule synthesis, enablingthe design oftailored microcapsule for high-performance self-healing applications. https://pccc.icrc.ac.ir/article_82147_5e8510ac805e121b97710edc1cd04e88.pdf