Raj Rajendran

Knife is the most commonly used single weapon in the UK, being 32% of the weapons employed in a violent incident. The use of a knife during a crime has more than doubled in the past two years from 25,500 to 64,000. Studies reveal that the majority (63.3%) of knife inflicted wounds were slash type and could be disfiguring or life threatening if the blood vessels are ruptured. The stab resistant armours currently available do not protect the arms, neck and face as they are very rigid to be worn comfortably and they are expensive and heavy for everyday use by the civilian population. The main objectives of this research programme are; a) to develop and characterise a novel cut resistant and slash proof material that is lightweight, comfortable and efficient; and b) to integrate barrier properties in such garments which would incorporate suitable antimicrobial and other suitable chemicals to provide protection against a range of viruses known as prokaryotes. Various composite yarns consisting of; a) blends of Spectra® (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene), glass and polyamide; b) Stainless steel core with wraps of Dyneema® (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) and polyester; and c) Kevlar®, in different compositions, were thoroughly investigated to determine the most appropriate yarn for the slash proof material. The slash proof fabric structure was developed by using knitting technology as it offers significant advantages in terms of cost, design flexibility and versatility. The fabric was characterised by using the most stringent test method stipulated for a slash proof application, namely, Home Office Scientific Development Branch (HOSDB) Slash Resistance Standard for UK Police (2006), Publication No. 48/05. The paper discusses the design, production and full characterisation of the novel textile materials developed during this research programme and the novelty of the slash proof material, which is also protective against certain biological agents, for the police, armed forces, children and the public, which is lightweight, comfortable and efficient, and can be utilised for long periods.

Malodour in wounds is mainly associated with exudating chronic wounds such as venous leg ulcer, pressure ulcer, diabetic foot ulcer, fungating and malignant wounds. It is caused by the presence of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Foul odour is caused by anaerobes, and aerobic Gram-negative bacilli, pseudomonas and klebsiella species produce fishy and fruity odours. Patients with malodour wounds are often embarrassed because undesirable smell creates a social stigma. Currently Activated Charcoal Cloth (ACC) dressing is employed to adsorb the gaseous compounds responsible for the undesirable odours. However, ACC dressing is not welcomed by patients and clinicians because it is black and the broken fragments of carbon fibres could contaminate wounds, hi addition the efficacy of malodour adsoption is severely compromised once the dressing is saturated with wound exudates. It is in this background, the University of Bolton has carried out a research and development programme to develop an alternative to ACC dressing with enhanced malodour adsoption capability without compromising the essential properties of an ideal wound dressing. A wide range of biopolymers such as Manuka honey, neem oil, aloe vera were utilised and systematically investigated for their odour adsorption characteristics in wound dressing. A novel composite wound dressing has been engineered by using aloe vera and its odour adsoption property was tested and compared with that of commercial odour adsorption dressings. During the course of research, odour adsorption test equipment was modified and standardised. The results showed that aloe vera possesses not only odour adsorption properties but also antimicrobial properties. The developed novel wound dressing possesses the following attributes: environmental friendly; - aloe vera polymer is biodegradable and safe to use to open wounds; - antimicrobial and enhanced odour adsorption; - suitable for both medium and highly exudating chronic wounds; and - maintains moist environment at the wound bed for faster wound healing.