Elsevier Handbook of Medical Textiles (Woodhead Publishing Series in Textiles)

With a rising population and the increasing range of textiles for medical products, the need to understand and improve medical textiles is becoming increasingly important. This invaluable reference provides a broad overview of the different types of medical textiles, as well as focusing on specialised topics. Part one discusses the types and properties of medical textiles from reusable textiles to fabrics with cosmetic effects. Part two focuses on how textiles interact with skin. Part three provides the latest developments in textiles for hygiene and infection control and part four concludes by providing a range of applications and case studies. Key Features: explores the different types of medical textiles currently available as well as specific information on more specialised areas and applications; chapters cover topics such as reusable textiles, textiles for implants and interaction of textiles with the skin; is a standard reference for designers and manufacturers of medical textile products, as well as for biomaterials scientists and medical professionals. Contents: Part 1 Types and properties of medical textiles: Modern textiles and biomaterials for healthcare; Hi-tech textiles for interactive wound therapies; Reusable medical textiles; Nonwoven materials and technologies for medical applications; Textiles for implants and regenerative medicine; Textiles with cosmetic effects; Drug-releasing textiles; Medical textiles and thermal comfort. Part 2 Textiles and the skin: Contact sensations of medical textiles on the skin; Mechanical skin irritations due to textiles; Allergies caused by textiles; Biofunctional textiles based on cellulose and their approaches for therapy and prevention of atopic eczema. Part 3 Textiles for hygiene: Infection prevention and control and the role of medical textiles; Absorbent products for personal health care and hygiene; Bio-functional textiles; Hospital laundries and their role in medical textiles; Odour control of medical textiles. Part 4 Medical textile case studies and applications: Textiles for medical filters; Textiles for patient heat preservation during operations; Evaluation of occupational clothing for surgeons: achieving comfort and avoiding physiological stress through suitable gowns; Superabsorbents and their medical applications; Nanofibrous textiles in medical applications.