Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
 Research Publications |  Thesis & Dissertation |  E- Books |
 UoM Journal Publications |  UoM Conference Proceedings |  Articles published in Scimago's Q1 journals |  UoM Research Reports |  Other Articles authored by UoM staff |
Recent Submissions
item: Conference-Full-text
Proceeding of Textile Engineering Research Symposium -TERS 2025 (Pre-Text)
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Nandasiri, GK; Maheshi, I; Jayaweera, A; Thamuditha, K
Proceedings of the Textile Engineering Research Symposium 2025 (TERS2025)
item: Conference-Full-text
Evaluating effect of hydraulic characteristics of various top sheets on performance of sanitary napkins
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Kharva, A; Chaudhary, S; Patel, P
Textiles have a significant role in helping women to overcome a various challenges pertaining to their health and hygiene. Various hygiene textiles including sanitary napkins help to preserve women’s health and cleanliness during their menstrual period against the blood and fluid discharge which occurs monthly from puberty to menopause phase. For comfort and to maintain routine day to day activities, the discharged fluid needs to be absorbed by various absorbent materials used in the sanitary towels, tampons etc. The sanitary napkin attends to the drive of engrossing and retaining the period blood while also keeping it away from the body surface. The hydraulic characteristic viz. absorption and rewetting are very important for the proper performance of the sanitary napkins. A sanitary napkin consists of multiple layers, mainly a top sheet, absorbent core, and back sheet. The upper layer of a sanitary napkin significantly influences user’s comfort, fluid absorption capacity, and the product's rewet properties.
In light of escalating environmental concerns, the sanitary product sector is progressively exploring sustainable substitutes for the traditional synthetic top sheets currently employed. This research aims to assess and contrast the efficacy of biodegradable top sheet materials in sanitary napkins against conventional top sheet materials, emphasizing essential functional parameters such as absorption rate, overall absorbency, and rewet. Total of eight top sheet samples: five made of using synthetic polymer and three made from natural polymers have been used for the study. Both these types of material underwent uniform test procedure for comparison of hydraulic characteristics and their effect on performance of the final products.
The biodegradable top sheet shows a better absorbency, it may often feel wet again after use due to their high rewet values. Overall performance of cotton, silk, and corn top sheets found better or at par with the synthetic top sheet products. The sanitary napkins made from the natural fiber top sheet also showed much better absorbency properties and liquid holding capacity. This study is helpful in designing the new sanitary products with wider choice of natural fibrous materials. The results show that one can make use of biodegradable materials for comforts, performance and eco-friendly sanitary napkins. This points toward a better future where feminine hygiene aspect is much safer for the people and planet.
item: Conference-Full-text
Synthesis of melamine-formaldehyde encapsulated n-Octadecane microcapsules for advanced thermal management in textiles
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Thamuditha, RAK; Gunarathna, MTV; Shashimal, RDDK; Nandasiri, GK; Nissanka, ID
Thermal comfort is crucial for human performance. and survival, particularly for athletes exposed to frequent heat stress. Targeted body cooling, especially at the neck region, has proven effective in lowering core body temperature and enhancing post-exercise recovery. However, conventional methods such as ice or gel packs are limited by vasoconstriction, bulkiness, and impracticality for routine use. This research focuses on developing a thermoregulating textile for neck cooling applications coated with microencapsulated phase change materials (PCM) as a passive, lightweight cooling alternative. The microcapsules are comprised of n-octadecane as the PCM core and a melamine formaldehyde (MF) shell to ensure thermal stability and a controlled phase change effect. Octadecane enables effective thermal regulation through latent heat absorption during melting and heat release during solidification. Experimental results demonstrated that coating the fabric with these microcapsules, with diameters ranging from 1 to 1.5 μm, increased its thermal conductivity roughly by 4 times, significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency and overall cooling performance.
item: Conference-Full-text
Design & development of a mosquito-repellent fabric with enhanced wash durability
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Sewwandi, I; Kodeeswaran, S; Kalugalla, D; Nandasiri, GK; Maheshi, I
The development of mosquito-repellent textiles has emerged as a significant innovation in the textile industry. This novel approach involves applying a mosquito-repelling agent to textile materials, effectively transforming them into protective barriers against mosquitoes. In reviewing existing research on mosquito-repellent agents and their applications in textiles, it is evident that while many studies focus on whether the materials possess mosquito-repellent properties, few addressed the durability of these solutions, particularly concerning wash fastness. Thus, a significant research gap has been identified in the wash durability of developed mosquito-repellent textiles, especially in utilizing natural agents. These agents tend to lose their effectiveness substantially after washing. To address this problem, the study proposes a comprehensive investigation aimed at enhancing the wash durability of natural mosquito-repellent agent-based textiles by incorporating microcapsules with
co-encapsulated materials.
item: Conference-Full-text
Designing a fit-focused sizing guide for plus-size bras: overcome sizing, fit, and discomfort issues in bra design
(Department of Textile and Apparel Engineering, University of Moratuwa, 2025) Sewwandi, R; Tennakoon, T; Rathnayaka, T; De Silva, RKJ
The demand for plus-size bras has increased significantly in recent years, driven by a better understanding of body diversity and the need to cater to the obese population worldwide. Selecting an accurate bra size is crucial as incorrect bra size will cause fit, comfort and health issues. Plus size refers to clothing sizes tailored for individuals whose bodies deviate from the conventional sizing standards [2]. The bra of plus size begins to take a prominent place and it has revealed an interest in investigating its characteristics to meet the demands of support and comfort of a heavy breast [3].
Different sizing conventions might be employed to classify plus-size clothing [2]. Bra sizing guide refers to a structured method for categorizing bras based on key body measurements to ensure a better fit [4]. Traditional sizing frameworks often fail to account for the wide range of body shapes and breast proportions. Most brands design bras based only on under bust and over bust measurements, without fully considering other important body features. A well-designed bra can improve a woman’s body shape, attractiveness, and confidence [5].
Bra sizing and fitting is a complex issue, and there is no single size that works for everyone. Even though bra sizes have been standardized over the years, it is still hard to find the right fit, especially for plus size or large-breasted women. One of the biggest challenges is getting the correct breast volume or cup size.