Odour in Textiles

The primary focus of our research involves investigating the development and retention of odour within textiles. This includes understanding the mechanisms of how odourants bind within textile fibres, how odour can be controlled as well as the relationship between odour-causing microflora with textiles (this includes both antimicrobial-treated, and textiles not treated with antimicrobials). We are investigating methods, both instrumental (e.g., measurement of chemical volatiles and potential precursors to odour) and sensory, to collect and measure the intensity and type of odourants which may emanate from textiles following use.

Related Publications

McQueen, R., Kowton, J., & Degenstein, L. (2022). More than just appearance: Management of clothing-related odor in everyday life. Fashion Practice. Online first. DOI: 10.1080/17569370.2022.2062830

McQueen, R. H., Moran, L. J., Cunningham, C., & Hooper, P. M. (2021). Exploring the connection between odour and clothing disposal. The Journal of the Textile Institute, 112(11), 1859-1866. doi.org/10.1080/00405000.2020.1848114

McQueen, R., Kowton, J., & Degenstein, L. Smell and sustainability: Can odour shorten the life span of clothing? In L. McNeill (Ed)., Transitioning to Sustainability: Transitioning to Responsible Consumption and Production. (pp. 130-152). MDPI: Basel, Switzerland.

Abdul-Bari, M. M., McQueen, R. H., de la Mata, A. P., Harynuk, J. J. & Batcheller, J. C. (2020). Retention and release of odorants in cotton and polyester fabrics following multiple soil/wash procedures. Textile Research Journal, 90(19-20), 2212-2222. doi.org/10.1177/0040517520914411

McQueen, R.H., & Vaezafshar, S. (2020). Odor in textiles: A review of evaluation methods, fabric characteristics, and odor control technologies. Textile Research Journal, 90(9-10), 1157-1173. doi: 10.1177/0040517519883952.

Abdul-Bari, M. M., McQueen, R. H., Nguyen, H., Wismer, W. V., de la Mata, A. P., Harynuk, J. J. (2018). Synthetic clothing and the problem with odor: Comparison of nylon and polyester fabrics. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 36(4), 251-266. doi: 10.1177/0887302X18772099

de la Mata, A. P., McQueen, R. H., Nam, S. L., & Harynuk, J. (2017). Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic profiling and chemometric interpretation of the volatile profiles of sweat in knit fabrics, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 409(7), 1905-1913.

McQueen, R. H., Harynuk, J. J., Wismer, W. V., Keelan, M., Xu, Y., & de la Mata, P., (2014). Axillary odour build-up in knit fabrics following multiple use cycles. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 26(4), 274-290.

Walter, N., McQueen, R. H., & Keelan, M. (2014). In vivo assessment of antimicrobial-treated textiles on skin microflora. International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, 26(4), 330-342.

Xu, Y., McQueen, R.H., & Wismer, W.V. (2013). A preliminary study on the collection and detection of axillary odor within textiles. Journal of Textile and Apparel Technology and Management, 8(3), 1-13.

McQueen, R. H., Keelan, M., Xu, Y., & Mah, T. (2013). In vivo assessment of odour retention in an antimicrobial silver chloride-treated polyester textile, The Journal of the Textile Institute, 104(1), 108-117.

McQueen, R. H. (2011). Odour control of medical textiles. In V. T. Bartels (Ed.), Handbook of Medical Textiles (pp. 387-416). Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing Ltd.

McQueen, R. H., Keelan, M., & Kannayiram, S. (2010). Determination of antimicrobial efficacy for textile products against odor-causing bacteria, AATCC Review, 10(4): 58-63.

McQueen, R.H., Laing, R. M., Delahunty, C. M., Brooks, H. J. L., & Niven, B. E. (2008). Retention of axillary odour on apparel fabrics, Journal of the Textile Institute, 99(6): 515-523.

McQueen, R. H., Laing, R. M., Niven, B. E., Delahunty, C. M., & Wilson, C. A. (2007). Odor retention on apparel fabrics: development of test methods for sensory detection, Textile Research Journal, 77(9): 645-652.

McQueen, R. H., Laing, R. M., Brooks, H. J. L., & Niven, B. E. (2007). Odor intensity in apparel fabrics and the link with bacterial populations, Textile Research Journal, 77(7): 449-456.