Naser Gad Al-Balakocy, Talaat Hassan, Safaa Khalil and Sherif Abd El-Salam
This study aims to study the simultaneous treatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to study the simultaneous treatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs).
Design/methodology/approach
PET fabrics loaded by TiO2 NPs were investigated by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Factors affecting the finishing process such as NaOH and TiO2 NPs concentrations, finishing duration and temperature were discussed.
Findings
The finished PET fabrics imparted new properties such as antimicrobial and ultraviolet protection factor protection, what is undoubtedly will increase the spread of this type of fabric and its use in new areas.
Research limitations/implications
The method used mainly depends on activating the surface of PET fabrics by a chemical method, specifically NaOH to cause partial decomposition, which may lead to an environmental impact.
Practical implications
The obtained results revealed that the simultaneous treatment of PET fabric with NaOH and TiO2 NPs showed antimicrobial and UV protection properties. They exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity and UV protection efficiency even after five washing cycles, indicating excellent laundering durability.
Originality/value
The approach has simplicity and implementability on an industrial scale without cost investment.
Details
Keywords
Sherif Ghamry and Hamed M. Shamma
With increasing competition, Islamic banks in Kuwait are currently facing difficulties in retaining their customers as customers now have the option to switch from one bank to…
Abstract
Purpose
With increasing competition, Islamic banks in Kuwait are currently facing difficulties in retaining their customers as customers now have the option to switch from one bank to another. As the banking industry offers almost identical products and services, customers are more likely to change their bank when they get a better offer from another bank, especially if the customer is dissatisfied with the current bank. Thus, this study aims at identifying the most significant factors that make Islamic bank customers switch their bank.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for this study was collected through a survey with a response rate of 25.5%. Logistic regression was used to analyze the collected data and examine the effect of each factor on the customer switching behavior.
Findings
The results of empirical analysis reveal that the service convenience, service reliability, level of technology and Sharia compliance are the most significant factors influencing the customer switching behavior in Kuwaiti Islamic banks. Thus, Islamic bank managers should focus on these factors when building their strategies to increase their customer’s satisfaction and loyalty. Loyal customers are more profitable than new customers as they are more likely to use more services, spread a positive word of mouth and, more importantly, they are more likely to resist competitors’ offers.
Practical implications
Identifying and understanding these factors will enable Islamic bank managers to direct their efforts and resources to the most cost-effective ways that help them to retain their customers, and accordingly, increase bank profits.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the customer switching behavior in Kuwait, and one of the few to present a model that explains the stages through which customers pass until they reach the switching decision.