Spectroscopy in Textile Inspection: A Review

The textile industry demands rigorous quality control and material analysis to meet stringent standards and consumer expectations. Spectroscopic techniques have emerged as indispensable tools in this domain, offering rapid, nondestructive, and increasingly sophisticated methods for textile inspection. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution and application of spectroscopic techniques in textile inspection. We begin by tracing the historical progression from manual inspection methods to the adoption of spectroscopic techniques. Subsequently, we delve into the principles, advantages, and limitations of prominent spectroscopic techniques, including NIR, UV-Vis, Raman, FTIR, highlighting their specific applications in fiber identification, dye and pigment analysis, fabric structure and performance assessment, and defect detection. Furthermore, we explore the transformative impact of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) with spectroscopic methods, enabling advanced data analysis and automation for enhanced accuracy and efficiency. Finally, we address the challenges and future directions of spectroscopic techniques in textile inspection, emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of enhanced sensitivity, portability, and eco-friendly solutions to meet the evolving demands of the textile industry.