Image Credits: peterschreiber.media/Shutterstock.com

Nanotechnology has recently brought immense improvement in the textile industry. The unique properties of nanomaterials are applied in an efficient manner by textile engineers and scientists, and it has gained enormous attention in the commercial market for their huge economic benefits.

Nanomaterials in textiles have proved to be immensely valuable for the manufacturing of protective garments for workers involved in emergency services such as military personnel, firefighters and medical workers.

There are different methods for the production of nanoengineered textiles. For example, sometimes synthesized nanoparticles are incorporated into the fibers or textiles.

Nanoparticles are also applied as a coating on the surface of the finished product. There are also different coating techniques such assol-gel, plasma polymerization and layer-by-layer that are used in the application of nanoparticles onto textile fibers.

These techniques can enhance durability and are also capable of making the fabric resistant to extreme weather conditions. The composition of nanocoating materials, such assurfactants and carrier medium, can alter the surface texture of fabrics.

A nanofiber is produced by the electrospinning method and split spinning process. Nano-fibers possess multifunctional properties such as good filtration, high surface area, high permeability, small fiber diameter, and thin layers. These fabrics are able to filter toxic gasses, pathogens (bacteria, viruses), and harmful substances present in the air.

The nanoparticles being evenly distributed in polymer matrices imparts toughness and abrasion resistance to the fabrics. Nanofibers can also enhance the tensile strength of composite fibers.

A nanocomposite is made up of a mixture of two or more different substances of nanometer size. This technique helps in the production of fabrics with improved electrical, mechanical, optical, and biological properties.

The techniqueenables the production of communicating textiles, chromatic textiles, conductive textiles, warming and cooling textiles, textile sensors, and digital fashion. Metal ions and static electricity play a crucial role in imparting sterilizing properties to fabrics.

The anti-static property of nano-based fibers helps to repel statically attractive substances such aslint, dog hair, and dust. Carbon black nanoparticles and carbon nanofibers are effective reinforcing materials for composite fibers.

Find out more about nanoparticle characterization systems

Medical Uses: Fabrics are engineered sothat they can be used for drug delivery and wound healing. Silver nanoparticles possess antimicrobial properties. Therefore, silver nanoparticles are extensively used in products related to dressings for burns and scald. Nano-engineered fabrics are also used to screen heart rate, body temperature, and breathing rhythm.

Military Uses: Production of fabrics that are lightweight but show a high degree of resistance to extreme temperatures, durable, antibacterial activity, improved camouflage, water-resistant, and embedded with multipurpose nanosensors. The textiles also possess high anti-ballistic flame-retardant and RF-shielding properties. Such characteristics are ideal for military usage.

General Uses:

While addressing the frequently asked question regarding the safety of nanomaterials in our clothing, Natalie von Goetz from the Swiss University ETH Zrich stated that under laboratory conditions, no nanoparticles were found in the perspiration of the test person wearing fabric coated with titanium dioxide nanoparticles. This is regarded as a positive result andsupports the usage of nanoparticles in clothing.

However, Rickard Arvidsson from the Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg, Sweden, reflects upon the problem with nanoparticle incorporation in textiles. He expressed that even though silver nanoparticles are non-toxic to human beings, it could be very toxic to aquatic life.

His research proposed that the enormous use of silver nanomaterial in clothing can lead to high concentrations of silver in the sludge from wastewater treatment plants that could ultimately have ill effects on aquatic animals.

Find out more about nanofiber production equipment

Nano Textile: This nano-based textile company was found in 2013 in Israel. Nano Textile established a single step nano-coating method that coats textiles with zinc oxide, thereby imparting permanent antibacterial properties to the fabric. The technique is economical and environmentally friendly. The treatment is extended to many types of fabrics such as synthetic, cotton, silk, etc.

GoGoNano: This company is involved in producing nano-coating sprays for electronics, textiles, and cars. GoGoNano also manufactures carpets, shoes, and clothes with superhydrophobic, and bacteria-resistant properties.

Nano-Tex: This is a leading nanotechnology-based textile company, headquartered in Emeryville, California, with operations spreading across Asia, the United States, and Europe. Nano-Tex has recently proclaimed partnerships with other leading textile companies such asDesigntex, Architex, Arc-Com, Carnegie, and Kravet.

Bereznenko, S., Bereznenko, N., Skyba, M., et al. (2020) A novel equipment for making nanocomposites for investigating the antimicrobial properties of nanotextiles.International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology. Vol. Ahead of Print. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-07-2019-0107

Mahmud, R. and Nabi, F. (2017). Application of Nanotechnology in the field of Textile. Journal of Polymer and Textile Engineering. 4 (1), 1-6. Available at:http://www.iosrjournals.org/iosr-jpte/papers/Vol4-Issue1/A04010106.pdf

Nanalyze (2018) 7 Startups Innovating in Nano Clothing Technologies. [Online] Available at:https://www.nanalyze.com/2018/02/7-startups-nano-clothing-technologies/(Accessed on 28 May 2020).

Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the author expressed in their private capacity and do not necessarily represent the views of AZoM.com Limited T/A AZoNetwork the owner and operator of this website. This disclaimer forms part of the Terms and conditions of use of this website.

Read more:
The Role of Nanotechnology in the Production of Fabrics - AZoNano