Tuesday, February 18, 2025
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HomeTechnical ArticlesTechnical TextilesNanotechnology in Textiles: Improving Fabric Performance

Nanotechnology in Textiles: Improving Fabric Performance

Nowadays there are great innovations observed in the textile segment especially in the recent years with the incorporation of nanotechnology into fabrics that have changed the aspect of fabrics and their performance. Through nanotechnology, fabrics containing additional characteristics such as better water resistance or protection against ultraviolet light, higher tensile strength and many other features have simply resulted from the action of the scientists and engineers in controlling materials that are one-billionth of a meter in size.

What is Nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology is about the manipulation of materials at near atomic level, particularly at nanoscale, which is 1 to 100 that of a millimeter. When have this scale, then materials can experience physical, chemical and mechanical properties which are distinct from the bulk materials.

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This has made nanotechnology a highly charged up field of study, as it has cut across various fields such as in the medical field, electronics, energy and textile. Nanotechnology has also enabled production of fabrics within the textile industry with enhanced multiple properties that include; durability, comfort and diminishing vulnerability to environmental conditions. Based on the ideas of utilizing nanoparticles or developing nanoscale coatings within fabrics, manufacturers acquire extraordinary solutions for everyday uses.

Applications of Nanotechnology in Textiles

Many unique functionalities like water repellency, stain resistance as well as UV protection are being reported by nanoparticles to textiles. Nanocoating’s such as hydrophobic fabric are created that make clothes resistant to water and dirt, perfect for outdoor clothes. The nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide also offer UV shielding to fabrics and skin from damaging radiation. Also, in textiles the silver nanoparticles are used for antimicrobial purposes, due to which clothing becomes more hygienic. Fiber durability and strength are also improved using nanotechnology and lightweight, yet high performance materials are created for a wide variety of applications.

Uses of nanotechnology in

Figure 2: Uses of nanotechnology in textiles.

  1. Water Repellency: The biggest uses of nanotechnology in textiles are to make the fabric water-resistant. Super hydrophobic fabrics which make water to bead up and roll off without having to be absorbed, has been created through innovation by integrating nanostructures (known as the “lotus effect”). The extent to which the use of silica nanoparticles altered the hydrophobicity of the cotton fabric was examined using this work. According to the study after the treatment of fabric with silica nanoparticles the water contact angle was noted higher proving the non-wettability characteristic of the fabric after treatment. This enhancement was due to the fact that at a nanoscale level, the fabric surface became rougher and due to this, there were air pockets between the fiber mesh and water droplets thus no absorption.
  2. UV Protection:  UV protection fabrics are very useful particularly when being used in specific open-air conditions. Nanotechnology provides an opportunity to add UV-filters to fabrics in the form of metal oxide nanoparticles including ZnO and TiO2. Such nanoparticles can also capture and reflect the skin damaging UV radiation safely shielding the wearer. One researcher investigated on the application of TiO2 nanoparticles to fabrics to improve the UV protection. The study showed how, given the high refractive index and high absorption capacity in the UV part of the spectrum, TiO2 nanoparticles can block the penetration of UV rays. Due to this they are most suitable for use in production of clothes that are worn in extreme climate conditions such as outdoor wears, sport wears as well as protective wears.  Several companies have started using apparels with incorporated TiO2 nanoparticles. This nanotechnology has been used by brands in the manufacture of apparels for the outdoors wear segment endorsed for extreme sunlight protection of up to fifty plus Ultraviolet Protective Factor.
  3. Increased Strength and Durability: The process of applying carbon nanotubes for the reinforcement of polyester fabrics was examined. That the fabrics which had been treated with carbon nanotubes registered a significant increase in tensile strength, tear resistance and wearability.  CNT’s high aspect ratio provided efficient load transfer capabilities that enabled the fabric to be more easily maintained under tensile strain. Nanotechnology has also found to have a lot of importance in improving the strength and the durable nature of fabrics. Thus, by dispersion of nanofibers or CNTs into the fabrication of the textile material, the tensile strength and the abrasive properties can be dramatically increased. This has culminated in evolutions of advanced textile to be used in military and industrial areas.  
  4. Self-Cleaning Textiles: Self-cleaning, minimal wash required; textiles are made possible by nanotechnology. It does so by using nanostructures that degrade organic compounds by photocatalysis or making it a surface that dirt and stain does not easily stick to. Researchers reported a breakthrough using TiO2 nanoparticles to develop a self-cleaning fabric. The nanoparticles catalyzed the degradation of organic stains under UV light, and when exposed to sunlight cleaned themselves out of the fabric. Hygiene is critical and this innovation has potential application in everyday clothing, uniforms and medical textiles.

Nanotechnology for Future Prospects of Textiles

Smart Textiles: These smart fabrics are now becoming possible as a result of nanotechnology — fabrics that monitor heart rate, body temperature and even glucose levels.  

Antimicrobial Properties: The use of silver nanoparticles in textiles can convey antimicrobial properties, making fabrics resistant to bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Regarding healthcare textiles, surgical gowns and bedding, this is very significant.

Energy Harvesting: Nanotechnology may soon allow textiles may be able to collect and store energy from the movements of the wearer or external sources of solar power. Such technology could lead to self-powered wearable electronics being incorporated into clothing.  

Challenges in the use of Nanotechnology in Textile

The uses of nanotechnology in textiles are massive but are challenged. But some concerns center on the potential for nanoparticles to cause an environmental impact or a health impact — for instance, during manufacturing, in use, or due to disposal Although the jury is still out on whether nanoparticle exposure has long term effects on human health, the safety and sustainability of these innovations must be maintained through further research. The potential ecological impact of nanoparticles on textiles utilized in textiles if not biodegradable. The recommendation of the study was that those methods of recycling and disposal be prioritized because they could lead to potential environmental risk.

Conclusion

Textile innovation has been opened up by nanotechnology to new frontiers, allowing fabrics to fulfil tasks once off the limit of imagination. Traditionally this industry, water repellency, UV protection has been transformed by nanotechnology including increased strength and self-cleaning properties. Although there is much yet to be overcome, the ongoing research and development of this field will only continue to deliver more groundbreaking advancements to traditional as well as technical textiles and smart fabrics. As we advance to the future, nanotechnology in textiles will have a huge impact on people’s life, providing sustainable, functional and high-performance textiles for industrial use.

Major References

  • B. Bhushan, “Introduction to nanotechnology,” Springer handbook of nanotechnology, pp. 1-19, 2017.  
  • M. S. S. M. S. M. &. I. Z. Nasrollahzadeh, “An introduction to nanotechnology.,” Interface science and technology, vol. 28, pp. 1-27, 2019.  
  • A. L. &. Y. J. Porter, “How interdisciplinary is nanotechnology?,” Journal of nanoparticle research, vol. 11, pp. 1023-1041, 2009.  
  • M. &. F. W. Köhler, Nanotechnology: an introduction to nanostructuring techniques., John Wiley & Sons., 2008.  

K. M. S. &. P. P. Singha, “UV protection via nanomaterials.,” Frontiers of textile materials: Polymers, nanomaterials, enzymes, and advanced modification techniques,, pp. 153-166, 2020.  

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