Infrared absorbing nanoparticle impregnated self-heating fabrics for significantly improved moisture management under ambient conditions

Abstract

Propensity of a textile material to evaporate moisture from its surface, commonly referred to as the ‘moisture management’ ability, is an important characteristic that dictates the applicability of a given textile material in the activewear garment industry. Here, an infrared absorbing nanoparticle impregnated self-heating (IRANISH) fabric is developed by impregnating tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanoparticles into a polyester fabric through a facile high-pressure dyeing approach. It is observed that under simulated solar radiation, the impregnated ITO nanoparticles can absorb IR radiation, which is effectively transferred as thermal energy to any moisture present on the fabric. This transfer of thermal energy facilitates the enhanced evaporation of moisture from the IRANISH fabric surface and as per experimental findings, a 54 ± 9% increase in the intrinsic drying rate is observed for IRANISH fabrics compared with control polyester fabrics that are treated under identical conditions, but in the absence of nanoparticles. Approach developed here for improved moisture management via the incorporation of IR absorbing nanomaterials into a textile material is novel, facile, efficient and applicable at any stage of garment manufacture. Hence, it allows us to effectively overcome the limitations faced by existing yarn-level and structural strategies for improved moisture management.

Halloysite Nanotube/Polydopamine Nanohybrids as Clay-Based Photothermal Agents for Antibacterial Applications

“…Various metals, − carbon-based materials such as carbon nanotubes or graphene oxide, − and organic dyes , have been demonstrated to present significant light-to-heat conversion properties mainly originating from their plasmonic effect and strong near-infrared absorption. Semiconducting polymers such as polyaniline, polypyrrole, and polydopamine also present strong light-to-heat conversion properties. , Specifically, polydopamine, which can be easily coated onto almost any surface due to its unique mussel-inspired adhesive properties, can impart photothermal properties to nanoparticles on which it is coated. − While the available photothermal nanoparticles present light-to-heat conversion efficiencies to different extents, depending on the application in which they will be utilized, their toxicity, cost effectiveness, and environmental friendliness mostly are of concern. , Considering the wide spectrum of applications where remote heating of nanoparticles can be utilized, new photothermal agents that not only have strong light-to-heat conversion properties but are also cost-effective, nontoxic, and can be easily integrated into nanocomposite materials are needed.…”