Modern Applications of Nanotechnology in Textiles

Abstract

Although the term nanotechnology (NT) is relatively new, the underlying technology is old, because the term "submicro" was used in the production of extremely small particles of polymers and copolymers. Today, the technology that deals with the science and engineering of materials at the dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nm (1 billion nm = 1 m) in length is called NT. At the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), NT is defined as the understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the above stated length scale, such that the physical, chemical, and biological properties of materials (individual atoms, molecules, and bulk matter) can be engineered, synthesized, or altered to develop the next generations of improved materials, devices, structures, and systems [1]. Although, there is no clear indication of when and how the term evolved, Professor Richard Feynman, almost 50 years ago, in a lecture titled "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom," [2] demonstrated that matter at nanometer dimensions can be exploited to attain considerably improved material properties. Indeed, in the decades following, there have been numerous advances in NT and its many applications in the textile industry. Because of its limitless potential in consumer-oriented applications, the textile industry is one of the premier beneficiaries of advances in NT. Being one of the largest consumer-supported industries, with significant impact on a nation's economy, advances in applications of NT to improve textile properties offer obvious, high economic potential for the industry's growth. 1It was demonstrated in recent years that NT can be used to enhance textile attributes, such as fabric softness, durability, and breathability, water repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial properties, and the like in fibers, yarns, and fabrics. In addition to the millions of dollars invested by the private sector, it is estimated that for the year 2003, worldwide government funding for research and developAbstract Nanotechnology (NT) deals with materials 1 to 100 nm in length. At the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), NT is defined as the understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the above-stated length, such that the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the materials (individual atoms, molecules, and bulk matter) can be engineered, synthesized, and altered to develop the next generation of improved materials, devices, structures, and systems. NT at the molecular level can be used to develop desired textile characteristics, such as high tensile strength, unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, water repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial properties, and the like. Indeed, advances in NT have created enormous opportunities and challenges for the textile industry, including the cotton industry. The focus of this paper is to summarize recent applications of NT as they relate to textile fibers, yarns, and fabrics.

Functional Modification with TiO2 Nanoparticles and Simultaneously Dyeing of Wool Fibers in a One-Pot Hydrothermal Process

“…[3][4][5] and such unique photocatalytic properties of TiO 2 particles, especially nanocrystalline TiO 2 particles, enable TiO 2 nanoparticles to have been widely used to enhance the properties of fibre, yarns, and fabrics in the textile industry. 6 Nanocrystalline TiO 2 can effectively reduce the rate of photoyellowing by inhibiting free radical generation in TiO 2 -doped wool mixtures, which acts primarily as a UV absorber on wool in dry conditions and not as a photocatalyst. 7 Generally, the surfaces of both wool fibres and TiO 2 nanoparticles are modified by using various chemical or physical methods in order to enhance the binding strength between them.…”

A Brief Review on Nanoparticles: Types of Platforms, Biological Synthesis and Applications

“…AgNPs in wall paint thwart the creation of mold exclusive buildings and the evolution of algae on external walls. Ag inhibits the several stages of cell breakdown; it abolishes a wide range of germs and makes it grim for germs to develop confrontation [80] . NPs are so minor that they can establish themselves faithfully sufficient and pledge organized to form a molecularly wrapped sur-face.…”

Application of Nanotechnology in the field of Textile

“…TiO 2 , ZnO and TiO 2 nanoparticles are electrically conductive materials and help dissipate the static charge in these fibers Application of Nanotechnology in the field of Textile DOI: 10.9790/019X-04010106 www.iosrjournals.org 3 | Page [4]. There are many ways in which the surface properties of a fabric can be manipulated and enhanced by implementing appropriate surface finishing, coating or altering techniques, using nanotechnology [25]. Electro conductive fibers to be used for the protection from radiation emitted by electronics [10,22].…”