Silicone technology has brought revolution in the textile industry as it plays an important role in textile manufacturing process. The new age discovery of silicone technology enables textile manufacturers to create functional fabrics, high performance and intelligent textiles, which can satisfy the demands of consumers.
Silicones have some useful characteristics such as heat resistance, resistance to sunlight, moisture, chemicals and age. They are mostly used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, cooking utensils and insulation. Additionally, it has found a place in the textile industry too.
Silicone has entered our lives in different ways and one can find silicone in various forms. They are used for fashion and industrial textiles. Like elastomers and rubbers are used for adhesives, bonding agents, textile coatings, lace coating and seam sealers. While fluids and emulsions are used for fabric finishes, fiber lubricants and process aids.
With the help of silicone technology the textile manufacturers in the world can produce customized fabrics and clothing which perfectly complements the functional needs of modern lifestyle. Whether the consumer is fashionable, wants comfort or is budget conscious, silicone technology is helping the textile manufacturers to come up with functional fabrics and high performance textiles.
Consumers are benefited with silicone based textiles as it gives long lasting comfort and performance. Moreover, silicone technology is also capable of facing the harsh industrial challenges. Today, if one goes to buy denim, one can be sure to find denim that will give the feel of absolute comfort and fit, such is the effect of silicone on textiles.
Renowned companies provide range of silicone products to the manufacturers for textile applications. Thereafter, manufacturers produce textiles in accordance with the consumer need, like fabrics that repel water, prevent wrinkles, increase elasticity and resiliency. Silicone coating used in apparel makes it breathable and comfortable. While in industrial applications like automotive, construction and sport goods, silicone coating gives strength, resistance from extreme temperature, moisture, UV rays and fire.
An economical silicone product is available that can be used to make fabrics feel softer. Moreover, silicone technology is also playing a crucial role in reducing the harsh impacts of textile processes on the environment. For example, the denims are made soft and wearable through rigorous processes which requires large amount of water, energy, time and labor.
According to a report in June 2012, silicone nano particles are used to develop a superior type of mosquito-repellant clothing. A Portuguese company has developed a treatment which is very advanced compared to the traditional technology. In this process the textiles are infused with silicon dioxide nano particles. These nano particles contain a non-toxic active substance which keeps mosquitoes away. While conducting tests, this substance repelled 81% of the mosquitoes whereas the traditional method was able to keep 40% mosquitoes away.
Silicon dioxide is basically sand and is harmless to the environment. As the substance in the nano particles are infused into the textile and not spread on the outer surface, as opposed to the traditional process, the particles remained in the material up to 90 washes.
The concept of solar fabric is not new to the world. Till now, scientists and engineers have been able to either instill solar cells into the fabrics or weave solar technology onto the textile. But a new research has developed fibers which will work as solar cells. These are silicon based fibers which are photovoltaic. It can be used to make power generating fabric, clothing, tents, backpacks, etc.
Apart from making solar power fabric, this material can be made into long, flexible silicone solar cell fibers. These long solar cell fibers can be used in a many applications like weaving them into a fabric, generating power, charging battery, chemical detection and also as biomedical tool. The silicon based fibers can charge smartphones and other gadgets. It can be a useful source of power to the soldiers who carry heavy batteries to charge their devices or replace Kevlar material which is used in spaceship.
Smart sports apparel with silicone sensors has been introduced by a world famous sports brand. The sensor is placed on a silicone circuit and then sewn into the clothing. The sensor would give accurate signals from the user's body. It can be used to monitor heart rate, blood pressure, strain on joints, etc.
Another silicone based product has been introduced to keep liquid away from steel. This is because metal will rust, when it comes in contact with liquid. The first product developed was a silicon based spray that would keep steel dry. Moreover, it could also be used on other surfaces and materials. Later, a new product was invented which can be used on any surface to keep it dry and stain free.
This spray not only keeps the surface dry but also keeps bacteria and ice at bay. The company that has developed this product claims that it can make one's mobile phone waterproof if the spray is used on it. Once, this product is readily available in the market, then the shoes will not get dirty and hopefully clothes will not need washing. Just using this spray would make any fabric or clothing stain free and dry.
Silicone technology has gained popularity in both fashion and industrial textile applications. In fashion, silicone based textiles have many advantages. It can reduce shrinkage, scratch free, wrinkle free, add softness to the fabric, has higher water repellency. Silicone coating on fabric maintains the suppleness of the fabric and it does not become hard in cold or decay when exposed to high temperature.
Silicones are easy to process and hence cost effective. Silicones can be seen as free flowing resins, rigid plastics, gels, rubber, powders and fluids thinner than water or thick as paste. From these forms of silicone, innumerable silicone based products are designed and manufactured all over the world for various textile and industrial purposes.
References:
1. Gizmag.com
2. Indiantextilejournal.com
3. Treehugger.com
4. Dowcorning.com
5. Dailytech.com
6. Geek.com
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