This document gives the importance of nanotechnologyin the field of textiles. The author has done a study on the different sectorsof textiles where nanotechnology is introduced. The study reveals thatnanotechnology is emerging in every field of life and is based on theprinciples of simple to complex. The study also highlights the benefits ofnanotechnology in textiles.
Introduction:
Nano- Theword nano means "dwarf" in Latin, as per the scientific dictionaryNano means "very small or at a microscopic level, one billionth of asecond"
Nanotechnologyis the study and application of small things that can be used widely in fieldsof engineering, science, chemistry, physics, biology etc. Nanotechnology wasfirst introduced to the world of science by physicist Richard Feynman at anAmerican Physical meeting at California Institute of Technology on 29th Dec1959, the talk title being "There's plenty of room at the bottom"
K. EricDrexler is credited to popularize the word" nano technology in the 1980salso known as the "Founding father of nanotechnology"
A moregeneralised description of nanotechnology was subsequently established by theNational Nanotechnology Initiative, which defines nanotechnology as themanipulation of matter with at least one dimension sized from 1 to 100 nanometres.
Everythingon this Earth is made of atoms, our food, our clothes, plants etc and of courseourselves. Scientists involved in nanotechnology have adapted or rathermimicked the nature's way to develop products which have advantages as well asadded benefits in terms of performance, functionality, and durability.
Textiles and Nanotechnology:
Concept ofnanotechnology used in textiles on fibre and fabric is nothing but adapted fromnature. E.g. how the lotus leaf stays dry in spite of being in water. The sameway fabrics are modified so as to repel soil, dirt, etc and to remain clean andfresh using the nanotechnology principle. The nature has its in -builtnanotechnology like the lotus leaf whichrepels water from its surface and hence the water droplets are seen on theupper surface, all this is done by the waxy nano leaf fibres growing on theouter surface of the leaf. Man studied this art of nature and used the sametechnology on the surface of the fabrics and has created special smart fabrics,to repel soil, dirt and remain clean and fresh forever. The Teflon principle ofnanotechnology is a way of creating dirt free fabrics.
Nanotechnologyin textiles is used to develop desired textile characteristics, such as hightensile strength, unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, waterrepellence, fire retardance, and antimicrobial properties.
Thistechnology is used in various sections of the textile industry: at the fibre stage, surface finish to fibre,Fabric stage (surface finish) or garment stage.
NanoFibres: Electro spinning is the process for
nanofibres fabrication, which has patents extending back to the early and
mid-1900s. In the process, electrostatic forces are used to draw a solution or
melt polymer fluid into a fibrous form. Depending on the materials system and
processing conditions, resulting fibres can range from several microns to less
than 100 nanometres. Fibres used in the textile industry are notably improved
by nanotechnology; one example is nanocellulose, which combines low cost,
lightweight, electric conductivity, environmentally friendly resources and high
resistance, thus opening an immensely vast scope of possible applications,
nanotechnology-enabled apparel can both protect the wearer from pathogens,
toxic gases, and other hazardous substances, benefiting the medical and rescue
services as well as in the military, and allow the constant monitoring of body
functions in applications ranging from regenerative activities to the
enhancement of the quality of life of sufferers of long-term diseases.
Surface
Modification: Fibre stage/fabric Stage
Surface
modification is used to impart unique properties to fibres and fabrics. It is
also an area that raises the most scrutiny as to whether or not the technology
can actually be considered nanotechnology based on the modification process and
the coating thickness.
Applications
range from water and stain repellence, wrinkle resistance and flame retardation
to high-tech applications such as microbe resistance, electro-textiles - such
as printed circuit boards - and chemical/biological detection and other
protective applications.
Commercial
applications range from the Speedo LZR swimsuit - using a cold plasma
technology to repel water - to the Nano-Tex technique of pad-applying to a
fabric or dip/spray-applying to a garment with solution containing particles to
create so-called nano-whiskers on the surface of a cotton fibre. The biggest
issue with surface modification, especially in older technologies, is longevity.
Many coatings become depleted as a function of wear, or abrasion, and washing.
Therefore, nanotechnologies employing strong bonding to the surface of the
fibre are eagerly sought and under development.
Examples
of industries where nanotech-enhanced textiles are already seeing some
application include the sporting industry, skincare, space technology and
clothing and material technologies for better protection in extreme
environments. Treating textiles with nanotechnology materials is a method to
improve the properties of the textile, making it longer, durable, and have
nicer colours etc. Nanotechnology can also be used to add new functionalities
like energy storage and communications.
Some examples of nano improved
textiles currently on the market are:
• Stain
repellent and wrinkle-resistant threads woven in textiles
• Body
warmers use Phase Change Materials (PCMs) responding to changing body
temperatures
• Nano
socks treated with silver nano particles. The silver acts against infection and
odour
Nano Materials
The
nonmaterial's field includes subfields which develop or study materials having
unique properties arising from their nanoscale dimensions.
Interface and colloid science has given rise to many materials which may
be useful in nanotechnology, such as carbon nanotubes and other fullerenes, and
various nanoparticles and nanorods. Nanomaterials with fast ion transport are
related also to nanoionics and nanoelectronics.
Table: Commercially
available nano-particles for textile applications
Sr No |
Nanoparticles |
Properties |
1 |
Silver
nanoparticles |
Anti-bacterial
finishing |
2 |
Fe
nanoparticles |
Conductive
magnetic properties, remote heating. |
3 |
ZnO
and TiO2 |
UV-protection,
fiber protection, oxidative catalysis |
4 |
TiO2
and MgO |
Chemical
and biological protective performance, provide self-sterilizing function. |
5 |
SiO2
or Al2O3 Nano-particles with PP or PE coating |
Super
water repellent finishing. |
6 |
Indium-tin
oxide nanoparticles |
EM
/ IR protective clothing. |
7 |
Ceramic
nanoparticles |
Increasing
resistance to abrasion. |
8 |
Carbon
black nanoparticles |
Increasing
resistance to abrasion, chemical resistance and impart electrical
conductivity, coloration of some textiles. |
9 |
Clay
nanoparticles |
High
electrical, heat and chemical resistance |
Conclusion
Nanotextiles
are emerging in textiles by creating smart or rather intelligent textiles. To
create, alter, and improve textiles at the molecular level and increase
durability and performance beyond that of normal textiles are possible now that
nanotechnology is in the arena. To continue this favourable trend, the textile
industry should contribute more to research in nanotechnology and intensify its
collaboration with other disciplines. With the changing trends and demands of
the customer, it is the need of the age to make use of the technology available
today. These applications and developments show that nanotechnology will emerge
to dominate the textile field in future.
References:
1).
www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/defination
2).
www.cranono.org
3). www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanotechnologywikipedia
4).
www.fibre2fashion.com/article/mazharulislamkiron
5).
www.nanotextna.org/sectors/textiles
6). www.textiletoday.com.bd/oldsite/magazine/68
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