Abstract

The concept of nanotechnology was started over forty yearsago and it also has real commercial potential it the textile industry. The useof nanotechnology in textile industry has increased rapidly due to its unique,valuable properties. The present status of nanotechnology use in industry isreviewed, with an emphasis on improving the properties of textile materials.The unique and new properties of nanomaterials have attracted not only thescientists and researchers but also the businesses, due to huge economicalpotential.

With the advent of nanoscience and technology, a new areahas developed in the area of textile finishing called"Nanofinishing". The impact of nanotechnology in the textile garmentfinishing area has brought up innovative finishes as well as new applicationtechniques. This advanced garment finishes setup an unprecedented level oftextile performances of strain-resistant, hydrophilic, antistatic and wrinkleresistant and shrink proof abilities and protection methods.

Coating the surface of textiles and clothing withnanoparticles is an approach to the production of highly active surfaces tohave UV blocking, antimicrobial, flame retardant, water repellant andself-cleaning properties. As there are various potential applications ofnanotechnology in the textile industry, only some of the well-known propertiesimparted by nano-treatment are critically highlighted in this paper.

Introduction

Nanotechnology is concerned with materials whose structuresexhibit significantly novel and improved physical, chemical, and biologicalproperties, and functionality due to their nano-scaled size. Nanotechnology isincreasingly attracting worldwide attention, because it is widely perceived asoffering huge potential in world wide range of end uses. Enhancement of textilematerials by nanotechnology is expected to become a trillion dollar industry inthe next decade, with tremendous technological, economic and ecologic benefits.Therefore, the interest in using nanotechnology in textile industry is alsoincreasing.

Definition of nanotechnology

The nanotechnology comes from the Greek word nanos, whichmeans dwarf. Nanotechnology, a science that manipulates materials with atomicor molecular precision in a nanometer region, is regarded as the next basictechnology to follow IT and bio-technology, i.e., through three-dimensionalcontrol of materials, processes and devices at atomic scale level.Nano-particles commonly used in commercial products are in the range of 1 to100nm.

Coating is a common technique used to apply nano-particlesonto textile materials. The properties imparted to textiles usingnanotechnology include water repellence, soil resistance, wrinkles resistance,anti-bacterial, anti-static and UV- protection, flame retardation, improvementof dye ability and so on. Conventional finishing methods used to impartdifferent properties to fabrics and garments often do not lead to permanenteffects, and will lose their functions after laundering or wearing.Nanotechnology can provide high durability for fabrics, because nano-particleshave a large surface area-to-volume ratio and high surface energy, thuspresenting better affinity for fabrics and lending to an increase in durabilityof the function. In addition, the coating of nano-particles on fabrics will notaffect the breathability or hand feel.

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About the Author

The authorsare studying in IV Semester B. Tech (Textile Technology) at Bannari AmmanInstitute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Erode Dt, Tamilnadu.