Nano Textiles

To understand nano-textiles, we must first explore nanotechnology which enables the manipulation of fibers at the level of atoms and molecules to alter their properties and qualities.

Nano means: "one-billionth part of." It is often used in fixed measurements, such as nanometer (one-billionth of a meter) or nanosecond (one-billionth of a second). It has also joined the general lexicon to mean "small" or "minute." Nano stems from the Greek word "nanos," which means dwarf.

Nano is frequently used when forming compound words. Examples include nanotechnology and nanoplankton. Nanotechnology is the study of matter control, using a molecular and atomic scale. It is typically associated with items, materials or devices that measure 100 nanometers or smaller. It also means the process of creating things "from the bottom up." When used in the latter definition, it essentially means to rearrange atoms to produce another material.

Nanoplankton is the smallest microplankton, and microplankton is plankton that is visible to the human eye. Nanoplankton typically measure 2 to 20 micrometers.

Socks that prevent odor, pants that do not hold dirt, t-shirts that can change mobile phones; it is not just science-fiction anymore but a part of today’s reality thanks to ever-developing nanotechnology.

Many companies producing smart clothing with nanotechnology are likely to revolutionize clothing in the near future through the formation of textiles.  

The world’s textile industry has entered a new phase with nano-textiles. Textile products made with nanotechnology are expected to leave their mark, particularly within the next decade.

The technology enables the production of clothes previously unimagined; socks that prevent odor, pants that are resistant to water and dirt, clothes that change color and t-shirts that charge mobile phones are all possibilities with nano-textile production.

Many countries, including EU members, the United States, China, India, Japan and South Korea, have conducted detailed research on smart textile production and are implementing significant projects to train nano-textile experts.

Nanotechnology can impact the design, materials production, processing and finishing aspects of textiles manufacturing.

Techniques to incorporate nanotechnology in the manufacturing process include the integration of nano-materials into fabrics (e.g. silver nano-particle additives on fibers), use of nano-size fibers or use of various nano-coating processes to provide a particular surface resistance. The increased demand for textiles and fabrics that provide comfort with enhanced functionality and improved appearance is driving the demand for nanotechnology in this sector. Nano-filtration technology is also under investigation to recover unused dyes and chemicals from the manufacturing processes.

Surfaces Finishes and Treatments

A number of companies are using nanotechnology (e.g. titanium dioxide or zinc oxide nano-particle additives in coating formulations) to improve or add special characteristics to product surfaces, which can include stain-resistance, color durability, self-cleaning, wrinkle resistance, UV-protection, flame retardancy, water-resistance, static resistance and improved thermal performance. Applications range from automotive interiors, clothing and apparel to household and industrial textiles (e.g. floor coverings) and healthcare (medical dressings).

Antimicrobial


The addition of silver nano-particles to fabric fibers or coatings can provide antimicrobial and reduced odor properties.



Toughness and strength


The use of carbon nano-tubes and various nano-fibers and nano-particles can significantly improve the mechanical properties of the textiles.



Intelligence


Nanotechnology is used in the development of dynamic clothing which can detect and respond to temperature changes. It may even enable intelligent and multifunctional garments that comprise various electronic devices (e.g. displays, sensors and energy-harvesting systems).



Are nano textile products already on the market?


Yes. A significant number of textiles and fabrics now incorporate some form of nanotechnology (nano-particles, nano-fibers or surface/coating treatment), which are used to produce clothing, furniture, carpeting and medical products. The largest markets for such nano treatments are for clothing and apparel, with particular attention focusing on providing garments that eliminate odors, resist dirt and stains (and therefore, require washing less often and at lower temperatures) and require less maintenance (non-iron).