Nanotechnology Textile

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The textile and clothing industry, normally seen as a ‘traditional industry’ is an important part of the European manufacturing industry and gives employment to over two million people. The large number of textile SMEs that congregate in specific regions further heightens its importance in terms of social, economic and cultural significance.

1. Description

2. Why

3. How

4. Future Trends

5. Related Links

Description 

Nanotechnology, though still very early in its infancy, is already proving to be a useful tool in improving the performance of textiles. With increased performance comes added value and additional revenue. One company to realise this has been the Burlington Industries subsidiary, Nano-Tex.Branded as one of the ‘coolest’ products in 2003 by Time Magazine, Nano-Tex is providing clothing manufactures such as Levi’s, Eddie Bauer, GAP and Old Navy the means to make their products more durable, water and oil repellent, stain resistant and have the reduced need for washing, all without altering the feel of the fabric.Their chemical formulation and application technology, which is easily adopted by existing textile mills, changes the fabric itself on a molecular level, embedding it with tiny, floppy, hair like fibres that themselves are attached to a common spine. The ‘nano whiskers’ in the chemical mix keeps stains away from soaking into clothing.

Why

Nano-Tex is said to have plans to expand its product range to include stain-proof mattresses, boat covers and hotel bedding markets.  Using the technology a special three-dimensional structure can be created, limiting the available contact surface for dirt particles. Looking at the previously stated definition of nanotechnology it could be argued that Nano-Tex’s technology isn’t really nanotechnology but improved chemistry, however the company is realising a profit whilst other ‘proper’ nanotechnology companies are still waiting and dreaming.The use of nanotechnology is allowing textiles to become multifunctional. For

instance, Plasma technology is being used to modify the top nanometer layers of textiles, allowing them to be made antibacterial, fungicidal and water repellent. Other areas of interest include heat resistant and mechanically resilient work wear, ballistic protection, sensors and camouflage.Advantages:

  • Easy handling
  • Breathability remains
  • Suitable for all textiles
  • Washing stable up to 40°C
  • Simply wash off contaminants
  • Long lasting sealing of textiles
  • Prevents tea, coffee and ketchup stains etc.
  • Long lasting protection for textiles and leather against water, dirt and grease 

How

Nanotechnology has been defined as the thorough three-dimensional structural control of materials, processes and devices at the atomic scale, or one billionth (US) of a metre (1*10-9m).The ability to manipulate individual atoms and place them in a desired structure would lead to a new industrial revolution and completely change the way most things are constructed. The potential benefits of nanotechnology are so compelling that over thirty countries are now initiating national research and development initiatives.The first commercial steps of nanotechnology have been made in the textile arena. To create, alter and improve textiles at the molecular level and increase durability and performance beyond that of normal textiles is possible, now. To continue this favourable trend, the textile industry should contribute more to research in nanotechnology and intensify its collaboration with other disciplines.Nanotechnology is a means of adding value to a product and maybe a useful tool in generating extra revenue for a hard-pressed textile industry. Current applications of nano technology on textiles 

  • Ag (antimicrobial activity)
  • Silicon di-oxide(sol-gel, ceramic layers)
  • Titanium di oxide ( UV – protection, photocatalysis)
  • Cyclodextrins
  • Bionics: shark-skin effect, self-cleaning surfaces

1. Protective Work Wear

W.L. Gore & Associates ‘Gore-Tex Workwear’ which applies nanotechnology and DuPont’s Teflon to produce an anti-static membrane for protective clothing against bad weather and electrostatic discharges. 

2. Freshness you can wear

Nanoparticles have been used to provide the controlled release of fragrances, biocides and antifungals on textiles, leading to the expression, ‘Freshness you can wear’. Ciba Specialty Chemicals (CSC) is modifying fibres on the basis of nanocontainer microcapsules that prevent bacterial growth by releasing antimicrobiotics. The same technology is used to absorb odours. 

3. Improved Moisture Absorption

Kanebo Spinning Corp of Japan has produced a polyester yarn with thirty times the ability of normal polyester to absorb moisture. The yarn, suitable for use in undergarments, has twenty layers for containing moisture and oil content. The layers have a total thickness of fifty nanometres. Toray Industries, Inc. of Japan has developed a fabric containing bundles of ultra fine nanometre nylon threads that allow superior moisture absorption properties. 

4. Increased Aesthetic Options

Teijin Fibres Ltd of Japan has held trials in the production of luminescent polyester. A polyester substrate is covered with approximately sixty layers of polyester and nylon that have different refractive indices for light. The layers, which are only approximately sixty-nine nanometres thick, refract the light to create a ‘mystical’ hue that changes according the viewpoint of the observer and the angle the light hits the fabric. 

5. Lighter and Stronger Materials

The development of nanofibres could lead to stronger and lighter fibre-polymer composites. EFPL (The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is already spinning nanofibres and the University of Texas and Irelands Trinity College are said to have spun carbon nanotube composite fibres with a toughness in the order of seventeen times that of Kevlar. Nanocyl a spin-off company from the University of Namur, Belgium is also in the stages of commercialising its carbon nanotube technology.The potential application of these composite fibres not only includes lightweight polymer-fibre composites but, bullet-proof vests and energy storage devices contained within a textile fabric that could be used to power an electronic device. General Motors are producing stronger bumpers using nano materials and Babolat in France are marketing tennis rackets made with carbon nanotubes.

Future Trends 

The USA is leading the way by allocating over $800million in funding to the 2004 National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI). As a further sign of the technology’s economic potential, in December of 2003 President Bush signed a bill authorizing $3.7 billion in federal funding for nanotechnology research at government labs, universities and private companies.Japan is the second largest spender in nanotechnology research and development worldwide, and has being investing in the technology since the 1980s. In 2002 it provided roughly $750million in funding.Germany, Switzerland and the UK lead the way in Europe, and the EU has assigned nanotechnology special status in the Sixth Framework Programme. 

Keywords 

Nanotechnology, water repellence, UV-protection, anti-bacteria, anti-static, wrinkle resistance

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