Nanotechnology in Textiles
Today’s discerning consumer wants something new all the time. This led to the discovery of a new technology that has huge, economical potential. It’s something everybody is talking about and has attracted worldwide attention. You’ve probably heard of nanotechnology and it’s increasing demand across a myriad of sectors.
What is Nanotechnology?
As the name implies, nanotechnology is the science and technology of working with materials at atomic or molecular scale. The properties, composition and processing of the materials are done at this scale. Nanotechnology is not just used heavily in the textile industry but also in medical devices, electronics and so on. In nanotechnology, textiles are manipulated and dealt with in a controlled environment. It is applicable on materials of the length of 1-100 nm. The properties of materials drastically change when they’re reduced to nanometer scale. A major reason nanotechnology is being used today is because it helps a manufacturer achieve desired textile features including antimicrobial characteristics, stain repellence, static elimination, wrinkle-freeness, electrical conductivity and remarkable surface structure.
It has all the features to be called out as the fabric of the future.
Compared to traditional technology, nanotechnology has a vast number of advantages:
It can be used to create new materials that are stronger. This can further be used to create new products.
The quality of existing materials can be improved thereby making them more durable and reducing their cost.
Nanotechnology is perfect to make new kinds of products particularly those which cannot be made with current manufacturing methods.
Textiles made from nanotechnology are also referred to as smart fabrics. They are advanced and multifunctional, and used in an array of industries including sports, fashion, transportation and protection.
Application of Nanotechnology in the Apparel Industry
Nano-textiles are preferred in extreme environments where enhanced protection is required. Beyond the look and feel of the garment, the functionality improves considerably and that’s a major reason nano-improved textiles are in so much demand today. For example, nano socks are treated with silver nanoparticles. The silver acts against infection and odour. Here’s how nanotechnology reacts to different textiles:
Swimsuits
A swimsuit made with nanotechnology is said to improve the overall swimming and diving experience, especially for a professional swimmer. The swimsuit usually has a plasma layer that repels water molecules and helps the swimmer glide through the water. This is particularly an important characteristic especially for swimming events which increases the chances of winning.
Self-cleaning bedsheets
Another prominent example of nanotechnology is self-cleaning bedsheets. The hospitality industry particularly will strongly benefit from these sheets as they do not let dirt or water stay on the surface for a long time.
UV-ray protective jackets
The purpose of a jacket or cardigan is to protect the wearer from extreme conditions. Nanotechnology enhances the ability of certain fabrics by adding delustrant (an agent used to remove lustre from clothing). Since the garment is made with such technology, it immediately deflects the harmful rays of the sun and makes the fabric better for protection. Think of it as a garment which actually interacts with the wearer. The futuristic application of nano sensors will also include a personalised healthcare system which will monitor how your body is responding to weather changes.
Properties of Nanofibres
As mentioned earlier, nano fibres are truly special because they have certain properties. Let’s look at each of them in detail:
Water-repellency
Fibres made from nanotechnology are mostly water-repellent. The fabric is made hydrophobic by adding a layer of wax to it. This further decreases the possibility of water absorption. For this reason, swimmers and scuba divers prefer using apparel made from nano-fibres.
Anti-bacterial
Another property of nano-fibres is that they’re antimicrobial in nature. Every nano-fibre is coated with nano silver. This coating reacts with germs and bacteria present in the environment and slows down the growth of their cells on the fabric. It prevents multiplication which completely eliminates bad odour and infection. Antimicrobial nanofibres are typically used for apparel that have a tendency to smell such as gloves, socks, and innerwear.
Wrinkle-resistant
What if we told you that the future of apparel involved no ironing of garments? The most sought-after property of nano-fibres is that it makes the fabric completely wrinkle-free. In conventional clothing, the fabric is full of wrinkles after a single use except for synthetic materials. On the other hand, in nanofibers, even after multiple uses, the fabric will be free from wrinkles. It’s no magic. This mainly occurs because of the hydrogen bonds present in the fabric which keeps the fibres firm and free from creases.
These properties make textiles made from nano-fibres technically advanced. Nanotechnology is in demand across various industries today.
The Future
So, will nanotechnology in textiles define the future of clothing? Does this mean that in a few years we will have self-cleaning, water-resistant clothes that we will have to clean only a few times a year? Honestly speaking, only time will tell. Nano fabrics are still in the testing phase and are still facing a few challenges. According to research, once the nano-material washes out, the efficacy also reduces. Their release into the environment is also being debated about. Despite being a topic of controversy, fashion and apparel design courses are throwing light on the use of nanotechnology in the textile industry.
What do you think of this technology? Is it really here to stay?
