Current Trends in

Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering

ISSN: 2577-2929
Opinion Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng
Volume 2- Issue 3 - January 2018
Copyright © All rights are reserved by Murthy Chavali
DOI: 10.19080/CTFTTE.2018.02.555590

Nanotechnology Trends in Fashion and Textile

Engineering
Srinivasan K, Rajanikumar K, Sheetal Bhardwaj K, Lalitha Kumari B and Murthy Chavali*
Aarshadhaatu Green Nanotechnologies India Pvt. Ltd., Syamala Nagar, Guntur 522006 Andhra Pradesh, India
Submission: December 20, 2017; Published: January 29, 2018
*Corresponding author: Murthy Chavali, Aarshadhaatu Green Nanotechnologies India Pvt. Ltd., Syamala Nagar, Guntur 522006 Andhra Pradesh,
India, Email:

Introduction
in term of energy saving, economy, eco-friendly, packaging,
Nanotechnology is a growing interdisciplinary technology
and control release of the substance. The main applications of
often seen as a new industrial revolution. It is offering a novel
nanotechnology in textiles are nano-finishing, nano-chemicals,
means of processing fabric that could transform the clothing
nano-coating, nanosilver as smart material for textile materials.
industry. The expectations of modern day consumers regarding the
The most frequently or commonly used nanomaterials
textile products they use have increased dramatically; consumers
incorporated into textile materials are silver, gold, silicon
want textiles that suit their taste and are comfortable, hygienic
dioxide, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, aluminium hydroxides,
and eco-friendly. The ever-increasing demand for sophisticated
nanoclay, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, graphene, copper,
fabrics with special features and exceptional comfort drives the
and iron hydroxides. In this communication/opinion we like
need for the use of nanotechnology in this industry. It is now a
give our views on nanotechnology trends in fashion and textile
very important parameter for the textile industries to reconsider
engineering.
the technologies and chemicals used towards the rich group, so
that they can satisfy environmental and consumer requirements. Nanotechnology in fashion
There comes nanotechnology, which brings extremely promising To modernize the clothing industry, nanotechnology offers
and significant developments for textile industries. Nano-textiles a new approach for the processing of fabric materials. The
is an emerging and interesting application of nanotechnology. It nanotechnology embedded fabrics can be designed in a way to
involves dealing with nano fibers at the atomic and molecular do almost everything viz; resist liquids, fight off wrinkles, quick
levels in order to tweak their properties. For example, Nano-Tex, drying and breathe. Unlike topical treatments (which wear
a leading company in the field, has developed processes that off eventually), the effect of nanotech in fabrics will be long-
make traditional cotton and silk fabrics resistant to spills that lasting because the chemicals used in nanotechnology results
would normally ruin clothing. Fashion and technology are an in a molecular bonding with the fabric materials. By embedding
astonishing and will inevitably intermingle into one another. The nano-sized particles or fibres with fabric results in an improved
biggest technologists like Apple, Google, and Amazon are curious fabric properties without significant changes in thickness and
to create their own path into the world of fashion; however, the weight. For instance, Nano-Tex (a leading nanotechnology
interest is mutual. For example, Apple Company is so consistent company), developed a technology for stain repellent cotton and
in doing fancy wearable smart tech like watches; Google hit the silk fabrics. Similarly, lightweight water and spills resistant pants
market with conductive smart fabrics embedded in a jacket; were produced by incorporating nano-whiskers into fabrics.
and Amazon with voice recognition devices and a platform for Once a material becomes tiny, it begins to perform in different
shopping. ways [1].
The inclusion of nanotechnology in the textile industry Nanotechnology in textiles
results in next-generation materials with multifunctional
properties such as UV protection, anti odour, antimicrobial, anti- The conventional methods used in fabrics to impart different
static, breathability advanced durability, improved softness, properties fails to impart permanent effects and thus leads to
better tear strength, water/spill repellency and wrinkle- losing their functions after wearing or washing/laundering.
resistance. It is used to develop desired characteristics in textile Consequently, nanotechnology-based textiles or nano textiles
materials without disturbing the inherent properties of the gained promising commercial values and are in great increasing
textiles including flexibility and washability. Nanotechnology demand for the development of sophisticated fabrics with
also offers numerous advantages over the conventional process amazing features. Nano-additives can offer higher durability
for fabrics because it tweaks their properties in atomic and

Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng 2(3): CTFTTE.MS.ID.555590 (2018) 0056
 Current Trends in Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering

molecular levels. Accordingly, the first generation of nano have developed a water proof nano-fabric that does not get wet,
embedded textiles results in incredible surface properties of it was also claimed to be the fabric which is the most water-
fabrics such as water or stain repellence, wrinkle resistance, repellent clothing material available in the market to date.
dirt-free, colour durability, odour-less socks, flame retardancy Actually, it revolves around the idea that has been taken from
with enhanced thermal performance and smart clothes that naturally water-repellant surfaces such as lotus leaves, which
can perform climate control. In addition, these nano-fabrics have a similar combination of tiny nanostructures and (super)
wear longer between washings and also will not affect the hydrophobic substances.
breathability or hand sense [2].
Intelligent textiles
The nanoparticle coated textiles and clothing results in Intelligent textiles are capable of think for themselves and
the production of extremely active surfaces for UV-protection act accordingly. For example, it will keep us warm in wintry
and self-cleaning properties. These nanofabrics are also environments or chill in hot environments in our normal day
having antimicrobial and antistatic properties through nano- today activities. It is not only confined to the clothing sector,
metal and metal oxide coatings. The silver (Ag) nano particles it can be used in protection and safety applications. The most
possess antimicrobial activity naturally and thus extensively significant examples of intelligent textiles materials are:
used as coatings in sports clothing to eradicate odours from
sweat. Similarly, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles incorporated a. Phase Change Materials (PCM).
in polymer matrices like soluble starch are used as functional b. Shape Memory Materials (SMM) /wrinkle free
nanostructures for anti-bacterial coatings in inner wears and materials.
medical textiles. However, they also cause a great risk to the
consumers and the environment as well [3]. As per the study of c. Chromic materials (Colour change).
Rickard Arvidsson on wastewater treatment plant in Gothenburg d. Conductive materials and
(Sweden), nanosilver in clothing is found to be largest sources of
silver ions in wastewater. They are also found to be injurious to e. Electronics incorporated textiles.
microbes and aquatic organisms even at low concentrations and Wearable textiles
thus lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria [4].
Wearable textiles are the combination of sensors and small
Smart textiles flexible light emitting displays. It enables the warning signal
Smart textiles are defined as fabrics that symbolizes the next (displayed or sent) as a result of stimuli from the body. The
generation of textiles likely for use in numerous fashion and sensors monitor the heart rate, temperature, respiration, and
technical textile applications. Smart textiles have been developed pulse oximetry readings [7]. If signals were below significant
and designed to fuse technologies (integrated computing power) values, a wireless communication system automatically could
that can able to sense and react to environmental conditions or send a distress signal to dial telephones or pager messages in
stimuli. The incorporation of smart materials and technologies a remote location. For example, Smart Shirt™ System developed
into fabrics paves the way to achieve numerous potential by Sensatex exclusively for the protection of public protection
applications such as communication between devices, conduct personnel viz; police officers, firefighters, and rescue teams.
electricity or energy, sense, react and protect from hazardous The health and safety of public safety personnel or victims who
environments. Smart textiles are not only for clothing and trapped in a building and the exact location can be monitored by
apparels but also have extended applications in many fields Smart Shirt™.
such as robotics, space, automobiles, medicine, aircrafts, surgery Present status
and military/defence battlefields which virtually can act as
As on date, there are around 30 countries in the world are
a life saving materials. Smart textiles also used for releasing
working on innovations and development of nanotechnology-
moisturizer or medication into the skin [5]. Moreover, smart
based textiles materials. At present, the application of
textiles control the body temperature, muscles vibration in
nanotechnology is in sportswear and spacesuits become one
athletic activities and can potentially change light and colour
of the greatest emergent segments [8]. The most popular
in patterns, pictures and video. The recent examples of smart
application of nanotechnology in textile is sharkskin suit based
textiles are energy-scavenging fabrics (charged through ordinary
on a plasma layer enhanced technology. Speedo’s Fastskin®
body movements), self-powered smart suits (recharged by
swimsuit was developed by means of V-shaped fibres which
sunlight), the nano electronic circuit on folded paper and gloves,
imitate the ridges present on the skin of a shark and it helps a
energy storage textiles (graphene yarns), and graphene-coated
trouble-free gliding through the water. Similarly, nanomaterial
‘e-textile’ that sense poisonous gases [6].
functionalized textiles are developed specifically to protect
Waterproofing with Nanotechnology-Researchers from exposure from UV radiation, anti-allergenic, absorbent and anti-
the University of Zurich made this fabric from polyester fibres microbial products used in medical health applications. The
that are coated with minute silicone filaments. Swiss chemists moisture management systems incorporated fabrics are used

How to cite this article: Srinivasan K, Rajanikumar K, Sheetal Bhardwaj K, Lalitha Kumari B, Murthy Chavali. Nanotechnology Trends in Fashion and
0057 Textile Engineering. Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng . 2018; 2(3): 555590. DOI: 10.19080/CTFTTE.2018.02.555590.
 Current Trends in Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering

for swift evaporation of sweat, reflective textiles, insulations and a. Wearable energy storage devices and solar cell.
resilience fabrics for water-based activities. Nano-textiles are
b. Wound healing and healthcare systems.
also used in the healthcare industry in the form of smart surgical
gloves and gowns. Clima Ware developed a fabric material c. Sensing abilities and information transferring
which turns into a personal climate control systems (personal technology.
ACs or heaters in shoes, jackets, and helmets) by incorporating
d. Self-cleaning and self-repairing functionalities etc.
nanotechnology.
e. Sophisticated and diverse protection.
Anti-bacterial/Anti-microbial fabrics
There is no doubt that nanotechnology holds enormous
The microorganism’s growth on fabric causes a range of
opportunities and will break through into every area of textile
unwanted effects, not only on the fabric itself, but also on the
industry in the next few years.
user. These effects include the generation of unpleasant odor,
reduction in mechanical strength, stains and discoloration In the last few years, the customers desire for comfort, hygiene
and an increased likelihood of user contamination. Microbial and well-being, concerning odor control and microorganisms
contamination is a great concern, mainly for textiles used protection, has created a large and rapidly increasing market
in hospitals as medical devices or for health and hygienic for the expansion of antimicrobial textiles. Presently, industries
care, but also in sports clothing, water purification systems, are trying to adopt advanced technologies and increase the
animal feed and the food industry. The infections acquired use of sustainable materials for manufacturing processes.
in hospitals may be caused by several bacterial/microbial Research working for the above parameters too nanotechnology
species, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, in fashion and textiles to improve and categorize as Smart
Klebsiella pneumonia, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Therefore Textiles, Intelligent Textiles, Wearable Textiles, Anti-bacterial/
consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the implications anti-microbial fabrics. Application of nanotechnology and other
on personal hygiene and the health risks associated with some technologies in textile finishing will certainly show promising
microorganisms, the demand for antimicrobial textiles has outcomes and can also reduce the consumption of chemicals,
presented a big increase over the last few years. energy and water [11].
Aloevera is an important biomaterial extracts are commonly The application of plant extracts in textile finishing has a wide
used in cosmetics. It also possesses antimicrobial properties, scope in healthcare textiles. The textile industry is currently not
especially against gram-positive bacteria. A textile specimen operating in an entirely eco-friendly and sustainable manner;
fabric treated with aloevera showed antimicrobial activity however, there are numerous methods utilizing nanotechnology
that could withstand even after several washings. Extracts ways some parameters can be improved. Integration of modern
from Ricinus communis, S. auriculata and Euphorbia hirta chemistry principles, physical methodologies and advanced
in the ratio of 1:3:2 showed excellent antibacterial activity. technologies may play a major role in developing smart,
Meconopsis napaulensis D.C. leaves were used to dye cotton intelligent and wearable textiles.
fabric to impart antifungal properties with activity over 75%
for Alternaria brassicicola and Leptosphaerulin trifoli fungi and
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Textile Engineering. Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng . 2018; 2(3): 555590. DOI: 10.19080/CTFTTE.2018.02.555590.
 Current Trends in Fashion Technology & Textile Engineering

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How to cite this article: Srinivasan K, Rajanikumar K, Sheetal Bhardwaj K, Lalitha Kumari B, Murthy Chavali. Nanotechnology Trends in Fashion and
0059 Textile Engineering. Curr Trends Fashion Technol Textile Eng . 2018; 2(3): 555590. DOI: 10.19080/CTFTTE.2018.02.555590.