KHULNA UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

Assignment On

TE 4133

Technical Textile

Topic

USE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN TECHNICAL TEXTILES

Submitted To:
Ayesha Siddika
Lecturer
Department of Textile Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

Submitted By:
Hafiza Rahman
1621016
Department of Textile Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

Submission Date: 12-Dec-2020

 USE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN TECHNICAL TEXTILES

1.0 Introduction

Nanotechnology is a growing interdisciplinary technology often seen as a new industrial

revolution. Nanotechnology (NT) deals with materials 1 to 100 nm in length. The fundamentals
of nanotechnology lie in the fact that the properties of materials drastically change when their
dimensions are reduced to nanometer scale. Nowadays also the textile industry has discovered
the possibilities of nanotechnology. So, we can define nanotechnology in textile as the
understanding, manipulation, and control of matter at the above-stated length, such that the
physical, chemical, and biological properties of the materials (individual atoms, molecules, and
bulk matter) can be engineered, synthesized, and altered to develop the next generation of
improved materials, devices, structures, and systems. It is used to develop desired textile
characteristics, such as high tensile strength, unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, water
repellency, fire retardancy, antimicrobial properties, and the like.

2.0 Modern Application of Nanotechnology in Technical Textile :

Nanotechnology is increasingly attracting worldwide attention because it is widely perceived as

offering huge potential in a wide range of end uses. The unique and new properties of nano
materials have attracted not only scientists and researchers but also businesses, due to their huge
economical potential.

Nanotechnology also has real commercial potential for the textile industry. This is mainly due to
the fact that conventional methods used to impart different properties to fabrics often do not lead
to permanent effects, and will lose their functions after laundering or wearing. Nanotechnology
can provide high durability for fabrics, because nano-particles have a large surface area-to-
volume ratio and high surface energy, thus presenting better affinity for fabrics and leading to an

2|Page
 increase in durability of the function. In addition, a coating of nano-particles on fabrics will not
affect their breath ability or hand feel.

Application of Nanotechnology we can explain in three ways:

1. Application in department wise

2. Application in properties of textile material
3. Application in apparel setor

Application in department wise:

The textile industry has already impacted by nanotechnology. Research involving

nanotechnology to improve performances or to create unprecedented functions of textile
materials is flourishing.

 This type of application

includes Nanotechnology in
manufacturing composite fiber
And Nanotechnology in textile
finishing

Nanotechnology in manufacturing composite fibers include the following topics

1. Carbon nano fibers and carbon nano particles

2. Clay Nano particles
3. Metal Oxide Nano particles
4. Carbon nano tubes
5. Nano cellular foam structures

3|Page
 Nanotechnology in textile finishing includes

1. Upgrade of chemical finishes and resultant functions

2. Nano particles in finishing
3. Self-assembled nano layer

Application in apparel sector:

Examples of industries where nanotech-enhanced textiles are already seeing some application
include the sporting industry, skincare, space technology and clothing and material technologies
for better protection in extreme environments. Treating textiles with nanotechnology materials is
a method to improve the properties of the textile, making it longer durable, have nicer colours
etc. Nanotechnology can also be used to add new functionalities like energy storage and
communications. Some interesting examples of nano improved textiles currently on the market
are:

 Stain repellent and wrinkle-resistant threads woven in textiles

 Body warmers use Phase Change Materials (PCMs) responding to changing body temperatures
 Nano socks treated with silver nano particles. The silver acts against infection and odor.

2.1 Swimming Suit:

The most widely recognized application t is in the shark-skin suit worn during world-record
breaking Olympic swimming championship. The suit, which includes a plasma layer enhanced
by nanotechnology to repel water molecules, is designed to help the swimmer glide through the
water and has become a common feature of major swimming events as all competitors attempt to
enhance their chances of winning.

4|Page
2.2 Sporting Goods:

Running shoes, tennis racquets, golf balls, skin creams, and a range other sporting goods have
also been enhanced by nanotechnology. As well as developing textiles to withstand extreme
environments, scientists have looked to naturally existing viral nano particles that live in some of
the harshest environments on earth, for new building blocks for nanotechnology. A garment that
senses their surroundings and interacts with the wearer is an area of considerable interest. Such
textile-based nano sensors could provide a personalized healthcare system, monitoring your vital
signs as you run up a hill or responding to changes in the weather.

2.3 Flexible Electronic Circuits:

Nano ribbons form the basis for the chips which are so flexible they can wrap around the edge of
a microscope cover slip and so stretchable they can be twisted into a corkscrew. The researchers
are focusing applications development in the healthcare industry and believe these tiny, flexible
electronic sheets could one day be used to line the brain to monitor activity in patients at risk of
epilepsy or be integrated into surgical gloves to monitor a patients vital signs during surgery.

2.4 Lifestyle Applications:

Perhaps surprisingly the earliest commercialized applications of nanotechnology are seen in

lifestyle applications. Textile and cosmetics are among the first products to use nano materials.
The examples of nanotechnology materials and technologies in lifestyle application are bullet
proof vests. Nanotube fibers are used to make a material seventeen times tougher than the
Kevlar. Future developments are to use nanotechnology to create Smart and Interactive Textiles
(SMIT) that can sense electrical, thermal, chemical, magnetic, or other stimuli.

2.5 Application in properties of textile material:

The properties imparted to textiles using nanotechnology include water repellence, soil
resistance, wrinkle resistance, anti-bacteria, anti-static and UV-protection, flame retardation,

5|Page
improvement of dye ability, Self-cleaning fabrics and so on. Among them important applications
are described shortly.
 
2.6 Water Repellence:

Nano-Tex improves the water-repellent property

of fabric by creating nano-whiskers, which are
hydrocarbons and 1/1000 of the size of a typical
cotton fiber, that are added to the fabric to create
a peach fuzz effect without lowering the strength
of cotton. The spaces between the whiskers on
the fabric are smaller than the typical drop of water, but still larger than water molecules; water
thus remains on the top of the whiskers and above the surface of the fabric. However, liquid can
still pass through the fabric, if pressure is applied. The performance is permanent while
maintaining breath ability.

2.7 UV Protective Finish:

The most important functions performed by the garment are to protect the wearer from the
weather. However it is also to protect the wearer from harmful rays of the sun. The rays in the
wavelength region of 150 to 400 nm are known as ultraviolet radiations. The UV-blocking
property of a fabric is enhanced when a dye, pigment, delustrant, or ultraviolet absorber finish is
present that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and blocks its transmission through a fabric to the skin.

Metal oxides like ZnO as UV-blocker are more stable when compared to organic UV-blocking
agents. Hence, nano ZnO will really enhance the UV-blocking property due to their increase
surface area and intense absorption in the UV region. For antibacterial finishing, ZnO nano
particles scores over nano-silver in cost-effectiveness, whiteness, and UV-blocking property.

Fabric treated with UV absorbers ensures that the clothes deflect the Harmful ultraviolet rays of
the sun, reducing a persons UVR exposure and protecting the skin from potential damage. The

6|Page
extent of skin protection required by different types of human skin depends on UV radiation
intensity & distribution in reference to geographical location, time of day, and season. This
protection is expressed as SPF (Sun Protection Factor), higher the SPF Value better is the
protection against UV radiation.
 
2.8 Self-cleaning Fabrics:

A self-cleaning cotton fabric known as nano-care was developed and is marketed by an

American Company, Nanotex and stain-resistant jeans and khakis are available since 1990.
Nanocare fabrics are created by modifying the cylindrical structure of the cotton fibres making
up the fabric. At the nano scale, cotton fibres look like tree trunks. Using nano techniques, these
tree trunks are covered in a fuzz of minute whiskers which creates a cushion of air around the
fiber. When water hits the fabric, it beads on the points of the whiskers, the beads compress the
air in the cavities between the whiskers creating extra buoyancy. In technical terms, the fabric
has been rendered super-non wett able or super-hydrophobic. The whiskers also create fewer
points of contact for dirt. When water is applied to soiled fabric, the dirt adheres to the water far
better than it adheres to the textile surface and is carried off with the water as it beads up and
rolls off the surface of the fabric. Thus the concept of Soil-cleaning is based on the leaves of the
lotus plant.

2.9 Anti-static Finishes:

Static charge usually builds up in synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester because they
absorb little water. Cellulosic fibers have higher moisture content to carry away static charges, so
that no static charge will accumulate. As synthetic fibers provide poor anti-static properties,
research work concerning the improvement of the anti-static properties of textiles by using
nanotechnology were conducted. It was determined that nano-sized titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
whiskers, nano antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) and silane nano sol could impart anti-static
properties to synthetic fibers. TiO2, ZnO and ATO provide anti-static effects because they are
electrically conductive materials. Such material helps to effectively dissipate the static charge
which is accumulated on the fabric. On the other hand, silane nano sol improves anti-static

7|Page
properties, as the silane gel particles on fiber absorb water and moisture in the air by amino and
hydroxyl groups and bound water.

2.10 Nano Technology for Wrinkle Free Treatment:

Nano-Tex has launched a new nanotechnology-based wrinkle-free treatment that is said to offer
an improved performance while preserving fabric strength and integrity providing an alternative
to harsh traditional processes. Chemicals and processing methods reduce a fabrics tear and
tensile strength. This means there are certain fabrics and garments that are Wrinkle-free textiles
are popular and convenient for time-pressed consumers, but traditional not candidates for
wrinkle-free technology, such as lightweight fabrics or slim fitting garments. Sometimes fabrics
also need to be over-engineered or beefed up in order to withstand the fiber degradation caused
by traditional wrinkle-free solutions. Either way, current technologies either do not work on all
fabrics or the brand/retailer has to incur additional expense just to accommodate the destructive
properties of wrinkle-free chemistry.
 
The nano-scale molecular structure in Nano-Texs new Fortify DP technology penetrates more
deeply in the fiber to improve wrinkle-free performance. Additionally, it uses a longer and more
flexible cross-linking chain which reduces fiber stress under tension, thus reducing the
significant strength loss associated with traditional wrinkle-free chemistry.

2.11 Anti-bacterial Finishes:

For imparting anti-bacterial properties, nano-sized silver, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are
used. Metallic ions and metallic compounds display a certain degree of sterilizing effect. It is
considered that part of the oxygen in the air or water is turned into active oxygen by means of
catalysis with the metallic ion, thereby dissolving the organic substance to create a sterilizing
effect. With the use of nano-sized particles, the number of particles per unit area is increased,
and thus anti-bacterial effects can be maximised.

8|Page
2.12 Economical and Environmental Aspects:

The unique properties of nonmaterials have attracted not only scientists and research workers but
also businesses, because of their huge economic potential. The national science foundation
reports that nano-related goods and services will increase to a US$ 1 trillion market by 2015.
This amount is larger than the combined businesses of the telecommunications and information
technology industries. Several hundred billion Euros are forecast to be created by
nanotechnology in the next decade (24). The nano materials markets could expand to US$ 4
billion by 2007. It was believed that 2 million new employment opportunities would be created
in order to meet the worldwide annual production demand of US$ 1 trillion in 10-15 years.
Nanotechnology may impart favorably on the environment as well. By using less resource
without sacrificing performance, nanotechnology may save raw materials and also upgrade
quality of life.

3.0 Benefits of using Nano technology

3.1 HEALTHCARE

The anti-bacterial textiles we are talking about are optimized for use in the healthcare sector as a
weapon in the fight against the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs. Other possibilities for
medical applications of nano textiles include surgical bandages that can be removed without
leaving any residual traces. These can be made from a nonwoven fabric of bio-compatible
nanofibre or in the form of sticking plasters that imitate the well-known technique that a geckos
foot uses to cling on.

At the Institute for Textile Machinery and High-Performance Materials Technology at the
Technical University of Dresden, nanofibres made of biopolymers are formed into nonwoven
fabric, which are due to come into use in regenerative medicine as so-called scaffolds. These
form a structural basis for the cultivation of cells with the aim of creating artificial tissue that can
be used for implant purposes.

9|Page
3.2 FILTRATION

Nonwovens made with nanofibres can also be used in filter technology; both when filtering the
ambient air in buildings and for filtering liquids. They are cpaapble of retaining even the smallest
particles, right down to nanoparticles.
 
3.3 UV PROTECTION

Doctors are agreed that clothing with a high level of UV protection can significantly reduce the
risk of skin cancer. Here, too, nanotechnology offers a variety of approaches to solutions. Textile
coatings containing nanoparticles of titanium oxide or zinc oxide have, thanks to their huge total
surface area, an enormous ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation. At the North West German
Textile Research Centre sol-gel coatings, based on nano-sized zinc oxide particles, have been
developed and can be applied using conventional methods such as dipping and spraying. The
completely wash-resistant layer not only significantly improves UV protection, it also improves
resistance to abrasion, whilst having virtually no effect on the degree of whiteness of the fabric.

Nanoparticles can also be used to improve the dimensional stability and wear-resistance of man-
made fibres, which are subject to high levels of mechanical stress or direct sunlight, as, for
instance, in car seats. This topic is the subject of a research project at the Denkendorf Institute
for Textile Chemistry and Chemical Fibres in collaboration with various partners, including the
proudly traditional company, ETTLIN Textiles, and the textile-processing company, Lindenfarb
Textilveredlung Julius Probst. The polyamide-fibre products which have been optimized using
nano-sized additives will be capable in future of being processed on traditional machines without
any major technical changes.

3.4 MOISTURE MANAGEMENT

Textile in polyester have only limited moisture-absorbing and water retaining capabilities, which
make them more difficult to wash and limit their range of applications from a technical point of
view. Working with a number of other partners, research and development staff from the German

10 | P a g e
Institute for Wool Research at Aachen University and from the companies, Wirth Fulda and
Markische Faser, have achieved significant improvements in the hydrophilic properties of
polyester fabrics.

Using a nanometer-thin polyamine coating, it has proved possible to increase the water
absorbency of PET microfiber fabrics by up to 40 percent by weight compared to the original
material. Wash ability and wash-resistance have also been significantly improved, with
simultaneous cost reductions as against traditional solutions. Suppliers for the motor vehicle
industry should benefit from this improvement as much as apparel manufacturers.
 
3.5 ANTISTATIC

Carbon nanotubes can be embedded in antistatic clothing and packaging fabrics, as in protective
suits for clean rooms or for blast protection, for example. They are already playing an important
role in multifunctional technical textiles with improved mechanical, electrical and shielding
properties. The stability of textile reinforcements in constructional engineering can be improved
using nano coatings as can the flame resistance and dye ability of technical textiles and clothing
fabrics. And there are many other examples that could be included here.

The multitude of possible applications and on-going development projects lead us to expect that
nanotechnology will soon be a central feature of the textile industry.

11 | P a g e
4.0 Conclusion

Over the last decade, nanotechnology has found its way into almost all sectors. Nano-layers are
finding applications in wind turbines to improve the aerodynamics and prevent surface icing.
Moreover, microelectronics these days are largely nano-electronics.

In addition to that, carbon nanostructures are now being used in the development of lightweight
building materials. Just in terms of their applications in medicine, pharmaceuticals and medical
technology along, predictions are for double-digit growth. But nanotechnology has enormous
potential for range of applications is as large as that of the textiles themselves.

In Germany, the topic forms an increasingly important focus for the work of the major textile
research institutes. For the textile sector has also recognized the potential for nanotechnology.
Apparel textiles, with dirt- and water-resistant nano finishes, are already widespread, especially
in sports and outdoor wear. Textiles with anti-bacterial qualities, based on the use of silver
nanoparticles, have also found their way onto the market. Moreover, rapidly advancing research
is opening new horizons all the time.

References

1. Qian, L., & Hinestroza, J. P. (2004). Application of nanotechnology for high performance
textiles. Journal of textile and apparel, technology and management, 4(1), 1-7.

2. Asif, A. K. M. A. H., & Hasan, M. Z. (2018). Application of nanotechnology in modern

textiles: a review. International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, 8(2), 227-231.

3. Wong, Y. W. H., Yuen, C. W. M., Leung, M. Y. S., Ku, S. K. A., & Lam, H. L. I. (2006).
Selected applications of nanotechnology in textiles. AUTEX Research Journal, 6(1), 1-8.

12 | P a g e