IMPACT OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN THE AREA OF TEXTILES INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising technologies for the 21st century. On the one hand there is the economical impact from new and optimized products. On the other hand one expects a strong contribution of nanotechnology in decreasing the ecological impact and consumption of natural resources. Nanotechnology has the potential to improve the effectiveness of a number of existing consumer and industrial products and is expected to have a substantial impact on the development of new applications. Nanotechnology is an emerging interdisciplinary technology that has been booming in many areas during the recent decade. Its profound societal impact has been considered as the huge momentum to user in a second industrial revolution. The concept of nanotechnology has been started about for the last half century ago and it has already been established its potentiality in the textile applications. The use of nanotechnology in textile industry has increased rapidly due to its unique properties of applications. The present status of nanotechnology which is using in textile industry is reviewed, with an emphasis on improving the properties of textile materials. Due to immense economical potentiality and unique properties of nanomaterials, nanotechnology has attracted both the economical and scientists concern. Nanotechnology is increasingly attracting worldwide attention, because it is widely perceived as offering huge potential in worldwide range of end uses. Applications of nanomaterials in textile are expected to increase by a trillion dollar in industry sector by the next decade for their tremendous technological, economical and ecological benefits. Research involving nanotechnology to improve performances or to create unprecedented functions of textile materials is flourishing. The fundamentals of nanotechnology lie in the fact that properties of substances dramatically change when their size is reduced to the nanometer range. When a bulk material is divided into small size particles with one or more dimension length, width, or thickness in the nanometer range or even smaller, the individual particles exhibit unexpected properties, different from those of the bulk material. It is known that atoms and molecules possess totally different behaviors than those of bulk materials; while the properties of the former are described by quantum mechanics, the properties of the latter are governed by classic mechanics. Between these two distinct domains, the nanometer range is a murky threshold

for the transition of a material's behavior. For example, ceramics, which normally are brittle, can easily be made deformable when their grain size is reduced to the low nanometer range. A gold particle of 1 nm across shows red color. Moreover, a small amount of nanosize species can interfere with matrix polymer that is usually in the similar size range, bringing up the performance of resultant system to an unprecedented level. These are the reasons why nanotechnology has attracted large amounts of federal funding, research activity and media attention. The textile industry has already impacted by nanotechnology. Research involving nanotechnology to improve performances or to create unprecedented functions of textile materials is flourishing. These research endeavors are mainly focused on using nanosize substances and generating nanostructures during manufacturing and finishing processes. What is Nanotechnology? Nanotechnology originates from the Greek word meaning dwarf. A nanometre is one billionth (10-9) of a metre, which is tiny, only the length of ten hydrogen atoms, or about one hundred thousandth of the width of a hair! Although scientists have manipulated matter at the nanoscale for centuries, calling it physics or chemistry, it was not until new generations of microscopes were invented in the nineteen eighties in IBM, Switzerland that the world of atoms and molecules could be visualized and managed. Nanotechnology is the specialized process of working on the nano-scale. Each nano-scale compound is one thousand times lesser than a feed of sand. Nanotechnology means not only the small dimension the components being used, but also how those components are designed to execute particular features. Traditional coatings make apparel experience firm and block the place of the material avoiding breathability. Using nanotechnology, treatments are small enough to affix to individual materials, providing excellent performance features without diminishing the look, experience or comfort of the material.

Concept of Nanotechnology There are two concepts in molecular nanotechnology: i) Positional assembly to get the right molecular parts in the right places. Frequently used in normal macroscopic manufacturing ii) Massiveparallelism (Self replication).These systems are able both to make copies of themselves and to manufacture useful products. Self replicating nanomachines are nanobots or nanorobots. Nanotechnology and Textiles There are lots of possible tracks for nanotechnology to be included into materials and materials. Those which incorporate most quickly with current fabric handling devices have, obviously made it to market first, but more innovative materials and programs are also available, which provide some authentic efficiency enhancements. The development of sensible nanotextiles has the potential to change the performance of our outfits and the materials in our atmosphere. Nanoscale adjustment results in new capabilities for brilliant materials, such as self-cleaning, realizing, actuating, and connecting. Nanotechnology is made possible by such improvements as new materials, materials, and finishings, fundamentally performing polymers, as well as nanotubes and anti-microbial nanocoatings. These additional capabilities have numerous programs, covering medical care, sports, army programs, and fashion. The individual and the nearby atmosphere may be administered in an simple manner, giving steady up-dates of individual health position or ecological risks. More generally, sensible materials become a crucial part of the growing area of body indicator systems making use of realizing, actuation, control, and wifi data indication. Nanoparticles Particles at the nanoscale are below the wavelength of visible light, and therefore cannot be seen. Consequently, they can impart new properties while being invisible themselves! Fluorescent nanoparticles, or quantum dots (mentioned earlier) have a whole range of

possible applications. They are invisible until 'lit up' by ultraviolet light, and can even be made to exhibit a range of colours, depending on their composition and size. Uses Such nanoparticles are ideal for crime prevention, where goods can be invisibly 'tagged', preventing counterfeiting; stolen goods can be traced by their invisible 'bar code' and illicit drugs by the fact they have no legal identification. In some countries, cheap agricultural fuel is 'laced' with harmless nanoparticles, making it easy for police to identify a stolen consignment, merely by using ultraviolet light. Nanoparticles can seem to be quite strange as they have new and unusual properties that are not obvious in the corresponding bulk material. This is because a nanoparticle has a large surface area in relation to its size, and is consequently highly reactive. This is exemplified by the fine grained materials that we use in our daily lives, such as flour, which can become explosive in some circumstances. Applications of nanoparticles include nanoparticulate titanium dioxide for sunscreens, and it also acts as a photocatalytic agent in coatings that can be applied to stay-clean windows, causing the dirt to be oxidized and easily washed away by rain. Nanotechology in Manufacturing Composite Fibers

Nano-structured composite fibers are in the area where we see the early blooming of nanotechnology, while many other applications are still way off future. Those composite fibers employ nanosize fillers such as nanoparticles (clay, metal oxides, carbon black), graphite nanofibers (GNF) and carbon nanotubes (CNT).Besides, nano-structured composite fibers can be generated through foam-forming process, other thanusing nanosize fillers. The main function of nanosize fillers is to increase the mechanical strength and improve the physical properties such as conductivity and antistatic behaviors. Due to their large surface area, these nanofillers have a better interaction with polymer matrices. Being in the nanometer range, the fillers might interfere with polymer chain movement and thus reduce the chain mobility. Being evenly distributed in polymer matrices, nanoparticles can carry load and increase the toughness and abrasion resistance; nanofibers can transfer stress away from polymer matrices and enhance tensile strength of composite fibers.Additional physical and chemical performances imparted to composite fibers vary with specific properties of the

nanofillers used. Distribution of nanofillers in polymer matrices through mechanical and chemical approaches is one of the important aspects leading to high quality of nano structured composite fibers. Although some of the fiIler particles such as clay, metal oxides, carbon black have previously been used as microfillers in composite materials for decades, reducing their size into nanometer range have resulted in higher performances and generated new market interest. Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanoparticles

Carbon nanofibers and carbon black nanoparticles are among the most commonly used nanosize filling Materials Carbon nanofibres can effectively increase the tensile strength of composite fibers due to its high aspect ratio, while carbon black nanoparticles can improve their abrasion resistance and toughness. Both of them have high chemical resistance and electric conductivity. Several fiber forming polymers used as matrices have been investigated including polyester, nylon and polyethylene with the weight of the filer from 5% to 20%

Clay Nanoparticles Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Clay Nanoparticles or nanoflakes are composed of several types of hydrous aluminosilicates. Each type differs in chemical composition and crystal structure. Clay nanoparticles possess electrical, heat and chemical resistance and an ability of blocking UV light. Therefore, composite fibers reinforced with clay nanoparticles exhibit flame retardant, anti-UV and anticorrosive behaviors. For example, nanoparticles of montmorillonite, one of most commonly used clay, have been applied as UV blocker in nylon composite fiber. The mechanical properties with a clay mass fraction of only 5 % exhibits a 40% electricity of nylon fiber. A composite fiber higher tensile strength, 68% greater tensile modulus, 60% higher flexural strength, and a 126% in creased flexural modulus. In addition, the heat distortion temperature (HOT) increased from 65 C to 152 C. Nanosize clay flakes are arranged densely and alternately than the therefore, the composite material has barrier performance to water, chemicals or other harmful species. Another function of clay nanoparticles is to introduce dye attracting sites and creating dye-holding space in polyproprene fibers, known as non-dyeable fiber due to its structural compactness and lack of dye-attracting sites. Nanoparticles of montmorillonite are modified with quaternary ammonium salt and then mixed into polyproprene before it is extruded. As a result, polyproprene with clay nanoparticles by weight percentage of 5% can be colored.

Metal Oxide Nanoparticles

Nanosize particles of TiO2 , AI203, ZnO, and MgO are a group of metal oxides that possess photocatalytic ability, electrical conductivity, UV absorption and photo- oxidizing capacity against chemical and biological species. Intensive researches involving the nanoparticles of metal oxides have been focusing on antimicrobial, self-decontaminating and UV blocking functions for both military protection gears and civilian health products. Nylon fiber filled with ZnO nanoparticles can provide UV shielding function and reducing static electricity of nylon fiber. A composite fiber with Nan particle TiO2/ MgO can provide.

Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotube (CNT) is one of the most promising building blocks existing. Its higher strength and high electrical conductivity are not comparable by carbon nanofibers.CNT consists of tiny shell(s) of graphite rolled up into a cylinder(s).With 100 times the tensile strength of steel at one- sixth weight, thermal conductivity better than all but the purest diamond, and electrical conductivity similar to copper, but modulus, 60% higherflexural strength, and with the ability to carry much higher currents, CNT seems to be a wonder material. Generally, CNTs are classified into singlewalled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT). They are usually made by carbon-arc discharge, laser ablation of carbon, or chemical vapor deposition. The potential applications of CNTs include conductive and high-strength composite fibers, energy storage and energy conversion devices, sensors, and field emission displays. One of the successful examples of CNT composite fiber is the SWNT- polyvinyl alcohol fiber with fiber diameters in micrometer range produced by using a coagulation-based spinning process. The fiber exhibits twice the stiffness and strength, and 20 times the toughness of steel wire of the same weight and length. Moreover, the fiber toughness can be four times higher than that of spider siIk and 17 times greater of Kevlar fibers used in bulletproof vests. Therefore, this type of fibers has potential applications in safety harnesses, explosion proof blankets, and electromagnetic shielding. Continuing research activities on CNT fibers involve study of different fiber polymer matrices such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and polyacrylonitrile (PNA) as spinning and electron spinning was extensively explored.

Nanocellular Foam Structures

Using nanosize fillers is one of the most common approaches to create nanostructured composite fibers. Another approach is to generate nanosize cellular structures in polymer matrices. A certain amount of nanosize porosity in material results in attributes such as lightweight, good thermal insulation, high cracking resistance without sacrificing in mechanical strength. A potential application of cellular structure is to encapsulate functional components inside of nanosize cells. One of the approaches is to make use of thermodynamic instability to produce nano-cellular materials. Controlled dosing of supercritical CO2, is used to tailor the viscosity of a polymer melt. The domains of CO2, embedded in the polymer melt expand in volume when the pressure applied to the system is suddenly reduced.These nanobubbles are then permanently entrapped in the polymer when the temperature falls below the solidifying temperature of the polymer matrix. The porosity of the final composite can be in the range of 10-20nm. In order to keep the pore size within nanometer range, a great effort is made in controlling the thermodynamics of the foamforming process. The resultant

nanocellular fibers can be used as high-performance composite fibers as well as for sporting and aerospace materials. Nanotechnology Applications in Textiles Due to the advancement of nanotechnology in the manufacturing of fibers/yarns including the development of fabric finishes, the applications and scopes are widespread in the area of textiles for the last few decades. The recent advancement of fabric finishes is greatly contributed to the advancement in the area of nanotechnology1. By combining the nanoparticles with the organic and inorganic compounds, the surfaces of the fabrics treated with abrasion resistant, water repellent, ultraviolet (UV), electromagnetic and infrared protection finishes can be appreciably modified. In the most recent age, Titanium-dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been utilized for the UV protection. The usage of nanoengineered cross-link agents during finishing process enhances the wrinkle resistance of cotton fabrics. The newly developed micro encapsulation technique is being used in textile industry for flame or fire retardant agents. Microcapsules using siIver nanoparticles (Silver Cap) have been developed for providing anti-microbial effects and for odor control.

Nanotechnology in textile finishing Water repellence: The water repellant property of fabrics is obtained by creating combination of micro and nano-whiskers with low surface energy, which are generated by wax crystals in the range of size 10-3 for a typical cotton fibre, which are added to the fabric to create a peach fuzz effect. This facilitates like a cushion of air on the fabric surface without lowering the strength of fabric. When water hits on the surface of the fabric, it beads on the points of the whiskers, the beads compress the air in the cavities between the whiskers creating extra resistance. In technical terms, the fabric has been rendered super-non wettable 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. This is the similar concept how the "Soil-cleaning" performed on the leaves of the lotus plant. What is sol-gel processing?

It is a process for making very small particles 20 to 40nm that are virtually impossible to make by conventional grinding. Its main use at present seems to be for optical coatings where the finer particles give better optical clarity. Manufacture of fine a ceramic fibre seems to be the other common application. How does sol-gel processing work? A liquid precursor of the particle is dissolved in a solvent, usually alcohol, water is added and then acid or base. The mixture is coated or cast. The precursor then decomposes to form the fine ceramic particles. If the particle concentration is high enough, the mixture gels. The gel is dried, and then heated at high temperature to sinter the ceramic, giving the desired ceramic film or fibre. During this drying and sintering process, shrinkage occurs through loss of solvent and air, and this shrinkage must be carefully controlled to avoid cracking. Self-cleaning textiles Self cleaning garments were developed, keeping nature as a role model, i.e., Self cleaning property of plant leaves and insects were investigated. Majority of wettable leaves and insects investigated were more or less smooth without any prominent surface sculptures. In contrast water repellant leaves and insects exhibit various surface sculptures mainly epicuticular wax crystal in combination with papillose epidermal cell. Self-cleaning process in nature Hydrophilic Surface Hydrophobic Surface

Nano structure for small particles

Micro structure for large particles

The German researcher Wilhelm Barthlott of the Bonn Institute of Botany discovered, in 1990, that the lotus plant, admired for the resplendence of its flowers and leaves, owed this property of self-cleaning to the high density of minute surface protrusions. These protrusions catch deposits of soil preventing them from sticking. When it rains, the leaf has a hydrophobic reaction. Water rolls around as droplets, removing dust as it moves. Reproduced for nano technological process on the surface of woven fabrics, this self-cleaning property can be developed as a technological innovation. The water repellant property of fabric is obtained by creating combination of micro and nanowhiskers with low surface energy, which are generated by wax crystals and 1/1000 of the size of a typical cotton fibre, added to the fabric to create a peach fuzz effect. This creates a cushion of air on the fabric surface without lowering the strength of fabric. 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 wettable 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. Self-cleaning fabric

 Water, oil and dirt simply roll off . But structures are sensitive to mechanical stress (scratching, abrasion, washing) Effect is lost if structures are damaged. Nature can re-grow these structures but textiles cannot .

Anti-Microbial finish Neither natural nor synthetic textile fibres are resistant to bacterial or pathogenic fungi. Therefore, antibacterial disinfection and finishing technique have been developed for many types of textiles. Metallic ions and metallic compounds display a certain degree of sterilizing effect. It is considered that a part of oxygen in the air or water is turned into active oxygen by means of photo catalysis with the metallic ion, thereby dissolving the organic substance to create a sterilising effect. With the use of nano sized particles, the number of particles per unit area is increased, and thus anti-microbial effect can be maximised. Among the various antimicrobial agents used for finishing of textile substrates, silver or silver ions have long been known to have strong inhibitory and bactericidal effect as well as broad spectrum of antimicrobial activities. Even though metallic silver has adequate antimicrobial properties, it is expected that

conversion of silver to nano

particles will have high

specific area that may lead to high antimicrobial activity compared to bulk metal. The method of producing durable silver containing antimicrobial finish is to encapsulate silver compound or nano particle with a fibre reactive polymer like poly (styrene co-maleic-anhydride) . Nanosilver particles have an extremely large relative surface area, thus increasing their contact with bacteria or fungi, and vastly improving their bactericidal and fungicidal effectiveness. Nano-silver is very reactive with proteins. When contacting bacteria and fungus, it will adversely affect cellular metabolism and inhibit cell growth. It also suppresses respiration, the basal metabolism of the electron transfer system, and the transport of substrate into microbial

cell membrane. Furthermore, it inhibits the growth of these bacteria and fungi which cause infection, odour, itchiness and sores. Hence, nano-sliver particles are widely applied to socks in order to prohibit the growth of bacteria. In addition nano-silver can be applied to a range of health care products such as dressings for burns, scald, skin donor and recipient sites. UV Protection 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, de-lustrant, or ultraviolet absorber finish is present that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and blocks its transmission through a fabric to the skin. To impart UV protection, several nano compounds or nano particles can be applied on textile material. Inorganic UV blockers are more preferable to organic UV blockers as they are non-toxic and chemically stable under exposure to high temperature and UV. Inorganic UV blockers are usually certain semiconductors oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, SiO2, and Al2O3. The commonest nano compounds used are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide of nano size. They provide a protective benefit by reflecting, scattering or absorbing harmful UV. It was determined that nano sized Titanium dioxide(TiO2) and Zinc oxide(ZnO) were more efficient at absorbing and scattering UV radiations than the conventional size, and were thus better able to block UV. This is due to the fact that nano-particles have larger surface area per unit mass and volume than the conventional methods, leading to the increase of effectiveness of blocking UV radiation. Zinc oxide nanoparticles scores over Titanium dioxide nanoparticles and nanosilver in cost-effectiveness and UV-blocking property. For small particles, light scattering predominates at approximately one-tenth of the wavelength of the scattered light. Raleighs scattering theory stated that the scattering was strongly dependent upon the wave length, where the scattering was inversely proportional to the wavelength to the fourth power. This theory predicts that in order to scatter UV radiations between 200nm and 400nm, the optimum particle size will be 20nm to 40nm. Various research works on the application of UV-blocking treatment to fabric using nano technology were conducted. UV-blocking treatment for cotton fabrics was developed using the sol-gel method. A thin layer of Titanium dioxide is formed on the surface of the yarn or directly on the fabric, which provides excellent UV-protection.

Anti static performance Conventionally surfactants were used to spread the small amount of moisture on the surface of fibre so as to pose the static charge to leak away. Static usually builds up in synthetic fibres such as in nylon and polyester because they absorb little water. Cellulose fibres such as cotton have higher moisture content to carry away static charges, so that no static charge will accumulate. As synthetic fibres provide poor anti-static properties, research work concerning the improvement of anti-static properties of textiles by using nanotechnology were conducted. One of the best electrically conductive nano particles is silver. Silver nano particle helps to dissipate the static charge effectively. It was determined that nano-sized Titanium dioxide, Zinc oxide whiskers, nano antimony-doped Tin oxide (ATO) and silane nanosol could impart antistatic properties to the synthetic fibres. TiO2, ZnO, ATO provide anti-static effects because they are electrically conductive materials. Such materials help effectively to dissipate the static charge which is accumulated on the fabric. On the other hand, the Silane gel particles absorb moisture in the air by amino and hydroxyl groups and bound water and thus improves anti-static properties of the fabric or garment. Advantages of Nano-Antistatic finish: Provides permanent static protection. Repels lint, dust, dirt and pet hair. Enhances appearance and comfort. Retains fabric's natural softness. Allows fabric to breathe naturally.

Wrinkle resistance: Wrinkling occurs when the fibre is severally creased. When fibre or fabric is bent, hydrogen bonds between the molecular chains in the amorphous regions break and allow the chains to slip past one another. The bonds, reform in new places and fibre or fabric is held in the creased configurations. To impart wrinkle resistance to fabric, resin is commonly used in conventional methods. The disadvantages of conventional resin applications include decrease in the strength of fibre and in abrasion resistance, water absorbency and dyeability, as well as breathability. To overcome the limitations of using resin, some researches employed nano-Titanium dioxide and nano Silica to improve the wrinkle resistance of cotton and silk respectively. Nano-Titanium dioxide was employed with Carboxylic acid as a catalyst under UV irradiation to catalyze the cross linking reaction between the cellulose molecule and the acid.

On other hand , nano-Silica was applied with Maleic anhydride as a catalyst; the results showed that the application of nano-Silica with Maleic anhydride could successfully improve the wrinkle resistance of silk. Anti-Pollen finish Miyuki keori Co of Japan is marketing anti-pollen fabrics and garments. It is claimed that particles of 30nm sizes are attached to the surface of yarns. The smoothness of the finish on the surface and the anti-static effect does not let pollen or dust come close. This is achieved by using the polymer which has antistatic or electro conductive composition. (E.g. Fluoroalkyl methacrylate polymers).It is used in coats, blouses, hats, gloves, arm covers, bedding covers, etc., Flame Retardant Finish Nyacol nano technologies, Inc has been the worlds leading supplier of colloidal antimony pentoxide which is used for flame retardant finish in textile. The company offers colloidal antimony pentoxide as fine particle dispersion, for use as a flame retardant synergist with halogenated flame-retardants. (The ratio of halogen to antimony is 5:1 to 2:1). Nano antimony pentoxide is used with halogenated flame-retardants for a flame retardant finish to the garments. Dyeing with Nanoparticales Coloration of textiles by pigments is usually done by printing with a binder. The process gives poor handle to the fabric. Lately nanosized pigments are being tried as an alternate. The colour uptake of a fabric is dependent on adsorption and diffusion. Adsorption occurs due to H-bond, ionic bond or dipole-dipole interaction. Diffusion of adsorbed pigment particles from surface to the centre of fibre depends on concentration gradient, temperature and particles size. For amorphous polymers the free volume of macromolecules will increase with temperature and fibre can accommodate foreign diffusant if its size is compatible with that free volume.

Characteristics of nano finishing in garments 1. Their protective layer is difficult to detect with the naked eye. 2. Saving time and laundering cost. 3. When a substance is manipulated at sizes of approximately 100 nm, the structure of the processed clothing becomes more compressed. This makes clothing stain- and dirt-resistant. 4. Nano-materials allow good ventilation and reduce moisture absorption, resulting in enhanced breathability while maintaining the good hand feel of ordinary material.

5. The crease resistant feature keeps clothing neat. 6. Nano-processed products are toxic free. 7. Garments stay bright, fresh looking and are more durable than ordinary materials. 8. Manufacturing cost is low, adding value to the products.

Impact consumer Advantages

on

the

Impact on society

Impact

on

the

environment

Garment fresh and is

stays looking more

Wide

consumer

Shorter laundry times required is good for the environment.

usage of the fabric stimulates jobs in the textile

durable.

Garment has a highly surface, active e.g.

industry including retail. The innovation of nanotechnology has created a new era in textile

The

fabric

finish embraces environmental ly

water repellent, UV blocking,

friendly

properties. Toxic free. Recyclable. Minimum chemicals needed in the cleaning process.

antimicrobial, self stain

cleaning, and dirt

finishing stimulating local research (CSIRO) and

resistant. Innovative fabrics available, such as Nanotex stain resistant

onshore

manufacture. Highly useful

breakthrough fibre for the

jeans (1990) and Nano-care a self cleaning fabric.

health of society, e.g. pandemics SARS and Swine flu.

The

protective

layer is difficult to detect with the naked eye.

Sustains the local cotton industry.

Saves laundering time.

A durable fabric therefore less

Good ventilation or permeability increasing comfort.

money spent on apparel consumer. Significant potential for profit for

per

Reduced moisture absorbency.

the

textile

industry. Manufacturing cost is low.

Increased crease resistance.

Good, feel.

smooth

Provides innovative solution

an fibre for

Cost effective. Durable resistance.

stain

Australia's fabric needs. Creates commercial products based on advanced fabrics.

new

Stimulates international demand for

Australia's natural cotton.

Disadvantages

A feel.

compressed

Continued cost to research.

Increased cotton demand fibre and

Less

clothing

Government funding further for research

items purchased due to durability.

hence increased production, water and

may need to be

negotiated.

pesticide usage impacts on the environment.

Conclusion: We believe that nanotechnology is opening up a demand for higher precision, greater density and lightening speed combined with the intellectualization and miniaturization to progress into the next generation of apparels. 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. With the changing trends and needs of the customer, it is the need of the hour to make use of the technology available today. Consumers today want their clothes to perform multiple duty i.e., Consumers want their clothes to be durable, comfortable and stain resistant. Todays textile chemists are developing finishes that are intriguing to even the most discerning consumer. Some of the important functional finishes imparted to textile materials using nanotechnology have been briefed in this paper. These applications and developments show that nanotechnology will emerge to dominate the textile field in future.

References: http://seminarprojects.com/Thread-nanotechnology-download-full-seminarreport?page=5#ixzz1ux7L6Pse http://www.czech-in.org/enf2009/ppt/C1_Laperre_Y.pdf http://www.textiletoday.com.bd/index.php?pid=magazine&id=68 http://www.textilesindepth.com/index.php?page=about-nanotechnology-nano-textiles http://www.indiantextilejournal.com/articles/FAdetails.asp?id=794 http://hsc.csu.edu.au/textiles_design/performance/3835/nanatechnology_answers.htm