Nano Finishing in Textiles – an Introduction

Nanotechnology has been in use for decades and is one of the most promising technologies of the century. The research and development of nanotechnology have been used for creating developed materials, system and devices as well as diffusing new properties. The properties of bulk materials of substances are changed when converted into nanoparticles.

This is a guest contribution from Priyadarshinee Nath


Application of Nanotechnology in textiles:


This technology is used in textile fabric finishing which helps in transforming the fabric into an entirely new carefree fabric rendering it shrinks proof, wrinkles resistant, stain and water repellent. This is intended for use in linen and cotton.

Nanotechnology is used for next generation, dimension-stabilizing and ease-of-care finish. All of these applications of nanotechnology in textile finishing are a step ahead and the methods include high-performance sky wax, waterproof sky jackets thereby allowing garments to be stain repellent, shrink proof, and wrinkle resistant.

Besides, it also helps the textile to be water repellent, to have high absorption property, protection from UV, abrasion safety, fire retardancy, color fastness, anti-microbial functional, functional hygiene, self-cleaning and functional protection.

There are nanowhiskers which makes the fabric water resistant as also makes it breathable compared to resin finishes. This technology also provides oil and water repellency along with superior durability which maintains the fabric in a soft and natural wrinkle resistance state. The nano net injects linen property and covers the core fibers in the synthetic fibers completely which helps in the linen absorption capacity of the polyester fibre. It can render a feel of linen and cotton that gives a cooling effect by absorbing the body moisture through the alteration of synthetic fibres.

Different forms of Nano particles and their use:

Nanotechnology comes in the form of wrap nano sheets which cover up the fibers completely by wrapping it thereby making the fabric durable, strong and further improving the static resistance, colour fastness and crease retention.

There are clay nano-particles which possess sundry properties like heat, chemical and electrical resistance and are composed of various hydrous allumino-silicates. This improves the anti corrosiveness and flames ret ardency of the fabric.

Zince Oxide nano particles reduce static electricity of nylon fabric by imparting UV shielding in the fabrics. Magnesium and Titanium Oxides both have photo catalytic activity which enables the breaking down of harmful and toxic biological and chemical agents. This in turns renders self-sterilizing functions to the fibers.

Then there are silver nano-particles which allow the fabric to have anti-odour, anti- mould and anti-mocrobial property. These nano treatments give an ultra-fresh finishing to the socks and undergarments. Thus, nanotechnology is highly helpful and a progressive addition in the finishing of textile and fabrics.

Further reading on Nanotechnology and its application:

About the Author: Priyadarshinee Nath is a professional writer and has been associated with Kalki Fashion. She has been working as a consultant for fabrics and textiles.

Image source: nice.asu.edu

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