NANOTECHNOLOGY IN

TEXTILES

Submitted by

Hira Ateeq
M. Sc. Scholar (CMS No. 401520)

to

Prof. Dr. Salamat Ali

In partial fulfillment of requirements of the course

Nanoscience and Technology

January 12, 2018

Department of Physics, Riphah Institute of Computing & Applied Sciences (RICAS)
Riphah International University, Lahore
Abstract

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are the study and application of nanoscale

particles and machines and can be used across all other fields of science such as
physics, chemistry, biology, engineering and material sciences and thus have versatile
applications and benefits in almost all aspects of everyday life. Nanotechnology has a
huge influence on the chemical sciences, physical and medical sciences as well as on
the world of informatics and materials. Nanotechnology overcomes the limitation of
applying conventional methods to impart certain properties to textile materials.
Undoubtedly, in coming years, nanotechnology will penetrate into every area of textile
industry. [1] Nanotextiles are nanoscale fibrous materials that can be functionalized
with a vast array of novel properties, including antibiotic activity, self-cleaning and the
ability to increase reaction rates by providing large surface areas to potential reactants.
These materials are used not only as cloth fabric, but as filter materials, wound-healing
gauzes and antibacterial food packaging agents in food industry. In recent years was
demonstrated that nanotechnology can be used to enhance textile attributes, such as
fabric softness, durability and breathability, water repellency, fire retardancy,
antimicrobial properties in fibers, yarns and fabrics. The development of smart
nanotextiles has the potential to revolutionize the production of fibers, fabrics or
nonwovens and functionality of our clothing and all types of textile products and
applications. Nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising technologies
for the 21st century. Today is said that if the IT is the wave of the present, the
nanotechnology is the wave of the future.

Introduction

The term “nano” comes from the Greek word “nanos” meaning “dwarf” and is
used in the measuring system as a prefix to denote one billionth. A particle with a
diameter of one nanometer is therefore 1 billionth of a meter in size (10 -9 m = 10-6
mm).

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), nanotechnology is

defined as the utilization of structures with at least one dimension of nanometer size
for the construction of materials, devices or systems with novel or significantly
improved properties due to their nano-size. Nanotechnology not only produces small
structures, but also an anticipated manufacturing technology which can give thorough,
inexpensive control of the structure of matter. Nanotechnology can best be described
as activities at the level of atoms and molecules that have applications in the real
world. Nano-particles commonly used in commercial products are in the range of 1 to
100 nm.

“There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom” these words of world renowned

physicist Richard Feynman during a speech back in 1959, actually led the basis of
modern day nanoscience where he identified the potential of nanoscience as a
revolutionary area of scientific research and technology advancement. Feynman was
of the opinion that someday it would be possible to manufacture objects with atomic
level precision with the advancements in the field nanoscience.

In 1974, Norio Taniguchi first used the word “nanotechnology, in regard to an

ion sputter machine, to refer to “production technology to get the extra-high accuracy
and ultra-fine dimensions, i.e. the preciseness and fineness on the order of one
nanometer.”
In the 1980s, Eric Drexler authored the landmark book on nanotechnology, “Engines
of Creation”, in which the concept of molecular manufacturing was introduced to the
public at large. By the 1990s, nanotechnology was advancing rapidly. [2] Today there
are many who think that the next Industrial Revolution is right around the corner –
because of nanotechnology. They think that nanotechnology will radically transform
the world, and the people, of the early 21st century. It has the capacity to change the
nature of almost every human-made object.

According to the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI), nanotechnology is

defined as the utilization of structures with at least one dimension of nanometer size
for the construction of materials, devices or systems with novel or significantly
improved properties due to their nano-size. Nanotechnology not only produces small
structures, but also an anticipated manufacturing technology which can give thorough,
inexpensive control of the structure of matter. Nanotechnology can best be described
as activities at the level of atoms and molecules that have applications in the real
world. Nano-particles commonly used in commercial products are in the range of 1 to
100 nm.

Nanotechnology in the textile-industry

Nanotechnology has been discovered by the textile industry – in fact, a new

area has developed in the area of textile finishing called “Nanofinishing”. 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 increase in durability of the
function. In addition, a coating of nano-particles on fabrics will not affect their
breathability or hand feel. Nanofinishing techniques include: UV blocking, anti-
microbial, bacterial and fungal, flame retardant, wrinkle resistant, antistatic, insect
and/or water repellant and self-cleaning properties.

Finishing of fabrics made of natural and synthetic fibers to achieve desirable

hand, surface texture, color, and other special aesthetic and functional properties, has
been a primary focus in textile manufacturing. In the last decade, the advent of
nanotechnology has spurred significant developments and innovations in this field of
textile technology. Fabric finishing has taken new routes and demonstrated a great
potential for significant improvements by applications of nanotechnology. There are
many ways in which the surface properties of a fabric can be manipulated and
enhanced, by implementing appropriate surface finishing, coating, and/or altering
techniques, using nanotechnology.
Today, the main applications of nanotechnology in textiles (Fig. 1) refer to:
nanofinishing in textiles, nano chemicals for textiles, nanocoating for textile materials,
nano/smart silver for textile.
 Figure 1: Some representative applications of nanotechnology in textiles

One of the most common ways to use nanotechnology in the textile industry is
to create stain and water resistance. To do this, the fabrics are embedded with billions
of tiny fibers, called “nanowhiskers” (think of the fuzz on a peach), which are
waterproof and increase the density of the fabric. The Nanowhiskers can repel stains
because they form a cushion of air around each fiber.

The first work on nanotechnology in textiles was undertaken by Nano-Tex, a

subsidiary of the US-based Burlington Industries. [3] Later, more and more textile
companies began to invest in the development of nanotechnologies. Coating is a
common technique used to apply nano-particles onto textiles. The coating
compositions that can modify the surface of textiles are usually composed of nano-
particles, a surfactant, ingredients and a carrier medium. [4] Several methods can apply
coating onto fabrics, including spraying, transfer printing, washing, rinsing and
padding. Of these methods, padding is the most commonly used. [5-7] The nano-
particles are attached to the fabrics with the use of a padder adjusted to suitable
pressure and speed, followed by drying and curing.

There are various potential applications of nanotechnology in the textile

industry, only some of the well-known properties imparted by nano-treatment are
critically highlighted below.

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 fibre, 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. [3, 11, 12] However, liquid can still pass
through the fabric, if pressure is applied. The performance is permanent while
maintaining breathability.

On the other hand, a hydrophobic property can be imparted to a cotton fabric

by coating it with a thin nanoparticulate plasma film. The audio frequency plasma of
some kinds of fluorocarbon chemical was applied to deposit a nanoparticulate
hydrophobic film onto a cotton fabric surface to improve its water repellent property.
Superhydrophobicity was obtained due the roughness of the fabric surface, without
affecting the softness and abrasion resistance of cotton fabric. [13]

UV-protection
Inorganic UV blockers are more preferable to organic UV blockers as they are non-
toxic and chemically stable under exposure to both high temperatures and UV.
Inorganic UV blockers are usually certain semiconductor oxides such as TiO2, ZnO,
SiO2 and Al2O3. Among these semiconductor oxides, titanium dioxide (TiO2) [6, 14-16]

and zinc oxide (ZnO) [17, 18] are commonly used. It was determined that nano-sized
titanium dioxide and zinc oxide were more efficient at absorbing and scattering UV
radiation than the conventional size, and were thus better able to block UV [6, 17]. This
is due to the fact that nano-particles have a larger surface area per unit mass and
volume than the conventional materials, leading to the increase of the effectiveness of
blocking UV radiation. For small particles, light scattering predominates at
approximately one-tenth of the wavelength of the scattered light. Rayleigh’s scattering
theory stated that the scattering was strongly dependent upon the wavelength, where
the scattering was inversely proportional to the wavelength to the fourth power. This
theory predicts that in order to scatter UV radiation between 200 and 400 nm, the
optimum particle size will be between 20 and 40 nm. [14]

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 treated cotton
fabric which provides excellent UV-protection; the effect can be maintained after 50
home launderings. [6, 19] Apart from titanium dioxide, zinc oxide nanorods of 10 to 50
nm in length were applied to cotton fabric to provide UV protection. [20] According to
the study of the UV-blocking effect, the fabric treated with zinc oxide nanorods
demonstrated an excellent UV protective factor (UPF) rating.

Anti-bacteria

For imparting anti-bacterial properties, nano-sized silver, [5, 7, 21-23] titanium

dioxide [14, 15, 24] and zinc oxide [17] 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. [17] With the use
of nano-sized particles, the number of particles per unit area is increased, and thus
anti-bacterial effects can be maximized.
 Nano-silver 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 the substrate into the microbial cell membrane.
Furthermore, it inhibits the multiplication and growth of those bacteria and fungi which
cause infection, odour, itchiness and sores. Hence, nano-silver 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 other healthcare products such as dressings for burns, scald,
skin donor and recipient sites. [21, 22, 25]

Anti-static

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, [26] zinc oxide whiskers, [27] nano
antimony-doped tin oxide (ATO) [28] and silane nanosol [29] 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 nanosol
improves anti-static properties, as the silane gel particles on fiber absorb water and
moisture in the air by amino and hydroxyl groups and bound water.

Wrinkle resistance

To impart wrinkle resistance to fabric, resin is commonly used in conventional

methods. However, there are limitations to applying resin, including a decrease in the
tensile strength of fiber, abrasion resistance, water absorbency and dyeability, as well
as breathability. To overcome the limitations of using resin, some researchers
employed nano-titanium dioxide [30, 31] and nano-silica [32] 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 the 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.

Nanotechnology can also be used in the opposite manner to increase the ability
of textiles, particularly synthetics, to absorb dyes. Until now most polypropylenes have
resisted dyeing, so they were deemed unsuitable for consumer goods like clothing,
table cloths, or floor and window coverings. A new technique being developed is to
add nano-sized particles of dye friendly clay to raw polypropylene stock before it is
extruded into fibers. The resultant composite material can absorb dyes without
weakening the fabric.
Nanotex is a leading fabric innovation company which provides nanotechnology-
based textile enhancements to the apparel, home and commercial/residential interiors
markets. For example, its product, Aquapel, is the next generation in water repellent,
eco-friendly performance, providing advanced protection against rain, sleet, snow and
spills. Using a proprietary hydrocarbon technology, Aquapel modifies fabric at the
molecular level by permanently attaching hydrophobic ‘whiskers’ to individual fibers,
without altering the fabric’s natural breathability or feel. Plus, Aquapel is fluorocarbon
free and PFOA free, making it the right choice for you and the earth.

The other main use of nanoparticles in textiles is that of using silver

nanoparticles for antimicrobial, antibacterial effects, thereby eliminating odors in
fabrics. It is said that nanoparticles of silver are the most widely used form of
nanotechnology in use today.

The silver is made smarter through nanotechnology:

 lasts the expected life of the product

  uses the natural antimicrobial action of silver in controlling the growth of odor-
causing bacteria, fungus, and mold
 is easily integrated into natural and synthetic fibers, foams, plastics, and
coatings
 has been thoroughly tested and is eco-friendly
 meets regulatory requirements
 has a track record with products in the health care, textile, and industrial
markets.

The future for textile applications using nanotechnology is exploding due to

various end uses like protective textiles for soldiers, medical textiles and smart
textiles. For example, consider the T-shirt. Research is being done that will use
nanotechnology enhanced fabric so the T-shirt can monitor your heart rate and
breathing, analyze your sweat and even cool you off on a hot summer’s day. What
about a pillow that monitors your brain waves, or a solar-powered dress that can
charge your iPod or MP4 player? [8]

Nanotechnology has the potential to bring revolution in the field of technical

textiles for the benefit of humanity. [9]

Quality label for nanotechnology

The Hohenstein Institutes, an accredited test laboratory and research institute,

which was founded in Bönnigheim (Germany) in 1946, was launched in October 2005
its Quality Label for Nanotechnology, a litmus test as to whether is product is Nano or
not. The certification of the textiles is based on their adherence to a strict definition of
nanotechnology which can be applied to the textile sector, developed in conjunction
with NanoMat, a Germany-based nanomaterials network: “Nanotechnology refers to
the systematically arranged functional structures which consist of particles with size-
dependent properties”.

The program and quality label was instituted to help retailers and other textile
and users determine if a textile product really incorporates nanotechnology or whether
the names applied to a particular product, is merely an advertising message. The label
offers retailers and consumers guidance in the maze of confusing advertising
messages and forms the basis for reliable product comparison.

Testing of nanotechnology includes:

 determination of the type of nanotechnological finishing

 visual inspection of nanotechnological finishing using a scanning electron
micro-scope
 quantification of the effect of the finishing (e.g. dirt repellence by measurements
of contact angle on characteristic fluids, antimicrobial effects of Nano-Ag, UV
protection of Nano- Ti/Nano-ZnO)
 determination of mechanical suitability for use
 laundering permanence
 determination of breathability and
 determination of biocompatibility. [10]

Conclusions

Nanotechnology is considered one of the most promising technologies for the 21st
century. Today is said that if the IT is the wave of the present, the nanotechnology is
the wave of the future. After the quickly development from the last decade, in present
nanotechnology has numerous applications in almost every industry, including textile
industry. The development of smart nanotextiles has the potential to revolutionize the
production of fibers, fabrics or nonwovens and functionality of our clothing and all types
of textile products and applications.

References

[1] De Schrijver I. Eufinger K., Heyse P., Vanneste M., Ruys L., Textiles of the
future?
Incorporation of nanotechnology in Textile applications, UNITEX nr. 2 – 2009.
[2] http://www.epa.gov/rpdweb00/docs/cleanup/nanotechnology/chapter-1-
introduction.pdf
[3] Russell, E., Nanotechnologies and the shrinking world of textiles, Textile
Horizons, 2002. 9/10: p. 7-9.
[4] Cramer, Dean, R., Ponomarenko, Anatolyevna E., Laurent, S., and Burckett,
J.C.T.R., Method of applying nanoparticles, U.S. Pat. No: 6,645,569, 2003
[5] Anonymous, Small-scale technology with the promise of big rewards, Technical
Textiles International, 2003. 3: p. 13-15.
[6] Xin, J.H., Daoud, W.A., and Kong, Y.Y., A New Approach to UV-Blocking
Treatment for Cotton Fabrics, Textile Research Journal, 2004. 74: p. 97-100.
[7] Yeo, S.Y., Lee, H.J., and Jeong, S.H., Preparation of nanocomposite fibers for
permanent antibacterial effect, Journal of Materials Science, 2003. 38: p. 2143-2147.
[8] https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/nanotechnology-in-the-textile-
industry/
[9] Mangala J., Nanotechnology: A New Route to High Performance Textile
[10] www.hohenstein.de
[11] Draper D., Very little to it, World Sports Activewear, 2003. 19: p. 16-17.
[12] Kathiervelu, S.S., Applications of nanotechnology in fibre finishing, Synthetic
Fibres, 2003. 32: p. 20-22.
[13] Zhang, J., France, P., Radomyselskiy, A., Datta, S., Zhao, J., and Ooij, W.V.,
Hydrophobic cotton fabric coated by a thin nanoparticulate plasma film, Journal of
Applied Polymer Science, 2003. 88: p. 1473-1481.
[14] Burniston, N., Bygott, C., and Stratton, J., Nano Technology Meets Titanium
Dioxide, Surface Coatings International Part A, 2004: p. 179-814.
[15] Sherman and Jonathan, Nanoparticulate Titanium Dioxide Coatings, and
Processes for the Production and Use thereof, Pat. No 736738, 2003
[16] Yang, H.Y., Zhu, S.K., and Pan, N., Studying the Mechanisms of Titanium
Dioxide as Ultraviolet-Blocking Additive for Films and Fabrics by an Improved
Scheme, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2003. 92: p. 3201-3210.
[17] Saito, M., Antibacterial, Deodorizing, and UV Absorbing Materials Obtained with
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) Coated Fabrics, Journal of Coated Fabrics, 1993. 23: p. 150-164.
[18]. Xiong, M.N., Gu, G.X., You, B., and Wu, L.M., Preparation and Characterization
of
Poly(styrenebutylacrylate) Latex/Nano-ZnO Nanocomposites, Journal of Applied
Polymer Science, 2003. 90: p. 1923-1931.
[19] Daoud, W.A. and Xin, J.H., Low temperature sol-gel processed photocatalytic
titania coating, Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology, 2004. 29: p. 25-29.
[20] Wang, R.H., Xin, J.H., Tao, X.M., and Daoud, W.A., ZnO nanorods grown on
cotton fabrics at low temperature, Chemical Physics Letters, 2004. 398: p. 250-255.
[21] Anonymous, Nanotechnologies keep feet healthy, Advance in Textiles
Technology, 2003. 3: p. 10-11.
[22] Lee, H.J., Yeo, S.Y., and Jeong, S.H., Antibacterial effect of nanosized silver
colloidal solution on textile fabrics, Journal of Materials Science, 2003. 38: p. 2199
2204.
[23] Yeo, S.Y. and Jeong, S.H., Preparation and characterization of
polypropylene/silver
nanocomposite fibers, Polymer International, 2003. 52: p. 1053-1057.
[24] Daoud, W.A. and Xin, J.H., Nucleation and growth of anatase crystallites on
cotton fabrics at low temperatures, Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 2004.
87: p. 953-955.
[25] Athinson, W., Hi-ho silver, Industrial Fabric Product Review, 2003. 88: p. 12-17.
[26] Dong, W.G. and Huang, G., Research on properties of nano polypropylene/TiO2
composite fiber, Journal of Textile Research, 2002. 23: p. 22-23.
[27] Zhou, Z.W., Chu, L.S., Tang, W.M., and Gu, L.X., Studies on the antistatic
mechanism of tetrapod-shaped zinc oxide whisker, Journal of Electrostatics, 2003.
57: p. 347-354.
[28] Wu, Y., Chi, Y.B., Nie, J.X., Yu, A.P., Chen, X.H., and Gu, H.C., Preparation and
application of novel fabric finishing agent containing nano ATO, Journal of Functional
Polymers, 2002. 15: p. 43-47.
[29] Xu, P., Wang, W., and Chen, S.L., Application of nanosol on the antistatic
property of polyester, Melliand International, 2005. 11: p. 56-59.
[30] Chien, H.Y., Chen, H.W., and Wang, C.C., The study of non-formaldehyde
crease-resist finishing fabrics treated with the compound catalyst of nanometer
grade TiO2 under UV light and different polycarboxylic acid, Journal of the Hwa Gang
Textile, 2003. 10: p. 104-114.
[31] Wang, C.C. and Chen, C.C., Physical properties of crosslinked cellulose
catalyzed with nano titanium dioxide, Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 2005. 97:
p. 2450-2456.
[32] Song, X.Q., Liu, A., Ji, C.T., and Li, H.T., The effect of nano-particle
concentration and heating time in the anti-crinkle treatment of silk, Journal of Jilin
Institute of Technology, 2001. 22: p. 24-27.