Global Markets and Applications for Nanotechnology for the Textiles Industry

Stain repellent fabrics and textiles are already on the market incorporating nanomaterials, as are nanocrystalline based wound dressings and patches for delivery of anti-microbials and aromatherapeutics. Future developments of nanotechnology in textiles with have a two-fold focus:

• Upgrading the existing functions and performances of textile materials;
• Developing smart and intelligent textiles with unprecedented functions.

The latter development is more urgent from the standpoint of homeland security and advancement of technology. The new functionalities which can be expected to be developed include:

• Wearable solar cell and energy storage;
• Sensors and information acquisition and transfer;
• Multiple and sophisticated protection and detection;
• Healthcare and wound healing functions;
• Self-cleaning and repairing functions.

This study provides a comprehensive assessment of exciting opportunities for diversification for the textile industry. Properties affected by nanotechnology include: UV Protection; Hydrophilicity; Hydrophobicity, Water and Oil Repellence; Thermal Comfort; Flame Retardancy; Anti-bacterialism; Electrical Conductivity; Colouration, Abrasion Prevention and Mechanical Resistance.