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.
The fibers which have additional enhanced properties due to the use of nanoparticles are called nanofibers. Nanofibers are produced by electro-spinning and split spinning methods. Metal ions and static electricity play a crucial role in enhancing the fiber properties in nanofibers.
The incorporated nanoparticles energize and activate the surface particles.
1. WATER REPELLENCY
2. UV-PROTECTION
3. ANTIMICROBIAL
4. ANTISTATIC
5. WRINKLE RESISTANCE
6. SELF-CLEANING TEXTILES
ANTIMICROBIAL
For imparting antibacterial properties, nano-sized silver, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, triclosan and chitosan are used. 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 protein and shows antimicrobial properties at a concentration as low as 0.0003 to 0.0005%. When contacting bacteria and fungi, it will adversely affect cellular metabolism and inhibit cell growth. It also inhibits the multiplication and growth of those bacteria and fungi which cause infection, odor, itchiness and sores.
Some synthetic antimicrobial nanoparticles are:
• Triclosan, a chlorinated bis- phenol, is a synthetic, non-ionic and broad spectrum antimicrobial agent possessing mostly antibacterial properties along with some antifungal and antiviral properties.
• Chitosan, a natural biopolymer, is effectively used as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, non-allergic and biocompatible.
• ZnO nanoparticles have been widely used for their antibacterial and UV-blocking properties