Nanotechnology in ModernNanotechnology in ModernTextilesTextiles

Paul S. Sawhney1, Kumar V Singh2, Brian Condon 1,Nozar D. Sachinvala1, and David Hui3

1Southern Regional Research Center, ARS/USDA, New Orleans, LA 70124,2Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, 450563Dept of Mechanical Engineernig, University of New Orlean, New Orleans, LA 70148

ObjectivesObjectives

q Demonstration of the scope and the applicationsof Nanotechnology towards the modification anddevelopment of advanced textile fibers, yarns,fabrics, and the textile processing.

q Summarize the recent advances made innanotechnology and its applications to cottontextiles with some novel ideas and limitations ofthe existing technology.

NanotechnologyNanotechnologyq Nanotechnology deals with the science and technology at

dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, although 100nanometers presently is the practically attainable dimension fortextile products and applications.

q The inferior properties of cotton fibers and yarns can beenhanced or complemented by engineering the physical, chemical,and surface characteristics of cotton fibers/yarns, in order todevelop the desired textile attributes, such as fabric softness,durability, and breathability and the advanced performancecharacteristics, viz., water repellency, fire retardancy,antimicrobial resistance, etc..

q Enhancement of textile materials by nanotechnology is expectedto become a trillion dollar industry in the next decade, withtremendous technological, economic and ecological benefits.

q In recent years, the worldwide government funding for the R&Din the area of nanotechnology has increased to $3 billion annually[1].

Developments ofDevelopments of NanoNano--Fibers/YarnsFibers/Yarns

Ordinary Fibers

1010 m-910-810-710-610-510-410-310-210-110-

Nano FibersMicro FibersFine denier FibersFiber diameters

Nano-technologyMicro-technologyMacro-technology

q Carbon Nano Tube (CNT)q This high performance fiber was discovered by Iijima

[2].q High-performance yarns are being produced by super-

aligned arrays of carbon nanotubes [3].q These fibers/yarns are produced by the electro-

spinning processq The yarns strengthened with CNT exhibit

extraordinary mechanical propertiesq Young’s modulus ~ TPa range, Tensile strength ~

200 GPa, Elastic strain ~ 5 %, and Breakingstrain ~ 20 %.

q Such Nano fibers/yarns can be efficiently used as supercapacitors in electronic textile components [4-8].

q Multi-Walled Carbon Nano Tube (MWCNT)q MWCNT nano yarns can be spun by simultaneous

reduction of fiber diameter and increase in twist (1000times).

q Spinning parameters depend upon specific, desiredmechanical properties (strength, toughness, energydamping capability, etc.)

q MWCNT-reinforced yarns are used for supportingmulti-functionalities in electronic textiles.

q Uses include Capability for actuation; Energy storagecapacity; Radio or microwave absorption;Electrostatic discharge protection; Textile heating, orWiring for electronic devices [9].

q Additional developmentsq The combination “nano-fibrils” and strengthening fibers can

be used for producing nonwoven fabrics for tissueengineering [10].

q Polypropylene/nano-carbon fiber composites spun by meltspinning process considerably enhance the modulus,compressive strength, and dispersion properties [11].

q Optimal crystallization and orientation of nanofibers yieldexcellent properties for micro-filtration applications in themedical field[12].

q Antistatic polyacrylonitrile fiber has been developed bysuspending nano-antimony-doped tin oxide particles duringthe fiber spinning process. [13-14].

q By embossing the surface of synthetic fibers with nanostructures, desired functionality has been obtained [15].

q Integration of nano-sized antimicrobial particles into textilefibers has led to the development of superior wounddressings [16].

Applications in Fabric FinishesApplications in Fabric Finishes

q Nano-TexTM has developed several fabric treatmentsusing nanotechnology: (a) Permanent anti-statictreatment; (b) Wrinkle-free treatment usingmoisture-wicking technology; (c) Stain- resistanceand -repellent treatments; and (d) “Nanobeads” tocarry bioactive or anti-biological agents, drugs,pharmaceuticals, sun blocks, and even textile dyes.These treatments onto textile substrates permanentlyalter properties of the textiles [16-18]. These textilesare claimed to exhibit superior durability, softness,tear strength, and abrasion resistance. They may alsoprovide softness to durable-press garments.

q Chemical oxidative deposition technology of ConductingElectroactive Polymers (CEP) onto different kinds of fibersand textiles, yields composite materials with high tensilestrength and good thermal stability [19].

q Furthermore, Surface polymerization of CEP (Graftcopolymerization) of polymer fibers increases theconductivity almost 10 times by decreasing the electricalresistivity [20-22].

q Coated polymeric composite materials can be used inmicrowave attenuation, EMI shielding, and dissipation ofstatic electric charge. Hence, they can be useful for militaryapplications, e.g., camouflage, stealth technology, etc., [23-24].

Synthetic fibercore

Cotton fibers wrapping thesynthetic core

Stain

Fluiddroplets

Nano-structures toprevent wetting due

to fluids

UV rays and radiationprotection

Breath-ability andtemperature control

Coating of fabrics with nano-beads used for carrying

desirable molecules

q By combining the nano-particles with the organic and inorganiccompounds, the surfaces of the fabrics treated with abrasionresistant, water repellent, ultraviolet (UV), electromagnetic andinfrared protection finishes can be appreciably modified.Recently, the titanium-dioxide nano-particle have been utilizedfor the UV protection [25-26].

q By using nano-sized silicon dioxide, improvements in the strengthand flame-resistance of textile fabrics can be achieved [27].

q The usage of nano-engineered cross-link agents during finishingprocess enhances the wrinkle resistance of cotton fabrics [28].

q Micro encapsulation technique is being used in textile industryfor flame- or fire- retardant (FR) agents and anti-microbialagents. Recently, microcapsules containing silver nano-particles(Silver Cap) were being investigated for providing anti-microbialeffects. [29].

Future Directions and ChallengesFuture Directions and Challengesq Significant potential for profitable Nano-technology applications

in cotton and other textiles.q Application of Nano-technology may be extended to attain

performance enhancement of textile manufacturing machines &processes.

q Especially the fabric finishing technology has taken new routesand demonstrated the potential for significant improvements viathe applications of modern nanotechnology

q It is however important to note that advances that are takingplace in the area of nanotechnology applications in textile are stillimmature. Several aspects such as human risks associated withsuch applications are being investigated through severalgovernment initiatives [30].

Applications in Modern TextilesApplications in Modern Textiles

Company/Industry/Center

Products &Applications

Nano-TexTM

(USA) [16-18]Fabric finishes: wrinkle-resistant,stain-resistant, anti-static and UVprotection properties (Nano-Pel,Nano-Touch, Nano-Care, Nao-Dry &Nano-Beads)

Scholler®[31-33]

“Soft shells” technology forfunctional stretch multi-layer fabrics:Dynamic climate controlledextremely air-permeable, light, andwater & wind resistant clothing &gloves. Schoeller®-PCM,NanoSphere™, 3XDRY®,Schoeller®-Keprotec®

Bugatti [34] Jacket with a Nanosphere finish,which has the moisture managementfeatures.

Franz-Ziener(Germany)[35]

Ski jackets for developing grime-resistant, windproof, waterproof, andbreathable fabric.

Institute forSoldierNanotechnologies (ISN) [36-37]

Develop textile materials for soldiers:Light weight, strong, abrasion/wearresistant, durable, impact energyabsorbent, temperature controlledwater-proof, improved camouflage,and embedded with multipurposemicro/nano sensors

QuantumGroup Inc. [38]

“Nano-fibrils” reinforced yarns andnonwoven fabrics for the applicationin tissue engineering.

OtsukaKagaku[39]

Electro conductive fibers to be usedfor the protection from radiationemitted by electronics.

SRRC-ARS-USDA[40]

Developed textile basednanocomposite material from varioustypes/sources of cellulose, such asgrass, kenaf, cotton fiber, cotton plantmaterial, etc. with clays, which is usedas the nanofiller material

qOther Applications of Nanotechnology in TextileIndustries [39-41]q Anti-SARS masks for use by medical personnel [42]q Nano-surfaces suitable for bioactive culture

matrices, textile nanosensors, andmicroelectrodes[43]

q Nano-filtration membrane technology: For waterconservation and dye recovery [44-45]

q Developments of pigments/particles for dyeing andprinting of textile fabrics [46]

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