Nanotextile conference profiles advances in fibers and surface treatments
At the recent International Conference & Exhibition on Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials held in Hong Kong in mid-December, experts and researchers in the textile and apparel industry gathered together to share their findings and vision of nano-treated textiles of the next generation.
The term nanotechnology comes from the Greek word “nanos”, which means dwarf. One nanometer (nm) is one millionth of a millimeter. On this micro scope, the once-common-sense understanding of fiber properties have been turned upside down, giving fibers and fabrics such characteristics as water repellency, oil and stain resistance, wrinkle free, UV-protection, antibacterial performance, odor elimination and quick drying.
“Self-cleaning probably has the biggest potential for commercialization as more fabric makers are trying to utilize the lotus-effect,” said Jeff Chan, Project Manager and Senior Specialist of the Industry & Information Department of Taiwan Textile Federation (TTF).
The lotus effect, or superhydrophobicity, in material science, refers to the observed self-cleaning property found with lotus plants. Their microscopic structure and surface chemistry ensures that the leaves never get wet, hence the leaves are naturally non-sticky while able to clean themselves on their own. It has been imitated by using nanotechnology. In Schoeller’s second-generation NanoSphere introduced in fall 2007, the finish’s abrasion resistance on both wet and dry fabrics is greatly improved, so the protective function is permanently maintained even under heavy-duty use and frequent washing.
source: textile.2456.com