INTRODUCTION

Nanotechnology is an umbrella term covering a wide range of technologies concerned

with structures and processes on the nano metre scale. Nano textiles can be produced
in a number of ways but the difference lies whether synthetic nano particles are
integrated into the fibers or the textile, or are applied as a coating on the surface, or are
added to the nano scale fibers or coating. Nano is used in textiles mainly to provide
stain-resistance or anti-bacterial properties. Although nanotechnology is a well known
science, but the life-cycle and the processes of nano textiles are still not widely known
among the common people.

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES FOR NANO TEXTILES

Prior to the starting of the processing, it has to be decided that whether the processes
involve the use of nano particles or the use of nano structures (nanometer-thin fibres,
nano porous fibres) without synthetic nano particles. Post introduction of nano particles
into a synthetic material (polymer), the resulting nano composite material can then be
spun into fibers which have a nano scale diameter. However, synthetic material or
cellulose can also be used to menufacture nanometer thin fibres. There is also a
method in which nano particles are bonded to the fibre surfaces or are embedded in a
coating on them which is generally called refining of chemical and natural fibres.

QUALITIES OF NANO TEXTILES

Nano textiles are generally used for the following properties:
Electro conductivity
Increased durability
Antibacterial property
Self cleaning property- dirt and water repellency
Moisture absorbing
Improved staining/reduced fade
Ultra-violet protection
Fire proof
Controlled release of active agents, medicinal products or fragrances
Luminescence

Heat conductivity
Insulation

APPLICATIONS OF NANO TEXTILES

Nano technology has a lot of potential in the textile industry for the development of new
materials. It can help to improve the functionality of textiles and also make textiles with
entirely new properties.
The most important applications currently are, dirt and/or water repellent and anti
bacterial textiles. Furthermore, there are textiles which give protection from ultra violet
sun rays and also there are some woven-in nano-capsules containing special body care
substances called cosmeto-textiles. Bullet proof vests conatinig carbon nano tubes
(CNT) and moisture absorbent textiles are also available.
Nano technology allows textile structures to perform electronic or electric functions,
called smart clothes, though they are not yet commercially available. It involves the
usage of electronic components which have been reduced in size through nano
technology and completely fused with the textile material resulting in the material in
which foreign particles can no longer be seen or felt or differentiated from the textile.
Research is being focused on the use of sensors or other electronic parts.
Textile materials with nano fibres are also being investigated which can act as a filter for
bacteria, viruses, toxic gases or poisonous/harmful substances in the air. Medical staff,
fire fighters, the emergency services or military personnel could all benefit from
protective garments made from such materials. Certain nano fibres have the quality to
absorb a large amount of moisture hence can be used in agriculture as the can be
soaked in pesticides and planted together with seeds, which will at same time fertilize
the ground when they rot. There is research going on with cloth which can detect and
record the pathogens present while wiping the surface. . There is also a large group of
antibacterial textiles containing nano-silver. These consist principally of odour-inhibiting
clothing (underwear, T-shirts, socks etc.), but also include interior textiles products such
as cushions, blankets or mattress covers which, according to the manufacturers at
least, can be bought on the retail market.

EFFECTS OF NANO TEXTILES

Release of nano particles
The different manufacturing processes by which nano particles are integrated into
fabrics or textiles and the tightness of the woven nano particles on the textiles, decide
as to whether and to what extent these nano particles are emitted from the textiles.
Therefore it is seen that nano-textiles might release individual nano particles,

agglomerates of nano particles or small particles of textile with or without synthetic nano
particles.
Nano textiles made from the integration of nano particles have a more lasting
functionality as compared to the nano textiles made when nano particles are present as
a coating on the surface or textiles are impregnated with nano particles.
Health impact
There also arises a concern that production process of certain nano particles has
negative effects on heath due to occupational exposure. Long and stiff CNT in particular
are currently regarded as hazardous, which primarily affects those involved in their
manufacture and who need to have appropriate protection from exposure to avoid
health problems. Moreover, the release of nano particles from textiles as a result of use,
aging, abrasion, etc. also cause health hazards.
For example, textiles with nano silver particles, on one hand produce textiles which
have anti bacterial property and/or odorless quality and on the other hand and on the
other hand its effect on skin flora is not studied. Nano silver is also used for clothing
which is supposed to protect people suffering from neurodermatitis (atopic dermatitis)
from becoming infected with staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium which is suspected of
exacerbating the symptoms of neurodermatitis.
Effects of nano silver on skin flora
Nano silver has been recently used to manufacture nano textiles which minimize odour
formation by reducing the number of bacteria. Fresh sweat is initially entirely odourless.
It is only the influence of certain bacteria of the skin flora that produces the typical, and
to some extent unpleasant, body odour. Silver ions are effective against a broad
spectrum of bacteria, and this property is used to make odourless garments. The results
indicate that bacteria are killed only when they are in very close and direct contact with
antimicrobial treated fibres. In the case of human skin flora, bacteria can only be
influenced when it is in direct contact with the treated fibre. However, since only a few
textile fibres have direct and temporary points of contact with the skin, depending on
their construction and the type of fibre, no dramatic transformation in the skin flora is to
be expected in respect of the number of bacteria. Most bacteria are located deep inside
the skin so they cannot be harmed but, nano silver are very small so they can penetrate
the skin.
Environmental impact
Nano particles are released during washing, entering the environment via the waste
water. During washing and release of nano particles it is principally nano silvers

antimicrobial properties which make it hazardous because silver ions are toxic for
aquatic organisms as well as for microorganisms in the soil. It also damages the
bacteria used for biological treatment of waste water.
Nano-titanium dioxide, which is also used in the manufacture of nano-textiles, also has
to be considered hazardous because of its potential environmental impact. When water
and UV exposure are present nano-titanium dioxide produces free oxygen radicals
which are toxic for aquatic microorganisms. This can damage the ecological balance of
stretches of water.

CONCLUSION
A number of nano textiles are present in the market but it has to be decided whether the
textiles meet the demand sustainably, meaning, that whether the textile does not
produce any health and/or environmental harm. Many nano textile release nano
particles which are harmful, thus, an investigation has to be made to assess a particular
nano textile. Nano textiles have great potential to solve many problems.