NANOTECHNOLOGYIN
CLOTHING AND TEXTILES
KEY TERMS MEMS – three dimensional objects that perform a
mechanical function, whose dimensions are between 1 to 100 micrometers
Nanoparticle – a particle of material at the nanoscale Nanotechnology – a material or structure
purposefully manufactured with dimensions between 1 and 100 nanometers to leverage the unique properties it has at that size
Nanosphere – a round particle with nanoscale proportions
Nanowhiskers - are ten nanometers long, made out of carbon, and designed to be flexible
http://www.villagehome.org/lego/RKSA/Nanowhisker.html
Nanofiber - are defined as fibers with diameters less than 1000 nm nanometers. They can be produced by interfacial polymerization and electrospinning
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanofiber
Electrospinning – uses an electrical charge to spin fibers into a nonwoven pattern
Polymer - is a large molecule (macromolecule) composed of repeating structural units; encompasses a large class of natural and synthetic materials with a wide variety of properties.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymer
UNIT OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the history of nanotechnology in textiles.
2. Why nanotechnology in textiles?3. Discuss fabrication of nanofibers.4. List properties of surface modification.5. Describe nanoparticle composite fibers.6. List how the military uses nanotechnology.
7. Describe Nano-Tex.8. List new fibers in nanotechnology.9. Name characteristics of impact resistance.10.Give examples of athletic apparel that uses
nanotechnology. 11.List characteristics of fabric protectors.12.Describe re-cabling fashion.13.Discuss anti-pollen fabrics.
14.Describe anti-static textiles.15.Discuss water-repellant fabrics.16.List characteristics of UV-protective textiles.17.List characteristics of wrinkle resistance
fabrics.18.Describe how swimwear uses
nanotechnology.19.Discuss footwear and nanotechnology.
20. List future applications of nanotechnology in textiles.
21. List expected salaries for skilled nanotechnology workers.
22. List Oklahoma schools offering courses in nanotechnology
• Nanotechnology in textiles has been around since humans began dyeing fibers and fabrics to impart color, which dates back to 2600 BC in China
• Chemists have used surface chemistries not only to color textiles, but also to impart many different properties to fibers and fabrics
• Today, coatings and dyes are commonplace for textiles to market products using a nanotechnology spin
• The world of consumer textiles has been changed by nanotechnology. Manufacturers have created stain-resistant or moisture-wicking fabrics by applying a chemical finish containing nanoparticles to cloth.
WHY NANOTECHNOLOGY?• Emotional clothing• Odor free clothing• Stain repellant clothing• Clothing that changes colors• UV protection in clothing from zinc-oxide
nano-particles• Clothing to prevent colds and the flu • Clothing that does not need to be washed
FABRICATION OF NANOFIBERS• Fibers with diameters of
several hundred nanometers or less
• Nanofibers fabrication is electrospinning
• Fibers are absorbent, breathable, and/or water- repellent
http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/facilities/winners07feb/dong.html
SURFACE MODIFICATION• Used to impart unique
properties to fibers and fabrics
• Applications range from water and stain repellency, wrinkle resistance, and flame retardation
http://www.bluestarsilicones.com/silicones/lang/en/bluestarsilicones/markets__applications/applications_pour_le_textile_et_le_cuir
NANOPARTICLE COMPOSITE FIBERS• Incorporation of
nanoparticles, such as silver particles and carbon nanotubes, can be used to create fibers that are antimicrobial or have increased strength of electrical conductivityhttp://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6750/9/34/figure/
F8?highres=y
• Military uses socks that can be worn for two weeks between washing
• Military has invested in fabrics reinforced with nanofibers for high performance, lightweight tents, and awnings that can better endure heavy wear and tear
• \http://www.specopstactical.com/military-clothing-c-87.html
• Hunting clothes use nanotechnology to cover scent
http://www.p-wholesale.com/subcat/4/245/outer-wear-p22.html
• Face masks have been created that when exposed to light, kills viruses and bactiera
http://www.ecvv.com/product/1986093.html
NANO-TEX
• Nanowhiskers allows fabric to breathe without changing how the fabric feels
http://www.spsj.or.jp/c5/pj/pj05/2005/pj3712.htm
SMART TEXTILES1980s – clothing that changed colors; pink
when cool; blue when warm1990s – swimmers body suit to streamline
swimmers movement and reduce water on the swimmers back
2000+ - electronics embedded within clothing; the cooling jacket which prevents shivering; clothing to monitor heat rate
NANO-TEX (FIBER TREATMENTS)Coolest Comfort – moisture drawn from the skin
helps body temperature balanceResist Spills – liquid beads up and simply rolls off
fabric or easily wipes offRepels and Releases Stains – liquids roll of and
stains wash out easilyResist Static – eliminates static in synthetic fabrics
TORAY INDUSTRIES• Offers a variety of fabric
treatments using a nanoscale processing technique called NanoMatrix
Example: Tapguard which is soil resistant, water repellant, and oil repellant; used for uniforms in the food industry
http://www.birt-bespoke.com/homepage
INKMAX• Developed nano-fine
adhesive polymers, 70 nanometers thick, that are found on cotton fabric. This allows for ink jet printing with no water.
http://yutongtex.en.made-in-china.com/custom-detail/xJQxmEnAMEhQJQJEnxmyGxLE/Cotton-Poplin-Spandex-Fabric.html
ANTI-BACTERIAL• Silver nanoparticles and
titanium dioxide are being added to fibers to provide deodorizing, anti-bacterial, and soil-resistant properties
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dstuart/355583438/
• Japan Exlan offers a fiber called selfclear, which relies on nanoparticles of titanium oxide
http://www.asiaonline.com.au/japan/attractions.html
• The TioTio air catalyst from Sunward Shokai provides yarn with a deodorizing, antibacterial treatment and relies on the use of titanium oxide.
http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/phrase/4648/tilted-cross-yarn.html
NEW FIBERS• Greenyarn – based on nano-particles of bamboo
charcoal is antimicrobial and deodorizing properties• Japan Wool Textile Nikke Miracle products
-Wel Warm – moisture-absorbing and heat generating properties-Bambool – wool and bamboo fibers that are anitbacterial, deoderant, and moisture absorbent-CoolTwist – wool and yarn infused with ceramic nanopowder to block UV rays
IMPACT RESISTANCE• “Liquid Armor” (shear
thickening fluid) – its nanoparticle based coating material allows fabric to remain flexible, but upon impact becomes hard. Used for body armor vests, helmets, and gloves.
http://personalbodyarmor.com/
• d30 has a product made of “intelligent molecules” that are incorporated in sports gear. It is a thin, flexible sheet like bubble wrap. Viscose fluid and polymer lock upon impact creating a rigid pad.http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bubble_Wrap.jpg
ATHLETIC APPAREL• New Balance created
the Skye Crop sports bra that makes use of nano channel yarn as part of its Lightning Dry Extreme Liner
http://dealnay.com/945555/new-balance-wbt8307-profile-crop-sports-bra.html
• Yocum activewear used Coolest Comfort technology from NanoTex to wick away moisture and keep you feeling cool and dry
http://www.outfitterharborsprings.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=15&chapter=0
• Eddie Bauer – Relaxed Fit and Classic Fit shirts, Performance Polos, Khakis, wrinkle-resistant shirts
• Gap – Stressfee Khakis• Lee – LPK Double Pleat and
Plain Front• LL Bean – Double L Chinos
and Timberledge Pants• Nordstrom – Smartcare
Pique Polos http://celebrifi.com/gossip/Grown-Sewn-Khaki-Pants-2160623.html
FABRIC PROTECTORS• Stain resistant• Fade resistant
• http://www.cmi-enterprises.com
SAFETY TIES• Can your 100% silk
necktie do this?
• Water just beads right up on 100% silk Safety Ties!
http://www.soprano-ties.com/proddetail.asp?prod=NS6618&cat=87
RE-CABLING FASHION
• Implanting smell technology into multi-sensorial clothing
• Clothing and accessories that detect and monitor pollutants or change your mood
http://specialsensorystuff.blogspot.com
ANTI-POLLEN• Toray Industries has a
fabric that relies on nanotechnology to make them anti-pollen which means pollen grains cannot stick to them.
http://s222.photobucket.com/albums/dd78/amber772011/?action=view¤t=grass.jpg
ANTI-STATIC• Land’s End is one of the
first companies to promote the use of the Nano-Tex Resists Static treatment in their fleece scarves, hats, and gloves.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LANDS-END-Womens-FLEECE-SCARF-Skull-HAT-SET-Gray-NEW-/310261293303
WATER REPELLANT• New Balance
Performance Outerwear integrated the Nano-Tex Repels and Releases Stains treatment
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/sugoi-firewall-220-windproof-jacket/
• Circa V has a line of parkas, puffer coats, bomber jackets, and down vests that are liquid repellant.
http://www.fashionmefabulous.com/2008/11/cold-weather-coats-under-150.html
UV-PROTECTION• UV blocking treatment
for cotton fabrics was developed using the sol-gel method. A thin layer of titanium dioxide is formed on the surface of the treated cotton fabric which provides excellent UV-protection.
http://www.girlsclothingdirect.com/sun-safety-and-uv-protective-clothing/
WRINKLE RESISTANCE• Nano titanium dioxide
and nano-silica are used to improve the wrinkle resistance of cotton and silk.
http://www.sudsiesdrycleaning.com/wrinkle-free-3
SWIMWEAR• Sandproof by Toray
Industries is a fabric that prevents sand from sticking to swimwear
• Speedo LZR swimsuit uses cold plasma technology to repel water
http://www.ineedprettythings.com/retro-swimwear/
FOOTWEAR• Greenyarn sells socks
based on their bamboo charcoal fiber
• Toasty Feet shoe liners by Polar Wrap are made of highly insulating aero gels that prevent your feet from getting cold in the winter weatherhttp://picclick.com/Amazon/Health-Personal-
Care/Health-Care/Foot-Care/
ARC OUTDOORS – BROKEN ARROW• ArcticShield – this cold
weather clothing is innovatively thin and unbelievably warm
• X-System – Nano-silver eliminates source of body odor, making hunters nearly invisible to animals’ keen sense of smell
• ARC is developing a line of hospital uniforms that will also be anit-microbial http://www.oknano.com/NanoFocus2007Pics.html
FUTURE APPLICATIONSA nanocoating that could possibly have the ability
to self healTextile surfaces which can remove surface
scratches and scuff marks; repel insects; and decolorize red wine spills are under development
Nanotechnology is being used to develop “sensorized” garments with the ability to monitor body temperature and vital signs
Self ironing suits are being developed using nanomaterials that respond to heat
Bioreactive plastic coatings are being developed to protect the wearer against biological and chemical attacks
Military uniforms are being developed that will change colors on command to camouflage the wearer
Nanotechnology is a young and growing field An estimated two million skilled nanotechnology
workers will be needed worldwide by the year 2015 – one million of them in the U.S.
Graduates are receiving salary offers up to $55,000 per year with a two-year degree
Graduates with a baccalaureate degree can expect salary offers up to $65,000 per year
Students who choose to continue their education can expect salary offers of $100,000
OKLAHOMA SCHOOLS OFFERING COURSES
Oklahoma City Community CollegeOklahoma State University
Oklahoma UniversityTulsa Community College
Tulsa University
REFERENCES
• www.techexchange.com/thelibrary/nanotechnology.html• www.azonano.com• www.textileworld.com• www.nanotechnology.com/public/features/textiles.asp• www.nanowerk.com• www.engineeringservicesoutsouring.com• Richard Booker and Earl Boysen, Nanotechnology for Dummies, Indianapolis,
Indiana, 2005.• Marlene Bourne, A Consumer’s Guide to MEMS and Nanotechnology, Scottsdale,
AZ, 2007.
This module is one of a series designed to introduce faculty and high school students to the basic concepts of nanotechnology. Each module includes a PowerPoint presentation,
discussion questions, and hands-on activities, when applicable.
The series was funded in part by:
The National Science FoundationGrant DUE-0702976
and the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative
Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in the material are
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the Oklahoma Nanotechnology Education Initiative.