How does nanotechnology work in clothing

Nanotechnology can quite literally revolutionize the way we wear, clean and perceive our clothes. For example, one application of this technology in clothing is the manufacturing of bullet-proof vest.

Textile fibers made with carbon nanotubes have the potential to be seventeen times tougher than kevlar. Other nanomaterials have UV-blocking, antimicrobial, antistatic, flame-resistant, water- and oil-repellent, wrinkle-resistant, and self-cleaning properties.

According to Will Soutter of AZO Nano, nanotechnology can also have a positive environmental impact on the production of clothing. Finishing processes such as dying and chemical treatments of fabrics often produce large amounts of contaminated waste water.

Lamination and coating often consume large amounts of energy, and are limited by the amount of material that can be applied to a fabric. Nanoformulations for dyes can reduce the amount of colouring agent needed, thereby reducing the amount of wastewater produced. Nanocoatings are capable of modifying fabric properties much more drastically while having a much more permanent effect. Bullet proof suit made with several sheets of carbon nano-tubes — a state-of-the-art puncture-proof and bullet-resistant material sourced through a company that provides anti-ballistic gear for the U.

Army Special Forces. Berger says that, in the near future, it will be possible to use nanotechnology to create smart textiles that perform electronic or electric functions. In other words, it is conceivable that we could see flexible touchscreens and displays built directly into your clothes one day. You could literally wear your next-generation smartphone or computer on your sleeves, including the batteries that power them. Other possible functionalities include medical applications: scientists are currently working on making an auto-diagnostic textile material that can release specified drugs into patients.

To make things better these silver particles are so tiny in size that the garment stays soft and wearable. Nanoparticles of silica incorporated into fabric or sprayed onto its surface creates a shield which protects the garment from stain-producing liquids and even repels water. The roughness of the silica coating produces enough surface tension to make the liquid beads roll off the surface of the garment rather than soaking into it.

This is the holy grail of nanoparticles which prevents the nasty sunburn you sometimes get through your clothing. The particles of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are sowed into textiles to protect the clothing and more importantly the skin from sun damage. The particles work by scattering the ultraviolet light produced by sunlight which causes the nasty burns.

Now to tackle the static problem. Many garments especially those made out of polyester or nylon tend to gather static which causes the crazy hair and the unusual stickiness of clothing to your skin. However, nanoparticles like zinc oxide and titanium oxide, and antimony-doped tin oxide conduct electricity and can help disperse the charge thus preventing the bad hairs days and clinginess of clothing.

This conjunction of science, technology, and fashion has proven to be so immensely valuable for the production of protective clothing. This is especially helpful not only for the common person, but for emergency workers and frontline workers. The result of using these particles has made clothing durable and more tolerant of extreme weather conditions.

Nanotechnology — the future of modern clothing. There are several nanoparticles added to the clothing we wear today But what is a nanoparticle? Nanoparticles can reduce static in clothes Nylon and polyester are renowned for gathering static charge and delivering an unexpected electric shock, or making your hair stand up when you take your jumper off! Waterproof and stain-resistant clothing is now possible thanks to nanotechnology Silica nanoparticles woven into fabric or sprayed on to its surface creates a coating that repels water and liquids that can stain.

Nanotechnology in clothing can also help us be healthier Silver has a powerful ability to kill bacteria, fungi and other microbes. UV protection from our clothes is also possible No more getting sunburnt through your t-shirt or vest.

But is it safe to be wearing this kind of technology so close to our skin? Leave a comment.