Fabric

Nanotechnology in Fabrics

How can nanotechnology improve fabric?

Making composite fabric with nano-sized particles or fibers allows improvement of fabric properties without a significant increase in weight, thickness, or stiffness as might have been the case with previously-used  techniques. For example incorporating nano-whiskers into fabric used to make pants produces a lightweight water and stain repellent material.

Fabric: Current Nanotechnology Applications


Fabric: Nanotechnology Applications under Development

Lightweight bulletproof fabric using nanotubes

Battery created by coating a fabric with nanoparticles

Solar cell fabric using Konarka’s Power FiberTM

Clothing protective against hazardous chemicals using an honeycomb of polyurethane nanofibers.

Piezoelectric fibers that could allow clothing to generate electricity through normal motions.

Fabric: Nanotechnology Company Directory

Company Product Advantage
Nano-tex Fabric enhanced with nanowhiskers Water and stain resistant
Aspen Aerogel Fabric enhanced with nanopores Insulates against heat or chill
BASF Fabric enhanced with nanoparticles Dirt rinses of in rain, similar to property of the lotus plant
NanoHorizons Fabric enhanced with  silver nanoparticles Reduces odors
Schoeller Technologies Fabric enhanced with nanoparticles (NanoSphere®) Water and stain resistant
Nano Group Fabric enhanced with various nano treatments Liquid and stain resistant, UV protection, etc

Resources

Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory at Cornel University

BuildingGadgets