Nano Textiles

Nanotechnology is the science of studying materials smaller than 100 nanometers,
or roughly 1/100th the width of a human hair. A nanometer is one billionth of a meter.

Stain, wrinkle, and liquid-resistant fabrics

Because the chemical is on a “nano-scale”, Nano-Tex Resists Spills fabrics achieve unsurpassed
durability without sacrificing the natural hand and breathability of the fabric. Nano-Tex fabric protection
is a chemical enhancement, attached at the molecular level, to fundamentally transform the fibers.

• http://www.nano-tex.com/

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This nanotech application of water-and-oil repellent finishing is effective for use in natural
fibers such as cotton, linen, wool and silk, as well as synthetics such as polyester, nylon and acryl.
Unsurpassed performance in durability and water and oil repellency may be expected particularly
with natural fibers. Nano-Pel cotton withstands 50 home launderings, with functionality levels well-
maintained for water and oil repellency (80 and 4) even after 20 washes. It can endure 20 dry cleanings
when applied to wool or linen, a distinctive feature in contrast to conventional methods that display
hardly any durability. Heat treatment, such as through ironing or tumble drying, is required for the
onset of water-and-oil repellency.

• http://textileinfo.com/en/tech/nanotex/page02.html

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Clothing which can absorb body odours

NanoHorizons, based in State College, Pa., has begun to sell a line of metallic nanoparticles that are
compatible with standard polymer manufacturing process. This means that silver, gold and other metals
that kill bacteria and odor-causing microbes can be incorporated into shoes, athletic equipment and other
plastic or nylon products.

• http://www.arablog.net/blog/archives/nano/index.php

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Clothing that emits substances by slow release;

Micro-encapsulation involves depositing microcapsules onto a yarn or fabric containing a slow-release
active agent. This process has led to the emergence of fragranced fabrics, with miniscule capsules of
perfume (Austrim Textiles Pty Ltd, Sofileta) or moisturisers (Penn Elastic, Welbeck) incorporated in the actual
textile.

• http://www.pursuit.co.za/archive/octnov_lyon.htm

James McGalliard has invented a fabric garment which automatically removes unwanted hair while being worn
against the skin of the user. The garment is coated with a pressure sensitive microencapsulated depilatory agent.
Pressure exerted by a hair stubble against the fabric causes the microencapsulation to rupture and dispense the
depilatory agent in a small localized area around the hair follicle. The depilatory agent dissolves the hair stubble
without irritating the user's skin.

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4152784.html

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Clothing that changes colour with change

University of Pittsburgh researchers have synthesized a molecule that forms the first "nanocarpet," whereby
the nanotubes organize themselves into an expanse of upright clusters that looks like the fibers of a shag rug.
Moreover, unlike other nanotube structures, these tubes can sense their environment, change color and can be
trained to kill bacteria. The research aims at developing a paint that in the event of biological or chemical agents
being deployed would change color and simultaneously destroy the deadly substances.

• http://www.arablog.net/blog/archives/nano/index.php

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Fabrics that elimate poisonous gas

Juan Hinestroza at North Carolina State University, and researchers at the University of Puerto Rico have pioneered
a method to develop chemical-resistant textiles by attaching nanolayers to natural fibers.“These layers are customized
for different chemicals,” Hinestroza said. “We can specifically block warfare agents like mustard or nerve gas, or
industrial chemicals, while still allowing air and moisture to pass through to make the fabric breathable.”Chemicals are
blocked, when they bind to the polymers of the fibers, which are made of materials which attract the chemical agents.
These fabrics could be made into garments that offer very high levels of protection, without affecting comfort or usability.
There are dozens of potential uses of this technology. “Imagine gloves coated with arthritis drugs; military uniforms
coated with antibacterial layers to prevent infection in case of wound; antibacterial sheets for submarine bunks to prevent
illness spread as these bunks are shared by enlisted personnel; and comfortable protective clothing against several chemical
and biological warfare agents,” Hinestroza explained. Additional uses could include diapers coated with anti-itching
polyelectrolytes or tissues coated with anti-allergy medicine.

• http://physorg.com/news4246.html

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-- Openloop.Rachel Wingfield - 13 Jun 2005
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