The Role of Nanotechnology in Textile Chemicals Industry

The Role of Nanotechnology in Textile Chemicals Industry

The role of nanotechnology in textile industry has accelerated with a positive momentum during the recent past years. Textile companies have been spending ample in research and development activities in order to discover appropriate products, and add innovations to their existing ones. In fact, textile industry is the first manufacturing industry to come up with finished products that are enhanced through nanotechnology-based products. Nanotechnology has versatile applications in Textile Chemicals industry in manufacturing garments with stain resistance, flame retardant finishes, wrinkle resistance finishes, moisture management, antimicrobial qualities, UV protection, and soil release properties, etc.

Fibre2fashion has got feedback from the Schoeller Technologies AG, one of the leaders in Nanofinishes from the textile industry regarding the role of Nanotechnology in textile industry.

The leaves of certain plants always stay clean, because dirt cannot adhere to the finely- structured Surfaces and is easily washed off by rain.

The natural non-stick, and cleaning process, also known as the self-cleaning effect, is permanently transferred to the textile surface by means of nanotechnology.

The result is NanoSphere an ecologically clean textile finish, developed in accordance with the bluesign standard.

Water and stains have no chance:

Water and annoying stains have no chance on textiles with a NanoSphere finish. The nanotechnology-based textile impregnation is characterized by a high level of water resistance, a natural self-cleaning effect and a durable protective function.

Advantages:

• High level of water resistance

• Naturally self- cleaning

• Durable protective function

High level of water resistance:

On NanoSphere textiles, water drops, e.g. when it is raining steadily, runoff simply and reliably

Naturally self-cleaning:

Oil, dirt and dust do not adhere to the NanoSphere surface and can be rinsed off with water.

Durable protective function:

Due to the extremely high level of abrasion resistance, the NanoSphere protective function is retained even with heavy duty use, frequent washing or cleaning.

The NanoSphere-finish when compared to other traditional textile finishes has a very high level of both wet and dry abrasion resistance.

Durable protective function:

• Normal washing or dry cleaning.

• Garments with NanoSphere finish can be washed and dry cleaned very easily.

• After 50 washing cycles the function still remains.

• Fabric softeners or dryer sheets are not recommended.

• Ironing or Tumbling.

• Heat and ironing recommended for optimum function.

NanoSphere is based on blue sign standard:

This NanoSphere technology is based on the blue sign standard, and guarantees the highest possible exclusion of substances which are harmful to human so the environment and promotes the economical use of resources in manufacturing.

• Elimination of all problematic substances

• Nano particles are fixed into a coating matrix.

• First class hygienic working conditions.

NanoSphere advantages at a glance:

• Uniquely repels water and stains.

• High level of abrasion resistance.

• NanoSphere offers reliable protection and lots of comfort

• The function is maintained even after numerous washing or cleaning cycles.

• NanoSphere can be applied on all types of textiles (cotton, synthetics etc.)

• Look, feel and breath ability are not affected.

• Ecologically clean

Nanotechnology: Giving a New Dimension to Food Industry

Nanotechnology: Giving a New Dimension to Food Industry

Nanotechnology: Giving a new dimension to Food Industry

INTRODUCTION:

A derivative of chemistry, engineering, and physics, and micro fabrication techniques, nanotechnology involves manipulating matter at the nanoscale level. It is responsible for determining not only that biological and nonbiological structures measuring less than 100 nm exist but also that they have unique and novel functional applications. In fact, the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI, 2006) defines nanotechnology as “the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers, where unique phenomena enable novel applications.” Because applications with structural features on the nanoscale level have physical, chemical, and biological properties that are substantially different from their macroscopic counterparts, nanotechnology can be beneficial on various levels. Research in biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics drives the development and exploration of the nanotechnology field. Consequently, certain industries such as microelectronics, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals have already begun manufacturing commercial products of nanoscale size. Even though the food industry is just beginning to explore its applications, nanotechnology exhibits great potential. Food undergoes a variety of postharvest and processing-induced modifications that affect its biological and biochemical makeup, so nanotechnology developments in the fields of biology and biochemistry could eventually also influence the food industry. Ideally, systems with structural features in the nanometer length range could affect aspects from food safety to molecular synthesis.

Potential Food Applications:

All organisms represent a consolidation of various nanoscale-size objects. Atoms and molecules combine to form dynamic structures and systems that are the building blocks of every organism’s existence. For humans, cell membranes, hormones, and DNA are examples of vital structures that measure in the nanometer range. In fact, every living organism on earth exists because of the presence and interaction of various nanostructures. Even food molecules such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the results of nanoscale- level mergers between

sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. As it applies to the food industry, nanotechnology involves using biological molecules such as sugars or proteins as target-recognition groups for nanostructures that could be used, for example, as biosensors on foods. Such biosensors could serve as detectors of food pathogens and other contaminants and as devices to track food products. Nanotechnology may also be useful in encapsulation systems for protection against environmental factors. In addition, it can be used in the design of food ingredients such as flavors and antioxidants. The goal is to improve the functionality of such ingredients while minimizing their concentration. As the infusion of novel ingredients into foods gains popularity, greater exploration of delivery and controlled-release systems for nutraceuticals will occur. Although nanotechnology can potentially be useful in all areas of food production and processing, many of the methods are either too expensive or too impractical to implement on a commercial scale. For this reason, nanoscale techniques are most cost-effective in the following areas of the food industry: development of new functional materials, food formulations, food processing at microscale and nanoscale levels, product development, and storage.

Nanodispersions and Nanocapsules:

As the fundamental components of foods, functional ingredients such as vitamins, antimicrobials, antioxidants, flavorings, and preservatives come in