Functional Finishing of Cotton Textiles Using Nanomaterials

Abstract

Cotton textiles are conventionally used by human beings due to their comfort properties and well-established production and processing technologies. Mainly suitable for tropical conditions and other hot and humid environments, cotton performs better in terms of soft-feeling and eco-friendliness. But, cotton could not compete for use in sportswear, medical textiles, filtration, agro-textiles and other technical textiles due to its inherent weakness in terms of absorbency, susceptibility to microbial attack and poor strength properties. In order to impart or improve the required functional properties, various nanomaterials made from metals, metal oxides, ceramics, polymers and carbon are being used as finishing agents. The methods of application vary widely, starting from the traditional pad-dry-cure process and cross-linking to electrospraying, electrospinning, in situ synthesis and layer-by-layer deposition. Novel and un-conventional properties like superhydrophobicity, electrical conductivity, photocatalytic/self-cleaning activity, antimicrobial, UV-protective and flame retarding properties could be achieved in cotton using the nanomaterials. Even, energy production using nanostructures on the surface of cotton fibres is being evolved. This chapter describes the basic mechanisms involved in the use of nanomaterials to impart functional properties in cotton textiles, relevant issues and the future scope for commercial exploitation.