Porous, Antibacterial Nanotech-Based Clothing and Fabrics

Researchers from Cornell University and the University of California (UC), Davis in the U.S. are developing clothing made of porous membranes and bacteria-killing molecules for military and medical applications. This technology is based on UC Davis professor Gang Sun’s method of attaching polymer molecules containing chlorine, called halamides, to textile fibers. These molecules kill bacteria on contact and also absorb odor. This technology has already been used by Vanson HaloSource to create anti-bacterial bed sheets and cotton pads for medical use. Sun teamed with Professor Kay Obendorf of Cornell to develop a method of attaching halamides to porous nanomembranes of polyurethane so that they can be applied to clothing as a coating. This material is intended for military use to protect individuals who may be exposed to biological agents. The fabrics still allow for perspiration to escape. The two scientists are now working with the National Textile Center to create fabrics for farm workers who are exposed to pesticides in high temperatures and humidity.

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Nano-Coating for Antibacterial and Water and Stain Resistent Fabric

U.S. military researchers have developed an antibacterial, water and stain resistant fabric that is coated with a nanotechnology-based chemical and could be used in hospital bedding, healthcare uniforms, and air conditioning filters. Ottilia Saxl of the Institute of Nanotechnology in the U.K. said, “The anti-bacterial properties could be of great use in kitchens and hospitals, where antibiotic resistance is a big problem.” The article says that the U.S. military designed the chemical fabric coating to protect soldiers from biological attacks. U.S. Air Force scientist Jeff Owens said: “During Desert Storm, most casualties were from bacterial infections -not accidents or friendly fire. We treated underwear for soldiers who tested them for several weeks and found they remained hygienic.”

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Czech Airlines Rolls Out New Uniforms Made With Nanotech-Based Fabrics

Czech Airlines has announced that beginning today, its employees will be wearing new uniforms made with nanotechnology-based fabrics. Borivoj Klug from OP Prostejov, the manufacturer of the new uniforms, said that the collection was developed using “the latest European knowledge and expertise in the area of production technologies.” The article says that the fabric selection took into consideration the wearers’ comfort, potential health impacts, water resistance, durability, and wrinkle resistance.

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NanoHorizons’ SmartSilver Anti-Odor Nanotechnology for Wool

U.S. nanomaterials manufacturer NanoHorizons has added a nanotechnology-based anti-odor and antimicrobial product for wool to its line of SmartSilver products for polyester, nylon, polypropylene, cotton, and rayon. The article says that existing anti-odor technologies are ineffective for wool because of its natural oils and other properties. According to the article, SmartSilver is compatible with existing fiber and fabric manufacturing processes, as well as with wool’s dyeability, stretching, wicking, and thermal properties. Dennis I. Schneider of NanoHorizon said: “SmartSilver has garnered great attention from manufacturers using cotton and synthetic fibers, particularly in the performance apparel market. We recognized that wool, one of the most important natural fibers for consumer apparel and many other uses, needs a permanent anti-odor/antimicrobial solution.”

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Link to SmartSilver Product Guide 

SmartFleece Blankets Made with Bamboo Charcoal Nanoparticles

Greenyard, a U.S. nanotechnology company developing advanced fabrics for “eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials,” is producing and selling SmartFleece, an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, static-free, and thermal regulating fleece blanket containing bamboo charcoal nanoparticles. Greenyard says that SmartFleece’s properties derive from the use of the bamboo charcoal nanoparticles, which are embedded within the fabric’s fibers and will not wash off. Greenyard also says that the fabric is “environmentally friendly and sustainable.” According to the article, “. . .nanotechnology is offering new ways of processing fabric that could revolutionize the clothing industry. . . the novel properties exhibited by these small particle as so significant that in some cases, conventional technologies would probably be considered obsolete.”

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Nanotechnology Laundry Product for Stain-Proofing Cotton, Wool, Silk, and Other Fabrics

U.S. research firm Soane Labs has authorized the sale of a new nanotechnology laundry product that claims to make clothes stain-proof against dirt and liquids such as water, oil, and ink for up to one month. During a demonstration of the product in China, Soane Labs’ researcher Michael C. Berg said that the product does not contain any chemicals that are unsafe for the human body. Berg explained that product forms a self-assembled polymer nanolayer on the surface of textiles washed with it. He also said that the product can be used for any type of fabric, including cotton, wool, and silk, and that the product does not alter the performance, texture, or air and moisture permeability of the fabric.

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Market Report on Nanotechnology and the Apparel Industry

Market research company Research and Markets has released a new market report entitled “Nanotechnology and the Apparel Industry,” which addresses potential applications of nanotechnology to garments and the potential effects of those applications on markets for apparel. The article says: “While nanotechnology is only in its earliest stages of development and application within the apparel industry, experts agree that nano-enhanced garments will likely become as expected and commonplace as attributes such as stretch, breathability and comfort. . . [N]anotechnology – by enhancing the functionality of fashion at all levels, from athletic wear to luxury – is set to completely revolutionise the apparel sector.” The market report also addresses issues related to consumer education and outlines a number of specific nanotechnology companies and nanotechnology-based products in the apparel industry.

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Link to “Nanotechnology and the Apparel Industry”