O o d h e a d p u b L i s h I n g L i m I t e d

10.4
Future trends
Nanotechnology offers unique opportunities to bring value-added performance
to textiles. Many of these technologies will be based on new materials such
as carbon nanotubes and synthetic nanofibres. The challenge for wool is to
be at the forefront of nanotechnology development or risk being left behind
with an ever-decreasing market share.
Future developments are likely to be in two directions, improving product
performance and in the development of smart or intelligent materials such as
fibres with integrated sensors, conducting fibres and shape-memory fibres.
Some new applications of nanotechnology that improve product performance
(principally in stain resistance and antimicrobial treatments) are in the early
stages of realisation as commercial products. However, other potential
treatments remain as laboratory concepts and as ‘thought experiments’.
Nanotechnology is one of the ‘hot research topics’ of the 21st century that
will bring a proliferation of new products and processes. The scope for the
application of nanotechnology to textiles is extensive, covering all areas of
textile finishing. These include (Singh et al., 2006):
• wrinkle, stain and static resistant finishes;
• nano-composite materials with superior performance;
• smart textiles that support climate control and enhanced comfort;
• UV protection of fabrics and wearers;
• odour absorbing finishes; and
• protection against chemical and biological threats.
While the focus of Singh’s paper was on cotton, many of these developments
will be applicable to wool. New dyeing technologies using nanoparticles and
nano-emulsions are emerging that will reduce the energy requirements of the
dyeing process or produce novel coloration effects. New lubricants and
processing aids using nanoparticles to improve fibre handling are being
released by major textile auxiliary manufacturers.
Smart textiles will include integrated electronics where the electronic
components are part of the fabric, not attached to the garment as is the case
for present electronic textiles. Flexible power sources and power storage
devices; physical, chemical and environmental sensors and information systems
are under intense research that have the potential to change the way we think
about textiles.