Smart Textiles

Chapter 8Nanocoatings for Smart Textiles

Esfandiar Pakdel¹, Jian Fang^1,2, Lu Sun¹ and Xungai Wang^*1,2

¹Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, Institute for Frontier Materials

²ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES)

*Corresponding author: [e-mail]

Abstract

This chapter presents a general overview of recent advances in developing smart textiles through application of nanostructured materials. It focuses on different synthesis approaches of nanoparticles, immobilization methods, and coating techniques reported in the literature. Different techniques of treating fabric surfaces, including sol–gel, cross-linking, plasma, and nanocomposite coating methods, are explored. In addition, the application of different types of nanoparticles in textile modification processes along with the resultant functionalities such as self-cleaning, UV protection, thermal regulation, antimicrobial activity, fire retardancy, and conductivity as well as associated mechanisms are discussed.

Keywords: Nanoparticles, coating, smart textiles, sol–gel

8.1 Introduction

The concept of textiles coating dates back to antiquity era. The simplest coating process was born when our primary ancestors realized that they could get waterproofing features on their outfits by simply smearing the animal fats on clothes. Since then, humans have always been trying to introduce novel materials to textiles by coating [1]. The main objective of the finishing process in the textile industry ...