Self-cleaning textile surface treatments using nanotechnology

A nanotechnology based method for the self cleaning treatments of textile surfaces was described. Nanomaterials or nanotechnology can be effectively applied to the surface of fabrics or fibers in self-cleaning textile surface treatments using conventional tip-dry-cure approach for the removal of soils, stains, odors, and bacteria. The nano-layer of anatase TiO 2 was used as a catalyst for self-cleaning the fabric using a low-temperature sol-gel method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the morphologies of the products. The self-treated fabrics show properties like UV blocking, anti-bacteria effect, deodorising and decomposing of harmful gases, and wettability. The process is also applicable to various types of natural and synthetic fabrics by a simple dip-pad-cure method, and has no adverse effect on hand feel, mechanics properties, and comfort. The future applications of self-cleaning fabrics include clothing such as sportswear, formal wear, medical fabrics, and technical fabrics.