Nanotechnology: A New Route to High Performance Textiles

A review and overview of the impact of nanotechnology on textiles is presented. It indicates a clear shift to nanomaterials as a new tool to improve properties and gain multi functionalities. Organized nano structures as those exhibited by fibres, nanocoatings, nanofinishing, nanofibers and nanocomposites have immense potential to revolutionize the textile industry with new functionality such as self cleaning surfaces, conducting textiles, antimicrobial properties, controlled hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, protection against fire, UV radiation etc. without affecting the bulk properties of fibers and fabrics. Thus, we show that nanotechnology has the potential to being revolution in the field of technical textiles for the benefit of humanity