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APPLICATION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN TEXTILES
A SEMINAR SUBMITTED TO THE
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF REQUIRMENT FOR THE
DEGREE OF THE BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN
TECHNOLOGY OF FIBER AND TEXTILE PROCESSING BY
MISS MRUNMAYI TULASIDAS BEHERE
INSTITUTE OF CHEMICALTECHNOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI
MATUNGA, MUMBAI 400019
SEPTEMBER 2003
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Introduction
Nano fibers
Nano composite
Nano filtration
Innovations in textile technology
Smart wear
Polymer applications
Nano innovations for Soldiers
Other side of nanotechnology
Conclusion
References
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INTRODUCTION
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Introduction
Nanotechnology is the science, engineering, and manufacturing of sub-micrometer
systems which perform designed-for tasks analogous or related to electrical, mechanical,
biological, and computing systems.
The key word to-day seems to be “nano technology” which refers to any area of science
in which crucial particle size is less than one micron. The molecular nano technology
addresses the gap between molecules and atom. The nano structure materials exhibit
properties much improved over those exhibited by conventional materials because of their
large surface to volume ratio.
One nanometer being equivalent to the width of three or four atoms, nanotechnology
usually refers to the region of 1 to 100 nanometers. It is in this range that electrons display
special behavior, and nanotechnology is aimed at harnessing this behavior. In general
definition, nano means one –millionth of a millimeter. When the term is applied to
technology (nano technology), the common definition is the precise manipulation of
individual atoms and molecule to create layer structures1 Using rules of quantum
mechanics it is possible to calculate the behavior of electrons that swirl around an atom.
Given enough computing power, on should be able to use such calculation to design a
material atom by atom, building desirable properties by adjusting the electronic profile.
The problem is the properties of materials results form interaction of huge number of
atoms. But nanomaterials which are often isolated molecules- or molecules whose
properties arise from limited interactions. It is just the predictive power that will allow it to
revolutionize the discovery of nanomaterials.
The nano technology is at an early stage of commercialization. But this year the
government worldwide would spend 2 billion dollars on nanotech research. Millions of
dollars would be invested in nano-tech companies and every major university would
solidify their plans for nano tech department
.
Nanotechnology – working at billionth of a millimeter scale – is a continuous source of
new opportunities for the textile industry. The concept is used to open the way for textiles
with new and improved functions but no change in appearance or feel, to save resources
and to address new environmental approaches. But the textile industry must make its own
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contribution to nanotech research and urged the industry to intensify its collaborative links
with chemists and researchers.
When finer (nano level) inorganic materials are dispersed in polymers even in very low
level addition, the two phase nano composite material is to be formed. By virtue of nano
particle size, the surface area per unit mass is increased ,leading to good interaction with
polymer matrix resulting into highest performance. The mechanical, thermal, chemical,
optical and flammability properties of nano composites are significantly improved. The
specific surface area of the fillers in nano composite should be as large as possible without
agglomeration.
Nano technology is creating major innovations in Textile industry. There are many
research going on all over the world on nano fibers, nano finishes,nano detergents etc.Out
of them, some technologies are already out of laboratory and have started giving
commercial use.
Nanotechnology is often referred to as being "bottom-up", producing materials through
assembly molecule by molecule and atom by atom, while existing technology is considered
"top-down". For example, metal sheeting can be cut into smaller and smaller pieces in
order to produce a final tool, while fabric can be cut into a variety of small shapes to be
sewn together to produce clothing. The wool of sheep and the garment-like wings of
cicadas are created by atoms and molecules being added one at a time, and can be
considered natural nanotechnology, being bottom-up1.
NanoTechnology refers to the controlled manipulation of materials at the atomic or
molecular level. The name comes from the length of a nanometer (nm) which is a billionth
of a meter. On this scale, the thickness of a human hair is huge - between 100,000 and
200,000 nm thick. A typical virus is roughly 100 nm wide. Atoms themselves are
typically 0.1 to 0.5 nm wide. Nanotechnology involves building "things" roughly in the
range of 100 nm or less.
Approx. Dimensions in
Nano meter(nm) Micron Deniar
Atom 0.3 0.00036
Polymeric
nano-
50 to 500 0.06 to 0.6 0.006 to
0.06
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fibre
Melt
blown
fibre
2,000 to 5,000
1.0 denier
fibre
8,333 10 1
Human
hair
20,000 to 30,000
Nanotechnology was first discussed in 1959 by Richard Feyman, the famous Caltech
physicist, in a talk at Caltech entitled, "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom: An invitation
to Enter a New Field of Physics".
The United States government, through its National Nanotechnology Initiative, has
invested over $1 billion in this area since the year 2000 through 10 Departments and
Agencies. Additional nanotechnology funding is, of course, being provided by other
governments and by many private companies. Many believe that this field will become one
of the biggest industries in our future - time will tell.2
Tomorrow’s ability to observe and manipulate matter on the molecular and atomic size
scale opens new perspectives and chances. Molecules use DNA, charge single electrons
and insert atoms. The result is one product or application. Atoms and molecular stick
together because they have complementary shapes that are locked together. The goal is to
manipulate atoms individually and place them in a pattern to produce a desired structure.
Basically, there are three steps:
•Manipulating individual atoms means to grab single atoms and move them to desired
positions.
•Assemblers that can be programmed to manipulate atoms and molecules are the next step
to develop nanoscopic machines.
•Assemblers and Replicators will work together to construct products automatically and
replace today’s methods.
The overall result will be a decrease of manufacturing costs, making products cheaper and
stronger, without waste, and sustainable, zero-emission based.
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Markets and developments 2002-2015 - The Study
190 nanotechnology companies are listed on the stock markets 2003. About 2,000
companies and organizations are working in this field worldwide. More than 20,000
researchers around the world try to win the battle of leading the science.
The leading countries today are USA, Japan, China, and Germany.
The R&D spending worldwide are USD 7.4 billion in 2002 and increase up to USD 26.0
billion Global growth in Nanotech R & D (in million of dollars)
Global growth in Nanotech R & D (in million of dollars)
Country/Region 1997 2002
United States 432 604
Western Europe 126 350-400
Japan 120 750
South Korea 0 100
Taiwan 0 70
Australia 0 40
China 0 40
Rest of World 0 270
By 2006 (government and industries).
The total markets for nanotechnology worldwide will grow from USD 74.0 billion in 2001
to USD 299.9 billion in 2006 and USD 891.1 in 2015. This is the nanoindustry and not the
applications3
The nano-world also includes a series of material technology breakthroughs that
will continue to change how we build things, how much they weigh and how much
stress and punishment they can take. Nanotechnology allows growing rather than
manufacturing materials, which will save energy, conserve raw materials and
eliminate waste products — producing a healthier environment.
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Next big thing is really small
Nano fibers
Nanofiber –Reinforced polymers prepared by fused deposition modeling.
Carbon nano tubes are an ordered array of carbon atoms that can have tensile strength up to
50x that of steel. These tubs or fibers are often called as graphite or carbon nano fibers as
well as nano tubes. The size of nano fibers is usually described by diameters in microns. a
typical one denier polyester fiber has diameter of 10 microns .A typical nanofiber has
diameter between 50 to 300 nano meters .they cannot be seen without visual amplification
The technology for manufacturing carbon nano tube is different from common fiber
production techniques and the end uses are not those commonly associated with fiber .for this
type of fibers, the smallest practical size is approximately 50nano-meters.
The manufacturing techniques most often associated with polymeric nano fiber is electro-
spinning .In this technique ,either the polymer melt or polymer dissolve in solvent is placed
in a tube which is sealed at on end and a small opening in necked down portion at other
end .A high voltage potential is excess of 30KV is then applied between polymer solution
and collector near the open end .This process can produce nano fibers of diameter as low as
50 nano meter, although the collected web usually contains fibers with varying diameters
from 50 nm to 2 microns. The production rate of this process is measured in gms/hr.
Other technique to produce polymeric nanofiber is recently been introduced by Nano fiber
technology Inc. in which nano fibers are created by melt blowing a fiber with modular dye.
The fiber produced is mixture of both micron and sub micron sizes. yet another technique
spins bi-component nano fibers.
Preparation of nano sized ZnO2, Fe3O4 and Al2O3
Among the nano structured materials the inorganic single/mixed oxides from a special class
that have immense technological importance because of their use in catalysis ,engineering –
electronics magnetic materials .ZnO2 for example, has been prepared starting with an
aqueous solution of zirconium oxycloride is added 35 % liquor ammonia in molar ratio of
1:4.A white gelatinous precipitate of hydrous zirconyl hydroxide is obtained which is filtered
and washed with de ionized water to completely remove the chloride ion and excess of
ammonia .The precipitate is dissolved in minimum quantity of nitric acid ,to form Zirconyl
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nitrate solution having ph 2.This is placed on hot plate (at 80°c).Aqueous solution of mixture
of sucrose (4 moles per mole of metal ion )and PVA (10mole %) is added to the solution of
zirconyl nitrate under hot conditions (80°C) with constant stirring to have the homogenous
polymeric matrix based precursor solution.
Similarly appropriate stoichiometries of ferric nitrate and aluminum nitrate are taken
and dissolved in de-ionized water and dispersed in the polymeric reagent of sucrose and PVA
under hot condition to obtained the homogenous polymeric matrix based precursor solution
of the respective oxide system.
Each of the precursor solution is then separately evaporated to dryness and paralyzed
subsequently to obtain the fluffy, carbonaceous precursor powder of the respective oxide.
These precursors are then calcinated (300 to 500°C for two hours) for the removal of residual
carbon and the formation of nano sized particulates of the pure oxide.
The obtained nano size powders are sonicated in water and incorporated in the matrix of
activated charcoal through adsorption .The adsorbed bed, prepared by embedding the nano
sized powder of ZnO2, Fe3O4 and Al2O3 in activated charcoal through adsorption have ability
to remove fluoride and arsenite ions from industrial waste water as low as 0.01 to 0.02 ppm
levels from there concentration of 1000 ppm in untreated waste water. For the purpose ,
activated charcoal is soaked in colloidal suspension of the oxide at pH 7.The amount of
activated charcoal is maintained at around 15% with respect to the amount of oxide. The
oxide get incorporated in the matrix of activated charcoal through adsorption. The black
slurry is finally dried at 120°C to obtain absorbing bed for the removal of the trace amount of
the fluoride/arsenite/arsenate ions from industrial waste water.
There are several other physico-chemical methods for the preparations of nano sized
materials like Vapour phase reactions, Inert gas condensation, Sputtering, Mechanical
alloyingLase ablation Spray conversion, Plasma spraying, Chemical vapour deposition
The effect of nano particle size and its distribution on the dyeability of polypropylene
has been extensively studied at the University of Massachusetts. The salient features of this
study on ball milling and ultrasonication:
The tumblers tumbler is a steel hexagon barrel with a removable rubber lining and is 9 cm in
diameter and 8 cm wide A glass bottle of 5.5cm in height and 2.5cm in diameter is used
inside the tumbler for the ball milling the effect of glass and stainless steel balls of 3.5mm,
5.0mm and 8mm size on particle size reduction and distribution has been studied .
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The speed of the tumbler is maintained at 20 rpm in the ball milling operations .The slower
the speed the greater will be the chance for the balls to have contact with many particles.
Also at lower speed, the centrifugal force would not overcome gravity. The ratio of ball to
material in tumbler is kept at 100:2.5 gms, the tumbling tine being 24 hrs.The 3mm glass
balls provided better results in their studies.
Ultrasonification done on milled samples in xylene .The amplitude pulsation rate and
time of ultra sonication process has been investigated with respect to the particle size
distribution.
The disaggregation and deagglomeration of the particle assembly is one of the main
mechanical effects caused by ultrasonication.The time ultrasonication is vital. The greater the
time allowed for ultrasonication, the better are the results1.
Dip Pen Nanolithography DPN:
DPN™ technology is a patented process that enables the building of nanoscale structures
and patterns by literally drawing molecules onto a substrate. Structures can be assembled
onto microelectronic devices with feature sizes in the 10- 12nm size range using virtually
any material. The ability to routinely build at this resolution combined with almost
unlimited material and substrate flexibility allows users of DPN technology to manufacture
ultra- high density nanoarray and nanosensor devices.
A new AFM [Atomic Force Microscopy] -based soft- lithography technique which was
recently discovered have found that an important requirement for creating stable
nanostructures is that the transported molecules anchor themselves to the substrate via
chemisorptions. When T-substituted alkanethiols are patterned on a gold substrate, a
monolayer is formed in which the thiol head groups form relatively strong bonds to the
gold and the alkane chains extend roughly perpendicular to surface. The thiol lattice
formed is identical to that of a monolayer obtained via solution deposition of alkanethiols
on gold. Creating nanostructures using DPN is a single step process which does not require
the use of resists. ...One of the most important attributes of DPN is that because the same
device is used to image and write a pattern, patterns of multiple molecular inks can be
formed on the same substrate in very high alignment4
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Electrospinning is an electrostatic induced self –assembly process where in ultra fibers
down to nanoscalesare produced .In the electospinning process ,a high voltage electrical field
is generated between oppositely charged polymer fluid contained in glass syringe with a
capillary tip and a metallic collection screen .Once the voltage reaches the critical value the
charge overcomes the surface tension of the suspended polymer with the cane formed on the
capillary tip of syringe (spinneret or glass pipette),and a jet of ultra fine fibers is
produced .As the charged polymer jets are spun the solvent quickly evaporates and the fibrils
are accumulated on the surface of the collecting screen. This results in nonwoven mesh of
nano to micron scale fibers. It has been shown that more than 20 polymers including
polyethylene oxide, nylon ,polyimide ,DNA can be electrospuned5
A nanoscale fiber is called fibril. Varying the charge density, polymer solution concentration
and duration of electospinning can control fiber diameter and mesh thickness. A schematic
illustration and example of the composites formed by the process are shown in the figure ,it
also explains the concept of CNT nano composites. Figure also shows the orientation of the
CNT in a polymer matrix through the electrospinning process by flow and charge induced
orientation as well as confinement of the CNT in the nano composite filament.
The nano fibril composite can also be subsequently deposited as a spun bounded nano fibril
mat for further processing into composite or for use as a nonwowen mat. Or by proper
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V
CST IN POLYMER SOLn
10-1000 nm
1-10 nmCNT
POLYMER JET
NANOCOMPOSITE FIBRILS
CNT
CNT Property and packing
Fibril and yarn . packing
Broad Helix Angle
Page 11
manipulation ,the CNTNC filaments can be aligned as the flat composite filament twisted
further to enhance handling or tailoring properties in higher order textile performs for
structural composites .By twisting the nano composite fibrils ,off axis angular orientation
may be introduced to the nano composite filament in order to tailor the composite filament
modulus1
The shapeability and net shape capability of textiles performs greatly facilitates processing
for polymer, metal ceramic and carbon matrix composites.
.
Vapour grown Carbon fiber (VGCF)-Reinforced polymer composites are of recent
interest because of their unique combination of favorable thermal, electrical and
mechanical properties.VGCF are prepared in similar manner to single wall carbon nano
tubes& are readily available at relatively low cost.
VGCFs are practical model nanofiber for a single walled carbon nanotubes, were combined
with Acrylonitrile – Butadiene - Styrene (ABS) copolymer to create a composite material
for use with fused deposition modeling. Continuous filament feedback materials were
extruded from Banbury mixed composites with maximum composition of 10 % wt of
nanofiber .Issue of dispersion porosity and fiber alignment were studied. SEM images
indicated that VGCFs were well dispersed & every distribution in matrix & no porosity
exited in composite material following FDN processing .VGCFs were aligned both in the
filament feedstock & in FDM traces suggested that nanofiber in general can be aligned
through extrusion shear processing into the specimens. For a mechanical property
comparison with unfilled ABS. The VGCF filled ABS swelled less than did the plain ABS
at similar processing condition due to increased stiffness The tensile strength & the
modulus of the VGCF.Filled ABS increased an average of 39% & 60%respectivelly over
the unfilled ABS. Storage modulus measurements from dynamic mechanical analysis
indicates that stiffness increased by 68%.The fracture behavior of the composite material
indicates that the VGCFs act as restriction to chain nobility of polymer.
Hollow nanofiber (nanotubes)-Nanotubes has great potential application, such as in
preparation of nanowire templates, nanoreactors etc.
Preparation of hollow nanofiber from triblock copolymer-
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The solid state morphology of triblock co-polymer PS-b-PCEMA-PtBA which was
synthesized by anionic polymerization with nanomolecular weight distribution was in a
lamella structure from TEM micrographs. After being added with polystyrene with mass
ratio of 1:0.4, the morphology showed a cylindrical structure ,with PS as continuous
phase ,PCEMA and PtBA phases formed cylinder with PCEMA as outer layer. The
PCEMA phase was crosslinnked.The t-Bu group in PtBA phase was cleavage by reacting
with TM-SI and nanofiber changed to nanotubes finaly9.
Flammability of Polyamide -6/clay hybrid nano composite from Tg curve suggested that
PA-6 is slightly stabilized between 450-600°c.PA-6/nano was processed via melt spinning
to make multifilament yarn. Textile have been evaluated as knitted fabric and is shown that
heat release rate of PA-6nano at 35 kw/m²is reduced to 40%than PA-6.This result offers
new promising rout for flame retardant textiles with permanent effect .
Cheaper Way To Make Carbon Nanoscrolls
One of the biggest obstacles in the use of nanotechnology is the cost of manufacture.
Scientists working in labs come up with all sorts of interesting nanomaterials that have
qualities superior to existing materials for many applications. These discoveries regularly
receive glowing media reports. But too many such discoveries are going unused because of
a lack of ways to make these nanomaterials cheaply in bulk. Nanotubes are a great
example. They are considered to have enormous promise but in spite of the interest they
have attracted no team has found a cheap way to make them. Carbon nanoscrolls are also
pure carbon but the sheets are curled up, without the caps on the ends, potentially allowing
access to significant additional surface area. While nanotubes are normally made at high
temperatures, nanoscrolls can be produced at room temperature.
Method involves scrolling sheets of graphite, which could give a much higher surface area.
If the entire surface area is accessible on both sides of the carbon sheets unlike with
carbon nanotubes, where only the outside surface is accessible then surface could adsorb
twice the amount of hydrogen –that is an enormous increase, which results in improving on
hydrogen storage for fuel (an alternative to fossil fuels).
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Nanoscrolls can be made by a relatively inexpensive and scalable process at low
temperatures. Starting materials are just graphite and potassium metal. The idea is beautiful
in its simplicity. Carbon surfaces are known to adsorb hydrogen. A difficulty with using
hydrogen as a fuel source for cars, instead of gas, is obtaining a material capable of storing
enough hydrogen to make the approach feasible. Carbon nanoscrolls could make pollution-
free, hydrogen-powered cars better than they would otherwise be.
This research is a good start.. For this approach to work well, it is needful to get
down to individual carbon layers, and this target is yet to achieve. On average, the
nanoscrolls are 40 layers thick. The challenge is to reduce the nanoscrolls to individual
layers. The research may lead to numerous applications.
For electronic applications, nanotubes may work well. For applications where high surface
area is important - such as hydrogen storage or energy storage in super-capacitors -- these
nanoscrolls may be better. Other possible applications for nanoscrolls, include lightweight
but strong materials for planes and cars, and improved graphite-based tennis rackets and
golf clubs.
The use of nanoscrolls for energy storage is especially interesting. Liquefying hydrogen
requires considerable energy expenditure to cool it and also requires extremely well
insulated tanks to hold it. But gaseous hydrogen takes up too much space. If nanoscrolls
could be used either to store hydrogen densely at room temperature or to make a better kind
of battery then they'd be very attractive6.
Bio degradable nanofiber
as many as 40 percent of open heart surgery patients experience abnormal cardiac rhythms
after their operations. A nano structured membrane infused with an anti inflammation agents
such as ibuprofen and apply directly to heart tissue, has reduced the problem in animal
studies.
Star’s nanofiber membrane is mesh of polymers designed to prevent body tissue from
sticking together as the heal. It also breaks down in the body over time like biodegradable
sutures. The anti-adhesion material is made by "electrospinning".In few milliseconds ,the
electrical field aligns the polymer molecules in the jetstreams into the fibrous strands, pulling
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and stretching the jet 1000 times thinner than the micro sized nozzle opining , to about a
150nm diameter.Oddly,the nanoscale fibers don’t follow the straight path downward from
the jet stream to the target surface .In fact , they spiral downward at about 300 miles per
hour, traveling more than a mile in the space of inches to form an unwoven mesh like a thin
pile of well-distributed spaghetti.
As the polymers make this strange, circuitous journey, the liquid solvent they were
suspended in evaporates. The resulting material has an unusual, ephemeral feel, a tactile
blend of paper, plastic and rubber. It isn't sticky, and is fairly strong and difficult to tear.
The STAR team says it can produce its nanofiber material in bulk with its array of
multiple jets. Now the group is working on expanding the flexibility of their process by
altering the shapes of the jets, electrical fields and the composition of polymer solutions7.
Carbon Nanotube Fiber Super capacitors
Super capacitors based on CNTs are electrochemical energy storage devices that can
ultimately deliver capacitances as high as 300 F/gm. Recent advances at UTD in the
fabrication of CNT fibers have enabled us to incorporate them into a number of novel super
capacitor configurations. The combination of superb energy storage, high electrical
conductivity and spectacular mechanical properties of these fibers affords unprecedented
application opportunities. In their simplest embodiment, two electrolyte-coated fibers are
twisted together to produce a yarn that has been woven into a multifunctional electronic
textile. Winding the devices around a form provides the basis for energy-storing structural
composites8.
Spinning Carbon Nanotube Composite Fibers
The use of carbon nanotubes for many NanoEnergetic applications depends upon their
availability as fibers having exceptional properties. Carbon nanotubes are spun composite
fibers at a hundred times the prior-art rate, and obtained fibers that pound-per-pound have
twice the strength and stiffness and 70 times the toughness of strong steel wire. In addition
to other functionalities. These fibers are used for both electrical energy transmission and
sensor devices in electronic textiles.
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The energy needed to rupture a fibre (its toughness) is five times higher for spider silk than
for the same mass of steel wire, which has inspired efforts to produce spider silk
commercially. Here we spin 100-metre-long carbon-nanotube composite fibres that are
tougher than any natural or synthetic organic fibre described so far, and use these to make
fibre super capacitors that are suitable for weaving into textiles.
Bioabsorbable nanofiber membrane
An electrospinning method was used to fabricate bioabsorbable amorphous poly(D,L-
lactic acid) (PDLA) and semi-crystalline poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) nanofiber non-woven
membranes for biomedical applications. The structure and morphology of electrospun
membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC), and synchrotron wide-angle X-ray diffraction/small angle X-
ray scattering. SEM images showed that the fiber diameter and the nanostructure
morphology depended on processing parameters such as solution viscosity (e.g.
concentration and polymer molecular weight), applied electric field strength, solution
feeding rate and ionic salt addition. The combination of different materials and processing
parameters could be used to fabricate bead-free nanofiber non-woven membranes.
Concentration and salt addition were found to have relatively larger effects on the fiber
diameter than the other parameters. DSC and X-ray results indicated that the electrospun
PLLA nanofibers were completely non-crystalline but had highly oriented chains and a
lower glass transition temperature than the cast film.
Nanofibrils from natural organic fibers as industrial material:
The nanofibrils (dia-1-10nmorder) comprises natural fibres suspended in swelling media to
a cone with thixotropic property & fibrillated between rotating twin disks while adding
shear stress in the vertical direction of fiber long axes. The natural fibers are cell-OH fibres,
fibrin fibers, chitin/chitosan fibers, collagen fibers, fibrin fibers & keratin fibers. The
cellulose fibers from craft pulp were fibrillated to give nanofibrils.
Formation of nanofibrillar aggregates by water soluble & structural oligopeptide with
alternating sequence, CPyr=Pyrenyl-2-carboxy L=L-Leucine, K=L-Lysine, Formed helical
tape like aggregates in an aqueous solution at pH7. Addition of NaCl induced random coil
to B. Structure transition to how excimer peak of pyrenyl groups, although no similar result
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was observed in corresponding non alternating random oligopeptide
Pyr(LKLKKLLLKKLLKLKK)10.
Nano structured material /Nanocomposites
Textile structural composites are defined as a composite reinforced by textiles structures used
in high tension application. The development of this new branch of material science and
engineering has reminded the basic engineering properties of matter and the structural
mechanics of textiles.
In combination with metal, ceramic and polymer, textiles structures have found applications
in sea transport, aerospace, land, sporting goods, civil structure and biomedical
products .Textile composites found early applications in the 1950s in space re-entry vehicles.
The demand for higher damage tolerance., led to the rediscovery of the units of textile
composites in the 1980s.The polarization of liquid moulding process and demand for
affordability in the 1990s added a new dimension to the interest in textile composites A body
of knowledge is thus beginning to emerge, and has greatly facilited the acceptance of textile
composites for structural application in the industry .One of the most significant outcome of
the research in textile composites in the past decade is the identification of textile composites
as the pathway to affordable advanced composites.
As we enter the next millennium ,it is investigated that the continuous growth of
composite materials will be energized by the need of multifunctional properties for the next
generation of structural composites .It is investigated that there is continuous need to improve
the reliability of composites through precise fiber placement and local reinforcement .As the
interest in long term application broadens ,the need of joining technology (mechanical
stitching and welding) is also anticipated .However the most exiting growth area is nanoscale
materials and structures ,which are expected to have a far reaching impact on aerospace
vehicle technology, electronic device and biomedical systems.
Nanomaterials by the NFS definition are, in the 3-dinensional space ,material that have
atleast one dimension less than 100 nanometre.The broadening of the length scale of the
composite constituents to the nanometer level ,as aided by the rapid growth of
technology ,will greatly enhance the tailorability of properties for multifunctional composites
and will create exciting opportunities and challenges for textile community.
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An area that will see near term benefit is the toughening of resin and the tailoring of fiber
matrix inrtface with nanofibers.Of particular long term interest to structural compost to
structural composites is the potential of carbon nanotubes(CNT)which has remarkable
combination of modulus(1-5TPa),strength (180Gpa) and breaking elongation ( up to 30%)
that is unmatched by any other conventional material. With 1 or 2 nm diameter and 1micron
is length, the conversion of this CNT to well organized and processable material form will be
key to the realization of the potential of CNT.Based on recent work ,the electrospinning
process will be introduced as means to convert the CNT to the nano composite fibrils and
form the basic building block for higher order linear planner and 3-D assemblies for
structural composites
Carbon nanotubes/ Polypropylene composites-By dispersing a tiny amount of carbon into
the polypropylene—a popular plastic used in automobiles, packaging, toys, furniture,
housewares, textiles, and numerous other everyday items—greatly reduces the polymer’s
flammability. Accounting for just 1 percent of the resultant material’s weight, the
nanotubes outperformed existing environmentally friendly flame retardants11
Carbon Nanotube/Biological Molecule Composites
Designer proteins and polynucleotides are being constructed and their interactions with
nanotubes and other nanostructures are being investigated for various applications
including sensors and drugs.
Preparation and characterization of polypropylene/silver nanocomposite fibers
Bicomponent sheath-core fibers were prepared by a general melt-spinning method with
polypropylene chips and silver nanoparticles. The melt-spun fibers were characterized by
DSC, WAXS and SEM. The antibacterial effect was evaluated by an AATCC 100 test, a
quantitative method. The results of the DSC thermo gram and the intensity pattern of X-ray
diffraction indicated that the crystallinity of polypropylene including silver nanoparticles
was slightly decreased compared with that of pure polypropylene fibers. SEM micrographs
showed that the average diameter of the silver nanoparticles was approximately 30 nm and
some particles had aggregated. The fibers, which contained silver in the core part, did not
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show antibacterial effects. Fibers with added silver in the sheath part, however, exhibited
excellent antibacterial effects12.
Technological university of Munich uses silver treatments that the researcher say kills
bacteria that cause eczema while not a cure it should reduce effects. Silver also features in a
product from Deckers Outdoor, a footwear manufacturer.. In Decker’s out door US silver
based compound is being used in socks to stop bacteria, mould & mildew that cause smelly
feet. Socks from silver coated fibres have proved successful in banishing bad odors. Unifi's
new anti-microbial yarn, A.M.Y., is described, offering new levels of performance and
longer life. Sports socks are also being tested which contain molecular-scale sponges that
absorb the rancid hydrocarbons responsible for body odor and only release the offending
substance when in contact with detergent in a washing machine.
Dyeable Polypropylene via Clays in Polypropylene Nanocomposites
Polypropylene is a important industrial fiber because of its higher strength, tenacity.A
major advantage of polypropylene over nylon and polyester fiber is its relatively low price.
However, traditional approaches to provide dyeability, such as copolymerization,
polyblending, grafting, plasma treatment and specially designed dyes considerably increase
the overall cost of fiber manufacturing and/or dyeing So far, none of these technologies can
produce commercial dyeable polypropylene in fine denier textile fibers for clothing and
upholstery, mainly because of higher cost, a decrease of fiber mechanical properties and/or
poor dyeability. None of these disadvantages applies to nanoparticles which are affordable
and readily available. Moreover, since nanoparticles can be dispersed into polymer melts
like pigments, nano composite polypropylene can be spun using current polymerization and
extrusion equipment. We are infusing nanoclays modified with quaternary ammonium salt
into polypropylene to create dye sites for acid and disperse dyeing. Such polypropylene
nanocomposites need to be stable at high temperatures (e.g. 200°C) and under normal
dyeing and performing conditions. Our specific objectives are to:
• Fundamentally investigate the formation of polypropylene Nanocomposites.
Polypropylene nanocomposites are compounded in a Brabender mixer using milled and
ultrasonic Ted particles of montmorillonite clay1 together with a titanate-coupling agent.
Characterization using X-Ray diffraction (XRD)showed that the clay particles were
uniformly dispersed throughout the polypropylene matrix and intercalated2and/or
exfoliated.3 Longer compounding time and/or higher rpm increased the interlayer spacing
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(d-spacing) of the clay platelets significantly and decreased the crystallite thickness of the
clay (See Table). The titanate coupling agent and Brabender compounding greatly helped
to achieve even dyeing of polypropylene nanocomposites at different depths of shades.
1 a layered hydrophilic silicate: (OH)4 Si8 Al4 O20 nH2O
2 parallel clay platelets swollen apart with polymer.
3 platelets so swollen that they are no longer parallel.
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy(TEM) images showed intercalated
multilayer crystallites
but also single exfoliated silicate layers (see photos below).When the compounding
conditions were less severe, exfoliation and intercalation of clay particles occurred
simultaneously, but at longer times and higher rpm exfoliation occurred separately more
consistently as fewer lumps were
shown in the TEM images.
Nanoparticles, such as nanoclays modified with quaternary ammonium salt are infused,
into polypropylene fibers to create dye sites for lower cost dyeing in apparel fibers.
Both XRD results and the TEM images gave a very clear picture of nano-scale dispersion
of the clay particles in the polypropylene nanocomposites. By carefully controlling
nanoparticle size and its dispersion in polypropylene, the two very most important
parameters, we can achieve polypropylene nanocomposites that are evenly dyed at different
shade depths. Color yields are dependent on the
Amount of nanoclay while dyeing levelness depends upon the uniformity of
nanoparticle distribution in the polypropylene matrix and on the homogenizing time. The
quaternary ammonium salts in the polypropylene nanocomposites act as effective dye sites
for acid dyes because they attract electric charges, while disperse dyeability is possible
mainly because of the Vander Waals forces and hydrophobic interactions between disperse
dyes and clay particles. Overall we conclude from visual, spectral and microscopic
evaluation of the dyeing, that nanoclay does create beneficial dye sites when dispersed in a
polypropylene matrix13.
Nylon-10,10-montmorillonite nanocomposite
Nylon can be resolved in α,1β1,γ2 crystalline formes.The α-form crystal of nylon -10,10
has two strong diffractions signals at 2θ=20° and 24°in the wide angle X – ray
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diffraction(WAXD)pattern. The γ crystalline form for Nylon -10,10 is observed above the
brill transition temperature and has got a pseudo hexagonal symmetry ,for which WAXD
pattern has only one strong reflection between 2θ=20° and 24°
There is increasing interest in Nylon-6-montmorillonite nano composites due to their
outstanding properties.Experimentle data shows that it has a high modulus, a high heat
distortion temperature ,good water barrier properties and fireproof properties. It has been
reported that montmorillonite induces the γ-crystalline form of nylon-6 in nylon-6 –
montmorillonite nano composite.WAXD and variable temperature WAXD spectroscopy
are used to identify the γ-crystalline form of nylon -10, 10 in the nanocomposite.A new
diffraction peak at 2θ=22°was observed in WAXD pattern indicate that it was the
characteristic peak of γ crystalline form of nylon -10,10.The amide VI band at 624 per cm
was also observed in the Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of the nanocomposite, which
is characteristic of γ crystalline form of nylon14 .
Biodegradable aliphatic Polyester clay nanocomposite
Novel biodegradable aliphatic polyester (APES)/organoclay nanocomposites were
prepared through melt intercalation method. Two kinds of organoclays, Cloisite 30B and
Cloisite 10A with different ammonium cations located in the silicate gallery, were chosen
for the nanocomposites preparation. The dispersion of the silicate layers in the APES
hybrids was characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron
microscopy (TEM). Tensile properties and the biodegradability of the APES/organoclay
nanocomposites were also studied. APES/Cloisite 30B hybrids showed higher degree of
intercalation than APES/Cloisite 10A hybrids due to the strong hydrogen bonding
interaction between APES and hydroxyl group in the gallery of Cloisite 30B silicate layers.
This leads to higher tensile properties and lower biodegradability for APES/Cloisite 30B
hybrids than for the ApES/Cloisite 10A hybrids7.
UV protective clothing:
BASF use TiO2 nanoparticles (approx. 500nm diameters) for coating textile fibers. These
materials absorb light and scatter much less than larger particles. The new product is use
for sun protective clothing27.
Flame retardant additives for Ar-based polymers & related polymer composition:
Flame retardant additives for ar-based polymer of an aryl-containing silicone compound
& diorganic polysiloxane compound
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Fire resistant polyurethane resin: The resin is used for hard & soft foam as an elastomer,
paint & synthetic fibres. The new polyurethane has improved fire resistance mechanical
strength & dimensional stability. It is free of halogens. The polyurethane has a repeating
unit which contains bisphenol molecular structure with alkyl group at ortho position.
Intumescent flame retardant- montmorilonite synergism in polypropelene- layered silicate
nanocomposite
Polypropelene/clay nanocomposites have been prepared starting from pristine
montmorilonite (MMT) & reactive compatibilizer hexadecyltri methylammoniumbromide
(CI6). The nanocomposite structure is evidenced by the X-ray diffraction & high resolution
electronic microscopy. Intumescent Flame retardant has been added to polypropylene/clay
hybrids. Their flammability behaviors have been evaluated using cone colorimetry.
Synergy was observed between the nanocomposites & intumescent flame retardant.
Introduction: Polypropylene is used in many fields such as automobile, furniture, electronic
casings, interior decoration, and architectural material. However, due to its chemical
constituent, the polymer is easily flammable & so flame retardancy becomes an important
requirement for PP.Polymer-Layered silicate nanocomposite have come into picture
because of its flame retardant properties i.e. significant decrease in the peak- heat release
rate & mass loss rate (MLR) during combustion in conc. colorimetry. Intumescent flame
retardants (IFRs) are efficient in polyolefin & widely used as environmental, halogen free
additives.
Preparation of PP based samples- Following products used: PD, Ammonium
polyphosphate (APP) (92% < 10μm)-precursor of carbonization catalyst,
peritaerythritol(PER) (92% < 10μm), melamine phosphate average size 92% < 10μm) &
pristine montmorillonite (with cation exchange capacity of 97meq/100g) Hexadecyl
trimethyl ammonium bromide C16 –compactibiliser
Cone colotimetry is one of the effective bench-scale methods for studying
flammability properties of materials.
Heat release rate in particular peak HRR has been found to be most important parameter to
evaluate fire safety.
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HE
AT
RE
LE
AS
ER
AT
E
Kw
/m²
Pure PP
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sec)
Heat release graph shows that the remarkable effect was found for the nanocomposite. This
may have been because of the nanocomposite intimate contacts between polymer molecule
& atom of inorganic crystalline layer was more extensive than micro composite & same
time there was catalytic role played by layered silicate deriving from Hoff man reaction 14
of C16 & consequently decomposition of the amine silicate modifier left a strong acid
catalytic site that may further favored the oxidative dehydrogenation cross linking-charring
process. During combustion an ablative reassembling of silicate layer may occur on the
surface on the burning nanocomposite creating a physical protective barrier on the surface
of the material. The physical process of the layer resembling act as protective barrier in
addition to the intumescent shield & can thus limit oxygen diffraction to the substrate.
Because of nanocomposite can lead to formation of ceramic like material with homogenous
surface which will protect the material through combustion & also mechanical
reinforcement of charred layer which would lead to better accommodation of strains11.
Nanocomposite Coatings
Nanotech-based thin films and coatings are beginning to replace traditional epoxies and
coatings. Moreover, large corporations and start-ups alike are finding thin films,
nanoparticles and other nanocoatings to be more cost-effective than traditional coatings.
With nano-enhanced coatings, far less product is needed to provide
greater protection. Since nanocoatings are invisible and do not alter the surfaces they
protect, they offer a potentially revolutionary impact on the manufacturing of lenses for
microscopes, fabrication tools etc.
Wilson Double Core tennis balls have a nanocomposite coating that keeps it bouncing
twice as long as an old-style ball. Tires are the next logical extension of this technology: it
would make them lighter (better mileage) and last longer (better cost performance).
Because Nanocomposites in tennis ball lock in air ,build better bounce.
100% Water repellant fabric
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PP+MMT+C16+IFRs
TIME sec
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By means of polymer chemistry applications, nanoparticles are permanently attached to
cotton or synthetic fibers. The change occurs at the molecular level, and the particles can be
configured to imbue the fabric with various attributes.
Nanotechnology combines the performance characteristics associated with synthetics with
the hand and feel of cotton, its application for everyday fabrics used in business and casual
wear Nano-Care™ For Cotton Through Nano-Tex’s Nano-Care™ technology for cotton,
“nano-whiskers” 1/1000 the size of a typical cotton fiber are attached to the individual fibers.
The changes to the fibers are undetectable and do not affect the natural hand and
breathability of the fabric. The whiskers cause liquids to roll off the fabric. Semi-solids such
as ketchup or salad dressing sit on the surface, are easily lifted off and cause minimal
staining, which Shouldberemovedwithlaundering 5.
The attributes provided by Nano-Care have traditionally been added by the use of coatings,
which affect the fabric’s inherent qualities, or by other treatments that eventually wash or
fade away. While Nano-Care provides the above attributes, it also allows moisture to pass
through the fabric, which is quick-drying as well.
Galey & Lord is the first cotton fabric manufacturer to be licensed by Nano-Tex to use Nano-
Care in its products. The first fabrics — 8-ounce combed and carded 3x1 twills — have
recently been introduced, and the company has shown them to all of its major customers,
which include some of the top names in sportswear The response has been excellent,
according to Robert J. McCormack, president, Galey & Lord. In the coming months,
consumers can expect to see pants and skirts made from the new fabrics in retail stores at a
cost about $5 higher than those made from non-treated fabrics.
Nanopartical additives, some acting as nucleating agents, improve the toughness, strength
and clarity of polyolefins and others find application as ultra fine flame-retardants in
polyolefins 16.
stain-repellent Eddie Bauer Nano-Care khakis, with surface fibers of 10 to 100 nanometers,
uses a process that coats each fiber of fabric with "nano-whiskers." Developed by Nano-Tex,
a Burlington Industries subsidiary. Dockers also makes khakis, a dress shirt and even a tie
treated with what they call "Stain Defender", another example of the same nanoscale cloth
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treatment.
This technique will have impact on Dry cleaners, detergent and stain-removal makers, carpet
and furniture makers, window covering market7
Barrier Properties: The great potential of polymer- clay nanocomposite to reduce moisture
absorption & decrease water & gas permeability. Only 2mass% montmorillonite loading
reduces the permeability by more than 50% for pure polymer value for water vapour,
oxygen or helium.
Mechanical behavior: Being able to improve strength & stiffness with limited alteration of
toughness in goal readily achievable with polymer clay nanocomposite. A concept of
constrained polymer region related to ion bonding strength of clay & PA6 is introduced to
account for the observed behavior.
Property PA6 Clay Hybrid PA6
Tensile strength 23C 97 69
(MPa) 120C 32 27
Tensile modulus, GPa 1.9 1.1
0.6 0.2
Linear elastic & rubber elastic behavior: Although stiffening is quite noticeable in glassy
regime of amorphous phase, the most spectacular effect is seen. As already evoked in the
case of reinforcement by cell-OH whiskers in glassy regime. Elongation at breach is
observed. Contrary in the
Plastic & Rupture: Vicinity or below the glass, transition temperature.
Key role of processing: It is proved that twin screw extrusion enables achieving a
significant degree of dispersion of clay platelets provided residence time & degree of
shearing are optimized in conjunction with nature of the organic clay. Thermal stability of
organic modifier is problem.
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Wilson Double Core tennis balls which was the official ball of Devis cup 2002 have a
nanocomposite coating that keeps it bouncing twice as long as an old-style ball. Made by
InMat LLC, this nanocomposite is a mix of butyl rubber, intermingled with nanoclay
particles, giving the ball substantially longer shelf life. On the macro scale, an example of a
composite material is concrete, which takes a binder – cement – and makes it stronger with
reinforcing gravel. Back at courtside, a "graphite" tennis racket is also made from
composite materials, though the carbon graphite fibers that make it strong and light are
much larger than the nanoparticles in Wilson's superball.
InMat's Air D-Fense solution brings together butyl rubber polymers – commonly used for
air-tight applications such as sealing tires or balls – with vermiculite, a natural clay that can
slide off, or exfoliate, into single-molecule thin sheets.
The method also keeps the proportion of clay particles to butyl rubber high so that as the
material dries into a coating, the nanoclay cards fit into many slots in the rubber matrix to
form a multilevel air barricade.
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NANOSTRUCTURED GAS BARRIERs
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The company has developed proprietary techniques that allow the clay particles to block
air while preserving the butyl's rubbery flexibility. They do this 100 percent water-based,
so no dangerous solvents are involved.
Tires are the next logical extension of this technology: it would make them lighter (better
mileage) and last longer (better cost performance). Because Nanocomposites in tennis balls
lock in air, build better bounce17.
Nanocomposites in radar reflecting flags
Boaters always face danger of the failings of conventional radar reflectors in a foggy
climate. With the arrival of space technology, specifically, "Star Wars" research, cloth can
now is "metalized" and thus radar reflective.
The RADAR FLAG is literally a flag sandwich. Two specially designed and constructed
national flags hold between them the "Rip-Stop" nylon lining which is impregnated with
nano particles of silver, then urethane coated for protection from the elements.
When radar waves strike the flag from any direction,
they are conducted through the maze of metal threads
setting up a large electrical field which reflects the radar
waves back to the transceiver. Because of the nano size
the optical properties of silver particles are also
enhanced. Exhaustive testing in the U.S. and Europe
has shown that the RADAR FLAG will consistently
reflect radar wave four miles when flown only two feet
off the water18.
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Innovations in Textile processing, dyeing, soaping and printing
techniques
Synthetic fibers using nanotech
Fierce competition in the textile industry has compelled the spinners to focus their
resources on developing new synthetic fibres with special features. Nanotechnology is
being tapped, and the result is the debut of synthetic fibres that take performance to
unusually high levels. For instance, Toray has developed an ultra thin nylon fibre than can
be spun into textiles capable of absorbing moisture better than cotton. Kanebo has
developed a polyester fibre having excellent moisture absorption as well as the durability.
These two examples illustrate that when faced with the continual barrage of cheap imports,
the synthetic fibre industry will increasingly use nanotechnology as a strategic weapon.
The new Nylon fibre has nothing special; it looks like any other nylon fibre with a diameter
of 60 microns. But that one fiber is in fact a bundle of more than 1.4 million fibres, each
just dozens of nanometers in diameter. Water seeps through the spaces between these
fibers, which is what makes the material so absorbent. The fibre is spun using conventional
spinning equipment, but the starting material is a precision mixture controlled at the
molecular level. The new nylon fibre is just as strong and supple and easy to process as
regular nylon, but with two to three times the ability to absorb moisture. And to cap it all,
the material has the feel of a natural fibre, which is something synthetic fibre makes have
never achieved before. The company plans to begin a business with the new fibre in two or
three years, selling it for use in luxury apparel at a price that is more than 10 times that of
the conventional nylon. Non-woven fabrics for medical applications are another possibility.
Using nanotech to bestow absorbency on polyester, Kanebo has developed a synthetic fibre
that normally absorbs almost no water. By coating each polyester fibre with a special film
that is only a few nanometers thick, the company was able to boost the absorbency of
polyester; it plans to market the fibre early next year for use in underwater and dress shirts.
Nanocomposite composition for screen printing: a resistive component based on total
composition, comprising A) 5-30wt% polymer resin B) 10-30wt% conductive particles
selected from group consisting of carbon black, graphite, silver, copper, nickel C) 0.025-
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20wt% nanoparticles & D) 60-80wt% organic solvent wherein the polymer resin
conductive particles & carbon nanoparticles are dispersed in organic solvent. This
composition was prepared by mixing polyamideimide 20%, carbon black50%, vapor grown
carbon fiber 5% & N- Me pyrrolidone 70%.
Nano pigment for low crystallization temperature
Preparation & characterization of Brown nanometer pigment with spinal structure:
Researchers prepared brown nm pigment from solution of Zn-chloride & FeCl3.6H2O
precipitated in different conc. Of alcohol & water & crystallized at high temperature. A
BDX-300 X-ray diffractiometer determined the crystal phase of samples. A computer using
a Scherrer formula calculated the diameter of particles. A Jeol 100CX-11 transmission
electron microscope determined the shape of particles. The resultant ZnFe2O4 pigment had
smaller diameter than pigment derived from conventional precipitation method. Particle
with smallest diameters had the lowest crystallizing temperature19.
Cleaning products
IBM was the first company to manipulate individual atom in the late 1980’s & went on to
create the nanotube-a light, strong carbon structure capable of conducting electricity with
great efficiency. Nanoinvestor news estimates annual spending by governmental
organization worldwide at over$ 2 trillion in 2002. The cleaning products industries have to
face the fact that nanotechnology can influence their market & product in substantial way.
Among the possibilities for material design that nanotechnology brings is the ability to add
very specific function such as hydrophobic, oleophobicity, UV absorption or catalytic
functions by addition of special nanopartical to the material. As a result of a trend, the
detergent industry must begin to look at the new requirements, new problems & new
product that will be needed. Many of the cleaning products in the market are not suitable
for cleaning coated surfaces, because they either do not wet the surface for properly are
mechanically & chemically too aggressive or lead to reduce that functioning of coating.
Nanogate is developing cleaning compound composition that during cleaning process,
render the cleaned surface either water repellent or hydrophilic. Cleaners can also be used
to coat previously uncoated surface with semipermanent hydrophilic or hydrophobic easy
to clean effect that lasts the months.
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Certain nanostructure can enhance the cleaning action of conventional detergents
significantly e.g. Soya-based fabric softeners & antimicrobial nanoemulsion. Research
indicates some challenges with yellowing after high temperature drying due to oxidation.
Soya soft- process is cost competitive.
Biologists at MIT have engineered a nanomaterial that behaves like soap & could strip
away grease more efficiently than conventional detergents. The material is created from
fragments of proteins called peptides, which self assemble into different structures. In this
case, the peptide formed nanotubes. Nanotubes made from protein building blocks behave
like soap. Instead of using naturally occurring proteins, the researchers employed peptides
synthesized from scratch- each with hydrophilic head & hydrophobic tail. When placed in
water, the peptides formed rings, which then stacked on top of each other to form
nanotubes 30-40nm in diameter-about size of virus. This is the first protein based
surfactant, which is claimed to be more gentle & less toxic material. Such protein structures
could have other application as, for example, Vesicles for delivering drugs to the body & so
affolds for building nanoscale electronics drugs devices. Researchers could tailor the
peptides to bind to semi conducting nanocrystals. The peptide could direct the
nanoparticles into a desired configuration say circuit & once removed would leave behind
the final device20.
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Nanofiltration
Melt blown nanofibre for non woven filtration application
Polymer nanofibres have the potential to produce unique filtration products. The
production of nanofibres from polymers has been an expensive and difficult process.
NonWoven Technology has developed a thin-plate die system for the production of melt
blown nanofibres. The system can provide orifices of 0.025 mm in diameter. The
advantages of the system include high running pressure capability, immunity to
unzippering, multiple polymer extrusion rows per die. The system is versatile, allowing the
economic production of nanofibres.
Nanofiltration Membrane Performance of Heterogeneously Sulfonated Aromatic
Polyamides:
Aromatic polyamides (PI) are of interest because of their various advantages, e.g. good
mechanical properties excellent solvent resistance & thermal stabi9lity but disadvantages
like difficulties in processing & excessively high glass transition temperature.
The solubility can be enhanced by introducing polar groups (amide, ester, ether or other
flexibilising group). Ion exchange PIs has been prepared by introducing a pyridine ring into
a polymer backbone & by modifying with epichlorohyrin.
Introducing additives to the casting solution can decrease the pore-size of asymmetric
membranes. Integrally skinned asymmetric polyetherimide nanofiltration membranes by
the phase inversion method & by introducing additives like diethyleneglycol dimethyl ether
(DGDE), acetic acid & 1, 4-dioxane in the casting solution.
Soluble aromatic PIs were synthesized by a thermal step i.e. 2 step methods:
N-methyl-2-pyrrotidone (NMP) reagent is dried by refluxing over calcium hydride.
Bis [4-(3-aminophenoxy) phenyl sulfone (BAPS) pyromellitic dianhydride PMDA.
Triethylphosphate (TEP), Diethylene glycol dimethyl ether (DGDE), dichloromethane
(DCM), Poly (ethylene glycol) of varying molecular wt.
PEG Polymer synthesis:
Soluble PIs were synthesized by a thermal two step method. BAPS-m was dissolved in
NMP at room temp. Stoichiometric amount of PMDA was added in three portions within
30 minutes & vigorously mixed for 6 hour to yield a homogeneous & viscous poly (amic
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acid) intermediate solution to reach constant viscosity. Poly(amic acid) films prepared by
evaporating NMP at 80C for 12 hours were then thermally imidized in a dry oven.
Imidization conditions-2hours at 180C, 2h-230C, 2-270C. The PIs were sulphonated with
SO3. Complex is formed by dissolving 0.5 mol of SO3 in 0.25 mol of TEP.
Morphology of Asymmetric Membranes:
The morphology (cross section & top layer) of asymmetric membranes was observed with
scanning electron microscope (SEM, JSMI025). The membranes were cryogenically
fractured in liquid Nitrogen & then coated with gold. Performance is measured by
measuring salt rejection rate.
The membrane showed a straight forward finger like structure. By introducing DGDE in
the casting solution, the cross section of membrane changed significantly, i.e. decrease in
pore size. The preparation of asymmetric NF membrane:
NF membranes were prepared by the phase inversion method with PIs & sulfonated PIs.
DGDE was used to decrease pore size. A small amount of water can be detrimental for
marking pores for nanofiltration. Therefore water in DGDE should be almost completely
being removed21
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Smart fabrics
This term can be misleading; their ‘intelligence’ is one of responsiveness to a given set of
conditions i.e. they’re reactive, for example to temperature; when you get hot they take heat
from the body and store it to release back when you cool down.
They keep the ‘microclimate’ of the body stable.
Developments in this area are already moving at a rapid pace. France Télécom's glass
fibre panel display technology means that clothes will be able to carry moving images, with
specially developed software enabling them to be changed daily over the Internet.
PCM’S or Phase Change Materials are often referred to as smart
Fibres, Outlast is the brand pioneering this technology which is currently
used in outdoor sport/extreme weather environments. Products such as the Sensatex Smart
Shirt and Vivo Metrics' Life Shirt are already helping researchers to develop future
generations of heart failure devices with new diagnostic and therapeutic features
The major areas of researches can be classified into
1) e-wear – This is clothing designed to ‘carry’ electronic devices. More recently we have
commercial products developed by companies like Philips who working with Levi’s
produced the 1st range of wearable electronics in their ICD+ range. ICD+ was still about
portability rather than electronics being fully integrated; the wiring and connectors were
washable but the components such as the phone and MP3 player had to be removed.
This was however the first example of networked products integrated within a specially
designed garment (the music mutes when the phone rings).
2) techno-textiles – A generic term to encompass the widest possible range of
developments within materials technology, this extends far beyond traditional fashion/
textiles industries into the automotive, aeronautical and beyond.
Electronic textiles are fabrics that are wired to transfer information within a piece of
clothing. Right now, you can buy jackets with disc players and controls sewn in—but
designers envision e-wear that will heat or cool its wearer, monitor vital signs, and change
color on command.
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Chipmaker Infineon Technologies is weaving its products into an entirely new fashion
industry: high-tech textiles. The Munich-based company is working on new prototype
wearable chips that it says can be sewn directly into clothing and other textiles. Infineon's
Emerging Technologies Group has developed chips, sensors and packages that allow the
processors to be woven into fabrics. Special materials woven into the fabric are used to
connect the chips and sensors.
Although the company did not announce plans to put these technologies into production, it
said possible uses for the chips could be found in areas including entertainment,
communications, health care and security. However, new markets such as wearable
electronics show great promise for additional revenue outside of its current lines of
business, the company said.
The further evolution of this information society will make everyday electronic
applications ever more invisible and natural. A wide range of companies are researching
wearable electronics and so-called plastic chips, which could lead to flat screens that
consumers can fold, intelligent labels, cheap solar cells and a plethora of other devices.
An MP3 jacket
Infineon has developed a prototype MP3 player that can be sewn directly into shirts or
jackets. The player, consisting of a chip, a removable battery/data storage card and a
flexible keyboard, includes an earpiece for listening to music.
Similar wearable chips could create clothing used in medical applications to monitor
patients' vital signs. These applications would use tiny chips, which convert a person's body
heat into electrical energy, to store information or transmit data wirelessly via a data built
in antenna.
Wearable motherboard, said researchers from the institute's School of Textiles and
Engineering, made up of synthetic or metallic fibers they are woven or knitted into cotton
or polyester to produce new type of electro textiles can be connected to chips & batteries to
create circuits that may one day have many applications. The wearable motherboard
provides a versatile framework for incorporating sensing, monitoring and information
processing devices. It uses optical fibers that could detect bullet wounds, and special
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sensors and interconnects that could monitor the body vital signs of individuals, the
researchers said. Used is car to upholstery, for instance, electro textiles & their circuits
could sense a passenger weight & tell air bag to adjust accordingly. Fleecy version of the
electronic cloth worm at the football game.
The clothing we wear now doesn’t contain any electronic element but every type of
clothing will have electronic function in 10 years. People are developing radios only 2-
3mm big that can incorporated into washable eletrotextiles.
A recon is trade name of conductive fibre made by Dupont, is a metal clad form of Kevlar,
the altrastrong polymer with 60% nanotubes known for its use in bullet resistant vest.
Sometimes cladding is silver, chosen for solderability or nickel which generally exists
corrosion.
Aracon is one of the conducting fibres used in electronic T-shirts that keeps track of
weaver’s vital signs. European government are spending more than $350million on
nanotech R & D this year, up from $126million 5years ago. While this investment lag
behind those of US & Japanese government22.
E-clothes design issues
Clothing is probably the only element that is "always there" and in complete harmony with
an individual — at least in a civilized society, the researchers said. Textiles provide the
ultimate flexibility in system design due to the broad range of materials and manufacturing
techniques that can be employed to create products, they said.
Since this research is likely to introduce revolutionary changes in the classic design style of
today's electronic systems, there will be significant long-term impact on both the academic
research community and on industrial players such as CAD vendors, intellectual property
providers and potential e-textile manufacturers, the researchers said.
Although production of e-textile-based products is limited today, growth is expected to
increase in the near future, the researchers said. Thus, the design automation community
should be ready to deliver tools and techniques for designing, testing and reconfiguring
such products, they said. The need to consider fundamentally design issues in the context
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of e-textiles could have a major impact on the design automation community at large, they
said.
Driving this growth will be the expanding use of wearable computers in vertical markets, as
the benefits of true hands-free computing and real-time access to information have an
impact on profits, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction.
Solar cell: Solar cells are used to store the energy for wearable computers .These cells can
transform solar energy into electrical energy.
Fluorocarbon membrane for Fuel Cell:A high performance fluorocarbon polymer
membrane with ion exchange capacity three times larger than the conventional ones has
been developed by Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. Since it can be promising for
the electrolytic membrane in a solid polymer fuel cell, it is likely to find applications for
power sources of small equipments such as portable telephones. The membrane was
prepared through a process where styrene polymeric chains are introduced (graft
polymerization) into a fluorocarbon polymer membrane by radiation chemical reactions
followed by sulfonation of the styrene moieties to increase electric conductivity of the
membrane. Because of its stability and resistance to the swelling in alcohol, it can be
applicable in the solid polymer fuel cell with direct use of methanol.
100 micron thick membrane made by the above mentioned radiation-graft polymerization
exhibited an ion exchange capacity that is three times as large as that of a conventional
membrane. Solid polymer fuel cell produces electricity through a phenomenon, which is
reverse of the electrolysis of water namely, by supplying hydrogen and oxygen to the anode
cathode, respectively. Hydrogen ions generated at the anode move to the cathode side
across the electrolytic film inserted between the electrodes. The development of higher
performance electrolytic membranes has so far been lacking19
Quantum dots/nanocrystals: Idea is to use the quantum dots to produce colors that are
beyond the scope of even most sophisticated forgers. Nanoparticles & Nanocomposites
accont for 23% of the existing market of nanomaterials. The nanoprocess involves taking a
single source precursor & decomposing this in tri-n-octyl phosphine (TOPO) to generate
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quantum dots of different sizes & their color. Cdse is the common form of dots, but dots of
sulfides or selenides of gallium, indium or zinc are also developed.
PRODUCTION OF QUANTOM DOTS
Driven by decomposition
Interaction with co-ordinating solvent
1.rapid 2.growth of nuclei 3.growth terminates to nucleation
coated particles
For CdTe (Cadmium telluride)
Diameter Colour
2.8 Blue green
3.3 Yellow green
3.6 Orange
4 red
CDTe-cadmium telluride: Semiconductor nanocrystals or quantum dots consisting of
cadmium selenide (CDSe) or telluride (CDTe) are highly fluorescent & thus potentially
useful in optical devices & solar cells & as biological labels. A capping liogand or matrix
material is required to stabilize them but embedding the nanocrystal into polpyumer matrix
is hard because of incompatibilities between the two materials. This problem is overcome
by first capping the CDTe nanocrystals with the surfactant that makes the nanocrystals
soluble in styrene. The subsequent polymerization step creates transparent & still
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Injection into TOPO
. . . . . . . … . .. … .. . … .. .. ..
Precursor deposited
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fluorescent CDTe- polystyrene composite. Although nonpolymerisable surfactant produced
composite that are opaque & have low photoluminescence ( due to phase separation of
nanocrystals ), A mixture of methylmetahacrylate & styrene as solvent resulted in CDTe-
polymer composite with improved long term transparency as a new branch of its wearable
computing research28.
Nano crystals are ideal light harvester in photovoltaic device. They absorb longer than
dye molecule, they have several advantage over organic dye molecule as fluorescence.
They are increadiably bright and do not photodegrade.Nanocrystals of various metals have
been shown to be 100 percent, 200 percent and even as much as 300 percent harder than
the same materials in bulk form. Because wear resistance often is dictated by the hardness
of a metal, parts made from nanocrystals might last significantly longer than conventional
parts
Metal nanocrystals might be incorporated into car bumpers, making the parts stronger, or
into aluminum, making it more wear resistant.
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Polymer nanocomposites
Polymer matrix nanocomposites are fairly new class of engineered material which offers a
broad range of properties. They can be designed as polymer matrix systems in which the
dispersed inorganic reinforcing phase has at least one of its dimensions in the nanometer
range which is quite close to scale of elementary phenomena at molecular level. The
resulting unique combination of large interfacial area & small interparticle distance
strongly influence nanocomposite behavior.
Polymerase semiconductors cut cost of electronic circuits
Polymer memory: plastic path to better data storage. The most dramatic improvements in
electronics industry could come from an entirely different material: Plastics Labs around
the world are working on integrated circuits displays for handheld devices & even solar
cells that relay on electrically conducting polymers-for cheap & flexible electronic
components.
Polymer nanoelectronics are potentially far less expensive to make than silicon devices.
Instead of multibillion-dollar fabrication equipment that etches circuitry onto silicon water.
Manufacturers could eventually use ink-jet printers to spray liquid polymer circuits onto
surface. Polymer memory could potentially store far more data than other non-volatile
alternatives.
The cost of electronic device manufacture cans be reduced dramatically by using soluble
semiconducting.Polymers in place of conventional silicon. Although these materials are not
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ELECTRODE
POLYMER
IONS
+
+ ++
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suitable for high-speed data handling, they will find application in a wide range of simple
mass-produced circuits such as remotely-readable ‘smart labels’ for luggage and packages,
flexible displays for personal computers or dashboards, and’ electronic paper’. The
GROWTH PLASTRONIX project, concluded in December 2001, validated a semi-
industrial scale process for the production of polythienylenevinylene (PTV) polymer. It
went on to develop an industrial technology for polymeric integrated circuits on150-mm
flexible foils, and demonstrated both a smart label and a 256 grey level active matrix liquid
crystal display (LCD).It is low-cost all-polymer integrated circuits for low-end high-
volume identification application.
Thermoelectric generator silicon based chips are low cost, environmentally friendly
devices that generate power from body heat. Thermo generators integrated into fabric with
water resistant encapsulation feature small copper placed at the warm & cold end of
thermocouple for connection to outside monitor devices, silver or gold plating to avoid skin
irritation & discoloration & a butter capacitor for storing energy. Medical sensor that
requires 100-300mwatts of power to measure temperature dampness or heart rates data
transmission to remote monitoring devices & powering hearing aids.
Microfluidics
A major challenge for the development of novel biosensors is packaging the sensor for a
specific application or experiment. The use of microfluidic systems in conjunction with
micro fabricated sensors promises advantages over traditional bench top biology, including
small-volume analyte consumption and higher throughput. Using rapid prototyping
processes in this lab and in the micro fabrication facility on campus, we develop micro
fluidic systems in silicon, glass, cast polymers, and laser-cut plastics. These include parallel
channel arrays that allow rapid typing of many analytes, small volume fluidic cells that
incorporate electrical contacts, and micro capillaries for functionalizing micro fabricated
biosensors.
Power storage device
A solid state power storage element that store 20 times more electricity than conventional
capacitors has been jointly developed by Kansai Research Institute and Nippon Paint
Company. The new elements are thinner than conventional products. It can be used in
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semiconductor wafers, making it possible to create smaller circuits. Power storage
elements, such as capacitors and lithium ion batteries are necessary for activating electronic
devices.
The new element was produced by applying silicon resin to substrates heating it to
temperatures ranging from 300 to 600 oC and inserting it between two pieces of sheet
metal. After heating, thousands of 3 nm diameter holes – about 90,000 per square micron
open on the surface of resin and inside it. The holes then absorb oxygen from the air.
Oxygen and the silicon resin react to form positive silicon ions and negative oxygen ions.
When electricity is applied to the sheet metal, the upper sheet attracts oxygen ions and the
lower sheet attracts silicon ions. The power storage capacity of the element increases as the
number of ions grows. Conventional capacitors used as power storage elements measure at
least 1-2 mm thick and store 0.1 watt of electricity per kilogram. The new elements use
resin that is 0.4 micron thick and stores up to about 2 watts per kilogram. The elements are
expected to find use in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones and other portable
electronic devices. It plans to launch a new business focusing on the power storage element
within a year24.
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Nanotechnology for soldiers
MIT has set up the Pentagon-funded Institute for Soldier Nanotechnology to test ideas for
21st-century amour which is leading $80 million project for five years. The dream is to
make uniform for future warrior that could neutralize chemical poision,treat wounds or
hydrate soldiers in dessert by recycling body fluid The cloth will clean and repair by
themselves ,change in shapes in response to temperature ,even change color like
chameleon.
Today soldier’s luggage around 45 kg including communication equipment ,limiting both
speed and performance .They would also be lighter. Possibilities include paper-weight
chain mail, a "mirror-fabric" uniform that would be almost invisible and soft clothing that
could become a rigid cast if soldiers injured a limb.
Much of MIT's army research should eventually convert to new products for the
furnishings market - as already seen with Kevlar and carbon fiber, both of which are used
to create furniture and home wares and were initially tested for NASA and the U.S.
Department of Defense.
Molecular muscle:
STRENGTH : The main objective of nanotech research is to create combat uniform that
has built in strength-the strength to lift heavy objects or to stiffen around a bleeding wound.
The ribbon made up of electro active polymer that can move or change shape in response to
an electrical signal. These polymers are 100 times stronger than human muscle as artificial
muscle.
The key is a series of molecules that operate like rods and hinges. Pivoting on hinges, the
rod repals or attracts one another when charge is applied or removed. By attaching million
of these hinges and rods end to end like segments of folding ruler, the research will able to
create polymer that lengthen and shorten in response to electrical stimuli. A film produce
of these polymers produces muscle like movement.
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To Giving this electro active polymer useful speed ,it is required to cut down materials
electrical resistance .By incorporating carbon nano tubes resistance can be reduced because
certain version of carbon nano tubes are excellent electrical conductors that could deliver
charge throughout the material much more rapidly.
Polymer expands in charged state
COMUNICATION : Other technologies will be needed to allow the suit to communicate
with the outside word .MIT scientist are developing coated polymer treads that might be
just the thing, enabling silent communication with remote commanders through the use of
visible or infrared light.
These treads are able to selectively reflect or absorb different wavelengths of light, because
of their coating ,which incorporates numerous ultra thin layers of two transparent materials
–one organic other inorganic .The two materials slow light at different rates. In the
resulting riot of reflection within those layers, which can range from 100 to 1000 nm and
can be precisely controlled.
MIT researchers are building a photonic thread that could be made into textiles. One
possible use of these treads: a portion of combat uniform that strongly reflects a specific
signature of ambient infrared light .During the confusion of night time firefights for
example, such an optical bar code could identify the soldier as friend to fellow troops
equipped with night version goggles tuned to the right reflected light. Researchers are also
coming up with the way of tuning these materials on the fly, so that the wavelength could
be changed electrically and remotely in the case an enemy got his hands on un uniform. To
make these optical fiber tunable, sort of stretching rack that could pull the fiber taut is
created. The tension would thin the layers, changing the reflected wavelengths. A second
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HINGE
RODS
Polymer contract in uncharged state
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approach takes advantage of the fact that one of the material in the layer –arsenic
triselenide shows light at different rate in the presence of the electrical field .Changing the
field ,the whole reflection of the fiber can be changed.
PROTECTION: Improved ballistic protection is mostly theoretical at this point ,but some
very real tools against biological and chemical attacks are already in hand. One such
technology is based on highly branched polymer molecule called dendrimers.By modifying
the ends of dandified branches so that each of them sticks to dangerous molecule and
renders its harmless, army researchers have created a protective substance with great
absorptive power its weight. The problem with this technology to soldiers’ suit is that
dendrimers don’t easily stick to each other so difficult to form a stable material. To
overcome this problem dendrimers with tail are developed. These tails are several time
longer than dendrimers molecule and tend to entangle with one other keeping the molecule
latched together without blocking the branches from doing their jobs. It cold allows the
anchored dendrimers to make a tough protective film.
Researchers are also working on technologies that could help to monitor soldiers help
remotely. Using specially designed polymer as the detectors to sense concentration of nitric
oxide, a chemical present in human breath .Nitric oxide spikes when body is under the
stress. A nitric oxide measurement will not tell the full story, but the sensor is the first
element that could be part of ways of assessing the physiological state of the soldiers.
Although it is just a prototype today mentioned device could eventually be incorporated
into the fabric of soldier suit to detect other chemicals such as hydrocarbons and ketones –
that can be indicator of stress or disease or to detect biological or chemical agents.
The use of nanotech materials reduce weight, thickness and increase durability compared
to conventional materials. A uniform that change colors and blend with background is also
tested. Exo-skeletons that increase length of feet for running and jumping power
enhancement have been tested for military purposes. Next generation army suits will
support the soldier with with extra lifting-power. Biowar protection suits use micro fluidics
and bio-chips for detection and sampling of biochemical agents. Bullet-proof vests use
nanomechanical shock-absorbing materials25.
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The other side of Nanotechnology
Technology has always been a double-edged sword, and that is certainly true of
nanotechnology. The same technology that promises to advance human health and wealth
also has the potential for destructive applications. We can see that duality today in
biotechnology. The same techniques that could save millions of lives from cancer and
disease may also empower a bioterrorist to create a bioengineered pathogen.
A lot of attention has been paid to the problem of self-replicating nanotechnology entities
that could essentially form a nonbiological cancer that would threaten the planet. We can
take now and in the future to ameliorate these dangers. Any broad attempt to relinquish
nanotechnology will only push it underground, which would interfere with the benefits
while actually making the dangers worse.
As a test case, there exists today a new form of fully nonbiological self-replicating entity
that didn't exist just a few decades ago: the computer virus. When this form of destructive
intruder first appeared, strong concerns were voiced that as they became more
sophisticated, software pathogens had the potential to destroy the computer network
medium they live in. Yet the "immune system" that has evolved in response to this
challenge has been largely effective. Although destructive self-replicating software entities
do cause damage from time to time, the injury is but a small fraction of the benefit we
receive from the computers and communication links that harbor them. No one would
suggest we do away with computers, local area networks, and the Internet because of
software viruses.
One might counter that computer viruses do not have the lethal potential of biological
viruses or of destructive nanotechnology. This is not always the case: we rely on software
to monitor patients in critical care units, to fly and land airplanes, to guide intelligent
weapons in our current campaign in Iraq, and other "mission critical" tasks. The fact that
computer viruses are not usually deadly to humans only means that more people are willing
to create and release them. It also means that our response to the danger is that much less
intense. Conversely, when it comes to self-replicating entities that are potentially lethal on
a large scale, our response on all levels will be vastly more serious.
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Nanotechnology is such broad term, covering the study & application of any material
with nanometer dimensions. There are genuine concerns about the technology-viz, in the
way in which nanoparticles interact with human body & the environment. Unpublished
studies by team of The Centre Biological & Environmental Nanotechnology at University
of Texas show that the nanoparticles could easily be absorbed by earthworm, possibly
allowing them to move up the food chain & reach humans.
Micrometer sized dumps of nanoparticles for example, are relatively unreactive because
their surface area is smaller than the individual nanoparticles & they are too large to enter
the blood stream when breathed in. But individual nanoparticles can pass from lungs into
the blood stream & are more reactive e.g. when rates are exposed to mist or nanometer-
sized polytetraflouroethylene or ‘Teflon’ particles experienced respiratory irritation.
According to Chiu-Wing Lam, a senior toxicologist at NASA’s Johnson space centre,
Texas whose team studied the health effect of carbon nanotubes. The researchers found that
mice inhaling micrometer-sized dump of tangled C-nanotubes had the same reaction as
they would do in ordinary dust. But when they are exposed to individual C-nanofibre the
mice developed lesions in their lungs & intestines. C-nanotubes are not innocuous; they
should be handled only in industrial & hygiene environment. 60 C atom nanoparticles.
. What researchers can do to address the public concerns about nanotechnology?
Scientist should engage the public honest debate about potential risks imposed by
nanotechnology .In doing so ,they need to counter the hype currently being
deployed in generous measure by both opponents and proponents of
nanotechnology. The challenge is to convey the possibilities and risks of this new
science without painting it as plague.
More research into risks posed by Nanoparticles is warranted and finding should be
shared with public.
Researchers should start thinking about how to limit the people’s exposure to self
replicating structures.
Beyond self regulations, no specials rules exist for nanotechnology. Need of more
research on safety issues needs to be done before legislation can be considered26.
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Conclusion:
Far from being a dream, nanotechnology will materially impact many of our economies,
largest markets during the next 10 years, and will be a common thread in many of the
emerging businesses during this time.
The far-flung dreams of nanotechnology include immortality, the end of poverty, and a
pollution free world. Technology alone cannot address this, but significant impacts upon
length and quality of life will be seen.
Textile industry also has not escape from this buzz word. Different varieties of nano
finishes, nano coating, and nanofibers are already available in industry. Around the word
lot of researches are going on to develop functional specific textile the cloth that can detect
symptom, adjust with it or protect the wearer against it but all of them can’t be
commercialized due to the cost of manufacture .The biggest difficulty involved in
nanotechnology is the great length of time that is required in putting together the miniscule
atoms and molecules, and which makes the process unsuited for mass production. .The
solution to this problem can get only through conducting more research.
The most exiting area of challenges and opportunities is especially development of
carbon nano tube based “super carbon fiber " for strength higher than spider silk, solar cells
to store energy for electro textiles,Quantom dots to create the shades which are not
achievable by normal techniques. The area in which relatively less work is going on, on
nanotechnology and have scope for its development is textile processing, dyeing and
detergent industry. At the same time, research should be carried out on its self replicating
properties to avoid its harmful effect on the society .
Nanotechnology is able to fulfill all our ideas ,dreams and expectation for the clothes but
it is not a fuzzy, futuristic technology ,existing only paper presentation in Science or Nature
and far away from layman. All the efforts are helping to create smaller smarter and
multifunctional product and the results are not far apart.
So by the introduction of Nanotechnology,
THE FUTUER HAS STARED FOR TEXTILE INDUSTRY
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