Application of nanotechnology in textile engineering: An overview

The use of nanotechnology in the textile industry has increased rapidly due to its unique and valuable properties. There is a considerable potential for profitable applications of nanotechnology in cotton and other textile industries. Its application can economically extend the properties and values of textile processing and products. The use of nanotechnology allows textiles to become multifunctional and produce fabrics with special functions, including antibacterial, UV protection, easy-clean, water- and stain repellent and anti-odour. The future success of nanotechnology in textile applications lies in areas where new principles will be combined into durable, multifunctional textile systems without compromising the inherent textile properties, including processability, flexibility etc. The present study highlights the applications of nanotechnology in textile industries, with an emphasis on improving various properties of textiles.   Key words: Antibacterial, antistatic, nanotechnology, wrinkle resistance, water repellence.