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Nanomaterial-based

fabric coating for

future textiles

Researchers at Monash University in Australia have UV exposure when outdoors.
created a new fabric using nanoparticles that they
say could potentially replace current clothing textiles. Findings from this study were published recently in
Features include improved thermal comfort, reducing the journals Applied Surface Science and the Nanomaterials for
body temperature by 4.5°C, shielding harmful UV International Journal of Chemical Engineering and
rays, and improving washing durability. Applications

Population growth and improved living standards Continuous growth in the world’s population and sustainable water
require solutions for textiles with new functions to improvements in living standards have required textiles
meet changing needs. The goal is to have clothes with new functions to meet these changing needs.
that can keep people cool on those sweltering hot
days and has the ability to prevent UV radiation from This study highlights the great potential CsxWO3 repellent fabrics
damaging the skin. nanoparticles have in decreasing thermal transfer
from the clothing item to the skin, while maximising
The researchers have developed a nanomaterial-based comfort on hot days.
coating for fabric that could potentially replace Nanomaterials manufacturer, Promethean Particles, on to textiles.
conventional clothing material and pioneer the future of Researchers analysed the colour characteristics, the has joined a consortium of organisations to
textile development across the world. shielding capacity of near-infrared rays and surface research and develop new safe and sustainable PFOS is a potentially toxic by-product of PFCs and
temperature under solar radiation of the coated water repellent fabrics. its use in fabrics is regulated by the European
Based in the Australian Research Council (ARC) Hub cotton fabrics. Union. The best performing PFCs have raised
for Computational Particle Technology, and Monash Today, the highest level of water and oil repellency is significant health and environmental concerns
University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, the In addition, colour fastness to washing was achieved by using highly fluorinated chemical relating to the loss of fluorinated by-products from
research team created thin nanoparticle films using employed to evaluate the adhesive strength of substances. However, increased concern and textiles throughout a fabric’s life cycle. Promethean
cesium-doped tungsten oxide (CsxWO3) capable of CsxWO3 nanosheets on the cotton fabric. The heightened regulation of perfluorocarbons and says its market-disrupting continuous-flow
shielding near-infrared rays. nanosheets didn’t negatively influence the colour or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFCs and PFASs) is production process means the nanoparticles
longevity of the cotton fabric. leading the textile industry to seek alternative manufactured are reproducible on a large scale,
When applied or integrated into cotton fibres, the chemistries that are more sustainable. without affecting performance and quality.
CsxWO3 nanoparticles were found to be thermally The research team will conduct further studies using Thousands of litres in output can be achieved,
efficient, reducing body temperature by 4.5°C, CsxWO3 nanoparticles this year to further advance The four other partners involved in the Innovate generating a huge reduction in production costs
achieving a high range of UV protection, and the development of new, protective clothing fabric. UK-funded project, REPETEX, are North West compared to a batch process, that can be passed
preventing harmful dermatological diseases. The Textiles Network, Manchester Manufacturing Group, to textile manufacturers, the company adds.
fabric was also able to maintain colour quality and The research team comprises: Associate Professor Mexar and The Welding Institute (TWI).
durability across numerous wash cycles. Xuchuan Jiang and Professor Aibing Yu (Monash The water repellent technology being developed as
University), Dr Bin Su (Huazhong University of As part of the project, Promethean Particles is part of the REPETEX project is primarily for cotton,
Researchers say there is potential for these nanoparticles Science and Technology, former ARC DECRA Fellow developing functionalised silica (silicon polyester and cotton-polyester blends but if shown
to be used in other textiles, such as household curtains or with Monash University)), and others including Ms dioxide) nanoparticles that can be incorporated to be successful, it could be adapted for a wider
outdoor tents and shelters, to insulate homes and reduce Linghui Peng (PhD candidate, Monash University). into a water-based ink for digitally printing range of fabrics in the future.

September/October 2020 September/October 2020