Self-cleaning Finishes for Functional and Value …
225
result the enzymatic and metabolic processes of micro-organisms are hindered and
they are dismissed. Once the N-halamines perform a reaction to kill bacteria, N–Cl
bonds are converted to N–H bond which are inactive and does not have antimicrobial
properties. Therefore, regeneration of the same is required by treatment with dilute
hypochlorite solution. N-Halamines can be applied to broad range of textile substrates including cellulose, polyamide, and polyester to make them anti-microbial
[32]. Though N-halamines contain chlorine it is not toxic since toxic chlorine gas is
not generated during the process. The N-halamine-treated textiles can kill microorganisms almost instantly on contact, and therefore, they are found to be best suited
for hygiene and medical applications like uniforms, bedding, towels, wipes etc.
9 Applications of Self-cleaning Textiles
Self-cleaning textiles and garments retain their original texture and feel after the
chemical treatment. Textiles which can keep themselves clean can save a lot of
water, detergent and energy by avoiding frequent washing. Using above mentioned
technologies self-cleaning fabrics can prevent dirt, oil, and also act as a disinfectant.
Moreover, the self-cleaning effect keeps the textiles long lasting and fresh looking
than ordinary fabrics. Anti-dirt, anti-bacterial and self-cleaning clothes can be used
in medical, sports, defense, and home textiles widely. Few commercial products are
available in global market with this self-cleaning quality. One example is Mincor
®
TX TT which can be used for tailoring of outdoor textiles like tents, sunshades, flags
umbrellas and sails. NanoTex
® is another product suitable for apparels like men’s
dress materials aprons, gloves, shirts, etc. Nanosphere
® is mainly used for preparation
of men’s shirts with self-cleaning effect. Nano-whisker surface is created on textile
surface and water droplets along with dirt particles rest only on the peaks of the
whisker, and as a result there is lower contact area with textile surface as shown in
Figs. 7, 8 and 9. Due to lower contact area, surface adhesion is reduced significantly.
Water droplet thus rolls out off the textile materials and dirt particles either repelled
or can simply be rinsed off automatically. Such effect is called self-cleaning when
textiles require no or very less washing. Washing conditions even will be very gentle
at low temperature with minimum requirement of soap or detergent. Such products
also possess excellent durability in terms of abrasion resistance and washing fastness.
The aesthetic appeal, hand and breathability are not affected even after numerous
washing cycles. Therefore, NanoSphere
® is marketed as an ideal product for use
outdoor apparel, sportswear, men’s and women’s wear, work wear, shoes cover and
home furnishings [2].
225
result the enzymatic and metabolic processes of micro-organisms are hindered and
they are dismissed. Once the N-halamines perform a reaction to kill bacteria, N–Cl
bonds are converted to N–H bond which are inactive and does not have antimicrobial
properties. Therefore, regeneration of the same is required by treatment with dilute
hypochlorite solution. N-Halamines can be applied to broad range of textile substrates including cellulose, polyamide, and polyester to make them anti-microbial
[32]. Though N-halamines contain chlorine it is not toxic since toxic chlorine gas is
not generated during the process. The N-halamine-treated textiles can kill microorganisms almost instantly on contact, and therefore, they are found to be best suited
for hygiene and medical applications like uniforms, bedding, towels, wipes etc.
9 Applications of Self-cleaning Textiles
Self-cleaning textiles and garments retain their original texture and feel after the
chemical treatment. Textiles which can keep themselves clean can save a lot of
water, detergent and energy by avoiding frequent washing. Using above mentioned
technologies self-cleaning fabrics can prevent dirt, oil, and also act as a disinfectant.
Moreover, the self-cleaning effect keeps the textiles long lasting and fresh looking
than ordinary fabrics. Anti-dirt, anti-bacterial and self-cleaning clothes can be used
in medical, sports, defense, and home textiles widely. Few commercial products are
available in global market with this self-cleaning quality. One example is Mincor
®
TX TT which can be used for tailoring of outdoor textiles like tents, sunshades, flags
umbrellas and sails. NanoTex
® is another product suitable for apparels like men’s
dress materials aprons, gloves, shirts, etc. Nanosphere
® is mainly used for preparation
of men’s shirts with self-cleaning effect. Nano-whisker surface is created on textile
surface and water droplets along with dirt particles rest only on the peaks of the
whisker, and as a result there is lower contact area with textile surface as shown in
Figs. 7, 8 and 9. Due to lower contact area, surface adhesion is reduced significantly.
Water droplet thus rolls out off the textile materials and dirt particles either repelled
or can simply be rinsed off automatically. Such effect is called self-cleaning when
textiles require no or very less washing. Washing conditions even will be very gentle
at low temperature with minimum requirement of soap or detergent. Such products
also possess excellent durability in terms of abrasion resistance and washing fastness.
The aesthetic appeal, hand and breathability are not affected even after numerous
washing cycles. Therefore, NanoSphere
® is marketed as an ideal product for use
outdoor apparel, sportswear, men’s and women’s wear, work wear, shoes cover and
home furnishings [2].