Smart Textile Materials by Surface Modification with Biopolymeric Systems

Abstract

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the possibilities of obtaining “smart” surface modifying systems (SMSs) based on biopolymer chitosan hydrogels, and to discuss the possible problems of obtaining “smart” textile materials by attaching these surface modifying systems to regular textile materials. Due to the fact that chitosan based, pH-sensitive, temperature-sensitive and temperature/pH dual-sensitive hydrogels are of special interest in designing "smart" textile materials, current developments in the preparation of chitosan based hydrogels are reviewed. However, since the main challenge of developing “smart” textile materials is confined to the techniques of successful attachment of the hydrogel layer to the textile substrate, strategies for successful attachment of “smart” hydrogels are presented. It is expected that this innovative strategy will enable creating of new enhanced textile materials, which not only contain fibres that maintain the advantageous and conventional properties but also advanced functionalities and/or environmental responsiveness implemented by modifying the very thin surface layer of the material.