Textiles Functionalization - A Review of Materials, Processes, and Assessment

Abstract

Conventionally, textiles are known to cover up the human skin, but by scientific administration, clothing can be extended to serve other human skins’ functions. Accepting the chemical and dermatological complexity of human skin, the effect of humidity, microbes, pH, temperature, and wind can be engineered by wrapping it by functional clothing. In this regard, the latest class of textile material has been added called functional textiles. Such clothing materials consist of the potential of delivering more than one functionality apart from its primary function to coverups the human body. This present chapter offers state-of-the-art viewpoints on the application of functional textiles, including assorted concerns. First, the skin responds to various environmental stimuli and then overviews various techniques to incorporate functionalities in textiles. Finally, the applications and future scope and possibilities of research in this field are included in this chapter. Miniaturisation to small micro to nanometre scale is registered as one of the most exciting meadows in engineering and science over the past few decades. This drift also grasps colossal potential to functionalise the textiles. Various techniques are available now to develop a thin uniform film of functional materials on clothing surface to offer extra functionalities hitherto unrevealed to textile processors. These technologies are based on layer-by-layer assembling, immobilisation of enzymes on textile surfaces, nanocoating of textile substances, plasma for nanoscale modifications, and loading of various functional biomaterials micro and nanoencapsulation by minimum influence on breathability, feel, handle, and strength. The manufacturing of functional textiles can be classified into two groups. One is to functionalise the fibre by adding dope additives, modifying the fibre forming polymer, and then converting it to clothing. The fibre surface is also functionalised by adding some resins on the fibre surface. The other is to modify the textile surfaces by functional biomaterials, resins, finishes.