Review: Potential of biomimicry in the field of textile technology

Abstract

Nature is the chief mentor to humans for creative and technological development. It sets many excellent examples of technologies around them which can be applied in the field of fashion and textiles. The nest of the baya weaver bird, the net of the orb-weaving spider and the structure of the coconut leaf sheath are examples of natural woven structures. The silk cocoon and nest of chaetopterid marine worm are some of the best examples of natural protective non-woven composites. Natural structural colours, the self-cleaning properties of the lotus leaf, the sharkskin effect and so on have attracted great interest in developing functional textiles. Nature also provides numerous examples of beautiful symmetrical objects, patterns and eye-pleasing colour combinations which are a source of inspiration for designers in creating new designs. Application of biomimicry in the field of textiles is a rapidly growing interdisciplinary research scope that has great potential for future research.