Taking technical textiles to the next level
Technical textiles – which are manufactured for non-aesthetic purposes – are used in a number of sectors for protective clothing, furniture and construction. To remain competitive, however, the technical textiles sector needs to develop new flexible production technologies to respond rapidly to market demand. Such technologies must achieve a balance between efficient large-scale production and customer-oriented diversification. The aim of the EU-funded 'Integration of emerging soft nanotechnology into the functionalisation of textiles' (NANOBOND) project has been to enable easy diversification and fast adaptability in the sector. The project focused on technical niche markets where cost is less of a determining factor in the take-up of new technology. This is consistent with the aim of sustaining specialised industries in Europe and will be less prone to copying and substitution. Project partners successfully developed a new novel bonding technology that permits the development of antimicrobial and multi-functional textiles. Current antimicrobial treatments tend to be harmful to both humans and the environment. NANOBOND's technology (I-link®) is based on the formation of a nanocoating film on textile surfaces, which structure the antimicrobial molecules. The antimicrobial molecules are well organised and structured such that the surface of the substrate is protected from harmful germs. This also guarantees that the antimicrobial network does not leach from the substrate, and therefore does not damage skin or the environment. NANOBOND members also succeeded in increasing the wash durability of the antimicrobial treatment on work wear, increasing its lifespan and reducing the wash temperature. The new technology has the potential to expand into new applications in non-related areas. Staff training and education in the traditional textile industry will generate a new and highly technical workforce better able to meet the future demands of this changing industry.
