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Research in the field of nanotechnologies

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Nanotechnologies are a scientific discipline based on application of natural processes by means of which we can develop materials with unique properties.

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What are we trying to achieve?

Nanostructuring of textile surfaces enables to change performance characteristics, e.g.:

  • optimization of wettability from superhydrophobicity, “self-cleaning effect” up to high hydrophilicity value of the originally hydrophobic materials,
  • adhesive properties,
  • electrical properties (enhancement and/or reduction of surface electric resistance),
  • antimicrobial properties,
  • optical properties,
  • resistance to mechanical and chemical damage etc.
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Inspired by nature

Nanostructure of textile material causes a drop-forming effect, when drops roll on the surface, resulting in so-called self-cleaning surface. The textile material becomes hydrophobic and soil resistant while maintaining its original properties, e.g. vapour permeability.

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Lotus leaf effect

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Self-cleaning surface showing the “Lotus leaf effect” has been developed using a new method of impregnation based on nanotechnology

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(surface structuring) imitating natural self-cleaning lotus leaf effect.

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Fabric before soiling

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Soiling the fabric

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Rinsing with ordinary water

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Fabric after rinsing with water

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Technology
Nanotechnologies

Application of progressive nanotechnologies is at the beginning of development in textile and fibre industry. Our research projects focused mainly on application of so-called nanosols on the surface of textile materials to achieve change in their hydrophobic and/or hydrophilic properties, antimicrobial and electrostatic properties.

 

By means of nanoparticles with a size of 10-9 m applied to so-called sol solutions, prepared usually from siloxane compounds synthetized using sol-gel technology, it was possible to obtain desirable nanostructured textile surfaces. Low-temperature plasma or UV radiation are used appropriately to enhance permanency of the nanosol finish. Antimicrobial nanoparticles have been for example incorporated into synthetic fibres to achieve their permanent finish.