3. Functionalization of textiles using nanotechnology
3.1. Functional membranes of protective properties
Thermophysiological comfort while wearing such clothing is achieved by using a special membrane, eg Gore Tex®, Pro-line®, Sympatex® and others.
Characteristics of membrane:
- Micropore diameter - 0.2 μm (bacteria are about 4 times larger)
- They are resistant to chemicals and UV radiation, non-combustible, thermally stable between -250 ° C to + 280 ° C, biocompatible and degradable.
CASE STUDIES (from: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5b08176)
"Gore-Tex is a lightweight, waterproof, breathable fabric membrane comprising expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) for application in medical devices, fabrics, and electronics. W. L. Gore & Associates (Newark, DE) invented ePTFE in the 1970s. Gore-Tex was originally a microporous structure that could be stretched up to 800% of its original length. Gore-Tex is used in products manufactured by various enterprises including Patagonia, L.L. Bean, Oakley, Inc., Galvin Green, Marmot, Vasque, Arc’teryx, Haglöfs, and The North Face. W. L. Gore & Associates holds more than issued 71 patents related to Gore-Tex or the use of PTFE, in which 18 patents are for use in garments. Although the basis for the Gore-Tex technology originated from microporous structures, the company has recently incorporated nanostructures into their products for the apparel market. For example, Nano and NanoPro jackets have been manufactured in conjunction with Marmot LLC. Other nanotechnology based examples could be seen in the company’s patent portfolio. Examples include Nyagraph 351 (Nyacol Nano Technologies, Inc.) for burn protective materials, nanoemulsions of functionalized PTFE, prefiltration layers comprising nanofibers, and NPs for improved insulated electrical conductors. These cases serve to illustrate the importance of nanotechnology to a well-established innovative company in the apparel industry."