SELFCLEANINGGARMENTS

BY,
S.PARTHIBAN
PSGCOLLEGEOFTECHNOLOGY
ABSTRACT
Water and soil repellency has been one of the major targets for fiber and textile scientists and
manufacturers for centuries. Nano science is employed for this type of problems. From the nano
science self cleaning is the wonderful technology for dirt free with other functional finishes. So,
through this paper we deals with various mechanisms of self-cleaning and the coatings,
manufacturing methods, and also various functional finishes like antimicrobial; UV ray finishes
which can be imparted with the major advantages than the other conventional finishes and
application area of this technique. Connection to this limitation, problems with this technique
and recommendations for the purpose of bringing out new ideas which is incorporated in the self
cleaning garments.
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...4
NANO LIFT UP THE SELF CLEANING FINISHES....4
SELF-CLEANING MECHANISM...4
MANUFACTURING METHOD...5
1. HYDROPHOBICCOATINGSTHELOTUS-EFFECT...5
2. HYDROPHILIC PHOTO CATALYTIC COATINGS....6
3. USING SILVER NANOPARTICLES...7
4. EASY TO CLEAN FINISHES...8
OTHER FUCTIONAL FINISHES...9
1. ANTIMICROBIAL FINISH....9
2. UV PROTECTIVE FINISH..10
INNOVATION IN SELF CLEANING FINISHES.....11
1. SELF-CLEANING WOOL AND SILK....11
2. PHOTO CATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF ODORS COMPOUND.....12
CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF CLEANING GARMENTS...12
FUTURE WITH SELF-CLEANING GARMENTS ...13
AREAS OF APPLICATION..13
PROBLEMS WITH SELF-CLEANING FABRICS....14
RECOMMENDATION...14
CONCLUSION.14
REFERENCES.14





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INTRODUCTION:

Nature has already developed an elegant approach that combines chemistry and physics to create
super repellant surfaces as well as self cleaning surfaces. Lotus leaves is the best example of
self cleaning surfaces. The technology of self-cleaning coatings has developed rapidly in recent
years. As a commercial product, their potential is huge and their market truly global. Because of
the wide range of possible applications. The concept of self cleaning textiles is based on the lotus
plant whose leaves are well-known for their ability to self-clean by repelling water and dirt.
Now days peoples are very busy in their work that they do not have time for clean their daily
wear cloths also people who are working in kitchens having headache to wash their garments.
Also military peoples have to survive in such drastic condition that they cannot wash their cloths.
Nano technology provides a new concept self cleaning textiles which gives self cleaning as well
as fresh cloths every day, this not only technically benefited but techno economically also
benefited. The field of self-cleaning coatings is divided into two categories: hydrophobic and
hydrophilic. These two types of coating both clean themselves through the action of water, the
former by rolling droplets and the latter by sheeting water that carries away dirt. Hydrophilic
coatings, however, have an additional property: they can chemically break down adsorbed dirt in
sunlight.

NANO IS BASICS FOR SELF CLEANING GARMENTS:

Nanotechnology is regarded as a key technology, which will not only influence technological
development in the near future, but will also have economic, social and ecological implications.
Nanotechnology deals with the science and technology at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100
nanometers (1 Billion Nanometers = 1 Meter), although 100 nanometers presently is the
practically attainable dimension for textile products and applications. Conventional methods used
to impart different properties to Fabrics often do not lead to permanent effects, and will lose their
functions after Laundering or wearing. Nanotechnology can provide high durability for fabrics,
because nano-particles have a large surface area-to-volume ratio and high surface energy.




SELF-CLEANING MECHANISM:

Nanocare fabrics are created by modifying the cylindrical structure of the cotton fibres making
the fabric. At the nanoscale, cotton fibres like tree trunks. Using nanotechniques, these tree
trunks are covered in a fuzz of minute whiskers which creates a cushion of air around the fibre.
When water hits the fabric, it beads on the points of the whiskers, the beads compress the air in
the cavities between the whiskers creating extra buoyancy. In technical terms, the fabric has been
rendered super-non wettable or super-hydrophobic.

The whiskers also create fewer points of contact for dirt. When water is applied to soiled fabric,
the droplet on an inclined super hydrophobic surface does not slide off; it rolls off. When the
droplet rolls over a contamination, the particle is removed from the surface if the force of
absorption of the particle is higher than the static friction force between the particle and the
surface. Usually the force needed to remove a particle is very low due to the minimized contact
area between the particle and the surface. As a result, the droplet cleans the leaf by rolling off the
surface.

Diagram showing a droplet cleaning a super hydrophobic surface by rolling off
Due to their high surface tension water droplets tend to minimize their surface trying to achieve a
spherical shape. On contact with a surface, adhesion forces result in wetting of the surface: either
complete or incomplete wetting may occur depending on the structure of the surface and the
fluid tension of the droplet. The cause of self-cleaning properties is the hydrophobic water-
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repellent double structure of the surface. This enables the contact area and the adhesion force
between surface and droplet to be significantly reduced resulting in a self-cleaning process.

MANUFACTURING METHOD:
The manufacturing of self-cleaning textiles using nanotechnology:-
Using hydrophobic coatingsthe lotus-effect
Using hydrophilic photo catalytic coatings
Using silver nanoparticles
Using easy to clean finishing
1. HYDROPHOBICCOATINGSTHELOTUS-EFFECT:
THE PHYSICAL BASIS:

Forces acting on a liquid droplet on a solid surface
To understand the physics behind the Lotus-Effect, the roughness of a surface improves the wet
ability for hydrophilic surfaces Y (<90). The drop will seem to sink into the hydrophilic
surface. The Y wet ability decreases for hydrophobic surfaces (>90). It gets energetically too
expensive to wet a rough hydrophobic surface. The result is an increased water-repellency.
A droplet on a hydrophilic
rough surface seems to sink
into the gaps

A droplet on a rough
hydrophobic surface sitting on
the spikes
Theory as to how this hysteresis varies with the chemical and topological properties of the
surface is still being developed, but ideally hysteresis should be as close as possible to zero if
drops are to roll easily, at low surface inclination angles. Because droplets tend to roll only on
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surfaces with very high static contact angles, the requirements for a self-cleaning hydrophobic
surface, therefore, are a very high static water contact angle, (<90) , and a very low roll-off
angle, i.e. the minimum inclination angle necessary for a droplet to roll off the surface. If the
wetted surface is more energetically favorable than the dry surface, the static contact angle will
be less than 90 and the surface is termed hydrophilic. If the dry surface is more favorable, then
the surface is hydrophobic, and its static contact angle will be greater than 90.

2. HYDROPHILIC PHOTO CATALYTIC COATINGS:
These hydrophilic photo catalytic coatings chemically break down dirt when exposed to light, a
process known as photo catalysis, although of course it is the coating not the incident light that
acts as a catalyst.
TITANIUM DIOXIDE: THE ACTIVE PHOTOCATALYST:

TiO2 has been proved to be an excellent catalyst in the photo degradation of colorants and other
organic pollutants. The fabric is coated with a thin layer of titanium dioxide particles heaving 20
nanometers diameter. Titanium dioxide is a photo catalyst; when it is illuminated by light of
energy higher than its band gap, electrons in TiO2 will jump from the valence band to the
conduction band, and the electron (e) and electric hole (h+) pairs will form on the surface of the
photo catalyst. The negative electrons and oxygen will combine to form O2 , radical ions,
whereas the positive electric holes and water will generate hydroxyl radicals OH. Since both
products are unstable chemical entities, when the organic compound i.e. dirt, pollutants, and
micro organisms falls on the surface of the photo catalyst it will combine with O2 - and OH- and
turn into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).Since the titanium dioxide acts as a catalyst, so
it is never used up.
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This coating will react through two distinct properties: photo catalysis causes the coating to
chemically break down organic dirt adsorbed onto the fabric, while hydrophilicity causes water
to form sheets rather than droplets contact angles are reduced to very low values in sunlight
(the coating becomes super-hydrophilic), and dirt is washed away. Super-hydrophilic state, it is
also non-toxic, chemically inert in the absence of light, inexpensive, relatively easy to handle and
deposit into thin films Metallic gold or platinum nanoparticles can assist photo-catalysis in TiO2
by acting as charge separators.

This finish also have anti bacterial properties after having been subject to 55 washes through
home laundry machine & UV protection characteristics for 20 washes.

OTHER MATERIALS:
Several metal oxides and sulfides, including WO3, ZrO2, ZnO and CdS, and polyoxometallates.

3. USING SILVER NANOPARTICLES:
A highly water-repellant coating made of silver nanoparticles that can be used to produce suits
and other clothing items that offer superior resistance to dirt as well as water and require much
less cleaning than conventional fabrics. Nano-Tex improves the water-repellent property of
fabrics by creating nanowhiskers, which are made of hydrocarbons and have about 1/1000 of the
size of a typical cotton fiber. They are added to the fabric to create a peach fuzz effect without
lowering the strength of cotton.
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While treated textile surface do not adheres the dust particles hence when water particles rolls
over it dust get washed off.

4. EASY TO CLEAN FINISHES:
ETC-Easy to clean surfaces was water repellent accordingly are often confused with other self-
cleaning functions such as LOTUS EFFECT. Unlike the latter, easy- to- clean surfaces are
smooth rather than rough. Surfaces have a lower force of surface attraction due to a decrease in
their surface energy, resulting in reduced surface adhesion. This causes water to be repelled,
forming water droplets and running off. Easy-to-clean surfaces are therefore hydrophobic i.e.
water-repellent and often also oleo phobic i.e. oil repellent, making them suitable for use in
bathroom.

MECHANISM:

The primary difference here is that easy to clean surface coatings do not require uv light to
function and their hydrophobic surface properties-as opposed to hydrophilic-cause water to run
of in droplets rather than forming a thin film of water. Water that runs off inclined ETC surfaces
forms droplets, washing away surface grime in the process.
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ADVANTAGES:
Generally speaking easy to clean surfaces are less susceptible to dirt accumulation.
The benefit: stress free and easy cleaning, saves time and cost
LIMITATIONS:
The disadvantage is that droplets dry individually, leaving behind dirt residues although
these are easy to remove.
When only a small amount of water is involved, droplets of run off water can form
runaways.
It is therefore necessary to consider where and how the easy-to-clean function should best
be employed.
As a rule, suitable surfaces should be inclined and exposed to sufficient quantities of water.
Abrasive detergents and brute force application by cleaning personnel-in the worst case
both together and not uncommon and with time will damage

OTHER FUCTIONAL FINISHES:
ANTIMICROBIAL FINISH:
Silver ions have broad spectrum of anti microbial activities. Prof. Yang has patented a process
for preparing a silver nano particle containing functional microcapsule having the intrinsic anti-
microbial and therapeutic functions of silver as well as additional functions of the products
contained in the inner core of the capsule.
These microcapsules can be prepared by a two step process.
1. In the first step an emulsified solution of a perfume is encapsulated with melanin pre-
condensate.
2. In 2nd step microcapsule so produce is treated with silver nano particle dispersed in water
soluble styrene maleic anhydride polymer solution before it fully dies. Thus the
microcapsules with duel function are produced.

In these microcapsules, the silver nanoparticles are on the surface of the capsule. Instead of
perfume, we may use thermo sensitive pigment, thermal storage materials or pharmaceutical
preparation in the inner core. The method of producing durable silver containing antimicrobial
finish is to encapsulate silver compound or nano particle with a fibre reactive polymer like poly
(styrene co-maleic anhydride).

The treated yarns showed effective anti-microbial activity against various bacteria, fungi and
Chlamydia that included escherichia coli, citrobacter, and bacillus subtilis. These finished goods
are used in medical industry as a safe & effective means of controlling medical growth in the
wound bed.

UV PROTECTIVE FINISH:

The most important functions performed by the garment are to protect the wearer from the
weather. However it is also to protect the wearer from harmful rays of the sun. The UV-blocking
property of a fabric is enhanced when a dye, pigment, delustrant, or ultraviolet absorber finish is
present that absorbs ultraviolet radiation and blocks its transmission through a fabric to the skin
Metal oxides like ZnO as UV-blocker are more stable when compared to organic UV-blocking
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agents. Hence, nano ZnO will really enhance the UV-blocking property due to their increase surface
area and intense absorption in the UV region. For antibacterial finishing, ZnO nanoparticles scores
over nano-silver in cost-effectiveness, whiteness, and UV-blocking property.
INNOVATION IN SELF CLEANING FINISHES
SELF-CLEANING WOOL AND SILK:

Soon garments made of wool and silk may need no dry cleaning or other special treatment in
order to remove marks and stains just expose them to sunlight. It is all due to a nano particle
coating. For that, nano titanium dioxide that are four to five nanometers in size. These fibers are
made of a protein called keratin, which does not have any reactive chemical groups on its surface
to bind with titanium dioxide. So it is more difficult to process. The researches chemically
modify the surface of wool fibers, adding chemical groups called carboxylic groups, which
strongly attract titanium dioxide. Then they dip the fibers in a titanium dioxide nanocrystal
solution. Titanium-dioxide-coated wool shows almost no sign of the red stain after 20 hours of
exposure to simulated sunlight. Other stains disappear faster: coffee stains fade away in two
hours, while blue-ink stains disappear in seventeen hours.

PHOTO CATALYTIC DEGRADATION OF ODORS COMPOUND:
A photo catalytic acrylic fiber SELFCLEAR yarn with higher-dimensional self-cleaning
properties which had been exclusive with conventional photo catalytic fibers, and started
recently sailing their product for manufacture of clothing, sportswear, uniforms, bedding,
carpets, and daily goods. Because titanium oxide is applied into SELFCLEAR yarn, it has a
higher self-cleaning activity with deodorant, antibiotic, and anti-soiling properties as well as
excellent functional stability, as compared to fabrics using a conventional photo catalytic
reaction.
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CHARACTERISTICS OF SELF CLEANING GARMENTS:
1. Another plus is that they can be permanently attached to the garments fibers without
altering its texture or feel.
2. The self-cleaning clothes can also help conserve a considerable amount of water and
energy that is normally utilized during the cleaning process.
3. Self-cleaning property will become a standard feature of future textiles and other
commonly used materials to maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of pathogenic
infection.
4. The lotus leaf nanostructure and nano titanium dioxide coating built on fabric can defend
and decompose stains, dirt, odours, bacteria, harmful gases, and highly water and oil
repellent.
5. Self-cleaning garment can effectively reduce the laundering process so as to protect the
environment.
6. The self-cleaning garment also possesses excellent UV protection property. The
treatment has excellent durability towards washing and normal usage without sacrifices
the soft hand and breathability of textile fabrics.
7. A polymer film mixed with silver nanoparticles -- can be permanently integrated into any
common fabric, including silk, polyester and cotton.
8. In the long run, it can save time and money by reducing expensive dry cleaning bills. It is
also environmentally friendly
9. Saving time and laundering cost.
10. This technology embraces environmental friendly properties.
11. The crease resistant feature keeps clothing neat.
12. Garments stay bright, fresh looking and are more durable than ordinary materials.
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The economic significance of the self cleaning textiles can be outlined as follows:
1. Ease of maintenance and environmental protection because of reduced cleaning efforts
2. Time, material, energy reduction and consequently cost-efficiency during production
3. Makes textiles longer-lasting
4. People need not to suffer from heavy laundry bills.
5. Improved ageing behavior by extended surface purity effect.

FUTURE WITH SELF-CLEANING GARMENTS:
The ultimate consequence in developing these self-cleaning fabrics is that we can really limit our
use of things like chemicals, energy and water. That offer superior resistance to dirt as well as
water and require much less cleaning than conventional fabrics. Currently, industrial testing and
mill trials of this patent-pending technology are being conducted. It is anticipated that as soon as
the technology receives the approval technically and economically, self-cleaning property will
become a standard feature of future textile and other commonly used materials to maintain
hygiene and prevent the spreading of pathogenic infection. The coating could be applied to suits,
hospital garments, sportswear, military uniforms and outdoor fabrics. It could appear in
consumer products within five years.
AREAS OF APPLICATION:
Medical textiles e.g. Hospital garments
Sport tech e.g. Athletic wear
Defense textile e.g. Military uniforms
Smart textiles
Upholstery
under garments

PROBLEMS WITH SELF-CLEANING FABRIC:
The main reasons that self-cleaning fabrics require a lot of time to break down stains is because
Titanium dioxide is very inefficient at using energy from sunlight. Excitation of electrons to the
conduction band is only the beginning of the cleaning process. These electrons must then react
with oxygen atoms, which then react with the dirt particles. All of these reactions are limited by
access to and the amount of freed electrons in the titanium dioxide. So for a large stain, a lot of
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light energy is needed before the fabric can fully break it down. And also batch processing of a
hydrophobic material is a costly and time consuming technique.

RECOMENDATION:
Super hydrophobic materials, which repel water, are typically good at removing dirt particles but
don't deal with oils well. Materials that repel oil might not work with certain types of oil. The
titanium-dioxide-coated materials, on the other hand, will not work unless they are exposed to
sunlight for hours. Prices of clothing and other products treated with the new coating will
initially be a bit more expensive than other water-repellant garments; researches are currently
working on ways to make the coating cheaper. Further research would be required to test ways of
applying titanium dioxide nanofilms to other textiles.

CONCLUSION:
The realization of self-cleaning properties on textile surfaces by using the nanotechnology
includes a vast potential for the development of new materials or new products and applications
for known materials. The opening of new application fields for textiles will lead to a new growth
stage. For the growing market of technical textiles a further increase in production volume, sales
and application fields can be expected by successful transfer of the self cleaning effect on textile
materials. Structure based soil and water-repellent properties lead to an efficient use of materials
and are therefore in agreement with the principles of sustainable development. The use of a self-
cleaning coating is attractive as they are labor saving and effectively improve the appearance of
the environment. In the long run, it can save time and money by reducing expensive dry cleaning
bills. It could take about five years for the retail market for self-cleaning clothes and linens to
launch as the technology still needs refining.
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www.textileinfo.com
www.iir-germany.com/nanotrends/
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