Nanotechnology in Polyester Finishing
topic
Nanofinishing of polyester uses nanoparticles (<100 nm) for multifunctional performance: TiO₂ nanoparticles (UV protection, photocatalytic self-cleaning under UV, antimicrobial via ROS generation); ZnO NPs (UV absorption, antimicrobial); nano-Ag (antimicrobial); carbon nanotubes (CNT, electrical conductivity for e-textiles, tensile reinforcement); nano-silica (scratch resistance). Application: pad-dry-cure with binder or in-situ synthesis. Nano-Ag and TiO₂ release in washing — assessed by ICP-MS in wash water.
Role
Nanofinishing is an active research frontier offering polyester genuinely new functional properties — self-cleaning, UV protection, e-textile integration — but raising important questions about NP release, ecotoxicology, and durability that are critical academic topics.