Evolution in the surface modification of textiles: a review

Abstract

The development of technical textiles allows the introduction of new, interesting and original multi-functionalities in textiles through development of the architecture of fibres, yarns and fabrics, their morphology and surface functionalization without altering their physico-chemical proprieties. This issue of Textile Progress reports different techniques used to impart new functionalities to the surfaces of textiles during the last decade. Following a short, context-setting historical introduction, the preparatory processes which need to be applied to textile matrices to make them clean and ready for functionalization are examined prior to a comprehensive review of techniques and research related to the development of functional textiles ranging from the more-traditional techniques through to more-recent developments. The challenge now is to bring new performance features to bear whilst maintaining environmental sustainability, chemical toxicological acceptability, high performance and cost effectiveness. In this context, the review reports on developments in the use of polymerization, nanotechnologies, plasma treatment, electrospinning, microencapsulation and sol gel techniques to impart novel properties to a textile surface such as water-repellent, flame-retardant and antibacterial properties.

Keywords:

• Textile surface modification
• technical textiles
• smart textiles
• polymerization
• nanotechnology
• plasma treatment
• electrospinning
• microencapsulation
• sol gel techniques
• functionalization

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the book ‘Surface Modification of Textiles’ edited by Q. Wei (2009), published by Woodhead Publishing in collaboration with the Textile Institute for its important information, findings and conclusions on which this issue of Textile Progress has been able to build. The authors thank all of its contributors for their inspiration and useful and insightful comments and suggestions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.