Influence of nanotechnology in polymeric textiles, applications, and fight against COVID-19

Abstract

In recent years, nanotechnology (NT) has proved to be an interdisciplinary research field, and has enlarged its scope of applications in versatile areas of human endeavor. The quests for enhanced multifunctionality in engineering, industrial, technical, and medical textiles have instigated nanotechnological evolution in textile materials. The inclusions of novel technologies such as photonic crystals, plasmonics, luminescence, architectural colorants, holography, LED displays, and metamaterials within textile materials have inculcated multifunctionalities to these materials. NT advancements in textiles through nanoparticles (NPs), and sensor integration within textile materials have enhanced physicochemical behaviors of textiles such as self-cleaning, UV-protection, flame resistance, and antimicrobial, among so on, versatile sensory capabilities, robotics, electrical conductivity, flexibility and comfort, thereby availing it for health, medical, sporting, advanced engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, military, automobile, food and agricultural applications, and more. Fibers inculcated with metallic nanoparticles, such as copper and silver NPs have demonstrated antiviral, and antimicrobial attributes. In this era of COVID-19, NT has enhanced personal protective equipments and fortified antiviral behavior. Therefore, this article elucidates novel nanotechnological advancements in textiles, novel applications, and fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords:

• Nanotechnology
• nanomaterials
• textiles
• COVID-19

Acknowledgments

The author acknowledges School of Materials, Department of Textile Engineering, The Manchester University, England, United Kingdom, Department of Polymer Engineering, Universiti Teknologi, Malaysia, Departments of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Federal University of Technology Owerri, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria for knowledge.

Disclosure statement

Author reports no conflicts.

Additional information

Funding

Author reports nil funding.