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Writer's pictureJulie Thuy Phan
4 min read

Nanotechnology: The Future of Manufacturing and Textile Production of Southeast Asia


Abstract

Nanotechnology has found widespread application in large-scale industrial and commercial activities, such as textile production in Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Malaysia. This scientific manufacturing engineering system has gained positive attention for its potential to boost economies while minimizing environmental impact. Nanotechnology is a multi-faceted field, with a key emphasis on safe integration with biological systems. By utilizing nanoparticles such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silica (siNP), damage to the fabric qualities can be reduced and hydrophobic features that repel liquids may be introduced. Additionally, by using biomass and other available resources, valuable products can be created while reducing toxic fumes and gases that pollute the air. The integration of nanotechnology in textile production could lead to more sustainable and eco-friendly practices, benefiting both businesses and the environment.

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Keywords: nanotechnology, nanoparticles, manufacturing engineering, silica, titanium dioxide, hydrophobic.

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Introduction

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing commingling of science and technology that involves the manipulation of matter at atomic and molecular level, typically on a scale of nanometer. Its purpose is to make advancements and improvements in manufacturing productions and industrial works by taking advantage of the unique physical and chemical properties that arise at nanoscale.An uproar and significant development of this particular technology has enabled us to nanoengineer with specific scientific methods and utilise precise devices to operate atoms and molecules. As a result, we can now engineer materials with exceptional properties, such as enhanced strength, durability, and texture. Moreover, we can apply these techniques to textile manufacturing, resulting in remarkable features such as anti-wrinkling, liquid repellency, and much more.

These are examples of the connections between the use of nanotechnology, nanoparticles and textile.


Nanoscale

The quantification scale for nanotechnology ranges from 1 to 100 nanometers and allows us to monitor the activities of individual atoms and molecules in relation to material properties. The types of atoms present on the scale determine the surface effects of the fibers, which ultimately shape the material's qualities and state. The nanometer was introduced and created by Physicist Richard Feynman, who is regarded as the father of nanotechnology. Feynman had a visionary approach to science and believed that it was possible to control and observe individual particles, molecules, and atoms. According to (NNI) National Nanotechnology Initative, “Today's scientists and engineers are finding a wide variety of ways to deliberately make materials at the nanoscale to take advantage of their enhanced properties such as higher strength, lighter weight, increased control of light spectrum, and greater chemical reactivity than their larger-scale counterparts''. Overall, nanotechnology and nanoparticles will strengthen fabric qualities without mass changes, thickness, and texture.

Here is an example of a nanometer scale used in this scientific manufacturing system.


Nanoparticles

Silica (siNP) is a coating layer that provides protection to the surface area of fabrics. It allows for a hydrophobic feature where it repels liquid products instead of absorbing them into clothing. The special effect that comes with this protective coating is that liquids like water bead up on the fabric, preventing saturation. In addition to this unique feature, the protective coating can also serve as a finishing agent, allowing the textile to endure harsh weather, chemicals, and other critical conditions. Another agent used is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which can help maintain a matte effect on the fabric, while also strengthening the fibers.

An image showing silica and titanium dioxide.

History of Nanotechnology The prefix, “nano” means something small, with a scale ranging from 1 nm-100 nm. The establishment and proposed concept of nanotechnology was created by Richard Feyman, as previously mentioned. His famous novel and lecture, "There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom", depicted that we can actually manipulate molecules, atoms, and particles. Another famous Japanese scientist, Norio Taniguchi, was the first to conduct work and studies with nanotechnology, explaining processes that can pull away each individual atom and molecule. Years later, this field of science inspired ideasfor creating a healthier and more sustainable ecosystem with more sustainable improvements toeveryday products we use. These include reducing deforestation, limiting the use of fossil fuels and harmful chemicals, and protecting the climate.Therefore, the National Technology Initiative (NNI) was created by political bodies to shape national science areas and further advance these goals. ​ Conclusion All in all, nanotechnology has provided substantial growth and innovative ways to improve our everyday lives as well as a way for us to modify, divide, see and touch molecules and atoms. It allows us to continue revolutionizing and evolving everyday products with safe hand-in-hand chemicals that are compatible with our biological systems, at the same time improving the quality of materials. With devices like the nanoscale, we can identify ways to make materials more durable.


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