Nano-finishing of Natural Fibres

Nanotechnology has contributed towards developing of advanced and functional textile materials over the past few decades. A wide variety of nanomaterials (organic to inorganic) has currently been introduced in finishing of natural fibre-based textiles to impart finishes like antimicrobial, UV-resistant, flame-retardant, self-cleaning, superabsorbent, easy-care and many more. Incorporation of nanoparticles on natural fibres without hampering their inherent fibre properties is always a challenge. Application techniques like sol–gel, chemical and physical vapour deposition, nanoencapsulation, plasma treatment is used to apply or synthesise nanoparticles within the natural fibre structures. The use of nanotechnology has made the textile finishing area subject to ample possibilities to achieve multi-functional properties on natural fibre-based textiles. This chapter provides an overview of the types of nanomaterials, advanced application and synthesis methods, nanostructure and fibre property relationship and various challenges and future trends.