Application of Nanotechnology in the Development of Smart Textiles for Allied Industries

The concept of “smart” has gained significant prominence within the framework of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The contemporary period is experiencing a significant change in several sectors, as they endeavor to provide customers with the most advanced products and utilize intelligent technologies to optimize financial gains. The ongoing revolution has witnessed a transformation in consumer preferences, resulting in an increasing demand for multifunctional and technologically sophisticated textiles, garments, and associated products. Smart textiles play a crucial role in the continuing technological revolution, spanning a wide array of products that employ sophisticated and clever technologies. The purpose of these materials is to optimize the level of comfort and promote overall well-being. The convergence of many technologies, including microencapsulation, nanotechnology, and the Internet of Things (IoT), has facilitated the incorporation of nanoscale materials within the textile and associated sectors. This integration has therefore fostered the creation of intelligent goods catering to market demands. The main objective of this chapter is to establish a correlation between foundational textiles and advanced technologies, particularly nanotechnology, with the purpose of enabling the development of smart textiles. These fabrics have the capacity to bring about a transformative impact on a range of industries, encompassing gaming, sports, medical, fashion, and others.