Nanotechnology for Functionalization of Textile Materials

Abstract

Thin coatings based on organically modified alkoxysilanes, partially modified with nano-particles, are prepared following the sol-gel-technique. These coatings are applied to different fiber material, namely polyester, polyamide and glass fiber. The introduced coatings offer excellent barrier properties protecting fiber material against basic and acidic atmospheres, whereby the modification with nanosized aluminum oxide particles improved the wear resistance ofthe sensitive glass fiber material in addition. Examples are given of UV-absorbing finishings by modifying the sols with certain nano-particles. It is also possible to stabilize maghemite and magnetite particles in a polysiloxane matrix for the coating of textile materials with the aim to produce flexible materials with “switch able ” magnetic qualities.