Self cleaning textile means the textile surface which can be cleaned itself without using any laundering action. Now a days peoples are very busy in their work that they do not have time for clean their daily wear cloths also people who are working in kitchens having headache to wash their garments. Also military peoples have to survive in such drastic condition that they cannot wash their cloths.
Nano technology provides a new concept self cleaning textiles which gives self cleaning as well as fresh cloths every day, this not only technically benefited but techno economically also benefited.
Functionality:
In the technological implementation, various methods have been used to avoid the adhesion of dirt and to improve the release of dirt. Smooth surfaces without specific hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity Extremely smooth surfaces show a reduced soiling behaviour because particles have only low mechanical hold and can be removed by air or liquids. However, the adhesion of residues from drying of liquids or filming cannot be prevented. To remove them, detergents (surfactants) and mechanical support are necessary.
Therefore, the self-cleaning effect of smooth hydrophilic surfaces is low. With extremely smooth surfaces low soiling is sufficient to impair the aesthetic impression crucially, long before the function is limited (e.g. paints and panes).
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Water drop on super-hydrophobic textile surface
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Rebounding droplet from a super-hydrophobic surface
Application of self cleaning textile:
— Medical textiles e.g. Hospital garments
— Sport tech e.g. Athletic wear
— Defense textile e.g. Military uniforms
— Smart textiles
— Upholstery
— Undergarments
Mechanism of self cleaning
— The Lotus effect
— Photocatalytic coatings
— Easy to clean finishing