Techno-science of some recently introduced nano finishes for textile substrates has been reviewed. The logic of using low molecular weight fibre- reactive fluorocarbons that form the basis of Nano-Care™ finish to impart durable hydrophobic-oleophobic characteristics to fabrics, as described in a patented literature, has been discussed. Super-hydrophobicity as exhibited by lotus leaves and the finishes to get self-cleaning textile fabrics based on the Lotus Effect™ have been covered giving some typical recipes. Mechanisms proposed to explain the photo-catalytic self-cleaning effect of TiO₂ have been described. Developments in the production and evaluation of nano silver and wound care devices based on antimicrobial activity of silver have been covered in detail.

Keywords: Acticoat™, Antimicrobial, Lotus Effect™, Nano-Care™, Nanosphere™, Photo-catalytic™, Super-hydrophobicity, Self-cleaning fabric, Whiskers

About the Author:

The author is associated with the Department of Textile Technology, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi.

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