Nanotech coating to enhance durability of Thai textiles

22 Apr '13

2 min read

The durability of Thai textiles is likely to be enhanced through application of nanotechnology, as the country’s Ministry of Science and Technology has opened Thailand’s first National Nanotechnology Centre (Nanotec), at Phrae Technical College campus.

The Ministry said the new centre aims to increase the use of advanced technology to improve the value propositions of the country’s folk textile business and thereby to boost the community’s economic growth.

Phrae, a northern province of Thailand, is well-known for its indigo-blue mor hom fabric and shirts and its folk style.

Contributing around 5 billion baht to Thailand’s annual textile exports worth 120 billion baht, folk textiles and products made there-from are less durable and they fade easily, Nanotech Executive Director Sirirurg Songsivilai said.

Nanotech coating would increase the durability of these textiles, as nano-surface provides the textile with a silky touch, besides bestowing it with water-resistance and anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities, Bangkok Post quoted Mr. Sirirurg as saying.

Further, noting that different kind of nano substances are used for coating different varieties of fabrics, he said nanocoating remains intact for about 20 washes.

Phrae Governor Apichart Todolokvech said as the technology would help in improving the quality of traditional textile products, traders would be able to demand higher price for their products, which would mean higher contribution to the province’s economy.

The traditional folk textile industry presently contributes over two billion baht to the province’s economy, each year, he informed.

Science Minister Woravat Auapinyakul said application of nanocoating would increase the acceptance of traditional fabric by consumers.

He said at present only around 20 percent of the Ministry’s research in nanotechnology finds an application in business, which they want to grow to at least 70 percent.

For this, the technology would also be shared for use by other folk textile enterprises across the nation, he added.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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