Nanotechnology is proving to be an extremely promising tool lately in enhancing the performance of traditional textiles, generating huge interest worldwide. Textile based Nano-products, starting from nanocomposite fibers, nano fibres to intelligent high-performance polymeric Nano-coated materials are not only making their way in high performance advanced applications but nano particles are also being used successfully in conventional textiles to impart added functionality and improved performance. Greater repeat ability, reliability and robustness are some of the primary advantages of using nanotechnology in textiles.

Nano fibers, which can be described as tiny shreds of fiber of sub micron sizes, are gaining rapid popularity in some specialized technical applications such as filter fabric, antibacterial patches, tissue engineering and chemical protective suits. Nano finishes are generally applied in nano emulsion form which enables a thorough, even and precise application on textile surfaces, in the form of nano micelles made into nano soles, which adhere to the surface more uniformly, giving effective and durable results.

Latest developments in the field of Nanotechnology may include Nano-finishes on textiles like ‘water and oil repellency Nano-finish’, ‘super hydrophobic self-cleaning Nano-finishes’, ‘photo catalytic self-cleaning finishes’, ‘hydrophilic Nano finish’, ‘antibacterial Nano finish’ based on Nano-silver, ‘UV protective Nano finish’, ‘antistatic Nano finish’, ‘Nano matrix’– self-assembly based Nanocoatings. Currently, advanced-level research is being carried outon nanocomposite fibers at IIT Delhi by the textile department for broader applications.

Despite all the promising progresses some of the challenges still remaining are as follows:

• Large scale production of nano particles and their cost.
• Impact of uncontrolled release of nano particles in the environment and their effect on human health and ecology widely covered under the domain of nano toxicology.
• Practical philosophy and ethics on the wide spread use of nanotechnology based products.

Nanotechnology has revitalized the material science and has a strong potential for further exploration and development of a wide range of improved materials including polymers and textiles. In conclusion, it can be safely said that in a way Nano technology definitely has a great potential to bring revolution in field of technical textiles.