High-performance upholstery finishes based on nanotechnology find applications in health care facilities, sporting arenas, airports, educational facilities, hotels, restaurants, casinos and cruise ships. Encasing fabric in thick layers of chemicals is one of the old techniques to get Spill and stain proofing.
Spill and stain proofing
One of the successful nanotechnology applications to interior textiles is based on the use of nanowhiskers which could be permanently attached to textiles wherein hooks of the nanowhiskers are bonded to fibers to provide enhanced, durable resistance to spills and stains. Nanotechnology is used to build permanent spill and stain resistance into the fiber structure of the fabric. It bonds with the fibers rather than making a coat, protecting the material from dirt without depriving it of air at the atomic level. Spills become beads and roll over the surface.
Researchers have recognized that it is not the smoothest possible surfaces but those with structures measuring some dozens of nanometers that repel dirt and water most effectively. This principle is practically implementation on textiles.
This is done by optimizing the processing and durability of the finishing using a composite material consisting of nanoparticles firmly embedded in a carrier matrix.
A New Zealand company is commercializing nano-fabrics made from the collagen in discarded fish skins. The thin fibers are exceptionally strong and provide extra filtration capabilities due to their nano-properties, and use them in everything from clothing to filtration systems, structural reinforcement, electronics, biodegradable air filter mat and packaging and building a commercial-scale nano-loom to create the fabrics.