Mention nanotechnology and most people think of thousands of sub-microscopic robots running around repairing stuff. Well, sorry folks, nanotechnology as we know it currently isn’t the stuff of science fiction… or Red Dwarf… or Stargate… or Inner Space. The nanotechnology of today is far more sophisticated and far less likely to be scuttling around.
So what is nanotechnology? Well, let’s just put on a scientific hat for a second (I have a hat stand next to my desk). When something is ‘nano’ it is essentially incredibly small, or more specifically one billionth the size of a given object or measure. Hence a nanosecond is one billionth of a second. At this size, when working with materials, you’re essentially dealing with molecules.
In America the National Nanotechnology Initiative defines nanotechnology as having three components. The first is that it must work in nanoscale, or one billionth of a meter. Secondly, there must be the ability to control or manipulate the ordered assembly of components at the nanoscale. Finally, the previous two qualifications must result in novel properties. But how does this all relate to fashion? Well, it seems to be the future, particularly over at one of the industry leaders in nanotechnology’s application to fabric – Nano-Tex.
‘When you think about it, apparel hasn’t really changed much over the ages. Year to year there are some stylistic changes (silhouette, color palette, etc.) but our clothing hasn’t really adapted to accommodate our lifestyle,’ said Nano-Tex’s Mark Brutten. ‘We still walk around with spills and stains from a missed sip of coffee, we still frequently launder our clothing to keep it clean and smelling good despite the energy use and water waste, we put up with annoying static cling, etc. Therefore, one change is to make our clothing either help us feel more comfortable, require less maintenance, last longer, look better, make it more versatile, etc. These are tangible benefits that go beyond the standard stylistic cues.
‘At Nano-Tex, components of our formulations are at the nanoscale level, and those components orient themselves on the fabric in order to provide functionality which is not inherent in the fabric….such as stain protection, odor elimination, static elimination, etc. For us, nanotechnology is a means to an end, meaning we’re not selling nanotechnology, but rather what the nanotechnology allows us to do which is permanently change the characteristics of the fabric without causing any noticeable change to appearance or handling qualities. So, for example, we can make silk ties repel liquids, but you can’t distinguish between a regular tie and a treated tie.’
Nano-Tex at current have seven different types of fabric treatments which utilise nanotechnology. These include treatments which provide cool comfort, neutralise odours, resist static, resist spills, release stains, resist spills and releases stains simultaneously plus an all condition fleece which repels water and is anti-static. It’s this wide and varied stable of fabric treatments which initially drew the attention of Australian brand King Gee. King Gee have been using Nano-Tex in the Corporate and Industrial ranges for nearly four years now.
‘One of the reasons we moved into nanotechnology is because a lot of traditional treatments hinder or change the breathability or natural feel and handle of the fabric, whereas Nano-Tex doesn’t do that,’ said King Gee Product Managaer Duncan St Baker. ‘The fabric handles, breathes and feels the way it would if it hadn’t been treated at all. So from our point of view it adds comfort for the wearer and it’s a lot more durable as well than your normal Teflon treatments, which wash out over time. Nano-Tex generally lasts the lifetime of the garment.’
Over at Sun Dry Swim, swimwear suddenly becomes a lot less wet with the application of nanotechnology. Here, swimwear has been imbued with hydrophobic properties similar to those held by the humble Lotus flower. Think of it: swimwear that dries within seconds of stepping out of the pool or ocean, the result a lot less cling action from your togs and bathers and more time to enjoy getting wet – and dry again – in equal measure. Sun Dry Swim is relatively new to the game too: their brand was launched in October 2008, although new products are expected to hit consumers mid this year.
‘We are in process of researching new nano-material solutions optimized for fabrics that offer additional performance features such as antibacterial qualities, high UPV levels, and further enhancement of the durability, colour fastness and memory effect in fabrics,’ said Amy Hardin from Sun Dry Swim. ‘This technology supports the concept of sustainability and minimal environmental impact. We have learned from the lotus flower the efficacy of its hydrophobic, self-cleaning surface. We have now developed an ability to mimic and apply ‘The Lotus Effect’ to swimwear, making it more comfortable, convenient, and easily cleanable swimwear. We believe it could foster longevity of swim garments, use of less amounts of detergents, and overall less energy for our swim garment cleaning needs.’
But underneath it all there are concerns about nanotechnology. At some instances nanoparticles are being touted as potentially being the ‘asbestos of tomorrow’, the full extent and impact of nanotechnology unknown until it progresses. However, companies currently employing the technology deny that nanotechnology is unsafe.
‘We do NOT use nanoparticles, and in fact there is concern that nanoparticles can enter the body and can potentially cause damage,’ assured Nano-Tex’s Brutten. ‘Our molecules are too big to be bio-absorbent/enter the body. Additionally they cannot “bind themselves to the skin surfaceâ€. Beyond that, all of our technologies go through a rigorous battery of tests to ensure that they are safe for the environment, worker safety and consumer safety both during the manufacturing process, the wearing process and/or once they are disposed of.’
The future is bright for nanotechnology. At current there are many applications for fashion and nanotechnology, and as the potential grows so will the market and the response. And we could all do with a stain repellent, odourless tomorrow now couldn’t we?
Scott-Patrick Mitchell
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FASHION
King Gee use Nano-Tex in the Corporate range as part of their chino’s and shirts. In the Industrial range, King Gee’s drill jackets also incorporate Nano-Tex. For more information check out www.kinggee.com.au.
Sun Dry Swimwear, who are sold exclusively through Solestrom (www.solestrom.com), have a range of one-pieces, bikinis and boardshorts available for purchase. They also have a range of Sun Dry SwimSports items which are more streamlined and athletic in nature.
Olivia Ong was one of the first designers to apply nanotechnology to fashion. Her ‘smog jacket’ was a hooded jacket in soft grey tweed cotton that was embedded with palladium nanoparticles. The idea was it would diffuse toxic chemicals in the air surrounding the wearer. Unfortunately the clothes, which also included an antibacterial dress, didn’t ever hit the marketplace – the fabrics have proven incredibly expensive to produce (think $10 000 USD per square yard).
