The use of nanomaterials- and nanotechnology-based processes is growing at a tremendous rate in all fields of science and technology. Textile industry is also experiencing the benefits of nanotechnology in its diverse field of applications. Textile-based nanoproducts starting from nanocomposite fibers, nanofibers to intelligent high-performance polymeric nanocoatings are getting their way not only in high performance advanced applications but nanoparticles are also successfully being used in conventional textiles to impart new functionality and improved performance. Greater repeatability, reliability and robustness are the main advantages of nanotechnological advancements in textiles. Nanoparticle application during conventional textile processing techniques, such as finishing, coating and dyeing, enhances the product performance manifold and imparts hitherto unachieved functionality. New coating techniques like sol-gel, layer-by-layer, plasma polymerization etc. can develop multi-functionality, intelligence, excellent durability and weather resistance to fabrics. The present paper focuses on the development and potential applications of nanotechnology in developing multifunctional and smart nanocomposite fibers, nanofibers and other new finished and nanocoated textiles. The four main areas of textile chemical processing, namely nanofinishing, nanocoating, nanocomposite coating and nanodyeing, are covered in the first section of this paper and the second section deals with developments in nanocomposite fibers and nanofibers. The influence of nanomaterials in textile finishing and processing to enhance product performance is discussed. Nanocoating is a relatively new technique in the textile field and is currently under research and development. Polymeric nanocomposite coatings, where nanoparticles are dispersed in polymeric media and used for coating applications, are the most promising route to develop multifunctional and intelligent high-performance textiles. Not much research has been done on applying the concept of nanotechnology in dyeing of textiles except a few reports on dye particle size reduction, structural change in fibers or the surface etching of textiles to create nanostructured surfaces. The reduction in water consumption during nanotechnology applications in textile processing has the potential to control the effluent problems of a textile process house. The most researched area to produce multifunctional, smart fibers is the preparation of nanocomposite fibers where the exceptional properties of nanoparticles have been utilized to enhance and impart several functionalities on conventional textile grade fibers. Nanofibers are gaining popularity in some specialized technical applications such as filter fabric, antibacterial patches and chemical protective suits. Nanotechnological advances in these two areas of nanocomposite fibers and nanofibrous forms have also been reviewed.

Reduced graphene oxide or graphene was dispersed in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) using two methods to prepare nanocomposite films. In pre-reduction method, graphite oxide (GO) was exfoliated and dispersed in organic solvents and reduced to graphene before polymer was added, while reduction of graphene oxide was carried out after polymer addition for in situ reduction method. Raman spectroscopic study reveals that the second method results in better exfoliation of graphene but it has more amorphous content as evident from selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern, wide angle X-ray and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The nanocomposite film produced by prereduction method possesses higher crystallinity (almost the same as that of the pure film) as compared to the in situ method. It shows better modulus (increased from 864 to 1236 MPa), better strength (increased from 12.6 to 22.2 MPa), network hardening and creep resistance (creep strain reduced to 9% from 50% when 40% of maximum load was applied for 72 h) than the pure film. These findings show that graphene can be used for reinforcement of UHMWPE to improve its tensile and creep resistance properties

The promising aspects of nanocomposite coatings to mimic the nano roughened self cleaning surface of lotus leaf is explored in this paper. A detailed study on nanosilica and clay based nanocomposite coatings using dip coating and layer by layer self assembly (L–b–L) is being described where lotus leaf effect has been mimicked on the cotton fabric surface using these particles as they develop nanosized surface roughness which helps to produce a super-hydrophobic surface. Nanosilica performs better in creating nano roughness on cotton fabric wherein the contact angle is \({>}\)150\(^{\circ}\). The water contact angle of 2 wt% fluoro emulsion (Nuva HPU) treated cotton fabric increases from 115\(^{\circ}\) to 155\(^{\circ}\) when the fabric is pretreated with 0\({\cdot} \)5 wt% nanosilica emulsion. The water repellency rating of fabric treated with 0\({\cdot }\)16 wt% nanosilica along with 2 wt% Nuva HPU is comparable to that of 4 wt% Nuva HPU treated cotton fabric. On the other hand, 40 bilayers of nanosilica need to be applied on cotton fabric surface through L–b–L technique to create uniform nano roughening and gives a water repellency rating of 4. The air permeability of L–b–L nanocoated cotton fabric is not adversely affected by the super-hydrophobic nanostructured coating.