Nano Textile Testing
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Note: this service is for Research Use Only and Not intended for clinical use.
In the textile and clothing industry, the application of nanotechnology is mainly to adjust and change the texture and performance of the original fiber or fabric through processing by using its extremely small volume, physical shape and unique physical characteristics, so that textile can produce new use functions and effects. Including: changing the appearance of the product, such as anti-shrinkage and anti-wrinkle; increasing the physical comfort of the product, such as skin-friendly, delicate, smooth, etc.; strengthening the product's own anti-pollution cleaning and other functions; highlighting the product's body care or health care functions, such as blocking ultraviolet rays, water repellent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and so on.
Nanomaterials used in the functionalization of textiles
| Nanomaterial | Function |
|---|---|
| Silver (Ag) | Antibacterial (odour), electrically conductive |
| Titanium dioxide(TiO2) | UV protection, self-cleaning, water and dirt repellent |
| Zinc oxide (ZnO) | UV protection, antibacterial, self-cleaning, abrasion resistance, stiffness |
| Silicon dioxide (SiO2) | Water and dirt repellent, abrasion-resistant, reinforcement, improved dyeability |
| Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) | Abrasion resistance, flame retardant |
| Nanoclays (e.g. montmorillonite) | Abrasion resistance, flame retardant, support of active ingredients |
Safety
Technology is a double-edged sword. While the application of nanotechnology and nanomaterials brings convenience to people's lives, it also brings certain safety issues. Because its volume is smaller than that of atoms, it has great advantages in application, but its harm is also a part of it. Small nanoparticles enter the human body through respiration, and can also enter through human skin to reach internal organs. If it interacts with proteins and bacteria, it may bring some new diseases, and then affect people's health. Therefore, it is necessary to do a good job in safety supervision and quality audit in the application of nanotechnology in the field of textiles and clothing.
Alfa Chemistry's testing solutions for nano textile
As a leader in the testing industry, Alfa Chemistry's experts have many years of testing experience, and can provide customized testing and assessment solutions for nanotechnology-processed garments to the nano product launch process for clothing enterprises. Our customized services include but are not limited:
➢ Appearance quality evaluation
Raw material defects
Weaving defects
Pre treatment defects
Dyeing defects
➢ Functionality
➢ Physical and chemical properties
Techniques for nano textile testing
Optical Performance Testing Instruments
- UV-1800F Ultraviolet Transmittance Analyzer: Used to measure the ultraviolet transmittance, UPF value, and UVA:UVB ratio of textiles in the 250 to 450 nm wavelength range. It is suitable for laboratory UPF value analysis and product quality testing on production lines.
- FTIR Spectrometer: Used to analyze the structural characteristics of nano-textile coatings, such as the infrared spectra of natural and synthetic P(VAN) nano-coatings.
Mechanical Performance Testing Instruments
- Tensile Testing Machine: Used to test the mechanical properties of textile materials, such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and puncture resistance.
- Martindale Abrasion and Pilling Tester: Used to assess the abrasion resistance and pilling performance of textiles.
- Hydrostatic Pressure Tester: Used to measure the water resistance of fabrics.
Chemical Analysis Instruments
- Infrared Spectrometer: Used to analyze the basic physical and chemical properties of textile materials.
- Elemental Analyzer: Used to detect the chemical composition of textiles.
- Gas Chromatograph: Used to analyze volatile organic compounds in textiles.
Environmental Performance Testing Instruments
- Simulated Oxygen Transporter and Thermal Humidity Cycling Chamber: Used to test the performance changes of textiles under different environmental conditions.
- Ultraviolet Lamp and Thermal Humidity Cycling Chamber: Used to simulate light and humidity conditions to evaluate the durability of textiles.
Microstructural Analysis Instruments
- Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM): Used to observe the morphology of nanocellulose or other nanomaterials.
- Atomic Force Microscope (AFM): Used to analyze the surface morphology of nanocellulose.
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM): Used to observe the microstructure of nano-coatings or fiber surfaces.
Industry articles
Characterization of Released Silver Nanoparticles from Nano Textiles Using Single Particle ICP-MS
Rujido-Santos, Iria, et al. Spectrochimica Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy 195 (2022): 106505.
The release of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from nano textiles was investigated using single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (spICP-MS) for nanoparticle concentration and size distribution analysis. The extraction procedure employed orbital-horizontal shaking with ultrapure water (10 mL), ensuring nanoparticle stability during the release process. Filtration (0.22, 0.45, and 5.0 μm) and centrifugation steps were tested to assess their impact on AgNP stability, with 5.0 μm filtration shown to have no significant effect on the nanoparticle concentration and size distribution.
The method demonstrated a limit of detection of 4.59 × 104 AgNPs per gram of textile, with a quantification limit of 1.53 × 105 AgNPs, and a size detection limit of 12 nm. Repeatability of the procedure was high, with coefficients of variation of 14% for concentration and 6% for size. Analytical recovery assays of standard AgNPs yielded recoveries within the 102–113% range.
Despite the low extraction efficiency (0.3–9.0%) due to the strong fixation of AgNPs to the fabric, this methodology proved robust and efficient for characterizing released AgNPs. The findings highlight the effectiveness of spICP-MS for assessing nanoparticle release from nano textiles, providing valuable insights into their environmental and safety implications.
Characterization and Release of Silver from Nano Textiles: Size Fractionation and Antimicrobial Testing
Lorenz, Christiane, et al. Chemosphere 89.7 (2012): 817-824.
This study investigates the release of silver from eight commercially available nano textiles during a washing and rinsing cycle, with a focus on the characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antimicrobial functionality. The silver released was size-fractionated and analyzed using electron microscopy, revealing the presence of various silver species, including AgCl nanocomposites, AgCl nanoparticles, nanosilver sulfide, and metallic silver.
Among the textiles, three contained nanosized silver, another used metallic silver wire, and four had silver in undeclared forms. The initial silver content ranged from 1.5 to 2925 mg Ag/kg. Only four textiles leached detectable silver, with 34–80% of the silver in particles larger than 450 nm. Microscopic analysis confirmed the presence of agglomerated nanoparticles, with AgCl being the most frequently observed form in washwater.
The antimicrobial properties of the textiles were tested before and after washing. Textiles containing nanosilver exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity, while textiles with metallic silver wire or low silver content showed no reduction in bacterial growth. This study underscores the variability in silver release from nano textiles and highlights the role of silver form in determining antimicrobial efficacy. The results suggest that AgCl nanoparticles are the predominant silver species released during washing, raising concerns about environmental implications.
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