Characterisation and application of nano-scale fibre particles

Abstract

Fibre is a very important material in the textile industry. However, there is a large amount of wastage of fibres generated in textile industry daily. Scientists believe that the development of nanotechnology can allow the reuse of these discarded garments and fibres for creating a great market potential in the textile industry. To achieve this goal, the newly innovative method was proposed for pulverising fibres into nano-scale particles. It was found that the rotate crusher, ultrasonic crusher, ultra-turrax(R) and nano-colliding machine were effective tools for pulverising the fibres including wool, cotton and silk fibres into micro-scale and nano-scale fibres particles. The pulverisation procedures were similar for various fibres except that the pulverisation duration was different. The size of the particles was confirmed to be in micro-scale and nano-scale by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy and Particle Size Analysis. The Fourier Transmittance Infrared Analysis illustrated that the chemical structures of micro-scale and nano-scale fibre particles were only slightly different from those of the original fibres. However, there is a gradual reduction in the crystallinity of the pulverised wool, silk and cotton particles with respect to the decreasing particle size. Attempt had been conducted to coat nano-wool particles onto cotton and polyester fabrics aiming to modify their properties, functions and dyeing performance. The experimental results revealed that nano-wool particles could reduce the air permeability, thermal conductivity, keeping warmth ability, q-max value of both cotton and polyesters fabrics. On the other hand, there was a reduction in the OWTC, OMMC values, moisture management capability and hydrophility for the cotton fabrics, but there was an enhancement in these properties for the polyester fabrics after nano-wool treatment. In addition, the nano-wool treatment also caused the swelling, enhancement in wrinkle recovery and ultraviolet protection of cotton fabrics. In the nano-wool treatment, some parameters such as the amount of nano-wool added, dipping time, curing time and curing temperature did affect the properties and functions of different fabrics in various ways. As for the dyeing performance, it was found that the nano-wool treatment not only increased the colour depth of the dyed cotton and polyester fabrics, but also affected the tone of the dyed fabrics slightly.