Improved cotton fabrics properties using zinc oxide-based nanomaterials: A review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly utilized in textiles to improve fabric characteristics.
• Research focuses on developing ZnO-based nanomaterials for diverse fabric applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the synthesis and applications of ZnO-based nanomaterials in textile fabrics.
• To explore their potential in UV protection, energy harvesting, and environmental remediation.
• To discuss various materials used in ZnO nanocomposite preparation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of synthesis methods for ZnO-based nanomaterials.
• Analysis of applications in textiles, including functional properties and energy harvesting.
• Examination of environmental cleaning capabilities.
• Identification of composite materials used with ZnO.

Main Results:

• ZnO nanomaterials provide textiles with UV, microbial, radiation, water, and fire resistance.
• They show potential in wearable energy harvesting devices like sensors and nanogenerators.
• Applications extend to environmental cleaning for water, oil, and solids.
• Various materials like metals, carbon, polymers, and MOFs are used to create ZnO nanocomposites.

Conclusions:

• ZnO-based nanomaterials significantly enhance textile fabric performance across multiple applications.
• Further research is vital for the advancement and widespread adoption of ZnO nanomaterials in the textile industry.