Session C6
Paper 2356
A SMALL FUTURE: NANOTECHNOLOGY IN FABRICS
Peter Lunsford (pcl5@pitt.edu), Yash Palawat (yap4@pitt.edu)
Abstract – There is no question that technology is advancing
faster than it ever has before. Even though many people
associate advancement with an increase in size, the exact
opposite is true for nanotechnology. It deals with materials,
structures, and other devices ranging in size from 1 to 100
nanometers.
This paper will discuss the usage of
nanotechnology, specifically nanofabrics, and the
engineering processes behind it. It will cover the benefits
and drawbacks of this technology, what can be achieved,
what ethical quandaries need to be considered, and offer
ideas for future innovations.
The main focus for this paper will be nanotechnology in
fabrics, and the various aspects of it. Some clothes are
water repellent and stain resistant, while others generate
electricity. In addition, there are many other private uses
for nanofiber technology, including medical and military
applications.
This paper will be introduced by first discussing
nanotechnology as a whole. Next, the paper will continue
on to discuss nanofibers, and the engineering processes
behind them. The last section of the paper will propose
possible future advancements and applications in the field.
Nanotechnology is a science that holds much room for
innovation. By writing about this topic, we hope to not only
enlighten our readers to the wonders of this unseen world,
but also paint a realistic portrait of the future.
Key Words – Fabrics, Nanofibers,
Nanotubes, Textiles,
nanotechnology treated clothing is both liquid and stain
resistant. The coffee slides right off. You leave the
elevator, not a mark in sight.
Stain resistance is just one small application of this
technology. Others include waterproofing, generation of
electricity, bacterial detection and resistance, and heightened
strength [1]. These functions have a plethora of future uses
in commerce, medicine, and the military, but there is still
much research that needs to be done. However, nanofibers
are already becoming a part of society.
AHEAD OF THE NANOTECH CURVE
Without a doubt, nanofabrics are going to be used for
commercial products. There are numerous companies today
that integrate this technology into their designs to provide
added benefits to their consumers.
Located in Oakland, California, Nano-Tex is one of the
leading businesses that work with nanotechnology. To
enhance their apparel with nanomaterials, Nano-Tex uses a
fabric coating – “tiny molecules that permanently attach to
fibers without clogging the weave” [2]. One application is
speed drying, which reduces water absorption and maintains
breathability of clothing.
This is primarily used in
swimwear, so board shorts and swimsuits dry fast. Another
application is odor resistance, most commonly used in
athletic wear. The nanofibers attract, isolate, and neutralize
the odors immediately. Other applications include stain
resistance, moisture management, static elimination, and
wrinkle reduction. Not only does this get applied to
clothing, but also to home goods, including pillows, sofa
cushions, and sheets. By implementing nanotechnology in its
products, Nano-Tex is defining itself as an innovator in the
field.
However,
when
it
comes
to
incorporating
nanotechnology in merchandising, America isn’t the only
advocate. Schoeller Technologies, a company based in
Switzerland, is working on a new technology called
NanoSphere. NanoSphere is a “finishing treatment of
fabrics, which provides a self-cleaning feature and resists
stains” [3].
This technology is capable of producing
garments that can block UV radiation, repel rain and snow,
and prevent abrasions and tears. Currently, it is being
applied in many different products, including ski pants, cliff
jackets, and a little closer to home, Levi’s skinny jeans.
What has already been produced using this technology is
remarkable; what is going to be made in the future is
extraordinary. Before getting to the future however, the
production process will be described in detail.
Nanotechnology,
TAKING THINGS DOWN TO SIZE
Imagine machines that could clean dishes, manufacture
consumer products, or decompose garbage. Naturally, one
might think of washing machines, assembly lines, or trash
compactors. Well, imagine a world in which these machines
are so small, that they are invisible to the naked eye. This is
the future of nanotechnology. Dealing with materials and
devices ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in length, it is a
science that is becoming increasingly prevalent in society.
As research and development advances, new uses of this
technology continue to be discovered. Though there are
hundreds of applications, this paper will focus specifically
on fabrics and textiles. With nanotechnology on the rise, the
possibilities for the future of fabrics are limitless.
FUNCTIONAL FABRICS
Five minutes before a big meeting, you’re heading up a
crowded elevator, large coffee in hand. After an exchange
of elbows, your double latte becomes a single, and the rest
ends up on your shirt.
Fortunately, your new
Twelfth Annual Freshman Conference
February 10, 2012
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As a whole, nanotechnology in fabrics can be split up into
two main sections – improved fabric finishing and new
nanofibers and yarns [1]. These two methods are very
different and produce different results when applied to
fabrics, but both are equally useful.
Once the process is completed, the cotton sustains several
enhanced properties, including UV protection, autonomous
cleaning, and superior strength and durability. This method
of surface treatment of cotton fabrics yields many benefits,
but in order to harness the full capability of nanoparticle
treated textiles, nanofibers and yarns must also be taken into
consideration.
Improved Fabric Finishing
New Nanofibers and Yarns
This process deals with treatment of pre-existing fabrics, as
opposed to creating entirely new materials. The most
relevant method involves coating the surfaces of textiles
with a polyelectrolyte solution. This is also called the
“dipping technique”.
At its most basic, the dipping
treatment is effective due to electrostatic attraction between
oppositely charged molecules. These molecules “provide an
excellent basis for creation of nanolayer films” [4]. The
most used polyelectrolyte solution is titanium dioxide, TiO 2
[4].
To coat a fabric, two solutions of polyelectrolytes need to
be made, each with opposite charge. To make these
solutions at relatively high temperatures, deposition methods
are used. For fabrics that cannot withstand high
temperatures, low temperature photocatalytic titanium films
are used. In one specific experiment, cotton fabrics were
first given a positive charge using a “chemical modification
technique named cationization” [4]. Secondly, an anionic
TiO2 colloid solution and a cationic TiO2 colloid solution
were prepared. The positively charged fabrics were then
submerged for five minutes in the anionic solution, then
deionized water, then the cationic solution, and then
deionized water again [4]. The fabrics were then “dried at
60 °C and cured at 130 °C for 3 minutes” [4]. The below
figure shows scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos of
cotton fibers after 10 layers and 16 layers of TiO 2 films were
deposited respectively.
Altering and enhancing the structure of fabric fibers by
introducing nanotube networks characterize this method of
treating textiles. Developments in this area have led to one
of the most functional approaches, carbon nanotubes
(CNTs). Applying CNTs involves entwining nanotube
networks around typical cotton fibers, as shown below.
THE PROCESS
FIGURE II [5]
STRUCTURES OF COTTON FIBERS
Typically, CNTs are prepared and modified using a
surface grafting technique, and then the “poly-butylacrylategrafted CNTs are applied to cotton fabrics using a common
dipping–drying–curing finishing procedure” [5].
This
process is very similar to the previously mentioned surface
treatment. However, it focuses on a much smaller scale by
altering the fibers themselves. Before beginning this
process, the cotton substrates are rinsed with a nonionic
detergent in order to remove finishing chemicals that might
interfere with the treatment, such as wax and grease [5].
After the clean cotton samples are placed in the CNT
emulsion and padded with a constant pressure, they are
rinsed with water several times to ensure the even and
thorough distribution of the nanotube networking.
The goal of this method is to effectively form a network
of armor around the cotton fibers. In order to accomplish
this, the CNTs are first treated with soft polymers so they are
malleable enough to attach to the fibers. An artificial lotus
leaf structure is then created and wrapped around the
individual cotton fibers [5]. The below figure shows SEM
photos of pristine cotton fibers (a and b) as compared to
FIGURE I [4]
SEM IMAGES OF COTTON FABRIC COATED WITH 10 AND 16 LAYER NANOTIO2
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CNT networked cotton fibers (c, d, e, and f).
INTEGRATING NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CLOTHING
Implementing nanotechnology in fabrics is a complicated
process. Researchers are constantly trying to expand its
functionalities in order to advance the field of science. In
addition to having many scientific uses, there are many
consumer applications. The two most prevalent benefits of
nanotechnology in clothing are increasing water resistance
and generating electricity. So far, not much has been done
in the latter field, but as demonstrated previously in the
paper, there has been some headway into waterproofing.
Keeping Water at Bay
Finding the perfect wave might take all day, but waiting for
your swimsuit to dry shouldn’t.
Many clothing
manufacturers have tried their hand in creating water
resistant apparel, but that can only go so far.
Nanotechnology infused clothing presents a method of
making fabric exponentially more waterproof.
The applications of nanotechnology inspired waterproof
clothing are practically limitless. If liquid were to bead up
and roll off of fabric, the swim apparel industry would
drastically change. Every swimsuit would be perfectly dry
immediately upon leaving the water, allowing for other
activities to be performed. Olympic swimmers could make
use of this technology by creating speed suits that produce
minimum amounts of friction when traveling through the
water, making them dramatically faster and more agile. In a
similar manner, wetsuits could use the same properties to
enhance the movement capabilities of scuba divers.
However, this is not only useful in swimwear.
Sports apparel is under constant development,
introducing new technologies and materials every day. After
prolonged vigorous physical activity, heavy, sweat soaked
gear can slow athletes down. Clothing that completely
wicks sweat can keep an athlete dry, which will improve
performance. Camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, and other
apparel that is forced to brave the elements would be greatly
enhanced.
These amazing articles of clothing are closer to becoming
a reality than one might think. Using the previously
mentioned techniques of applying nanotechnology to fabrics,
especially carbon nanotubes, water repellency is super
enriched. With the introduction of the artificial lotus leaf
structure, the cotton fibers become extremely hydrophobic
[5]. The nanotubes interact with each other as well as the
cotton to create a small amount of surface roughness,
allowing water to group together and rest on the top of the
fabric as demonstrated in the figure below.
FIGURE III [5]
SEM IMAGES OF PRISTINE COTTON FIBERS AND CNT TREATED COTTON
FIBERS
The pristine fibers are smooth and have veins, as shown in
images (a) and (b). In the other four images, however, an
intertwined network of nanofibers can be seen.
A “unique aspect of nanotechnology is the vastly
increased ratio of surface area to volume that is present in
many nanoscale materials which opens new possibilities in
surface-based science” [5]. The process of manipulating
fabric fibers to include carbon nanotube networking takes
full advantage of this phenomenon and is perhaps the most
effective method of incorporating nanotechnology with
fabrics. The main challenge in engineering this technology
to achieve its maximum potential is to make sure that the
CNT network is not only evenly dispersed among the fibers,
but also dense enough to shield the cotton.
Harnessing this process of applying nanotechnology to
cotton substrates provides some remarkable enhancements,
namely flame retardancy, UV-blocking, and extreme water
repellency. As research has shown, “this CNT coated textile
will have numerous applications in the development of
textiles for healthcare, sports, military, and fashion” [5].
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fabric, and then submerged in a reactant solution for twelve
hours. At a temperature of 80°C, nanowires uniformly grow
from the seed layer with several hundred nanometers
between each fiber. As of now, researchers have measured a
current of about four nanoamperes, and a voltage of four
millivolts from one layer. By combining more layers, the
current and voltage can be increased. As a comparison, a
standard household light bulb produces .54 amperes at 110
volts.
This technology has implications in nearly every aspect
of life. When the day comes that there is substantial electric
output from clothing, it will be immensely useful. We
would no longer need car chargers, or iPod chargers, or any
chargers for that matter. You could keep a laptop on your
lap and a cellphone in your pocket and charge them both at
the same time.
The only problem regarding this technology is that the
zinc oxide is sensitive to moisture, so it would be difficult to
wash. However, if the fabrics are water repellent, odor
resistant, stain resistant, and bacteria resistant, then what is
the need to ever clean them?
FIGURE IV [5]
SEM IMAGE OF A WATER BEAD ON A CNT FIBER
Give a slight angle, the water beads would simply roll off
of the fibers. By replacing the carbon nanotubes with
silicon, the result would be an even more chemically
hydrophobic surface [6]. With this technology, clothing
could theoretically be submerged for any period of time and
come out completely dry. However, this is not the only
instance of useful, efficient clothing.
TREATMENT OF THE FUTURE
Electric Feel
The fields of science and medicine exist in a symbiotic
relationship; advancement in one is always accompanied by
advancement in the other. Naturally, developments in
nanoscience will bring about new technology to be used in
medicine. Ranging from first degree burns, to broken bones,
to fatal diseases, ailments around the world can be treated
using applications of nanotechnology in medicine.
Nanotechnology in textiles comes into play with medicine in
many ways, involving fabrics that are water resistant,
breathable, self-healing, antibacterial, and insect repellent.
Imagine the implications of having clothing that was able to
generate electricity. You could put an iPod or cellphone in
your pocket, and while walking, it would automatically
charge. No more worrying about a dead iPod or scrambling
to find a cellphone charger before bed.
Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have
shown that “pairs of textile fibers covered with zinc oxide
nanowires can generate electrical current using the
piezoelectric effect” [7]. This effect is essentially the
generation of electricity through mechanical stress. The
nanowires are grown in pairs, with one wire coated in gold
to serve as the electrode, shown below.
Changing Bandages
Anyone that’s ever had a casted ligament knows that going
for a swim or taking a shower is a pain. The method of
casting broken limbs has been the same for years, and is due
for an upgrade.
It has the possibility of becoming
completely revolutionized if fused with nanotechnology.
Waterproof nanofiber casts sanction more freedom, allowing
patients to not be held back by their bandages. Because
these casts would stay dry and clean, they would in turn be
more comfortable and promote a faster healing process.
This is advantageous not only for the patient but also for the
doctor. The patient would spend less time in a cast, and be
more comfortable during that time; the doctor would treat
and check up on the patient less frequently, allowing them to
efficiently handle more cases. As far as bandaging goes,
casts are the extreme case. Benefits of nanotechnology in
fabrics extend much farther into the medical field with
simple, everyday wounds.
A simple adhesive bandage that accelerates the healing
process sounds like something out of a science fiction
movie, but is actually a true possibility. University of Akron
FIGURE V [7]
FIBERS ALTERNATE, ONE COATED IN GOLD AND THE OTHER NOT COATED
The gold wires scrub the other wires, and generate the
mechanical stress required for piezoelectricity.
To physically create these nanowires, a “100 nanometer
seed layer of zinc oxide” [7] is coated on top of the desired
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researchers have delved into this concept and emerged with
surprising results. The two scientists “used electricity to
spin ultrafine polymer fibers while infusing them with
chemicals that [expose] a wound to oxygen” [8]. These
bandages take advantage of nanofiber properties to combine
the protection of a standard wound dressing with the healing
benefits of medication and open air. The special bandages
release small amounts of a natural chemical, nitric oxide gas,
to hasten the body’s recovery process [8]. This is also
extremely valuable to diabetics, because their bodies do not
naturally produce enough nitric oxide gas to aid in curing
injuries. Possibly the best part about these advanced
bandages is that they are “inexpensive, lightweight and
elastic, and conform to any wound without sticking” [8].
Additionally, researchers at the University of Bath are
looking into using nanotechnology in fabric bandages that
could aid in healing abrasions and burns. The way they
attacked this concept is by infusing bandages with
nanocapsules containing antibiotics [9]. These tiny pods are
activated when the presence of pathogenic bacteria is
detected, and thus can deliver treatment to the wound before
infection sets in [9]. An added bonus of this dressing is that
it changes color when the nanocapsules are triggered,
alerting the patient as well as the healthcare professional that
the wound might be in danger of infection, and the necessary
measures can be taken. This significantly cuts down
hospital time for burn victims and sufferers of flesh wounds.
European scientists are conducting further research on this
technology in order to determine appropriate materials to be
used and a cost-efficient method of production.
The most radical example of nanotechnology being
implemented in bandages is currently being developed at the
University of Illinois. Regarding the early stages of their
new product, scientists say that “Rather than depending on
the use of simple fabrics to keep wounds shut and sterile,
these new bandages actually introduce living tissue in the
wound to a specific pattern, effectively closing and
shortening the healing time” [10]. A future application of
this innovation may let scientists gain further insight into the
healing process by programming blood vessels on the
nanoscale into a bandage and seeing how they interact when
applied to damaged skin [10]. The extent of benefits
contributed to the medical field from these nanotech
bandages is incalculable, as it services both patients and
healthcare professionals.
What could be even more
beneficial, however, is if nanotechnology in fabrics helps to
prevent wounds and infections before they even occur.
bacteria, which makes them twice as dangerous. This is
where nanotechnology comes into play.
Researchers at the National Tsing Hua University in
Taiwan are experimenting with the antibacterial properties
of zinc oxide nanoparticles, and new forms of coating. They
have discovered that ultrasound is a much cheaper way of
applying the particles to fabrics and surfaces. Ultrasound
“uses less materials, avoids waste, uses water as a solvent,
and enables coating on only one side of the material, thereby
reducing the amount of zinc oxide consumed” [11]. The
zinc oxide particles were discovered to be extremely
resistant to bacteria, “due to the fact they produce hydrogen
peroxide, a major antibacterial chemical” [11]. The particles
were even able to be applied to walls, while maintaining
their anti-bacterial properties. Using this technology, zinc
oxide particles can be used to cover the walls of nearly every
building, ranging from hospitals to classrooms, greatly
reducing the possibility of infections. It can also be applied
to fabrics, creating clothing with antibacterial properties.
However, though this could prevent bioterrorism or bacterial
infections, it does not eliminate all health threats.
Bacterial Resistance
Of all the applications of nanotechnology in textiles, the
most versatile and functional are in the military. Soldiers are
constantly in danger and are always in dire need of lighter
loads, greater comfort, and heightened security. All of the
aforementioned uses of nanofibers and more would be
extremely valuable when applied to the military. Adapting
nanotechnology in fabrics for military use provides a
multifunctional solution for many practical problems.
Disease Prevention
In Africa and South Asia, one of the most prevalent
diseases is malaria. Killing almost one million people
annually and infecting another 225 million, it currently has
no cure. Malaria is a parasite which is transmitted from
mosquitos to humans. The best defense people can hope for
is insect repellant or hanging semi-effective nets to keep
away the bugs. However, that is about to change.
Researchers in Thailand are working on a new “nanofiber
mosquito net that can kill malaria carrying mosquitos within
six minutes of contact” [12]. These nets are laced with
nanoparticles of the insecticide deltamethrin, a substance
fatal to mosquitos and perfectly harmless to humans. The
particles infiltrate the receptor cells on the feet of mosquitos
when they come in contact with the net, rendering them
unconscious, and then killing them a few minutes later.
These nets last for two years, and can be washed over
thirty times, as opposed to regular nets, which can only be
washed three times before losing effectiveness. Though this
technology is expensive, its efficiency makes it worthwhile.
Hopefully these nets will begin to be produced on a large
scale; this technology could save thousands of lives around
the world.
SMALL-SCALE WARFARE
Bacteria are found in nearly every environment known to
man. They are present in the air and on every surface. Most
bacteria are not considered hazardous to human life, but
there are many that are, including anthrax, dengue fever,
SARS, E. coli and tuberculosis. There is currently nothing
people can do to prevent coming in contact with these
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The most far-reaching application of nanofibers in the
military is to make “materials that can serve as building
blocks for clothing and other gear to provide Soldier
protection and survivability” [13]. Using nanolayer-treated
fabric as a basis for soldier uniforms contributes virtually no
extra weight while introducing controlled activity that can
protect a soldier from threats, including the environment,
explosives, as well as chemical and biological weapons [13].
A team of researchers at the MIT Institute for Soldier
Nanotechnologies (ISN) is currently working on such a
garment. They are using the previously discussed methods
of chemical deposition and layer-by-layer structuring to
create fabrics that will “enhance the battle suit in its purpose
to serve and protect the Soldier” [13]. The most appealing
form of this technology is called selective transport.
Nanolayer-treated fabrics control which materials pass
through them. This means that fabrics can be created that
prevent specific airborne agents such as mustard and nerve
gas, while keeping the cloth breathable and light by allowing
air to easily permeate.
One specific case of using this kind of selective transport
textile has to do with military deployed submarines. When
enlisted personnel operating a submarine are living in
extremely close quarters, the spread of illness is a crippling
threat. In cases such as this, bunks are often shared amongst
two or more people. By employing selective transport
textiles specialized to resist absorbance of pathogens in
bunks, the path of bacteria would be significantly obstructed.
A second area that the ISN is researching involves
manipulating the electrical properties of carbon nanotube
based fibers. CNT platforms are being used as a base to
develop identification systems for possible threats, improved
nighttime detection capabilities, and friend-or-foe
recognition techniques [13]. Scientists at the ISN state
“Carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising
nanomaterials ever developed, lightweight and with
exceptional mechanical and thermal resilience, electrical and
heat conductance” [13]. In manipulating the flow of electric
current through these nanowire grids, indicator systems can
become smaller, lighter, and more effective.
Finally, the ISN is looking into development in smart
textile armor. Every day, soldiers on patrol are injured when
improvised explosive devices, or road side bombs, detonate
a few meters away. Now imagine that upon detecting the
combination of temperature change and shockwave from the
IED, the soldier’s battle suit immediately increases its
rigidity and strength, effectively creating an instantaneous
coat of armor. The soldier is knocked over, but arises
unscathed. This is the initiative to develop functional and
responsive elastomers using nanotechnology. The approach
to this innovation “entails both a strong synthetic component
for the creation of new functional materials with fieldresponsive side or main chains, as well as the generation of
nanocomposite blends with these new materials and
inorganic nanoparticles” [13]. Using nanotechnologyinfusing methods previously described, scientists have
gained the ability to attach virtually any functional group to
nanowire grids. They have explained that “This capability
will be directed toward the development of responsive
elastomers that are easily incorporated into fibers and
fabrics, and which allow a 10 to 100% strain recovery and
response” [13]. Further research into this idea can also yield
fabrics with nano-sized membranes that open and close on
command, due to an environmental trigger. This is another
form of using the technology behind selective transport
materials and nanofiber enrichments to enhance the
survivability of military personnel. After discussing all of
these benefits, however, the next logical step is discussing
possible drawbacks.
AN ETHICAL DILEMMA
There is no question that there are numerous benefits to
developing nanotechnology. A few have been detailed in
this paper, and there are still countless more. However, all
these advancements are only beneficial if used for the goal
of improving society. In the wrong hands, this technology
can bring about just as many problems for people as it can
solutions. For this reason, the ethics of nanotechnology
must be considered while the field is a relatively new
subject.
The positives of nanotechnology are immeasurable, but
the concerns are also significant. At its most ideal, it can
create a world where everyone has adequate food, safe
water, and a clean environment. As detailed in this paper, it
can improve the quality of life for people everywhere,
enhance medical procedures, and provide better safety for
the military. If all these are going to come to fruition, the
process behind designing this technology needs to be
completely safe.
One large concern with nanofibers is their similarity to
carcinogens. Studies are being done comparing carbon
nanotubes to asbestos, and scientists have discovered that
inhaling the CNTs are almost equally as lethal as inhaling
the cancer causing substance. Asbestos and CNTs are
dangerous due to their being small enough to inhale deep
into one’s lungs and still being too long for the body to
destroy. The fibers form scar-like tissue, and the body
builds new cells over them, thickening the walls of the
lungs.
Asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the
membrane that lines vital organs. To test whether CNTs had
a similar effect, mice were exposed to the nanotubes, and
“the inside lining of the animals’ body cavities became
inflamed and formed lesions” [14]. Of course, we have to
take the bad with the good. This study was not meant to
deter the development of nanofibers, but to caution against
potential dangers. Hopefully researchers will be able to find
a safer way to employ carbon nanotubes in fabrics.
Though there are ethical dilemmas to be considered, with
proper guidelines and regulations, nanotechnology can be
extremely safe to use. Taking certain measures, such as
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[11] Berger, Michael. “Antibacterial wallpaper through nanotechnology”
Nanowerk
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Nov.
2006
[Online].
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=1036.php Accessed: 29 Feb.
2012
[12] Thipnampa, Jutharat. “Nanotechnology to net mosquitoes” The Nation
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Aug.
2010
[Online].
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/home/2010/08/27/national/Nanotechnolo
gy-to-net-mosquitoes-30136699.html Accessed: 29 Fed. 2012
[13] “Institute For Solidier Nanotechnologies”. Massachusetts Institute of
Technology. http://web.mit.edu/isn/index.html; Accessed: 28 February
2012.
[14] Greenemeir, Larry. “Study Says Carbon Nanotubes as Dangerous as
Asbestos”
Scientific
American
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May
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Accessed: 29 Feb. 2012
establishing an advisory committee or tagging all
nanomachines so they are traceable, will prevent the
technology from falling into the wrong hands.
CONCLUSION
Nanotechnology isn’t just about making things smaller.
Using various methods such as fabric finishing and new
nanofibers, what was previously thought to be impossible is
no longer unreachable. The future holds waterproof and
electricity generating clothing. It holds bandages that detect
and prevent infection. It holds fabrics that will be able to
deflect bacteria and fight off disease. It holds smart battle
suits that will protect and strengthen our soldiers.
Nanotechnology will shape the world in ways we can’t
even begin to imagine.
When electricity was first
discovered, people never thought they would be using it for
anything other than replacing candles. Nobody expected
washing machines, assembly lines, trash compactors, or
countless other products. We have only begun to crack the
surface of what can be achieved; the bounds of
nanotechnology are limitless.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES
Chen Andrew “The Ethics of Nanotechnology”. Santa Clara University
[Online].
Available:
http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/submitted/chen/nanotechnology.htm
l; Accessed: 25 Jan 2012
“Fashion is nano! (Nanotechnology in Clothing).” (11 May 2011).
NanoBugle.
http://www.nanobugle.org/2011/05/fashion-is-nanonanotechnology-in-clothing/; Accessed: 25 January 2012.
Osman, Jheni. (25 Nov. 2011). “Perspective on Devolpment of
Nanotechnology
in
Textiles”.
The
Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/nanotechnology-world/bring-on-the-benefits;
Accessed: 25 January 2012
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank the librarians at the Hillman Library
for directing us towards online databases to find articles on
nanotechnology. We would like to thank Deb Galle for
reviewing our paper with us, and lastly, we would like to
thank our co-chair Kenichi Agbim for being an excellent
peer advisor.
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