Conference Session ：C12
Paper # 2213
CREATING STAIN-PROOF AND BACTERIA-FIGHTING CLOTHING USING
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Zhiyuan Yu (zhy28@pitt.edu), Ran Wang (raw79@pitt.edu)
Abstract—This paper will explore the field of
nanotechnology with a concentration on its application for
functional clothing with stain-proof and bacteria-fighting
capabilities. Recent developments in nanotechnology as well
its value to, and future in, the clothing industry will be
discussed. The impact of nanotechnology on related areas
such as cleaning and conservation will be evaluated.
Finally, potential environmental and global economic
concerns in regards to the commercial use of
nanotechnology will also be considered.
Nanotechnology has significant value for the clothing
industry because it is relatively new technology that could
fulfill the demand for long-lasting clothing that requires less
care. Bersica Futurewear manufactures clothing which is
highly stain and liquid repellent. The company provides a
nanotechnology-based finish on clothing that effortlessly
repels water and oil and offers greater durability.
Functional clothing reduces the need for washing which
saves money for the consumers and conserves our limited
resources [1].
Also, nanotechnology can be used in producing clothing
that even provides health benefits. For example, Cornell
University recently used nano-treated material that has antibacterial and air-purifying qualities [2].
Nanotechnology also raises several ethical concerns
regarding its danger to human health, the environment as
well as global economy due to its special properties.
repelling stain and resisting bacteria. Furthermore, these
benefits are able to positively and indirectly impact other
areas of lives such as energy conservation and product
longevity. However, it does have its disadvantages which
need to be addressed; most importantly its potential to harm
human health will be elaborated.
EXPLAINING NANOTECHNOLOGY
What is Nanotechnology?
Nanotechnology is the application of nanomaterial based on
the study and engineering of matter at the scale of
nanometers. Nanometer is equal to one-billionth of a meter.
In order to comprehend how small this quantity is, one can
picture a sheet of newspaper, which on the nanoscale is
about 100,000 nanometers thick [4]. Scientists study
nanotechnology because of the superior physical, biological
and chemical properties that nanoparticles possess, all of
which are only possible due to their size. Some of these
special properties include electrochemical, optical and
melting. However, these special properties are extremely
size-dependent and they can only exist when objects are
below 100 nanometers in size. Scientists are now focusing
on several areas of nanotechnology in order to make some
promising applications a reality. These areas include
making tools to measure and produce nanostructures,
identifying certain chemical and physical changes that occur
at the nanoscale, and utilizing the changes to further new
nanotechnologies. Some of the potential applications of
nanotechnology range from sunscreen to self-cleaning
coatings for windows [4].
Key Words—bacteria- fighting clothing, functional clothing,
nanomaterial, nanotechnology, nanotechnology ethics,
stain-proof clothing
INTRODUCING THE ROLE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
IN FUNCTIONAL CLOTHING
Clothing serves the basic purpose of protection. Whether
against harsh weather or environmental hazards, it is a vital
part of our lives. Therefore, it demands improvements which
will evolve it to suit the changing needs of society. This
paper investigates the possibility to improve the comfort and
functionality
of
clothing
with
nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology is a relative new technology with many
exciting application from construction to cosmetics.
According to an article taken from Nanomaterials: Risks and
Benefits: “There are currently over 500 consumer products
available in the marketplace and the field of nanotechnology
itself that will be worth over $1 trillion by 2012” [3]. The
focus of this paper will be on its application in the clothing
industry. Nanotechnology has shown significant benefits for
clothing by providing revolutionary abilities such as
University of Pittsburgh
Swanson School of Engineering
March,1st, 2012
1
Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
FIGURE 1[5]
According to an article written by Dr. M. D. Teli, the Head
of the Department of Fibers and Textile Processing
Technology Institute of Chemical Technology in Mumbai,
the reason nano-particles have increased affinity for fabric is
due to its high surface area to volume ratio [11].
For example, a company called NanoTex has found a
special method to transform ordinary material into
nanomaterial so that the fabric can repel any stain that comes
into contact with the clothing. The process involves the
application of acid and hydrophobic polymers onto the
surface of the fabric and then baking the fabric in order to
create nano-whiskers. Since about one thousand of them can
fit across a thread of fabric, these whiskers are about one
thousand nanometers across. As a result, the size and
structure of these whiskers make the fabric hydrophobic.
Also, since the whiskers are so small, they can be regarded
as a part of the fabric. The advantage of this method is that
not only will the stains stay off the fabric; the whiskers will
not wash away either [12].
Furthermore, The University of Wisconsin-Madison
Materials Research Science and Engineering Center
compares the process to the Lotus effect [13]. Lotus leaves
possess water-repellent and self-cleaning qualities due to
tiny protrusions and hydrophobic material covering these
protrusions, making their surfaces extremely hydrophobic.
These qualities are replicated in nano-treated fabrics [13].
Nano sized molecular hooks attach to the surface of the
fabric and the hair like structures repel water just like the
lotus leaf. Since the hooks are so small relative to the fabric,
the fabric is not affected by the coating negatively and
remains flexible and soft. The effect of nano coatings is
shown in the following images.
THIS IMAGE DEPICTS THE SIZE OF NANOSCALE IN COMPARISON TO
COMMON OBJECTS.
Richard Feynman said in 1959, "The principles of
physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the
possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom [6]. He
proposed a radical idea that all things could be reduced to an
atomic scale where matter could be manipulated. Various
discoveries were made following Feynman’s proposal,
among which was the 1991 discovery of a molecular shape
“carbon nanotube”. Carbon nanotubes are about 100 times
stronger and one sixth the weight of steel. They also possess
unexpected heat and conductivity characteristics [7]. Related
to the topic of functional clothing, scientists have
successfully produced threads made of carbon nanotubes and
polyvinyl alcohol that are four times tougher than spider
silk. These threads could be used to create protective
clothing that can resist chemicals or infectious bio-materials
in the future provided that they could be produced with
efficiency and affordability [6]. More recently, these and
other nanotechnologies are being employed in commercial
applications in order to create special materials that disobey
the laws of physics and provide interesting and desirable
uses. We will explain the scientific concepts behind the
nature of these special characteristics in the next section.
Some special properties of nanoparticles allow innovative
improvements to be made on existing materials. For example,
insoluble materials become soluble; nonconductive ones
start conducting electricity; harmless substances can become
toxic. Also, it is seen that nanoparticles are more chemically
reactive due to their tiny size and high surface area [8].
While the raw materials used in nanotechnology such as
carbon and iron possess expected properties, on the
nanoscale, their properties would change drastically. For
example, according to a book written by Mark Ratner, when
a substance like gold is fabricated into nano gold, its color,
melting point, and chemical properties would change. The
reason for this change has to do with the nature of the
interactions among the atoms that make up the gold [9].
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CLOTHING INDUSTRY
FIGURE 2[13]
How Nanotechnology Improves Clothing
LOTUS LEAVES DEMONSTRATING THEIR HYDROPHOBIC CHARACTERISTIC.
WHEN WATER DROPLETS ROLL OFF OF THE ROUGH SURFACE, ANY DEBRIS
IS DISCARDED WITH THE WATER, GIVING THE LEAVES THE ABILITY OF
SELF-CLEANING.
Nanotechnology is being explored in commercial clothing
for its ability to create clothing with extraordinary functions
such as preventing stain contamination. There are some
specific properties which enable nanotechnology to make
such technology possible. For example, most relevant to the
topic of functional clothing, scientists can apply a chemical
treatment to a material which converts its surface into a
nano-coating. Due to the small molecules which make up the
material, the fabric can generally prevent water or other
liquid droplet from sinking into the fabric. As a result, it
achieves the goal of repelling any unwanted stain [10].
ON THE RIGHT, THE TINY NANO HOOKS IN A NANO-COATING EFFECTIVELY
REPEL WATER WHICH CONTAINS DEBRIS AND PROVIDES THE USEFUL
FUNCTION OF SELF CLEANING. THE PROCESS OF NANO-COATING IS USED
EXTENSIVELY IN CREATING STAIN-PROOF AS WELL AS BACTERIA-PROOF
CLOTHING.
Due to the rapid development of nanotechnology, the
clothing industry is beginning to take advantage of its
potential. Presently, one of the main advantages of
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Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
THESE IMAGES SHOW THE EFFECT OF NANOTEX’S CHEMICAL TREATMENT
OF FABRIC. THE FIRST IMAGE DEPICTS VARIOUS STAINS APPLIED TO
NANOTEX TREATED FABRIC AND THE SECOND IMAGE DISPLAYS THE
FABRIC AFTER 30 MINUTES. THE STAINS APPEAR MINOR AND CAN BE
EASILY WIPED OFF. THE COMPARISON SHOWCASES THE ADVANTAGE OF
NANO-TREATED GARMENTS.
functional clothing made with nanotechnology is the way it
can simplify people’s lives by reducing the time and energy
required to wash clothes. Similarly, the cost involved in
washing and replacing clothes would also be reduced.
Scientists and engineers are currently making progress in
two areas of functional clothing: stain-proof clothing and
water proof-clothing which demonstrate the potential and
benefits of nanotechnology in the clothing industry and
environmental conservation
Furthermore, according to the recent finding of company
called Outlier from New York, they have invented special
pants which are “self-cleaning” due to the application of
Nanosphere coating on the surface of the fabric. The
nanoscopic spikes which stick on the surface of the pants
can prevent any grease and stain molecules from attaching to
the fabric. Water will just roll off from the pants and take
with it any dirt that might remain, as seen in the Lotus Effect
[14].
These examples of stain-proof clothing made with
nanotechnology demonstrate the usefulness of this
technology in the clothing industry as well as its potential to
conserve energy and benefit the environment. Newly
invented consumer products also show that nanotechnology
has a bright future in the clothing industry as its functions
are constantly being explored.
Definition and Advantages of Stain-Proof Clothing
As technology quickens the pace of society, people feel
pressured to be more productive and efficient. Therefore,
stain-proof clothing would be an appealing product to
consumers and some products are already on the market.
Nanotechnology has significant value for the clothing
industry because it is relatively new technology that could
fulfill the demand for long-lasting clothing that requires less
care. It plays a significant role in producing fabric which is
stain proof in response to the demand. One example of
functional clothing is already available to consumers. In the
area of children apparel for example, Bersica Futurewear
manufactures clothing which is highly stain and liquid
repellent. The company utilizes Schoeller fabrics with
NanoSphere, a company that provides a patented
nanotechnology-based finish on Futurewear’s clothing that
effortlessly repels water and oil and offers greater durability.
Functional clothing reduces the need for washing which
saves money for the consumers and is also beneficial to the
environment because of the amount of water and electricity
it could save. Also, Bersica Futurewear claims that its
clothing can be washed at lower temperatures, which also
protects the environment [1].
Similarly, NanoTex markets clothing that “release” stains.
Its line of apparel which allows stains to be washed out
easily due to its application of nanotechnology as explained
above.
Definition and Advantages of Bacteria-Proof Clothing
Another example of functional clothing created with
nanotechnology is anti-bacteria clothing. Scientists have
already found some materials such as silver which are
naturally antibacterial. Based on this discovery, scientists
have being making functional clothing by embedding the
silver nanoparticles in the fabric or making a silver coating.
Ultimately, a brand new material is generated which
combines both properties of silver and the original fabric. In
the case of impregnating the nanoparticles into the fabric
itself, instead of simply making a coating on the on the
surface of the fabric, the particles cannot be easily lost and
the desired effects can last longer [7]. Furthermore, the
company Tsung-Hau technology from Taiwan has produced
a special kind of undergarments which have anti-bacterial,
disinfecting and deodorizing capabilities. Benefiting from
the silver’s natural properties, these undergarments can
prevent germs from staying on its surface and consequently,
help to protect the human body from harmful substances.
Meanwhile, the undergarments also maintain the flexibility
of the original fabric which makes them seamless, skin-tight,
and comfortable to wear. Since anti-bacterial clothing
reduces the possibility of getting ill and improves the quality
of living for consumers, it clearly demonstrates the
advantage of nanotechnology in the clothing industry [15].
Designed by Olivia Ong from the Human Ecology's
Department of Fiber Science and Apparel Design at Cornell
University, nanotechnology is shown here being used to
fight bacteria in an unexpected and fashionable way. These
specially designed garments not only work to protect people
from cold weather, they also utilize nanotechnology to
prevent bacteria from contaminating the fabric. It is one of
the first times that nanotechnology is seen in the world of
FIGURE 3[12]
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Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
fashion and the clothing modeled provides various health
benefits. The collaborated effort of many departments at
Cornell University made these stylish garments possible,
most remarkably, fiber science and fashion design.
Similar to other products made with nanotechnology, this
type of anti-bacterial clothing also takes advantage of a
silvered coating on its surface which provides the intended
function of bacteria proof. The explanation given by
Professor Hong Dong from Cornell University illustrates
that the first step in the process of nano-treatment is to create
positively charged cotton fibers by using ammonium and
epoxy-based reactions, including positive ionization. The
silver particles which are about 10-20 nanometers across are
synthesized in citric acid, which prevent the agglomeration
of nanoparticles on the surface. Then the positive charged
fibers are dipped into the negatively charged sliver
nanoparticles solution which results in the particles attaching
to the fiber. Interestingly, the color of the clothing is not
resulted from dyes; instead, it is the reflection of
manipulation of particle size or arrangement. Due to the tiny
size of the silver particles, not only is the clothing antibacterial, it also has the added benefit of being stain-proof.
Therefore, the clothing rarely needs to be washed and
presents environmental benefits [2].
Similar to functional clothing, nanotechnology also
extends to the field of bedding. A company called AgActive
has invented functional pillowcase and towels for home use
which also has bacteria fighting functions [16]. The
Company Medima from Germany has designed a special
sports garment for women featuring nano-silver. Nano-silver
not only delivers anti-bacterial effect, it also prevents the
formation of unpleasant odors. This odor-fighting feature is
especially appealing to athletes and many who are troubled
by excessive sweating [17]. Furthermore, according to a
recent study carried out by Hohenstein Institute, an
international research and service center in Germany,
antibacterial clothing containing nanosilver could be
classified as safe since skin microbiome, microorganisms
which reside on the skin, are not negatively affected by
antibacterial clothing. This indicates that people can expect
to wear clothing made with nano silver particles without
worrying about the clothing causing health problems.
However, research conducted by Hohenstein does not take
into account the possibility of nanoparticles being inhaled by
consumers and becoming chemically reactive when in
contact with acids [18].
unknown harm. Nanowhiskers embedded on the surface of
functional clothing may be exposed to consumers and cause
health risks. According to Professor Lynn Frewer of the
Marketing and Consumer Behavior Group at the University
of Wageningen in the Netherlands, the inhalation or
exposure to the subcutaneous part of the skin of
nanoparticles could cause undesirable damage to human
health [19]. However, the extent of the harm is presently
unknown due to the lack of research in this area.
Since nanotechnology is a relatively new technology and
its application to functional clothing is still being explored,
the safety issues surrounding it have not been thoroughly
investigated or assessed. Crucial questions regarding
whether or not nano-fibers can pass into human cells as well
as whether or not nanoparticles come loose during its use
and washing have not been answered [19]. Ironically, the
anti-bacterial clothing described above which is appealing to
consumers mainly due to its health benefits may be
dangerous to human health. For instance, according to the
same article in Yale Environmental 360, “A coalition of
consumer groups petitioned the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency to ban the sale of products that contain
germ-killing nano-silver particles, from stuffed animals to
clothing, arguing that the silver could harm human health …
… and contribute to the rise of antibiotic resistance [8].
Based on their argument, the health benefits that come with
functional clothing may cause serious problems to people’s
immune system in the long term. However, some people
seem to be willing to accept the risks associated with silver
nanoparticles arguing that they have “relatively low toxicity
for human tissue cells [19].
Furthermore, according to an article published by Yale
Environment 360, a publication of the Yale School of
Forestry & Environmental Studies, certain carbon nanotubes
can cause the same kind of lung damage as asbestos. Even
more alarming, nanoparticles, once inhaled, can pass from
the lungs into the bloodstream and other organs. They can
evade the protective blood-brain barrier by slipping through
the olfactory nerve into the brain [8]. However, the exact
impact of nanoparticles on humans is not clear since
commercial applications of nanotechnology are still limited
and many nanoparticles that are present in products are
untested [19]. The growth of nano-treated garments without
necessary inspection and certification troubles consumers
and scientists.
Since nanotechnology is still regarded as an emerging
technology, many of its health risks are unknown. Public
concern over its potential to negatively impact human health
is an important issue that needs to be addressed. As more
research in nanotechnology is being funded due to its bright
outlook, a substantial amount of funding should also be
provided in order to investigate its potential to cause harm to
humans.
DISADVANTAGE AND ETHICAL CONCERNS OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY
Human Health Concerns
The most serious problem facing nanotechnology is that
every product involved with nanoparticles has the potential
of releasing nano-scale substances. These tiny particles may
float into human bodies via pores, thus bringing with them
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Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
clothing available to consumers costs significantly more than
normal clothing. For example, Bersica Futurewear’s apparel
for children sell for $34.99 per item online [1]. While the
benefits provided by the company’s stain proof clothing are
impressive, the high price is still a considerable factor that to
some, cannot be outweighed by its special functions. Some
consumers also argue that anti-bacterial and stain-proof
functions are not necessary and they would rather continue
wearing normal clothing. On the other hand, nanotechnology
also has its drawbacks when it comes to negatively
impacting the economy. For instance, according to an article
written by Dr. V K Tripathi, managing director of Virtus
Techno Innovations, a company dedicated to the R&D in
nanotechnology since functional clothing made with
nanotechnology lessens the need for washing and replacing
clothing, companies that manufacture cleaning supplies and
other commercial clothing products could experience
significant decrease in sales as nano-treated clothing
becomes more popular. The imbalance caused by the
emergence of this new type of clothing could lead to
turbulence in the global economy [21].
As explained by the book The Next Big Thing is Really
Small written by Jack Uldrich, "... ... Eddie Bauer, for
example, is currently using embedded nanoparticles to create
stain-repellent khakis. This seemingly simple innovation will
impact not only khaki-wearers, but dry cleaners, who will
find their business declining; detergent makers, who will
find less of their product moving off the shelf; and stainremoval makers, who will experience a sharp decrease in
customers. This modest, fairly low-tech application of
nanotechnology is just the small tip of a vast iceberg--an
iceberg that threatens to sink even the "unsinkable"
companies [22].” However, since the future of functional
clothing remains uncertain and it is still in its infancy of
development and marketing, this concern appears premature.
Also, it is hard to predict just how popular functional
clothing will be in the future and whether or not neighboring
markets will be able to adapt to changing market dynamics.
Therefore, it seems unrealistic to focus on nanotechnology’s
potential effect on the economy.
Environmental Concerns
Similarly, nanoparticles pose a disadvantage to the
environment due to their tiny size. Since the particles are
suspended in the air and could get into the soil, they may
interact with the cells in plants. As a result, their lives could
be threatened and the ecosystem could be affected [8].
For example, the nano-sized silver particles may also
threaten aquatic life. Zebrafish embryos are seen to have
serious developmental problems caused by nano-silver [8].
According to an article from Planet Earth Online,
nanoparticles are frequently washed down the drain and into
the sewers. No sufficient information is available regarding
what happens during sewage treatment and whether or not
the nanoparticles eventually reach rivers and the natural
habitat [8].
Furthermore, one of the most troubling aspects of
nanotechnology is in case of nano-contamination, scientists
have not developed a way to test for nano-waste in the air or
water. Furthermore, there is no way of cleaning up such
pollution [8].
The potential of environmental harm is being addressed
by some government agencies, however, no definite
regulations have been passed to monitor and control the use
of nanotechnology at this time. For example, according to
the article Nanotech: The Unknown Risks in Yale
Environmental 360, “Both the EPA and the Food and Drug
Administration have so far declined to regulate nanomaterials as such, saying they’re covered under existing
regulations” [8]. It is alarming that when nanotechnology is
being developed at such a rapid pace and commercial
products already available on the market, government
agencies have done so little to regulate its usage and look
into its safety issues.
In the US, the Government Accountability Office
assessed the potential environmental, health, and safety risks
of nanoparticles that were found by various government
agencies and the effectiveness of such research. GAO
concludes that Nanotechnology is likely to experience
significant growth in the future; therefore better guidance is
necessary in order to collect accurate and useful data
regarding the risks of a relatively new technology [20].
Therefore, as nanotechnology is beginning to be used
more widely in commercial products as well as scientific
research, appropriate research must be done to prevent any
potential damage to the environment and the ecosystem.
Scientists must also find an effective way of detecting nanowaste and removing any possible pollution from the
environment as a precautionary measure.
SUMMARY, INVESTIGATION FUTURE OF
NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CLOTHING INDUSTRY
While the multiple ethical and practical concerns regarding
nanotechnology should be addressed seriously and
immediately, they should not stop the progression of its
scientific research and commercial applications. Also, even
though nano-treated clothing does not yet have a prominent
presence in the clothing industry, based on the speculated
demand of the consumers and its significant benefits, one
should expect its availability to increase and its cost to
decrease in the coming years. Active research in the risks of
nanotechnology should be promoted and the ethical use of
nanotechnology by both industrial and commercial groups
should be carefully monitored and enforced. Government
Economical Concerns
The
most
obvious
economic
disadvantage
of
nanotechnology is its cost. For example, according to an
article published in Cornell Chronicle, a daily newspaper
from Cornell University, “one square yard of nano-treated
cotton would cost about $10,000” [2]. Even commercial
5
Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
[14] By: Outlier (2011 March 08) “4Season OG Pants”[Online]. Available:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/products/4se
ason_og_pants/
[15] By: Tsung-Hau Technology (2009 Aug 05)” Nano Silver Fragrant
Seamless
Skin-tight
Panties”
[Online].
Available:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/products/689
5/
[16]By: AgActive (2011 March 08) ” Antibacterial Sheet and Pillowcase
Sets”
[Online].
Available:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/products/892
7/
[17] By: Medima (2011 March 08) “Damen-Hemd - Ladies´
shirts”[Online].
Available:
http://www.nanotechproject.org/inventories/consumer/browse/products/898
9/
[18] By: Bergeson, Lynn L. “Hohenstein Institute Finds Antibacterial
Textiles Containing Nanosilver To Be Safe” (2011 Jan 27) [Online].
Available:
http://nanotech.lawbc.com/2011/01/articles/research1/hohenstein-institute-finds-antibacterial-textiles-containing-nanosilver-tobe-safe/
[19] By: "Nanoparticles in clothing: how safe are they?" The Science
Teacher 76.2 (Nov. 11,2008) [Online] Available: http://www.juststyle.com/comment/how-safe-are-they_id102478.aspx
[20] By: GAO (2008, April 02) “Nanotechnology: Better Guidance Is
Needed to Ensure Accurate Reporting of Federal Research Focused on
Environmental,
Health,
and
Safety
Risks”
[Online].
Available:http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d08402.pdf
[4] By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features “The New Indestructible Dryerase leather, nanotech fabric and stain-resistant chenille enter the modern
home”(December
26,
2010
Sunday)[Online].
Available:
http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/?shr=t&csi=163823&sr=H
LEAD(The+New+Indestructibles+Dryerase+leather%2C+nanotech+fabric+and+stainresistant+chenille+enter+the+modern+home)+and+date+is+December,%20
2010
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Available:
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/technologyindustry-article/nano-technology-for-textile-industry/nano-technology-fortextile-industry1.asp
[22] By: Uldrich, Jack, Deb Newberry. (2003). “The next Big Thing Is
Really Small: How Nanotechnology Will Change the Future of Your
Business”. New York: Crown Business, Print.
agencies should be aware of the development of
nanotechnology in all fields. Necessary legal changes should
be made in a timely fashion in order to ensure
nanotechnology is used safely and responsibly. Based on the
recent discoveries and inventions, it appears that
nanotechnology has endless potential to improve the quality
of living as long as it is used with caution.
Nanotechnology has shown tremendous potential to
affect all areas of people’s lives. Modern demand for
functional clothing is expected to drive future development
of nanotechnology in the clothing industry. From sportswear
to
professional
garments,
clothing
made
with
nanotechnology provides stain-proof, bacteria proof among
other useful functions. These functions increase the
efficiency of clothing in protecting people from harmful and
undesirable substances. While nanotechnology, like any
other technology, has its disadvantages, its current
developments as well as past accomplishments outweigh the
disadvantages, especially when its future is considered.
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Available:
http://www.teachengineering.org/view_lesson.php?url=collection/duk_/less
ons/duk_surfacetensionunit_lessons/duk_surfacetensionunit_less4.xml.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
By: Greenemeier Larry (2011 April 4) "Bursting MRSA's Bubble: Using
Nanotech to Fight Drug-Resistant Bacteria: Scientific American." Science
News
[Online].
Available:
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=nanotech-drug-resistantbacteria
By: Klingensmith Dawn (2010 Dec 26) “The New Indestructible Dry-erase
leather, nanotech fabric and stain-resistant chenille enter the modern home”
[Online].
Available:
http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/?shr=t&csi=163823&sr=H
LEAD(The+New+Indestructibles+Dryerase+leather%2C+nanotech+fabric+
and+stainresistant+chenille+enter+the+modern+home)+and+date+is+Dece
mber,%202010
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to thank Nancy Koerbel and Beth Bateman
Newborg from the writing center faculty for their
instructions and revisions. We would also like to thank
professor Luis Bon for his valuable advices as well as Lisa
Volpatti, our section co-chair for meeting with us and giving
us encouragements and critiques. Finally, we would like to
6
Zhiyuan Yu
Ran Wang
thank the Dean of University of Pittsburgh Department of
Engineering Dan Budny, for his guidance.
7