In former times, the European textile and clothing industry was one of the mainsprings of the industrialization and a significant branch of the economy. Nowadays, many fabrics which meet the Europeans requirements are imported from low-price competitors like China, India, Taiwan and South Korea. Various countries use the textile industry as an entrance into the industrialization. On this account the global competition of the suppliers strengthens perpetually.
“One million jobs got lost in Europe from 1993 to 2003”, explained William Lakin, general director of the European textile association Euratex (F.A.Z., 14.06.2005, Nr.135/Seite 11). Nevertheless, there are still 2,5 million people engaged all over Europe and the textile branch turns about 215 billion euros.
Increasing competition and the enormous demand for new materials, is forcing the industry to restructure and modernise.
Significant restructuring has taken place over the last decade, however, there is a general recognition that producing traditional apparel products may no longer be sufficient to sustain a viable business, and the EU textile industries may have to move towards more innovative, high quality products in order to differentiate themselves and compete. The key areas for increased competitiveness are expected to be Information Technology, Biotechnology and the
emerging Nanotechnology.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Definition
3. History, development & origins
4. Nanofibres
5. Applications of nanotechnology in the textile branch
6. Implications and risks
6.1 Health aspects
6.2 Environmental aspects
7. Public Sponsorship
8. Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this work is to explore the role and potential of nanotechnology within the global textile industry, specifically addressing how innovative nanomaterials can enhance competitiveness in a market dominated by low-price competition. It investigates the technical foundations, current applications, and the associated health and environmental risks of nanotechnology in textiles.
- Historical development and fundamental definitions of nanotechnology.
- Manufacturing and characteristics of nanofibres.
- Integration of nanotechnology in textile applications (UV protection, lotus-effect, anti-microbial coatings).
- Risk assessment regarding human health and environmental impact.
- Economic analysis of public sponsorship and market potential.
Excerpt from the book
1. Introduction
In former times, the European textile and clothing industry was one of the mainsprings of the industrialization and a significant branch of the economy. Nowadays, many fabrics which meet the Europeans requirements are imported from low-price competitors like China, India, Taiwan and South Korea. Various countries use the textile industry as an entrance into the industrialization. On this account the global competition of the suppliers strengthens perpetually.
“One million jobs got lost in Europe from 1993 to 2003”, explained William Lakin, general director of the European textile association Euratex (F.A.Z., 14.06.2005, Nr.135/Seite 11). Nevertheless, there are still 2,5 million people engaged all over Europe and the textile branch turns about 215 billion euros.
Increasing competition and the enormous demand for new materials, is forcing the industry to restructure and modernise.
Significant restructuring has taken place over the last decade, however, there is a general recognition that producing traditional apparel products may no longer be sufficient to sustain a viable business, and the EU textile industries may have to move towards more innovative, high quality products in order to differentiate themselves and compete. The key areas for increased competitiveness are expected to be Information Technology, Biotechnology and the emerging Nanotechnology.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: This chapter highlights the challenges facing the European textile industry due to global competition and introduces nanotechnology as a key driver for future innovation.
2. Definition: This section provides a scientific definition of nanotechnology, explaining the manipulation of structures at the nanoscale and distinguishing between bottom-up and top-down approaches.
3. History, development & origins: This chapter outlines the historical milestones of nanotechnology, beginning with Richard Feynman’s influential speech and the subsequent conceptual developments by researchers like Norio Taniguchi and K. Eric Drexler.
4. Nanofibres: This chapter focuses on the production methods and characteristics of carbon nanofibres and nanotubes, detailing how they are observed and spun using specific catalytic processes.
5. Applications of nanotechnology in the textile branch: This chapter details practical textile applications, including UV protection, lotus-effect surfaces, medical bandages with nano-coatings, and thermo-regulating textiles.
6. Implications and risks: This chapter examines the potential health hazards of nanoparticle absorption and the environmental uncertainties regarding their accumulation in ecosystems.
7. Public Sponsorship: This chapter discusses the economic importance of nanotechnology, comparing research funding and investment strategies across the EU, the USA, and Japan.
8. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the transformative potential of nanotechnology for the textile industry and the strategic importance of continued interdisciplinary research for Germany's economic future.
Keywords
Nanotechnology, Nanofibres, Textile Industry, Innovation, Nanoparticles, UV Protection, Lotus-Effect, Molecular Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Public Sponsorship, Risk Assessment, Competitiveness, Microtechnology, Carbon Nanotubes, Surface Engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The paper examines the integration of nanotechnology within the textile industry, analyzing how these advanced materials can restore competitiveness to European manufacturers.
What are the central thematic areas?
The central themes include the technical definition of nano-scale manipulation, practical applications in clothing, the economic landscape of nanotechnology, and the safety risks involved.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The primary goal is to assess how nanotechnology serves as a tool for product value-addition and as a strategic solution to the economic pressures of traditional textile manufacturing.
Which scientific methods are discussed?
The work discusses bottom-up and top-down manufacturing approaches, the use of transmission electron microscopes (TEM), and chemical vapor deposition methods for nanofibre spinning.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the history of nanotechnology, the properties of nanofibres, specific textile finishing techniques, risk assessment, and the international financial support structures for the industry.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Key terms include Nanotechnology, Nanofibres, Textile Industry, Innovation, Nanoparticles, Risk Assessment, and Market Competitiveness.
How do silver-coated fibres assist neurodermatitis patients?
Silver-coated fibres release argentic ions that help reduce unhealthy bacteria on the skin, potentially improving the patient's clinical condition.
Why is there concern regarding nanoparticles and the blood-brain barrier?
There is concern that nanoparticles are so small that they could potentially cross the blood-brain barrier, which normally protects the brain from harmful chemicals, leading to currently unknown long-term neurological effects.
What is the "lotus-effect" in textiles?
The lotus-effect describes a surface structure that makes fabrics water- and stain-repellent, allowing dirt beads to be removed easily with cold water without rubbing.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sina Geisler (Autor:in), 2008, Nanofibres and nanotechnology in textiles, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/194347
