Nanotechnology works at the levels of molecules and atoms, and can modify the properties of materials through molecular engineering. Though molecular engineering technology is not yet advanced enough to do all the things that we want, nanotechnology has already succeeded in modifying certain properties of existing materials. For example, stain-repellant fabrics and textiles, and wound dressings that deliver antimicrobials to the wounds are already in the market.
What can we expect in the future as the technology develops? The potential is quite exciting. Future developments will have two major areas of focus in the case of textiles:
* Improve upon existing functions and the current performance of textile materials
* Develop smart textiles that have functions presently not associated with textiles
Developing light clothing material that offers protection against cold similar to what provided by heavy woolens now will be an example of the first category. In the area of smart textiles, the possibilities are immense:
* Clothes that sense environmental conditions and modify their behavior
* Clothes that clean and repair themselves, say by closing any tears caused by sharp edges
* Clothes that produce and store energy needed for various devices we carry around
* Clothes that sense wounds (say those caused by the same sharp edges) and deliver healing medication to the injured area
Products already in the market indicate that the above types of solutions are not purely fanciful.
