Recent advances in nanotechnology for textile finishing

Purpose Critical evaluation and perspective on emerging trends in nanotechnological influence on textile finishes. Design/methodology/approach Investigation using state-of-the-art recent publications reposited in Google Scholar. Findings The escalating advances in nanotechnology have critically influenced evolvements in the textile segment, imparting directly on textile finishing. Synergism of textile technology and nanotechnological advancements have propelled a paradigm shift, changed the narrative and formed novel platforms for textile surfaces engineering at both atomically affiliated and molecular-metric levels, resulting in exceptional enhancements in functionalities, performance as well as aesthetic appearance. Research limitations/implications Prospective nanotechnological applications in textile finishes demonstrate an endless limitation in scope and variety, ranging from intelligent sensors to drug delivery, enhanced fire safety to enhanced water repellency and to self-repairing and cleaning attributes, resulting in manufacturing of durable multifunctional textiles for a host of applications. Practical implications The application of nanotechnology finishing techniques has several benefits for wash durability such as improved resistance to shrinkage where nanocoatings reduce fiber contraction, maintaining textile dimensions; enhanced color fastness where nanoparticles prevent dye migration, minimizing color fading; increased soil resistance where nanostructured surfaces reduce soil accumulation, easing washing; reduced pilling where nanofibers improve fabric smoothness, minimizing pilling and antimicrobial properties where nanoparticles inhibit microbial growth, reducing odor and stain formation. Social implications Advances in nanotechnology has tremendously affected textile finishes such as durability, improved abrasion resistance, UV resistance, chemical resistance, thermal stability, improved resistance to pilling, enhanced fire resistance and so on. Originality/value Nanotechnology has revolutionized the textile industry, particularly in the finishing process. The integration of nanotechnology in textile finishing has enabled the creation of high-performance fabrics with unique properties. These properties include water repellency, self-cleaning, antimicrobial activity and improved thermal insulation. The application of nanotechnology in textile finishing has also led to the development of sustainable and eco-friendly treatments.