Читать книгу Applications of Polymer Nanofibers - Группа авторов - Страница 52

Nanosized textile materials, such as nanofiber‐based yarns and woven/nonwoven fabrics, are able to provide greater advantages than traditional textile materials, such as smaller pore size and larger surface area. The structure of those nanofiber‐based textile materials mainly depends on their fabrication approaches and processes. Due to the unique properties of nanofibers, the applications of these nanostructured textile materials in protective clothing, filtrations, and biomedical textiles, etc., have been explored. Although some products (e.g. nanofiber facial masks) made from nanofiber‐based fabrics have been commercialized, most other applications are still in early development stage. Hence, more efforts are needed for the research and development of nanofiber‐based textiles and their practical applications. The following are the future development trends of nanofiber‐based textile materials.

1 In order to achieve mass production and high product quality, the appropriate design of nanofiber‐based textile materials is extremely important. For example, by optimizing the approach of fiber spinning, collecting, and winding, together with a quality control system, highly aligned, and continuous nanofiber bundles can be obtained with enhanced mechanical properties.

2 Introducing polymers with various functionalities to prepare multifunctional nanofibers can potentially provide improved physical or chemical properties, including high electrical conductivity, excellent chemical resistance, etc. This will enable the use of nanofiber textile materials in various practical applications.

3 From another perspective, smart textiles (e.g. wearable devices) based on nanofibers are promising and their robust growth is expected in sports and fitness fields. Nanofiber‐based woven/nonwoven fabrics with enhanced wearing comfort, durability, water vapor permeability, etc., are needed for smart textiles.

In brief, nanofiber‐based textile materials are becoming a tremendous opportunity for both academic researchers and industry developers, and numerous progresses have been made on the fabrication and application of these novel materials. It is believed that nanofiber‐based textiles will definitely play an essential role in the future textile market.