Nanotechnology projects in the textile industry are being developed at the Vitebsk Technological University

November 24, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA/. Specialists of the Vitebsk State Technological University (VSTU) are developing special textile materials with a metal nanocoating, which imparts various properties to fabrics. This was reported to a BELTA correspondent by Yevgeny Zamostotsky, senior lecturer at the Department of Spinning of Natural and Chemical Fibers, Candidate of Technical Sciences. The research work is based on the unique properties of metal nanomaterials, which provide fabrics with the desired characteristics. For example, applying a titanium dioxide nanocoating can achieve a photocatalytic effect – the textile surface with such a nanocoating begins to self-clean, and the struggle with stubborn stains can be forgotten. The fabric, after coating, is breathable. The coating is resistant to prolonged friction and is not damaged by temperature or washing. Metal nanoparticles also possess a range of unique properties, among which the ability of the nanocoating to reflect infrared radiation is of particular interest. "During our research, we managed to obtain samples of eight types of fabrics with metal nanocoatings, including copper, aluminum, and stainless steel. We are continuing to work with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanocoatings," said Yevgeny Zamostotsky. Currently, specialists at the Vitebsk university are working with three properties of the new materials – antistatic, shielding, and antibacterial – and are exploring their application possibilities. In addition, the innovation portfolio of Vitebsk specialists includes projects in the field of creating electrically conductive yarns that can heat up. "Introducing a carbon core into the structure of a composite yarn, which we coat with polymer materials, allows for heating of products made from fabric with composite carbon yarn," explained Yevgeny Zamostotsky. This requires supplying electric current to such fabric. Heated fabric can be in demand for the production of workwear for low-temperature environments, as well as for the manufacture of heated footwear and heating pads. Research work by VSTU staff in the field of nanotechnology is carried out under the guidance of Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor Alexander Kogan, commissioned by the concern "Bellegprom". -0-