Nanocoatings for smart textiles

This chapter presents a general overview of recent advances in developing smart textiles through application of nanostructured materials. It focuses on different synthesis approaches of nanoparticles, immobilization methods, and coating techniques reported in the literature. Different techniques of treating fabric surfaces, including sol–gel, cross-linking, plasma, and nanocomposite coating methods, are explored. In addition, the application of different types of nanoparticles in textile modification processes along with the resultant functionalities such as self- cleaning, UV protection, thermal regulation, antimicrobial activity, fire retardancy, and conductivity as well as associated mechanisms are discussed.