Abstract
The scope of fibre science is very broad. Only innovative products will be able to open up new markets and new horizons for the textile industry. Innovation is a key factor for operating successfully in any market. Within the textile industry, the challenge for companies today lies in bringing to market a stream of new and improved, value-added products, in order to strengthen existing product lines, and diversify into new areas. Technology represents one critical route in doing so.
1. Introduction
When textile assumes an additional function over and above the conventional purpose, it may be regarded as speciality or functional textile.
To realise our dream of new fibres and environment friendly wet processing, it is essential to invest in future research and “researchers”
The textile industry of the future looks very promising – something to revive our spirits considering the fact that it is considered an obsolete technology. However, the textile industry is required to shift its emphasis from “quantity” to “quality” and adopt itself to the dynamism of the market economy.
Speciality finishes involves: Fragrance Release, Protective Finishes, Skin Care Additives, Insect Repellent, Deodorising Fragrance, Antimicrobials, Flame Retardant Finishes, Cool Finish & Thermal Insulatory Finish, Water Proofing Finish and UV Stabilisers.
Functional finishes represent the next generation of finishing industry, which, make textile materials act by themselves. This means that they may keep us warm in cold environments or cool in hot environments or provide us with considerable convenience, support, and even fun in our normal day-to-day activities.
2. Types of Functional Finishes
2.1. Antimicrobial Finishes
Microbes are minute organisms, but can be most dangerous for creating harm to our lifestyle in different ways. So to make the environment healthy, hygienic and fresh, it becomes very important to have the control over growth of the microbes and for these the garments / fabrics should be treated with some specialty chemicals, which can restrict the growth of these microorganisms. Antimicrobial finishing is one of the special types of finishing given to the textiles where the chances of bacterial growth are high and the safety is paramount.
Antimicrobial treatment on the undergarments controls the growth of the microbes on it, which will in turn control the above effects.
http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/2/112/functional-finishes-for-apparels1.asp
