Technical Textiles - Materials and Emerging Technologies

Technical Textiles –
Materials and Emerging

Technologies
Technical textiles cater to different areas of applications such as agriculture, automotive, medical and hygiene
etc. Unlike traditional textiles, technical textiles is a knowledge-driven, innovation-led, low-volume and high-
value industry. Due to rapidly expanding applications, the technical textiles industry is globally developing in
terms of innovation, technologies and performance. The current global technical textiles market is dominated
by US and EU.
India has high growth potential in the field of technical textiles due to relatively easy access to raw material,
presence of entire textile supply chain, low labour costs and high domestic consumption. Favourable policies
of Government and support for innovation and product development can further boost investments in
technical textiles in India.
7.1 Important and emerging products of various

technical textiles sectors
 Agrotech
 Mobiltech
 Geotech
 Indutech
 Meditech
 Protech
Section 7: Technical Textiles – Materials and Emerging Technologies Framework
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.1 Agrotech
Name of
Application Product Reference
product
Leno fabric woven from black PP yarns with

Crop approximately 50% open area. The open mesh design
protecting reduces wind speed without creating turbulence. It is [1]
textiles ideal for protecting fruit trees, plants, and crops from
damage due to strong winds.
Knitted net for

This knitted net provides protection against rain splash,
crop [2]
hailstorm, rabbits, pigeons and other vermin.
protection
These closely woven anti-UV treated polyethylene net

Woven nets
prevent the intrusion of Drosophila Suzukii fruit fly) in
for protection [3]
soft fruit crops. These nets provide very good aeration
from fruit flies
and high resistance.
It is a knitted high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

monofilament net. It is used to protect vegetable crops
Bird net [4]
against damage to seeds and young plants caused by
game or birds.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Technical Textiles Industry in India: Opportunities and Challenges - 181 -
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
This net is knitted from 100% HDPE monofilament and

Anti-hail Net [5]
provides protection to crops from hailstorms.
It is a woven textile comprising a unique mix of two

Biodegradable polymers, one biodegradable and one compostable.
mulching After three years of efficient weed control this fabric [6]
fabric will eventually break down, biodegrade and convert into
humus, water, and CO2.
It is a mulching sheet made by spunbonded

technology. Due to its simple structure, this material
Mulch net [7]
allows sunlight to penetrate, at the same time it
protects against UV light, and preserves soil moisture.
It is a UV stabilised, white polypropylene woven fabric,

Foliage reinforced for extra strength. It is specially designed to
[8]
removal fabric fit in greenhouse corridors and has excellent
performance due to reinforced edges.
This mesh is a nonwoven, which acts as an agricultural

thermal blanket. It is UV stabilised. Because of its
Anti-frost
porosity, it allows the passage of air and water. It can [9]
mesh
be used in different types of crops – for agriculture,
horticulture and in nurseries.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.2 Mobiltech
Name of
product
These are 100% polyester woven webbing. It is UV

Seat belt inhibited and resistant to shrinkage, rotting, mould and [10]
mildew.
It is a tightly woven fabric with high strength and low

gas permeability. It helps to enhance driver and
Airbag fabric passenger protection. [11]
These knitted fabrics are highly versatile. Different type

of yarns like textures, flats, bright or matte can be
Car headliner
used. The knitted fabric offers advantage as headliners [12]
fabrics
because it is easier to mould due to its elasticity, and
high ripping resistance.
The main material used include kenaf, which grows

Natural fibre
year-round and has excellent CO2 absorbing properties,
composite for [13]
and plant-derived plastic, making them environmentally
door trim
friendly as well.
A personalised climate-controlled environment is

Smart textile
delivered by providing overall thermal comfort through [14]
for car seat
specific controls to the occupant.
A layered system that can be customised for seat

covers to include any or all of the following protective
Multifunctiona
attributes: anti-odour to absorb odours and prevent
l fabric for [15]
growth of mildew and bacteria; anti-static to eliminate
seat covers
static electricity; anti-dust to resist accumulation of
dust.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Using Wilton fabric, a traditional British textile, this

Specially
painstakingly woven product is highly durable, making
finished [16]
it suitable for sports driving. This car mat also has
woven car mat
deodorant, antibacterial and soil-resistant functions.
It is a range of carbon fabrics, which have been

Woven carbon
processed for a smooth, closed weave and uniform
fabrics for
cosmetic appearance. The fibre tows are spread in both [17]
automotive
the warp and weft direction for unique aesthetic
roof
appeal. It is used in BMW roof.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.3 Geotech
Name of
product
Thermally It is composed of continuous polypropylene filaments.

bonded The fibre extrusion process produces thousands of
nonwoven for superfine continuous filaments, which pass through a [18]
erosion “pre-stretch” stage. This nonwoven can be used in
control railways, erosion control, roads, and drainage.
Needle- It is needle-punched, nonwoven polypropylene paving

punched fabric, which is recyclable, and it is compatible with
[19]
nonwoven placement directly on milled and smooth pavement
paving fabric surfaces..
Recycle fibre-
It is a nonwoven geotextile which is used to construct
based
retaining structures, linear constructions, waste [20]
nonwoven for
deposits, drainage systems, etc.
drainage
Inter-grain, geonet made from high-density

Laminated polyethylene (HDPE) which is laminated by
nonwoven for polypropylene (PP) geotextile on one side and by hydro
[21]
hydro insulation foil on the other one. Its pattern creates
insulation channels with high flow capacity under pressure and at
very low gradients.
These meshes are made from woven glass fibre

Woven fibre
strands, which are embedded in wet basecoat plaster.
mesh for [22]
These fibreglass meshes are used for reinforcing plaster
construction
and mortar.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
These geotextile tubes are monolithic-tubular

containers fabricated by multiple pieces of engineered
Coastal
synthetic woven fabrics. These structures provide [23]
protection
protection to coastal structures such as seawalls,
dunes, breakwaters, groins, and revetments, etc.
Green
It is 100% biodegradable, mechanically bonded
nonwoven for
nonwoven, which performs the functions of separation, [24]
filtration and
filtration, and protection.
separation
Jute geotextiles have been found to be useful for

Jute control of surface soil erosion, construction of
geotextiles for embankment on weak soil as well as strengthening of [25]
highways road pavement and surface for separation of drainage
and temporary reinforcement
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.4 Indutech
Name of
product
Laminated These filter socks are available in both PP and ePTFE

nonwoven felt backed laminates and these are used to filter [26]
filter tube assemblies.
These are nonwoven felts of meta-aramid or para-

Hot gas aramid, ceramic or glass fibres which can withstand
[27]
filtration high temperature and are thus suitable for hot gas
filtration.
These belts are manufactured using a fabric having

high tenacity, straight warp threads and dense weft
Conveyer yarn construction. The cover compounds used in
[28]
belts conveyor belts ensure higher longitudinal flexibility
while guaranteeing very low elongation at working
with high loads.
These flexible hosepipes have a knitted or braided

Hose pipes [29]
casing and latex polymer at the core.
These are nonwoven and woven cloths which are

Abrasive
combined and coated with aluminium oxide so as to [30]
fabrics
give appropriate finish to surfaces.
High-
These are braided ropes of UHMWPE or other high-
performance
performance fibres and these are used for mooring [31]
ropes and
ships and boats.
cordages
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Umbilicals utilise thermoplastic unidirectional tapes

for their lightweight and high tensile strength.
Advanced Umbilicals are ideal for protecting important
composites electronic systems that are used to communicate [32]
for oil and gas with equipment below the surface. Also, these
composites are inherently fire retardant without the
need for adding toxic secondary fillers
It is manufactured by unique 3D honeycomb

Honeycomb
structure with a diagonally braced double-raschel [33]
structure
weave by an advanced process.
This soft shackle made of Stealth Fibre® UHMwPE.

Breaded Stealth Technology® simultaneously increases fibre
[34]
shackles crystallinity, provides abrasion-resistant protection,
and evens out all stresses in ropes.
Stealth Technology
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.5 Meditech
Name of
product
Different types of yarns such as polyester,

polypropylene, PGA, PLA, PTFE, nylon, UHMWPE,
Implantable
Lycra/Spandex are used to manufacture medical [35]
medical Textiles
textiles. Medical grade polyesters are produced by
using special extrusion process.
These offer highly absorbent and disposable sheet

Water repellent technology by encapsulating liquid and moisture. These
[36]
hospital linen prevent penetration and at the same time provide
optimum care and comfort for the patient.
It is 100% polyester woven PU coated breathable and

Reusable reusable fabric for the reliable protection for the health
Personnel care professional. The polyester used in this fabric is [37]
protective made from 100% recycled polyester fibre.
equipments
Knitted
compression These involve weft with circular knitting and warp with
[38]
stockings and mesh knitting for custom-made products
bandages
Composite Composite knitted Mesh for Hernia is a 3D mesh

knitted Mesh for prepared from collagen coated polyester yarn by warp [39]
Hernia knitting.
Antimicrobial This is a slow-release antimicrobial dressing with silver.

Foam Dressing It is more suitable for wounds which are not easy to [40]
with Silver heal.
It is undyed short-term absorbable synthetic

monofilament suture made of glyconate for the
approximation of soft tissue with a fast-healing
Biodegradable process. The monofilament sutures appear to have the [41]
sutures
lowest infection promoting effects, exhibit less tissue
drag and cause less tearing because of their smooth
surfaces.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
These are nonwoven masks with straps ideal for

Surgical masks [42]
surgical and general-purpose use.
These are 3D-knit constructed mask with 4-way

stretches and 36 filter layers thus minimising gaps and
N95 [43]
enhancing wearability. These maintain function and
shape even after multiple washes.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.1.6 Protech
Name of product Application Product Reference
Multi-layered assembly of woven or unidirectional

fabrics, they are made from aramid or UHMWPE fibres
Soft body armour that can give protection against 9 mm bullet and thus [44]
fulfil the requirement of Indian standard IS 17051:
2018.
This is a custom suit, which is made from carbon

Bulletproof suit nanotubes. The material is thinner, lighter, and more [45]
flexible than Kevlar.
This product is made from P-aramid microfilament

fabric with a functional silicon carbide coating that is
Protection against
bonded by a special matrix system. It provides [46]
sharp objects
protection against ballistic impact, sharp and pointed
weapons.
These are made from cross-linked polyacrylate yarn

Flame retardant
which is resistant to flames, high temperatures, and [47]
textiles
chemical agents.
This is made from Multilayer assembly of fibrous

Extreme cold
materials which contain breathable fabric layer and [48]
protective textiles
hollow fibres. It is used for protection from cold.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
It consists of textile material coated with double PVC

Nuclear, biological,
coating which is equipped with HEPA filters. It also
chemical (NBC) [49]
consists of welded safety boots and voice
protective suits
communication system.
Electromagnetic These are silver or copper plated-nylon fabrics (woven

shielding and and non-woven) which can be can be used in sensors, [50]
reflecting textiles EMI shielding, and reflection.
It has a reflective coating on polyester yarn which is

High visibility
combined with glass beads for ensuring high visibility [51]
clothing
for clothing.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.2 Smart Textiles

There has been an increasing trend towards usage of textiles, which have an active component embedded in
them that enables them to sense stimuli present in ambient conditions and which is followed by a reaction and
response in the corresponding textile structure. The stimuli as well as reaction to stimuli can be electrical,
thermal, magnetic or of some other origin. Textiles can be used as sensor, actuator, signal processor, energy
harvester and energy storage devices. In the current scenario, textiles with active components are becoming
popular with the service ecosystem that is outside the traditional textile value chain. The area of smart textiles
opens up a vast opportunity for textile developers to innovate and develop new products each with special
intelligence and response. It is envisaged that a lot of exciting and futuristic research is going to happen in
this domain in next few decades. Smart textiles are divided into three sub categories [52]:
 Passive smart textiles can only sense the environment, these basically are sensors.
 Active smart textiles can sense the stimuli from the environment and can also react to them, besides the
sensor function, they also have an actuator function.
 Very smart textiles take a step further, having the ability to adapt their behaviour to the circumstances.
The table given below gives a glimpse about commercial products and recent research work going on in the
field of smart textiles.
Name of
product
These are textile based sensors for detecting motion

Wearable sensors and vital body parameters. Medical personnel and [53]
caregivers get an alert in case the patient is in distress.
These shoes contain a microcontroller, 505 mAh

battery, gyroscope, accelerometer, Bluetooth module,
Wearable sensors [54]
motor, lighting, pressure sensor, capacitive touch
sensor, temperature sensor and wireless charging coil.
Reduction graphene oxide (rGO) fibre is manufactured

using the wet-spinning technique followed by a coating
Wearable textile of silver epoxy paste on the ends of the fibres. Then
these fibres are knitted into a fabric. The fibre-based [55]
sensors
temperature sensor shows good responsiveness to
temperature change in the range of 30-80°C.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
These consist of hollow PTFE fibres which are filled with

gallium metal using a vacuum pump for manufacturing
Energy harvesting textile-based triboelectric nanogenerator (t-TENG). The
and self-powered t-TENG with an area of 6 x 8 cm2 can produce a peak [56]
textiles VOC of 206 V and a peak ISC of 28.7 μA by tapping
with a cotton glove. These metal filled fibres can then
be used on human body.
Cotton yarn is coated using MXene. It is followed by

knitting. MXene-coated cotton yarns as electrodes
Wearable energy
demonstrates energy and power densities of 25.4 µWh [57]
storage textiles
cm2. Coated conductive cotton yarns can be used for
energy storage in devices.
This Composite smart textile is composed of phase

separated PEG treated PEDOT: PSS/rGO decorated
natural merino wool-nylon woven fabric is prepared by
Soft touch sensors [58]
dip-drying method. The composite textile provides
excellent electric and EMI shielding and is highly
responsive to soft touch.
Cellulose acetate and vitamin A and E are spun into

mat by electrospinning method followed by evaluation
Controlled drug of release rate. CA-based fibrous mat releases the
[59]
release vitamins in a gradual and regular-predictable way.
These findings can then be used for controlled drug
release.
HDPE, DEET and EVA are converted into fibre by melt

spinning method where DEET and EVA are used at the
Mosquito repellent core while HDPE is used in the sheath. Textiles knitted
[60]
textiles from core-sheath filaments shows high residual
repellence activity even after 20 cold washes or after
eight months of ageing under laboratory conditions.
Three different fabrics with plain, twill and honeycomb

Controlled drug weave are manufactured and these are followed by
release using treatment with microcapsules. Fabrics with a
fabrics with honeycomb structure perform better in terms of [61]
honeycomb microcapsule content and air permeability. Honeycomb
structure structure has better wash durability. These findings can
be used in controlled drug release.
Dual 3-speed fans and HEPA filters are provided for

enhanced breathability. Alongwith its integrated
Smart textiles for
features, XUPERMASK boasts of its active noise
mask [62]
cancelling audio and microphone capabilities,
(XUPERMASK)
Bluetooth® 5.0 connectivity, LED day glow lights and a
magnetic earbud docking system.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
This Airbag has accelerometers that detect unusual

Smart textiles for movement, inflates and forms around the head and
[63]
safety airbags neck like a protective hood. In the event of an accident,
the airbag inflates in 0.1 seconds.
These sense body movement and guide you through

yoga sessions. These can be connected to Bluetooth.
Smart yoga pants The motors produce gentle vibrations that draw your [64]
attention to the parts of your body required for a
specific yoga pose.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Technical Textiles - Materials and Emerging Technologies

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Technical Textiles - Materials and Emerging Technologies

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Technical Textiles –

Materials and Emerging

7.1 Important and emerging products of various

Leno fabric woven from black PP yarns with

Knitted net for

These closely woven anti-UV treated polyethylene net

It is a knitted high-density polyethylene (HDPE)

This net is knitted from 100% HDPE monofilament and

It is a woven textile comprising a unique mix of two

It is a mulching sheet made by spunbonded

It is a UV stabilised, white polypropylene woven fabric,

This mesh is a nonwoven, which acts as an agricultural

These are 100% polyester woven webbing. It is UV

It is a tightly woven fabric with high strength and low

These knitted fabrics are highly versatile. Different type

The main material used include kenaf, which grows

A personalised climate-controlled environment is

A layered system that can be customised for seat

Using Wilton fabric, a traditional British textile, this

It is a range of carbon fabrics, which have been

Thermally It is composed of continuous polypropylene filaments.

Needle- It is needle-punched, nonwoven polypropylene paving

Inter-grain, geonet made from high-density

These meshes are made from woven glass fibre

These geotextile tubes are monolithic-tubular

Jute geotextiles have been found to be useful for

Laminated These filter socks are available in both PP and ePTFE

These are nonwoven felts of meta-aramid or para-

These belts are manufactured using a fabric having

These flexible hosepipes have a knitted or braided

These are nonwoven and woven cloths which are

Umbilicals utilise thermoplastic unidirectional tapes

It is manufactured by unique 3D honeycomb

This soft shackle made of Stealth Fibre® UHMwPE.

Different types of yarns such as polyester,

These offer highly absorbent and disposable sheet

It is 100% polyester woven PU coated breathable and

Composite Composite knitted Mesh for Hernia is a 3D mesh

Antimicrobial This is a slow-release antimicrobial dressing with silver.

It is undyed short-term absorbable synthetic

These are nonwoven masks with straps ideal for

These are 3D-knit constructed mask with 4-way

Name of product Application Product Reference

Multi-layered assembly of woven or unidirectional

This is a custom suit, which is made from carbon

This product is made from P-aramid microfilament

These are made from cross-linked polyacrylate yarn

This is made from Multilayer assembly of fibrous

It consists of textile material coated with double PVC

Electromagnetic These are silver or copper plated-nylon fabrics (woven

It has a reflective coating on polyester yarn which is

7.2 Smart Textiles

These are textile based sensors for detecting motion

These shoes contain a microcontroller, 505 mAh

Reduction graphene oxide (rGO) fibre is manufactured

These consist of hollow PTFE fibres which are filled with

Cotton yarn is coated using MXene. It is followed by

This Composite smart textile is composed of phase

Cellulose acetate and vitamin A and E are spun into

HDPE, DEET and EVA are converted into fibre by melt

Three different fabrics with plain, twill and honeycomb

Dual 3-speed fans and HEPA filters are provided for

This Airbag has accelerometers that detect unusual