Self-cleaning textiles: structure, fabrication and applications

Abstract Hygiene, contamination-free and safety are the most cogent terms nowadays, as the aptitude of microorganisms to survive in the environment and any surface along with the infection transmission tendencies are improving gradually and steadily. In this technologically advanced and busy world, wasting time, money and resources (water, energy) for cleaning purpose that also has a potential impact on our environment is really absurd. Henceforth, self-cleaning and self-disinfecting concepts in the textile sector are of high interest. A combination of nanotechnology and inspiration from nature (e.g., lotus leaf effect) make this self-cleaning concept a reality. This chapter explores the origin and mechanisms of self-cleaning theory, fabrication of self-cleaning textiles/surfaces by using microwave, carbon nanotube, photocatalyst (such as TiO2) coating and other advance materials. Characterization techniques of textile surfaces and their application followed by limitation and influences on the environment in favourable and regrettable ways will also be discussed.