Naveed Ahmed

The use of nanotechnology can increase the exports of the textile sector, one of the oldest industries of Pakistan that contributes significantly to the national economy, WealthPK reports.

Dr Tahseen Aslam, a senior scientific officer at the Pakistan Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (PCSIR), told WealthPK that nanotechnology had enormous potential to grow exports of the textile industry of Pakistan.

“It has dual benefits. Nanotechnology can be used in the manufacturing of finished products. It is also used to increase fuel efficiency in the textile sector, which is the central issue of the industry these days,” he said.

Dr Tahseen said that nanotechnology was based on the fact that their properties drastically changed when materials were reduced to the scale of a nanometre. It is used for developing desired textile properties such as high tensile strength, unique surface structure, soft hand, durability, water repellency, fire retardancy and antimicrobial properties. The technology is also used for composite fibre manufacturing and textile finishing.

The technology can provide high durability for fabrics because nano-particles have a large surface area-to-volume ratio and high surface energy. These particles present a better affinity for fabrics and increase the durability of function. Coating nano-particles on fabrics will not affect their breathability or hand feel.

Dr Tahseen said that nanotechnology held real commercial potential for the textile industry. “Conventional methods of imparting different properties to fabrics are often temporary, and after laundering or wearing, they will lose their functions,” he added.

However, the application of the technology depends primarily on the specific requirements of textile production, including fibre and yarn production, pre-treatment, dyeing and printing, finishing treatments and manufacturing.

“Consequently, there is a need to conduct research to provide optimal solutions through the use of nanotechnology for the problems of declining textile exports,” said Dr Tahseen.

Dr Noor Muhammad Butt, the chairman of Preston University of Nano Science and Technology (PINSAT), told WealthPK that nanotechnology could spark a new industrial revolution. “It is a $3 trillion industry globally. Nanotechnology must be introduced on a war footing in Pakistan’s textile industry to maximise its benefits. Technologies and research institutes that can address the real issues of the textile industry need to be developed,” he added.

He said that industrialists must invest in research and development to improve the production of their units. He said that companies with leading global textile exports established their own laboratories to resolve their problems and find new methods for increasing productivity.

Dr Noor Muhammad said that the use of nanotechnology in manufacturing machines and materials would increase electric conductivity, promoting the efficient use of energy. “Moreover, fuel efficiency can also be optimised by the use of nanotechnology. Catalysts made through nanotechnology can increase the chemical process much faster, boosting the productivity of the textile industry,” he added.

He said that in light of the rapid technological advancements in the textile world, it was highly recommended that an expert committee on nanotechnology and its applications in textiles should be formed to identify the current state of nanotechnology applications in Pakistan’s textile industry and develop a comprehensive strategy for the growth of Pakistan's nanotechnology-based textile industry.

“It is also necessary to arrange training workshops on applying nanotechnology to the textile industry to increase exports,” Dr Noor Muhammad told WealthPK.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk