Magnetic Textile Project | Process Documentation & Weeklog Table¶
| Phase | Tasks | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-3 | Literature Review & Material Selection - Study past research on magnetic textiles & nanoparticles - Identify suitable textile substrates (cotton, polyester, etc.) - Select nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄, CoFe₂O₄, NiFe₂O₄, etc.) - Determine the best in-situ synthesis method (Co-precipitation, Sol-Gel, Hydrothermal) |
Jan 1 – Jan 21 |
| Week 4-5 | Experimental Setup & Preliminary Trials - Procure materials (fabrics, nanoparticles, chemicals) - Pre-treatment of fabrics (cleaning, surface activation) - Conduct small-scale trials of nanoparticle synthesis - Analyze initial magnetization, adhesion & morphology |
Jan 22 – Feb 4 |
| Week 6-7 | Full-Scale Experimental Runs - Optimize nanoparticle synthesis conditions (pH, temperature, concentration) - Run larger fabric samples for testing - Improve adhesion & uniformity of nanoparticles |
Feb 5 – Feb 18 |
| Week 8-9 | Characterization & Performance Testing - SEM, XRD, FTIR for surface morphology & bonding - VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometry) for magnetization - Mechanical & Wash Durability tests - Compare different fabric/nanoparticle combinations |
Feb 19 – Mar 3 |
| Week 10-11 | Data Analysis & Optimization - Analyze all experimental results - Adjust synthesis methods for better stability & performance - Test potential real-world applications (EMI shielding, medical textiles, sensors) |
Mar 4 – Mar 17 |
| Week 12 | Final Report & Documentation - Compile results into a structured research paper - Discuss findings, challenges, and future applications - Prepare a presentation or poster if needed |
Mar 18 – Mar 24 |
| Week 13 | Final Submission & Presentation - Submit project report - Present findings & discuss future research possibilities |
Mar 25 – Mar 31 |
1. Ideation & Sketches¶
The concept of magnetic textiles revolves around embedding magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) directly into fabrics to achieve functional, durable, and washable smart textiles. These fabrics can be used for healthcare, smart wearables, electromagnetic shielding, and security applications.
Brainstorming & Conceptualization¶
Why Magnetic Textiles?¶
Magnetic textiles offer unique functionalities that conventional fabrics lack:
✔ Electromagnetic Shielding: Protection from electromagnetic radiation (EMI).
✔ Biomedical Applications: Stimulating muscles via external magnets (magnetic therapy).
✔ Wearable Technology: Motion tracking and smart textile integration.
✔ Industrial & Security Uses: RFID-embedded fabrics for authentication and theft prevention.
Research & Literature Review¶
To develop a strong foundation, research was conducted on in-situ synthesis methods for magnetic textiles. The following key research papers were reviewed:
- Montazer, M. et al. In-Situ Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Cotton Fabrics (Link)
- Afshari, S. & Montazer, M. Sonosynthesis of Nickel Nanoparticles on Polyester (Link)
- Recent Advances in Functional Magnetic Textiles – Covers applications in biomedicine, defense, and smart wearables (Link)
Prototyping Ideas:¶
- Direct Synthesis on Fabric: Growing Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles inside textile fibers.
- Spray-Coating Method: Applying nanoparticle solution followed by curing.
- Polymer Encapsulation: Embedding nanoparticles in a flexible polymer matrix for textile adhesion.
2. Design & Fabrication¶
Once the concept was defined, the next step was to experiment with fabrication techniques to integrate magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into textiles.
Experimental Design¶
The in-situ synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles on textiles was conducted in four main steps:
1.Fabric Pre-Treatment¶
- Objective: Improve the surface adhesion of nanoparticles on textile fibers.
- Methods Used:
✔ For Natural Fabrics (Cotton/Wool): Acid/Base Treatment (Hydrochloric Acid, NaOH).
✔ For Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester/Nylon): Plasma Treatment for surface activation. - Expected Outcome: Increased nanoparticle binding and enhanced durability after washing.
2.Nanoparticle Synthesis (In-Situ Growth Method)¶
- Goal: Synthesize iron oxide (Fe₃O₄) nanoparticles directly onto fabric fibers.
- Chemical Reaction Used:
- FeCl₃ + FeSO₄ + NaOH → Fe₃O₄ Nanoparticles
- Process Steps:
- Prepare iron salt solution (Fe³⁺ and Fe²⁺ sources).
- Immerse fabric in solution and heat to 80°C.
- Slowly add NaOH to precipitate Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles.
- Allow the reaction to complete, then rinse fabric with deionized water.
- Dry and cure the fabric at 100°C for 1 hour.
Alternative Methods:
- Sol-Gel Process: Coating fabric with Fe₃O₄ precursor before heat treatment.
- Sonochemical Method: Using ultrasound waves to grow nanoparticles on fabric.
3. Magnetic Testing & Characterization¶
After fabricating the first batch of magnetic textiles, testing was performed to analyze magnetic properties, durability, and performance.
✔ Magnetic Response Test: Checking attraction to a neodymium magnet.
✔ Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Imaging nanoparticles on fabric fibers.
✔ X-ray Diffraction (XRD): Verifying Fe₃O₄ crystal structure.
✔ Washing Durability: Testing retention of nanoparticles after 20 wash cycles.
4. Application & Integration¶
Once the magnetic textile was successfully synthesized and tested, the next step was to integrate it into a functional application.
Wearable & Fashion Concepts¶
- Magnetic Kinetic Dress: Fabric with embedded magnets that change shape dynamically.
- Motion-Responsive Textile: Moves in response to external magnetic fields.
- Smart Gloves with Magnetic Touch: Allows users to interact with metal surfaces or magnetic fields.
Installation / Interactive Showcase¶
- Magnetic Textile Wall: A mounted fabric that shifts when exposed to a magnet.
- Floating Textile Sculpture: A lightweight textile suspended with hidden magnets to create a "levitating" effect.