WeekLog | 01¶

Introduction¶

The development of magnetic textiles through in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles is an emerging area in smart textiles and functional materials. Magnetic textiles have applications in wearable electronics, electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, biomedical textiles (drug delivery, hyperthermia treatment), and soft robotics. The integration of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into textile fibers enhances their functionality while maintaining flexibility and breathability.

This section reviews previous studies on the in-situ synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles on textiles, discusses suitable textile substrates, and identifies potential nanoparticle candidates and synthesis techniques.

Magnetic Nanoparticles for Textile Applications¶

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are classified into ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, and superparamagnetic materials, with iron oxides (Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃), cobalt ferrites (CoFe₂O₄), and nickel-based nanoparticles being the most commonly used in textiles.

Common Magnetic Nanoparticles (MNPs)¶

Nanoparticle	Properties	Applications in Textiles
Fe₃O₄ (Magnetite)	Strong magnetism, biocompatible	Wearable sensors, EMI shielding, medical textiles
γ-Fe₂O₃ (Maghemite)	High saturation magnetization, oxidation-resistant	Smart textiles, energy storage fabrics
CoFe₂O₄ (Cobalt Ferrite)	Hard magnetic, chemically stable	Data storage, actuators, magnetic-responsive fabrics
NiFe₂O₄ (Nickel Ferrite)	Corrosion-resistant, moderate magnetism	Anti-counterfeiting textiles, soft robotics

Textile Substrate Selection¶

The choice of textile substrate affects the nanoparticle adhesion, durability, and overall performance. Natural and synthetic fibers with functional groups that facilitate chemical bonding or physical adsorption are preferred.

Key Properties for Textile Selection¶

High Surface Area – Increases nanoparticle deposition.
Hydrophilicity or Surface Reactivity – Improves nanoparticle binding.
Thermal and Chemical Stability – Withstands synthesis conditions.

Suitable Textile Substrates¶

Textile	Advantages	AChallenges
Cotton	High surface area, hydroxyl groups aid nanoparticle binding	Poor durability in harsh conditions
Polyester	Good mechanical strength, thermal stability	Requires surface activation for better adhesion
Nylon	Strong, flexible, good for medical applications	Prone to oxidation and degradation
Silk	Biodegradable, used in biomedical applications	Expensive and limited processing options

For this study, cotton and polyester are chosen as primary substrates due to their widespread use in textiles and potential for modification to improve nanoparticle adhesion.

In-Situ Synthesis Methods for Magnetic Nanoparticles on Textiles¶

Various synthesis methods have been explored for nanoparticle growth directly on textile surfaces to improve uniform distribution, adhesion, and durability.

Co-Precipitation Method¶

Principle: Chemical reaction of Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ salts in alkaline solution forms Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on the textile.
Advantages: Simple, scalable, and does not require high temperatures.
Disadvantages: Requires post-synthesis stabilization to prevent agglomeration.

Sol-Gel Method¶

Principle: Nanoparticles form from metal alkoxides in a gel network, which bonds with the textile fibers.
Advantages: Uniform coating, good adhesion.
Disadvantages: Long processing time, requires high-temperature curing.

Hydrothermal Synthesis¶

Principle: Nanoparticles grow on textile fibers in a high-pressure, high-temperature solution.
Advantages: Produces well-crystallized nanoparticles, strong bonding.
Disadvantages: High energy consumption, requires autoclave setup.

Plasma-Assisted Deposition¶

Principle: Plasma treatment functionalizes the textile surface, enhancing nanoparticle adhesion.
Advantages: Improves surface reactivity, eco-friendly.
Disadvantages: High equipment cost, limited scalability.

For this study, the co-precipitation and sol-gel methods will be used due to their simplicity, efficiency, and scalability.

Characterization Techniques for Magnetic Textiles¶

Technique	Purpose
SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy)	Nanoparticle distribution and surface morphology
XRD (X-ray Diffraction)	Phase identification and crystallinity of nanoparticles
FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy)	Chemical bonding between nanoparticles and textile fibers
VSM (Vibrating Sample Magnetometry)	Magnetic properties of synthesized textiles
Durability Testing (Washing, Abrasion Tests)	Evaluates adhesion strength and real-world performance

Conclusion & Research Scope¶

This literature review highlights the potential of in-situ synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles on textiles for advanced functional applications. The study will focus on:

Synthesis of Fe₃O₄ and CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles on cotton and polyester fabrics.
Optimization of co-precipitation and sol-gel methods for enhanced adhesion and uniformity.
Comprehensive characterization of synthesized textiles for magnetic performance, durability, and structure.

By integrating nanotechnology with textile engineering, this research aims to develop next-generation magnetic fabrics with multi-functional properties for smart and technical textiles.

References¶

Ali, A., Shaker, K., & Nawaz, H. (2021). Functionalization of textiles with magnetic nanoparticles: A review on methods and applications. Materials Today: Proceedings, 46, 1231–1240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.04.162
Liu, Y., Wang, R., Zeng, L., & Chen, Z. (2020). In-situ synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles on cotton fabric for durable magnetic properties. Journal of Materials Science, 55(18), 7685–7697. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-04608-5
Rahman, M. M., Islam, M. T., & Haque, P. (2022). Advancements in smart textiles: Magnetic textiles and their applications in wearable technology. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 9(15), 2102418. https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.202102418
Hebeish, A., Sharaf, S., & Ragheb, A. A. (2019). A novel method for in-situ synthesis of magnetite nanoparticles on cotton fabrics with antimicrobial and electromagnetic shielding properties. Carbohydrate Polymers, 207, 353–360. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.11.094
Ghosh, S., & Molla, M. R. (2021). Sol–gel synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles on textiles for electromagnetic shielding and sensing applications. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 13(5), 7894–7903. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c20528
Wang, X., Li, J., & Song, Y. (2018). Hydrothermal growth of magnetic nanoparticles on polymeric textiles for enhanced functional properties. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 558, 345–356. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2018.09.003
Kalia, S., & Hussain, C. M. (2023). Smart textile materials: Functionalization, fabrication, and applications. Springer Nature, 320–344. ISBN: 978-3-030-94412-7.
Bhattacharya, R., Ghosh, S., & Pal, T. (2022). Nanotechnology in textiles: Future prospects and challenges. Nanomaterials, 12(9), 1423. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12091423
Mousavi, S. M., Hashemi, S. A., & Ramakrishna, S. (2020). Electrospinning of magnetic nanofibers: Principles, applications, and challenges. Progress in Polymer Science, 107, 101261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2020.101261
European Commission. (2020). Technological trends in the textile industry. Report No. EA-02-20-914-EN-N. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/textiles-industry