NANOTECH TO GIVE THAI SILK IMPROVED QUALITIES

       The project, which envisages giving the fabrics water-repellant, fire-retardant and anti-bacterial qualities, among others, is a collaborative effort between the National Nanotechnology Centre (Nanotec) and the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (Sacict).
       In official terms, it is a pilot project using nanotechnology to support local wisdom by adding value to traditional products. Nanotechnology involves the study and control of matter on an atomic and molecular scale.
       National Nanotechnology Centre director Sirirurg Songsivilai said the project was aimed at adding value to Thai silk and hand-woven cotton fabrics by coating them with nanoparticles to impart new qualities. These include an ability to repel water, retard fire and repel bacteria.
       The project is also cooperating with a private organisation, Thanapaisan, which has developed nanofilaments to achieve the encapsulation of fragrance as well as the anti-bacterial, water-repellent and fire-retardant qualities and combinations of these qualities, he said.
       Nanotec is now using nanoparticle technology to encapsulate fabrics in order to produce cloth with a rose, lemon or lavender fragrance.
       Sirirurg said the project sought not only to create value-added fabrics for the textile industry, but also for the furniture industry.
       There are also plans to develop a nanoresin coating technique to improve Thai silk by giving it "easy care" or "wrinkle-free" qualities.
       "Nanotec hopes to help Sacict to build up a network of support among different industries producing and selling local arts and crafts. It is able to apply new technologies to create techniques initiated by local wisdom for the sustainable development of Thailand," he said.
       Moreover, Nanotec plans to set up a pilot bi-component textile plant next year to explore production processes. The centre believes nanotechnology will not only add value to local products, but enhance the productivity of local communities and lift the quality of their fabrics.
       "We are not seeking to change the way of life for local people, but to use technology to provide and increase their quality of life, since Sacict will be able to expand their customer and market bases," Sirirurg said.
       Nanotec also plans in the near future to use nanotechnology to due fabrics by using natural colours, thereby increasing the special qualities of local fabrics such as cotton and silk.