Protection and performance improvements of fabrics through nanotechnology

Abstract

A system and method for treating fabrics to increase tear strength and to decrease UV exposure of the fabrics to help mitigate degradation in strength, color, or other significant attributes of the fabric. Nanoparticles are embedded within thin films and applied to the fabrics to increase the tear strength of such fabrics and minimize UV exposure.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for treating fabrics to increase tear strength, comprising,
 forming an aqueous solution, comprising,
 nanoparticles that prevent more than 50% of UV light in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm from reaching the fabric; 
   applying the aqueous solution to the fabric; and   drying the fabric with heat at less than 110° C., thereby forming a coated fabric, wherein the appearance of the coated fabric will not be significantly altered in visible light.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises ceramic nanoparticles. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises zinc oxide nanoparticles. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises cerium oxide nanoparticles. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticles have low thermal conductivity. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticles prevent about 50% of UV light in the range of 320 nm to 400 nm from reaching the fabric. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tear strength of the coated fabric is increased by more than 10 percent. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the tear strength of the coated fabric is increased by more than 40 percent. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution comprises nanoparticles with hydrophobic properties. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution further comprises an additive. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the additive is a particle binder, a wax softener, a surfactant, a particle agglomeration preventer, a DWR, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is aramid-based. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution is applied by pad and mangle, knife over roller, or spraying. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the aqueous solution is applied in solid form, a film, or a powder by transferring the solution to the fabric through the application of heat, pressure, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising sonicating the aqueous solution. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the coated fabric is non-flammable. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticles absorb UV light in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoparticles reflect UV light in the range of 280 nm to 400 nm. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric comprises a plurality of individual yarns, and the coated fabric comprises a surface coating on the individual yarns, but does not bind the individual yarns to each other.