Functionalisation of textiles : future perspectives

Multifunctional effects are essential for producing higher value added textiles, important not only for new technical applications but also for more “traditional” uses such as clothing and home textiles with high product differentiation. Within the “European Technology Platform for the Future of Textiles and Clothing”, functional textiles are a clear priority. Surface modification by means of finishing is very versatile and allows a large number of effects. The developments of new functional effects also lead to the need of the development of specific test methods that are able to measure the effectiveness, durability and toxicity of the claimed functionalities. The technical committee for “textiles and textile products” of the European Standardisation is now devoting special attention to this subject.