Johnston J.H.
Noble Bond Ltd, NZ
Keywords: nanogold nanosilver wool nanocomposites apparel textiles carpet
Aulana and NgaPure products innovatively combine the nanoscience of gold and silver with their affinity for sulfur in cystine amino acids of wool fibres in a synergistic way, to nanofunctionalise wool and produce a boutique colour range of nanogold-wool textiles (Aulana) and also durable and effective antimicrobial nanosilver woollen textiles (NgaPure) respectively. Aulana innovatively links the prestige and value of gold to the quality of New Zealand wool through the use of nanogold as stable colourants in the wool, for the international high quality fashion apparel, luxury textiles and carpet markets. This utilises the localised surface plasmon resonance of nanogold wherein the colour exhibited by the gold is dependent upon the size and shape of the nanogold particles. Spherical gold nanoparticles about 10-20 nm are pink-red. As the particle size increases shades of purple, blue-grey to grey are produced. The nanogold is bound to the cystine amino acids in the wool fibre. The NgaPure technology similarly binds nanosilver to wool fibres to impart the highly effective, durable antimicrobial and odour reducing properties of nanosilver to woollen upholstery textiles and carpets. The science, technology, product development and pathway to commercialisation will be presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2013: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites (Volume 1)
Published: May 12, 2013
Pages: 510 - 513
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4822-0581-7