Next-generation functional nanotextiles—Prospects and challenges

Textiles are a basic need of people in all cast and sectors. Over the years, development in this field has become obligatory. Functional textiles have been a research hot spot with the rapid rise of nanotechnology in the last two decades. This review emphasizes the historical perspective and needs for the development and evolution of textiles, the present status of modern textiles, and the future. In the last few decades, the application of nanomaterials has upsurged in an unparallel way in textile fields. Due to the stimulating demand of the fashion industry for multifunctional nanotextiles, using nanomaterials in textiles has gained tremendous attention. Multifunctional textiles with nanomaterials are vibrant nowadays, offering UV blocking, wrinkle resistance, flame retardancy, antimicrobial, hydrophobicity/superhydrophobicity, sensors, self-cleaning, dust repellency, microwave absorption, tissue regeneration ability without compromising on comfortability and flexibility. Wearable textile sensing in textiles is also common to develop the sense-actuate system in the present era. This study also focuses on the market demand for functional textiles, challenges, and future market potential and perspectives.