Structural Coloration in Textiles

In this biological world, many animals and insects produce structural color by selectively reflecting light from the interaction of incident light with an exceptional physical, periodically textured structure. Due to the dye-free and fadeless characteristics of structural coloration, it has attracted substantial attention from researchers. Treating the wastewater generated by industrial dyeing procedures is a significant challenge, and introducing alternative green dyeing techniques is a pressing need. This chapter summarizes the unique properties and mechanisms of structural coloration with examples mainly available in nature. Methods tried for applying structural coloration on textiles are discussed in detail. Proper studies and research are needed to implement structural coloration in textile sectors, especially in larger-scale industrial applications, as it can be a revolutionary strategy to reduce environmental pollution, which occurs in the case of traditional dyeing and printing. Recently published research works have been reviewed, and future opportunities for structural coloration in textiles are highlighted.