Frankitex

Welcome to the Textiles Nanotechnology Laboratory

Our research group aims at understanding complex phenomena at the nanoscale that are of fundamental relevance to Fiber, Textiles and Polymer Science.

The main focus of the Hinestroza Research Group is to explore the interface between the technologically established and mature field of textile science and the emerging and revolutionary field of nanoscale science. The textile industry was the first beneficiary of the scientific developments of the 18th century's industrial revolution while nanoscale science and nanotechnology emerged at the end of the 21st century. Our research group aims at merging two hundred years of innovation history. We believe that this unusual combination, between an established and an emerging scientific field, can provide unique scientific platforms that will leverage the time-tested manufacturing capabilities of textile and fiber processing with the ability of nanoscale science to probe phenomena and control the synthesis of materials at small scales.

In order to explore and understand nanoscale phenomena of relevance to fiber science we pursue a three-pronged approach:

1. Modification and enhancement of existing textile materials using electrostatic self-assembly, directed assembly, convective assembly and atomic layer deposition techniques to create multifunctional and customizable surfaces on conventional textile substrates.

Transmission Electron Microscopy TEM images of cotton fibers coated with gold (L) and palladium (R) nanoparticles. Potential applications include catalytic mantles, structural coloration (color without dyes) and antibacterial flexible substrates

2. Nanomanufacturing of polymeric fibers using directed assembly techniques as well as external fields (electrical and magnetic) to create fibers with unique catalytic, magnetic and electrical properties.

TEM and FESEM images of nylon nanofibers coated with gold (L) nanoparticles and anomalous crystal formations of NaCl (R) . Potential applications include active and catalytic filtration of hazardous gases and industrial toxic chemicals as well as anti-counterfeiting devices.

3. Development of metrology tools based on scanning probe microscopy (Electrostatic Force Microscopy, Acoustic Force Atomic Microscopy, and Lateral Force Microscopy) customized to assess nanoscale phenomena on low energy surfaces with high radius of curvature such as those of textile fibers.

Acoustic Force Atomic Microscopy image of a conjugated fiber (Islands on the Sea) containing 1120 nanofibers of polyester in a sea of polyethylene (L). Electrostatic Force Microscopy of a nanofiber nonwoven web used in electret filtration media (R)

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