Clay Minerals in Textile Engineering: Synthesis, Characterization and Applications of Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites for Enhanced Fabric Performance

The emergence of nanomaterials and nanotechnology has significantly advanced the field of textiles by enhancing traditional products with innovative functionalities and improved performance attributes. This comprehensive review explores the integra-tion of nanotechnology in textile manufacturing, highlighting its applications from intelligent high-performance nanocoatings to enhanced fiber performance using nanoparticles. Nanotechnology offers unprecedented benefits such as enhanced repeatability, reliability, and robustness in textile processing, particularly in finishing, coating, and dyeing applications. A focus on clay miner-als and their geological distribution underscores their vital role in the development of polymer clay nanocomposites (PCNs) in textiles. This includes a detailed examination of their structural properties, classification, and modification techniques aimed at improving compatibility with polymers. By leveraging clay minerals such as montmorillonite and kaolinite, these composites significantly enhance the physical, mechanical, and functional properties of textiles, offering improved flame retardancy, UV protection, and mechanical strength. This review also addresses the factors influencing nanocomposite production and applica-tion, the role of temperature, pH, and ionic concentration, and the implementation of sustainable synthesis methodologies like supercritical CO2 and sol-gel processes. The findings offer valuable insights into the future of nanotechnology in textiles, pro-moting sustainability and innovation in fabric development.