2.1.4. Nanocomposites

Nanocomposite is a multiphase solid material in which the minimum one dimension of the reinforcing phase is in nano-level (Malhotra et al., 2017, [75]). In the case of polymer-based nanocomposites, nanomaterials are dispersed in polymer matrices. The polymer nanocomposite-based coatings and fibers have enormous possibility in the production of functional as well as superior-performance textiles. Novel nanocomposite materials have been developed using facile one pot method. In a study by (Attia et al., 2016 [76]), the team developed nanocomposites based on silver nanoparticles as well as diphosphate malonate (DPHM) as organic phosphates (Figure 4). The mass ratios of both organic phosphate and silver nanoparticles in the nanocomposites were varied as well as optimized. Various textile fabrics have been treated with the nanocomposites developed to improve their fire retardancy and antibacterial properties. It was found that the flame retardancy of the treated textiles increased significantly.


**Figure 4.** Schematic diagram showing the synthesis of diphosphate malonate-silver nanoparticle (DPHM-AgNP) nanocomposites and their treatment on textile fabrics. DPHM: Diphosphate malonate, AgNO3-Silver nitrate. Reproduced from (Attia et al., 2016, [76]).

### *2.2. Functional Textiles with Nanomaterials*

In the following section, we discuss nanomaterial included different functional textiles, such as flame-retardant textiles, UV Protective textiles, antimicrobial and antibacterial textiles, water and oil repellent textiles, anti-odor textiles, wrinkle resistance textiles, and antistatic textiles. The study by (Vigneshwaran et al., 2020 [83]) demonstrated the fundamental mechanisms involved in the usage of nanomaterials for contributing the functional properties in cotton textiles, applicable issues as well as future scope for commercial utilization.
