Resource-Efficient Processes for Textile Functionalization
摘要
The textile industry faces increasing pressure to minimize environmental impact through the adoption of sustainable and resource-conscious functionalization methods. This has driven the development of diverse advanced processing technologies aimed at improving material performance while reducing ecological footprints. Technologies such as inkjet printing, valve-jet printing, three-dimensional (3D) printing, supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) treatment, digital hydraulic spray atomization, plasma ecotechnology, electrospinning, and biofunctionalization—each offer both unique advantages as well as relevant challenges. While many of these approaches can reduce waste and lower chemical and water usage, their resource efficiency and production flexibility vary significantly depending on the specific application and scale. For instance, supercritical CO2 treatment is notable for its minimal solvent use but may be limited to certain fabric types, whereas inkjet printing enhances pattern precision but requires optimization for industrial throughput. Moreover, some techniques, such as 3D printing and electrospinning, are still emerging and face scalability constraints. In this chapter, a general overview of selected resource-efficient processes, along with their challenges and opportunities for textile functionalization will be presented.