Abstract
This work presented an overview of greener technologies for realizing everyday fabrics with enhanced antibacterial activity, flame retardancy, water repellency, and UV protection. Traditional methods for improving these qualities in textiles involved dangerous chemicals, energy and water-intensive procedures, harmful emissions. New strategies are presented in response to the current emphasis on process and product sustainability. Nanoparticles (NPs) are suggested as a potential alternative for hazardous components in textile finishing. NPs are found to efficiently decrease virus transmission, limit combustion events, protect against UV radiation, and prevent water from entering, through a variety of mechanisms. Some attempts are made to increase NPs efficiency and promote long-term adherence to textile surfaces. Traditional wet finishing methods are implemented through a combination of advanced green technologies (plasma pre-treatment, ultrasound irradiations, sol-gel, and layer-by-layer self-assembly methods). The fibrous surface is activated by adding functional groups that facilitate NPs grafting on the textile substrate by basic interactions (chemical, physical, or electrostatic), also indirectly via crosslinkers, ligands, or coupling agents. Finally, other green options explore the use of NPs synthesized from bio-based materials or hybrid combinations, as well as inorganic NPs from green synthesis to realize ecofriendly finishing able to provide durable and protective fabrics.