Education
PROF. Lateef Agbaje, a nanotechnology expert says nanotechnology has the potential to transform Nigeria’s textile industry through the production of advanced technical fabrics for healthcare, defence and industrial use.
Agbaje, also Head of the NANO+ Group at Ladoke Akinola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State said this on Tuesday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja.
He said it was unfortunate that Nigeria still imported more than 60 per cent of the clothes used locally in spite its history of high production of cotton.
According to him, nanotechnology can help revive cotton farming through the development of climate-resilient cotton varieties as well as nano-based fertilisers and pesticides to improve productivity.
“The textile industry once employed millions of Nigerians. Reviving it through nanotechnology will create jobs, stimulate economic growth and improve social stability,” he said.
Agbaje said his interest in textile applications emerged from years of research on nanomaterials capable of destroying bacteria and fungi resistant to conventional drugs.
According to him, the antimicrobial properties of nanomaterials can be infused into fabrics to produce self-disinfecting textiles suitable for hospitals, laboratories and industries where hygiene is critical.
“We thought of infusing nanoparticles into fabrics in such a way that even when they are exposed to germs, the textile itself will have self-killing potential.
“Such fabrics can be used for hospital bedding’s, lab coats, aprons, socks.
“You know, when you wear your socks over time, you have this foul odour because microorganisms are able to grow, when there is a presence of sweat, in the form of moisture.
“If there is the presence of these nano materials, they will kill the organisms and one can wear it for an extended period of time because it is an antimicrobial textile,” he said.
The professor further said that nanotechnology could also improve textile functionality by making fabrics waterproof, fire-resistant, lightweight and self-cleaning.
According to him, some nanotextiles are hydrophobic and can repel water, while others have improved thermal stability that makes them resistant to fire.
Agbaje said his team observed that fabrics infused with nano-materials became lighter in weight without losing strength, thereby improving comfort and usage.
He said that nano-textiles could also block harmful ultraviolet radiation, making them useful for military and paramilitary uniforms exposed to prolonged sunlight.
The expert said studies involving graphene-enhanced nanotextiles had also demonstrated stronger fabrics that could be adapted for lightweight bulletproof protective wear.
“You can have a bulletproof vest that is not bulky. It can look like an ordinary vest while still offering protection,” he told NAN.
Agbaje said advanced that nanotextiles could additionally improve camouflage, dust resistance and waterproofing for military and industrial applications.
Agbaje urged the Federal Government to develop clear cut policies and provide adequate funding to support nanotechnology research and commercialisation.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among researchers, government and the private sector to move innovations from laboratories to the market. (NAN)
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