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Nanotechnology is the science and technology of precisely manipulating the structure of matter at the molecular level. The term nanotechnology embraces many different fields and specialties, including engineering, chemistry, electronics, and medicine, among others, but all are concerned with bringing existing technologies down to a very small scale, measured in nanometers. A nanometer—a billionth of a meter—is about the size of six carbon atoms in a row.
The development of nanotechnology holds out great promise of improvements in the quality of life, including new treatments for disease and greater efficiency in computer data storage and processing. In the textile industry, nanotechnology awakens a new era in the creation of fabrics. |
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NanoSphere® is a patented, award-winning fabric finish created by Schoeller® Technologies AG and licensed worldwide to Nano Pet Products, LLC for the canine, feline, and equine markets. NanoSphere® textiles are developed using nanotechnology to fix nano-particles measuring only a few millionths of a millimeter to the fabric, forming an ultra-smooth, non-stick self-cleaning surface. The Dog Gone Smart products are also bacteriostatic which inhibits the growth of odor causing bacteria, yet does not affect the natural flora of the pet’s skin.
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| Scientists at Bonn University observed that in nature the smoother the surface the less dirt particles can adhere. The leaves of certain plants and the wings of insect always stay clean because dirt and water cannot stick to their structured surfaces. At Schoeller® Technologies AG, this concept was applied to textiles through specific alteration of the fabric surface by means of nano-particles. The nano-treated surface easily repels water, dirt, oil and other adherable substances. |
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| In 2006, with thousands of claims by companies stating that they were using nanotechnology and not just conventional chemistry, the prestigious Hohenstein Institute in Germany tested the authenticity of nanotextiles and their suitability for day-to-day use. Schoeller® Technologies AG’s NanoSphere® was the first and only one to pass all the tests. It received the new Hohenstein “Nanotechnology Quality Label”. |
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| For spills, the fabric can be wiped off because the level of water or liquid absorption is considerably lower than with other materials. In the washing machine, the fabric is washable with regular detergent and should not be washed with bleach or fabric softeners. NanoSphere’s® permanence is significantly higher than conventional fabrics. Textiles with NanoSphere® need to be washed less frequently and at lower temperatures, which leads to savings in the consumption of energy, detergents and water. |
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| The nano function regenerates itself through heat treatment and drying in the air, so it can be handled like any other fabric (i.e., in the dryer with the rest of the laundry). |
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| Nanotechnology stands up well to pressure and friction, so it is extremely durable without affecting the natural softness of the fabric. |
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| Bluesign® is a global network of representatives from scientific and political communities, trade and industry, and consumer and environmental organizations that maintain standards to insure that textile products are safe for humans and the environment. They recommend NanoSphere® because it provides the greatest possible exclusion of substances which are harmful to humans or the environment as well as the most economical use of resources in manufacturing. |
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| Currently, Nano Pet Products, LLC uses NanoSphere® to create their Dog Gone Smart™ Beds and Dog Gone Smart ™ Wear apparel for dogs. Nano Pet Products, LLC is the only company in the world manufacturing products with this remarkable material in the pet industry. |
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| NanoSphere® is being used today in leading human clothing applications by companies like Polo Ralph Lauren, North Face, Adidas, Quicksilver, Canada Goose and Hugo Boss. |
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