Functional coatings for textiles: advancements in flame resistance, antimicrobial defense, and self-cleaning performance

Abstract

The continuous evolution of textile technologies has led to innovative functional coatings that enhance protective textiles by integrating flame retardancy, antimicrobial efficacy, and self-cleaning properties. These multifunctional coatings address the growing demand for high-performance materials in healthcare, military, and industrial applications. This study reviews advancements in coating techniques, including dip-coating, spray-coating, sol-gel processes, and layer-by-layer assembly, highlighting their effectiveness in imparting durability, thermal stability, and biological activity to textile substrates. The incorporation of bioactive materials such as chitosan, silver nanoparticles, and plant-derived antimicrobials has demonstrated enhanced pathogen resistance and prolonged fabric functionality. Furthermore, recent developments in phosphorus-based flame retardants and photocatalytic self-cleaning agents, including titanium dioxide and silica nanoparticles, have contributed to the sustainability of functional textiles by reducing environmental impact. Challenges remain in achieving compatibility among diverse functional components while maintaining mechanical integrity and user comfort. Scalability and cost-efficiency also present barriers to commercialization, necessitating cross-disciplinary collaboration among material scientists, engineers, and regulatory experts. Future research should focus on biodegradable alternatives, smart-responsive coatings, and advanced nanomaterial integration to enhance the longevity and eco-friendliness of protective textiles. As industry standards shift towards sustainability, functional coatings are poised to redefine textile applications, offering tailored solutions that balance safety, performance, and environmental responsibility. This review underscores the transformative potential of multifunctional textile coatings and their role in advancing next-generation protective fabrics.

Fig. 1. Functional coatings for protective textiles.

Fig. 2. Dip-coating mechanism.

Fig. 3. Spray-coating setup. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2020, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Fig. 4. Plasma treatment mechanism. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2021, Elsevier Ltd.

Fig. 5. Sol–Gel process overview. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2022, Elsevier Ltd.

Fig. 6. Layer-by-Layer assembly. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2018, De Gruyter.

Fig. 7. Various uses of textiles in the protective sector.

Fig. 8. Flaming combustion of polymeric material and the role of phosphorus-based flame retardants. Published under CC-BY-NC License Copyright 2018, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fig. 9. Comparison of flame retardancy performance indicators.

Fig. 10. Overview of eco-friendly flame retardants, testing methods, and applications in sustainable materials. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2024, Sage Publications.

Fig. 11. Mechanisms of antimicrobial textiles with active compounds and nanoparticles. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2021, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Fig. 12. Release mechanisms of essential oils from the micro/nanocapsules. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2016, Taylor & Francis.

Fig. 13. Multifunctional antibacterial mechanisms and applications. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2024, American Chemical Society.

Fig. 14. General chemical structure of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs). Published under CC-BY License Copyright 2023, MDPI.

Fig. 15. Generation of hydroxyl radicals and reactive oxygen species under light irradiation for pollutant breakdown. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2021, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.

Fig. 16. Dynamic surface behavior of textile finishes. Published under CC-BY License Copyright 2023, MDPI.

Fig. 17. Achieving hydrophobicity through coating by dopamine and stearic acid. Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2019, Royal Society of Chemistry.

Fig. 18. Diagrammatic representation of the “self-cleaning” idea. A drop of water rolling over the surface of a lotus leaf (A) and a smooth, solid surface (B). Reproduced with permission from ref. Copyright 2022, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Fig. 19. Methodologies that are usually followed to produce nanoparticles. Published under CC-BY License Copyright 2023, MDPI.

Fig. 20. Hydrogel immobilized on a modified cloth releases BAS (biologically active substances). Published under CC-BY License Copy 2021, MDPI.

Fig. 21. Diagrammatic representation of: (A) poly-3,4-ethylenedioxythiphene:polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOD:PSS) continuous coating process; (B) electrical conductivity testing of pretreated fabric. Published under CC-BY License Copy 2022, MDPI.

Fig. 22. Soil release finished using ZnO nanoparticle. Published under CC-BY License Copyright 2025, Springer Nature.

Fig. 23. How UV-protective fabrics work. Published under CC-BY License Copyright 2024, Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.

Fig. 24. Bioplastics and conventional plastics in Venn diagram.