Developed by Siam Student Uniform, a local uniform-maker, in cooperation with the National Nanotechnology Centre (Nanotec), the uniform uses titanium dioxide coated on the fabric to bring new hygienic properties to clothes.

Nanotec's director of technology transfer, Sirasak Teparkum, said normally when clothes are worn all day they become prone to bacteria and odours. "The use of nanotechnology and titanium dioxide on the textiles makes them more hygienic all day long."

The titanium dioxide is initially coated with Apatite, a kind of porous mineral, which bonds with the key substance before it is coated on the uniform.

Sirasak said titanium dioxide, once in daylight, radiates free radicals to retard the working process of enzymes and this is the key to keeping textiles free from smell, bacteria and fungi.

"With this method we can develop new clothes that can wear longer with no need for washing," he said.

Substances coated on the uniform can tolerate around 30 to 50 washing cycles, and then the fabric returns to normal.

Sirasak also said there was an idea to develop titanium dioxide in spray form to coat textiles to maintain the deodorant properties. "Once sprayed, the clothes will become anti-smell and anti-bacteria again."

The nano-student uniform has been commercialised, with prices 10 to 15 per cent higher than traditional uniforms.

This clothing was developed not only to give wearers more hygiene but also to save the environment. As it is anti-bacterial, it does not need to be washed quite so often. This means people can save the use of water and reduce pollution from detergents, Sirasak said.

Student uniforms are just one of many nano-clothing applications.

The concept of anti-smell and anti-bacterial clothes could also be adapted to develop military uniforms which require more hygiene and less washing.

Anti-smell socks and hygienic medical clothes will also benefit from this research work.

The nano-student uniform is one of the highlights of technology development which will be demonstrated at the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA)'s Annual Conference 2006 from March 30 to April 1 at Science Park in Pathum Thani province.

Based on the theme "Towards a Self-sufficient Economy with Science and Technology", the conference will show off a variety of technology research and development projects from NSTDA's four national centres. The organisers hope to boost technology co-development among the private sector, the government sector and researchers.

pongpen@nationgroup.com

Pongpen Sutharoj

The Nation