The technology is already being used by textile company TKML Coimbatore.
“We have a pilot plant where we manufacture nanocellulose from which we make the spinning oil,” team leader N. Vigneshwaran tells Times of India. “We give this oil to the user industry in Coimbatore. But, since it is a nonexclusive technology transfer we are planning to sell this technology to other industries and potential consumers who are not aware of it. The oil increases fiber affinity, makes the fiber stronger, and minimizes breakages in fiber.
Circot director PG Patil says the nanocellulose is one of the institute’s most promising technologies. “We need to identify the users and the market to be able to transfer this technology to as many industries as possible,” he adds.
The institute is also studying other ways to make cotton processing more sustainable. “Our team has been able to reduce the use of these chemicals by one-fifth. We have introduced novel properties in cotton textiles like flame retarding, anti-microbial and ultraviolet absorbing properties using nano-technology,” says Vigneshwaran.