The first-generation textile fibres were those that were procured directly from the nature and that era lasted for 4,000 years. Many years before, science developed a second generation of new fibres, called man-made fibres. Nylon and polyester are two examples of them, a result of the efforts taken by chemists in 1950, to evolve with materials that resemble natural fibres.
Currently the research focuses mainly on finding materials that meet technical needs in various sectors. This involves the development of very specific fibres, fabrics and finishing processes, using technology to meet customer demands.
Keywords: Innovation, functionalization, plasma, electrospinning, nanotechnology, finishing processes.
