Textiles and nanotechnologies: a winning combination and one that is certain to attract attention. The PlasmaText project, financed by the Lombardy Region (Meta-Distretti grant for districts with industrial identities), takes advantage of the economies of scope and scale between academia and industry to develop cutting-edge fabrics. Of the various different nanotechnologies under development, plasmo-chemical processes for modifying the surfaces of materials are among the most versatile and widely distributed. Applications range from microelectronics, where they were developed in the 1970s, to solar cells, automotive, food packaging and, of course, textiles. PlasmaText is a perfect vehicle for introducing plasma technologies to industry and consumers in Lombardy, since they make it possible to give fabrics properties like oil-repellence, water-repellence, proof against stains, protection from UV radiation, etc.

The research will carefully assess not only the scientific and technological aspects, but also the economic aspects. Nanotechnologies, the protagonists of the next 10-20 years, are set to become one of the principal drivers of competitiveness in Italy and internationally. In a sector that has frequently displayed "deafness" to the allure of new technologies, PlasmaText is one of the initiatives that aims to drive the international relaunch of the Lombardy textile segment.