Ionic Liquids - recomposing the past and writing the future

Moving to this new era of innovation, where process and manufacturing demands are emphasising the importance of recyclability, renewability and sustainability, the textile manufacturing industry is actively assessing emerging technologies that embrace the same. Consumers are now more conscious of the origin of garments and garment accessories than ever before. Organic renewable processes are preferably encouraged and they get full acceptance when garments are involved least with environmental pollution. The chemical processing industry in textiles has recently seen research booming into a much needed sector where traditional solvents, predominantly volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for environmental pollution, are being replaced by designer’ solvents called ‘ionic liquids’ (ILs). ILs used at room-temperature, are often colourless and easy handling and in addition can be renewed and reused. The properties of the environmentally benign ILs can be customised according to the need of the process parameters and therefore are called designer’ solvents. Natural and synthetic polymers are being resynthesised and regenerated with the aid of ILs facilitating the exploration of exotic polymer blends and novel application areas. This paper highlights recent advancements in textile processing involving ILs. The focus is on how this new class of solvents is pushing the boundaries of knowledge and revamping a broadspectrum of manufacturing industries.