Textile Engineering
Articles tagged with Textile Engineering
Fiber batteries promise ‘smart clothing’ but two obstacles stand in the way
Researchers at NC State University have identified two key challenges to overcome before fiber batteries can be used in smart clothing. Poor encapsulation methods struggle to keep oxygen and moisture out, while mathematical models fail to accurately predict the effects of different device variables.
An alternative to BPA passes toxicity and sustainability standards set by EU innovation guidelines
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified three bisphenols with negligible estrogenic effects, suitable for replacing BPA in consumer products. The safe and sustainable alternatives are made from renewable resources and demonstrate thermal stability and mechanical properties comparable to BPA-based plastics.
Cool comfort: beating the heat with high-tech clothes
Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a lightweight breathable fabric that reflects 96% of the sun's rays, keeping skin temperature 2-3.8 degrees celsius lower than bare skin. The innovative material actively releases warmth while keeping the skin dry.
Bacteria spin rainbow-colored, sustainable textiles
Researchers demonstrate that bacteria can produce fabric and dye it in every color of the rainbow using a single vat. The approach uses bacterial cellulose as a potential alternative to petroleum-based fibers, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental harm. The developed method yields vibrant colors that survive washing and h...
Understanding sustainable textiles through climate-adapted traditional crafts
Researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have catalogued the science behind Bashofu textiles, which have kept Okinawans cool for over 500 years. The study reveals the unique properties of Musa balbisiana var. liukiuensis fibers, including a honeycomb structure that effectively leads sweat away from the skin.
How origami robots with magnetic muscles could make medicine delivery less invasive and more effective
Researchers at NC State University have developed origami robots that can navigate the body using magnetic 'muscles.' These robots can deliver medicine to ulcers without reducing surface area, enabling a safe and non-invasive procedure. The technique allows for controlled and steady drug release over time.
A potential ‘green’ alternative to formaldehyde and PFAS in fabric finishing
Researchers propose using epoxidized cottonseed oil as a safer alternative to formaldehyde and PFAS in fabric finishing, making cotton fabrics smoother, water-repellent, and resistant to wrinkling. The process creates strong chemical bonds with cellulose fibers, forming a polymer that makes the fabric hydrophobic.
Spin-free “cork-skin” fibers turn mulberry bark into antibacterial, recyclable textiles
Scientists have developed high-performance textile fibers from invasive paper-mulberry bark using a simple, scalable route. The coated fibers exhibit excellent tensile strength and antimicrobial properties, outperforming traditional materials like cotton.
4 advances that could change fabric — and the clothing you wear
Recent advances in textile technology have led to the development of new fabrics that incorporate desirable scents, antimicrobial coatings, and smart technologies. These innovations aim to improve the comfort and functionality of clothing, while also addressing emerging consumer needs such as sustainability and health.
Ancient golden silk revived from the Korean sea
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
New methodology for 3D braiding machine design unveiled
Researchers introduce a novel design approach for 3D rotary braiding machines, enabling the production of intricate shapes and complex geometries. The new methodology achieves this by varying the number of incisions and combining different cut-circles, resulting in increased carrier capacity and improved mechanical properties.
DNA-inspired design for stronger, flexible sensors for wearables
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a double-helical fiber sensor design that places both electrodes on one end, addressing the mechanical challenges of traditional wearable sensors. The new design enables durable, flexible sensors suitable for tracking finger gestures, facial expressions, and gait movements.
MIT engineers print synthetic “metamaterials” that are both strong and stretchy
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to fabricate stretchable ceramics, glass, and metals using a double-network design. This material can stretch over four times its size without breaking, making it suitable for tear-resistant textiles and flexible semiconductors.
Carnegie Mellon researchers create transformable flat-to-shape objects using sewing technology
Researchers developed a method to fabricate functional flat-to-shape objects using a computer-controlled sewing machine. The technique allows for the creation of large, portable, and adaptable objects with varying levels of customization, including seating, wearables, and lamps.
Harmful microplastics infiltrating drinking water
Researchers from UT Arlington discovered that many wastewater treatment plants are unable to effectively remove dangerous microplastics, which can transport other pollutants into the environment. This poses potential long-term health impacts for humans, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Two-dimensional semiconductor materials venture into space — Unlocking new possibilities for space electronic device
Researchers from Tsinghua University sent 2D materials and field-effect transistors into orbit aboard China's reusable recoverable satellite, Shijian-19. The materials maintained their structural integrity, exhibiting stable switching characteristics after a 14-day space flight.
An efficient self-assembly process for advanced self-healing materials
Researchers at Waseda University developed a novel self-assembly process to create multilayered films with superior thermal, mechanical, and gas barrier properties. The film exhibits enhanced hardness and self-healing ability compared to conventional materials.
New fabrication process makes artificial muscles spring into action
UT Dallas researchers have invented a mandrel-free method for fabricating springlike polymer muscles with high-spring-index yarns. These muscles can significantly contract and elongate due to their large spring index, enabling applications in comfort-adjusting jackets and mechanical energy harvesting.
Heat-triggered ‘instant armor’ hydrogels soften in seconds with high-entropy design
A team of engineers has created a new hydrogel that rapidly switches between soft and hard states, making it ideal for real-time applications such as impact-resistant wearables or soft robots. The 'instant armor' hydrogel achieves this with a high-entropy design that allows rapid recovery in just 28 seconds.
Smart textiles and surfaces – How lightweight elastomer films are bringing tech to life
Researchers at Saarland University and ZeMA are developing smart film actuator technology using thin silicone films that can be precisely controlled to vibrate, flex, or press. These films enable wearable textiles to provide haptic feedback for enhanced VR gaming experiences and industrial gloves to respond to hand gestures.
Breakthrough in materials science: AI reveals secrets of dendritic growth in thin films
A new AI model developed by Tokyo University of Science's researchers predicts dendritic growth in thin films, offering a powerful pathway for optimizing thin-film fabrication. The model analyzes morphology using persistent homology and machine learning with energy analysis, revealing conditions that drive branching behavior.
Shaping the future of diabetes treatment with 3D biorinting technology
A team of scientists has successfully developed a novel platform for diabetes treatment utilizing bioink derived from pancreatic tissue and 3D bioprinting technology. The HICA-V platform replicates the structure and function of the human endocrine pancreas, supporting islet maturation and functional enhancement.
NWPU develops engineered platelets-based nano-aircraft systems for precise tumor chemoimmunotherapy with graded drug delivery and self-recognized tumor targeting
Engineered platelets-based nano-aircraft carriers enhance targeted chemotherapy with graded drug release, promoting antitumor immune response and reducing metastasis. Researchers successfully develop Pts-based nanovesicles for precise cancer treatment.
Touchless tech: Control fabrics with a wave of your finger
Scientists develop wearable human-computer interface using magnetic field sensing electronic textiles that can be integrated into everyday clothing. The technology allows users to control devices with a wave of their finger, revolutionizing electronic textiles and improving durability.
New guidelines help fashion brands cut waste and emissions
The new guide aims to eliminate wasteful designs and promote durable fashion. By focusing on maximising product lifespan and materials, the guidelines enable businesses to implement circular clothing design.
Closing the gaps — MXene-coating filters can enhance performance and reusability
Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new way to improve textile-based filters by coating them with MXene nanomaterial. The non-woven polyester textile coated with a thin layer of MXene nanomaterial can turn it into a potent filter capable of pulling some of the finest nanoparticles from the air.
Soft actuators, smart sensors: Innovative sensor allows real-time monitoring of complex systems
The Dielectric Elastomer Sensor (DES) offers real-time pressure and vibration monitoring in soft fluidic actuators, ideal for robotics and biomedical devices. The sensor's flexibility and ability to withstand large deformations make it suitable for applications in automobile designing and structural health monitoring.
Fiber computer allows apparel to run apps and “understand” the wearer
Researchers created a fiber computer that can be integrated into clothing to track health conditions and physical activity. The technology achieved an average accuracy of 70% when individually operated, but increased to nearly 95% when connected collectively.
What can theoretical physics teach us about knitting?
Researchers develop a predictive model of knitting using mathematical techniques from general relativity, allowing for the creation of self-folding and shape-morphing textiles. This breakthrough enables fabrics with precise properties and opens doors to new design applications in soft robotics and medical materials.
Harnessing failure as an asset: How Rice researchers are innovating smarter wearable tech
Researchers at Rice University create programmable fluidic fuses that protect devices and enable complex sequencing of actions. The study's findings have far-reaching applications in wearable technology and robotics, promising more resilient and capable systems.
Jacket uses AI to keep you comfortable
A team of researchers developed a smart jacket with environmental sensors, heat-generating yarns, and AI to monitor and regulate temperature. The jacket provides immediate temperature readings and color-changing yarns to indicate potential overheating.
Encoding many properties in one material via 3D printing
Researchers have developed a 3D printing technique to create liquid crystal elastomers with controllable alignment, leading to new possibilities for shape-morphing materials. By tuning nozzle design, print speed, and temperature, they achieved uniform molecular-scale alignment, translating to prescribed mechanical behavior.
A clearer future: POSTECH research team reduce light noise to push the boundaries of flat optics
A POSTECH research team developed a novel multidimensional sampling theory to overcome limitations of flat optics. Their study identifies constraints of conventional sampling theories and presents an innovative anti-aliasing strategy, significantly enhancing optical performance.
Role of barrier films in maintaining the stability of perovskite solar cells
A recent study by Ritsumeikan University researchers analyzed the durability of flexible perovskite solar cells under damp heat conditions. The findings revealed that high humidity leads to degradation, while a high-quality barrier film retained most power conversion efficiency, making it crucial for long-term stability.
Research leads to viable solution for polycotton textile waste recycling
A new process converts polycotton textile waste into glucose, a key bio-based feedstock, and separates polyester fibers for reprocessing. The technique is scalable and cost-effective, offering a viable solution to textile waste recycling.
Weaving a net or fabric battery for use in seawater
Researchers have developed a seawater-safe battery that can be woven into various shapes, such as a fishing net or fabric. The yarn-like battery prototype was tested in saltwater and retained most of its charging efficiency and storage capacity over 200 charge and discharge cycles.
Sustainable reusable theatre caps made from plant-based material created for NHS Scotland
A new sustainable theatre cap design has been developed in collaboration with NHS Scotland to address single-use disposable waste. The reusable caps, made from cellulosic fibre, aim to relieve patient anxiety through fabric colours and patterns, while improving staff identification.
Researchers make comfortable materials that generate power when worn
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed wearable technologies that both generate electricity from human movement and improve comfort. They used amphiphiles to create slippery surfaces on fabrics, reducing friction while allowing electrons to be donated, resulting in a material capable of generating up to 300 volts.
University of Houston study on hemp may lead to more sustainable farming methods
A University of Houston study found that different genotypes of hemp have unique microbial communities that impact CBD production and fiber quality. The research, published in Nature, highlights the potential for microbiome diversity to inform more sustainable farming practices.
Researchers develop breakthrough one-step flame retardant for cotton textiles
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a non-toxic coating that can reduce the flammability of cotton using a single step. The technology uses a polyelectrolyte complex coating and has been optimized for scalability and efficiency, making it suitable for industrial applications.
Big leap forward for environmentally friendly ‘e-textiles’ technology
A new study has developed a sustainable approach for fully inkjet-printed, eco-friendly e-textiles that are both biodegradable and durable. The researchers used a textile called Tencel and conductive materials like graphene and PEDOT: PSS to create the fabric.
Unveil the secret of stretchable technology through color
A research team at Pohang University of Science & Technology developed a technology that visualizes the deformation of 'serpentine' structures in real-time through color changes. This innovation eliminates the need for complex nanofabrication processes, providing actionable design guidelines for optimizing these structures.
How everyday activities inside your home can generate energy
Researchers are developing new ways to harvest and adapt energy from everyday home activities, such as turning a doorknob or opening a fridge door. This technology aims to create smart interfaces that can power appliances and assist people with disabilities, increasing energy efficiency and accessibility.
New knit haptic sleeve simulates realistic touch
Researchers at Stanford University have designed a comfortable, flexible knit sleeve that simulates realistic touch using pressure-based haptics. The Haptiknit sleeve provides more accurate tactile feedback than vibration-based devices, allowing for smoother navigation, military communication, and rehabilitation.
Towards room-temperature superconductivity: Insights into optical properties of bi-based copper-oxide superconductors
A Japanese research team investigates the origin of Bi2212's strong optical anisotropy, finding that increasing lead content reduces incommensurate modulation, enabling accurate measurement of optical activity and circular dichroism. This study contributes to understanding high-temperature superconductivity mechanisms.
NUS researchers innovate scalable robotic fibres with light-emitting, self-healing and magnetic properties
The NUS research team has developed flexible fibres with self-healing, light-emitting and magnetic properties. The Scalable Hydrogel-clad Ionotronic Nickel-core Electroluminescent (SHINE) fibre offers a more efficient, durable and versatile alternative to existing light-emitting fibres.
Parasite-inspired medical devices
Researchers designed a millimeter-scale mechanism inspired by tapeworms to anchor small medical devices to soft tissues. The device, made of stainless steel and polyimide film, can be used in various medical applications and has potential for affixing sensors to marine organisms.
Breakthroughs in thermal photonics enable efficient subambient daytime radiative cooling for vertical surfaces
Researchers have developed a new thermal emitter that can achieve subambient daytime radiative cooling on vertical surfaces, breaking the limitations of traditional blackbody radiation. The design strategy enables flexible tuning of thermal emission and has potential impacts on reduced heating and global energy consumption.
Carpet fibers stop concrete cracking
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a technique using waste carpet fibers to reduce early-age shrinkage cracking in concrete by up to 30%, improving durability. The team aims to address the massive environmental challenge of textile waste disposal, which poses significant concerns for firefighting materials.
Research update: Chalk-coated textiles cool in urban environments
Researchers have developed a chalk-based coating that keeps air underneath treated polyester fabric cooler by up to 15 F, providing potential relief for pedestrians and cyclists. The coated fabrics demonstrate effective energy-free cooling in various urban environments.
Bio-based fibers could pose greater threat to the environment than conventional plastics
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Off the clothesline, on the grid: MXene nanomaterials enable wireless charging in textiles
A full textile energy grid can be wirelessly charged, powering wearable sensors, digital circuits, and even temperature control elements. The system uses MXene ink printed on nonwoven cotton textiles, demonstrating its viability for integrated textile-based electronics.
The silk thread that can turn clothes into charging stations
A research group at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a silk thread coated with a conductive plastic material that can generate electricity from temperature differences. The thread shows promising properties for turning textiles into electricity generators, which could be used to monitor health or charge mobile phones.
Falling for it: A micro-scale look at how parachute fibers act under stress
Parachute fibers' behavior under stress was studied using micro-CT scans, revealing they are not isotropic and respond differently to increasing loads. The findings inform processes like parachute assembly and improve models for screening parachute materials, making industries more cost-effective and time-efficient.
WVU researchers develop microwave technology for recycling one of most popular, least reusable plastics
Researchers at WVU have developed microwave technology to recover propylene from polypropylene waste, which can be reused in new plastics or products. The process uses precise control and lower temperatures than traditional methods, offering energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
CityUHK researchers develop next-generation radiative cooling technology
Next-generation passive radiative cooling technology offers an electricity- and refrigerant-free cooling solution, potentially reducing surface temperature by at least 2°C. The innovation has promising application potential in buildings, roads, and clothing, addressing issues such as urban heat islands and greenhouse gas emissions.
The new fashion: clothes that help combat rising temperatures
Researchers have developed a natural fabric that reflects sunlight and allows heat to escape, while blocking the sun's rays and lowering temperature. The fabric leverages radiative cooling, with three layers designed to optimize cooling, promising relief to city dwellers experiencing warmer temperatures.
Super-strong bacterial cellulose macrofibers made simple with TAT technique
Researchers have developed a novel method to fabricate high-performance macrofibers with exceptional mechanical properties and humidity response using the TAT technique. The resulting fibers exhibit record tensile strength and rapid actuation in response to environmental moisture, making them ideal for various industries.
Spinning out a new biomaterials startup is harder than you think
Researchers found significant challenges in spider silk production, including scale-up issues and toxicity concerns. The study highlights potential host organisms for producing spider silk, such as microbes and bacteria, to address these challenges.