Articles tagged with Textiles
Researchers created a breathable underwater movement sensor by applying a thin, slippery coating to conductive fabric, enabling the detection of swimmers in distress. The smart system wirelessly alerts a smartphone app when a swimmer stops moving, indicating potential drowning.
Researchers at Columbia Engineering created a compostable bioleather with superior flame-retardance and low environmental impact. The microbial nanocellulose (MC) bioleather has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than synthetic leather or cotton, making it an attractive alternative to traditional leather.
A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.
A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters found high levels of PFAS in school uniforms sold in North America, with 65% of samples tested containing fluorine. The concentrations were highest in cotton uniforms, which may be treated with toxic chemicals.
Researchers have developed a new nanophotonic coating that can effectively manage body temperature without the need for external energy sources. The coating, which is transparent to visible light and infrared radiation, has been shown to provide a 15°C higher heating effect than commercial clothing.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a pneumatic robotic arm powered by compressed air that can grasp objects and go, using textile-based energy harvesting system. The device is designed for individuals with disabilities and can produce equivalent of 3 watts of power, outperforming other energy harvesting strategies.
Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a synthetic polymer that can remove certain dyes from water, and the polymer can be recovered and reused. The study found that the polymer's ability to remove dyes was dependent on solution pH and topological polar surface area of the dyes.
Researchers developed smart textiles that sense wearer's posture and motions using a novel fabrication process called thermoforming, which improves pressure sensor precision. The technology has potential applications in healthcare and rehabilitation, such as tracking gait or monitoring pressure on diabetic patients' feet.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers at North Carolina State University designed new fire shelter prototypes to protect firefighters trapped in wildfires. The shelters showed improved thermal performance and longer survival times compared to the current industry standard, with temperatures remaining within survival limits for up to 60 seconds.
Daniel Preston, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Rice University, has won the National Science Foundation CAREER Award for his proposal on textile-based wearable robots. The grant aims to develop a platform for non-electronic computation that can be integrated directly into wearable robots, addressing problems with s...
A recent study by CityU researchers found that clothes dryers are a significant source of airborne microfibers, with some releasing up to 40 times more than washing machines. The team suggests installing filtration systems in dryer vents to mitigate this environmental concern.
A new study reveals that tumble drying a load of laundry releases comparable quantities of microfibres to those released during machine washing. Researchers found that using fabric conditioners and dryer sheets can significantly reduce microfibre release, while lint filters with smaller pores can trap larger masses.
Researchers have developed biobased materials derived from fungi that can produce sustainable faux leather, paper products, and cotton substitutes. These materials have properties comparable to traditional materials, with the added benefit of being 100% biobased and taking less time to produce.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a way to prevent short-circuiting in yarns designed to store energy by wrapping them with an insulating thread. The findings could advance the development of smart textiles that capture energy from wearer's movements and power sensors.
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a cost-effective and convenient method to apply an antimicrobial silver coating to textiles using polyphenols found in wine and chocolate. The coating maintains its properties even after multiple washes and has potential applications in hospitals and other sterile environments.
A new study by Purdue University engineers has developed a horse slicker that can monitor chronic diseases in horses using e-textiles. The technology allows for continuous monitoring of equine cardiac, respiratory, and muscular systems, enabling early detection of disease flare-ups and improving treatment decisions.
Silk's unique properties make it a promising material for biomedical devices, wearable sensors, and optics. The researchers aim to harness its versatility for future technologies, including reducing food waste.
Researchers at Duke University developed a lightweight material that traps thermal energy when dry but opens tiny vents to let heat escape when a person starts sweating. The material has potential as a patch on clothing to help keep the wearer comfortable, expanding thermal comfort zones by 30%.
The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.
Scientists at the University of Fukui developed a new triboelectric fabric that generates electricity from body movement, maintaining flexibility and breathability. The fabric, called AF-TENG, can power low-powered devices like LEDs and calculators, demonstrating its potential in wearable technology.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed a strong, flexible conductive fiber using bagworm silk and synthetic polymers. The composite fibers exhibit promising properties for wearable electronic devices, tissue engineering, and microelectronics.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
Researchers at EMPA created a flame retardant cotton textile that retains the natural properties of cotton fibers while providing fireproof and antimicrobial functionalities. The fabric does not contain carcinogenic formaldehyde and can absorb water, maintaining a favorable microclimate on the skin.
A new indigo dyeing technology reduces water usage by up to 90% and eliminates toxic chemicals, securing over 90% color retention with only one coat. The process also streamlines the industry, saving time and energy for workers.
NTU scientists create soft and stretchable battery powered by human perspiration, suitable for wearable devices. The battery generates electricity in the presence of sweat, providing a sustainable alternative to conventional batteries.
A study by Washington State University found that Gen Z adults are open to apparel rental services as a way to reduce waste and extend clothing lifespan. Key factors contributing to this trend include the perceived effectiveness of making a difference and a focus on usage over ownership.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed bite-proof textile materials using a computational model, tested with live mosquitoes and volunteers. The resulting fabrics prevented 100% of mosquito bites in experiments.
Researchers from four universities collaborate to develop novel building materials using natural Black hair texture and styling practices. The team translates African American cultural practices into architectural applications, creating transformative built environments.
Researchers developed a scalable multilayer metafabric with exceptional passive radiative cooling functionality and excellent mechanical properties. The fabric can be easily produced through industrial manufacturing routes and demonstrates promising potential for widespread application.
Researchers at North Carolina State University developed an e-textile material using inkjet printing, creating a durable and flexible wearable device that can conduct electricity. The study's findings suggest a simpler method for manufacturing electronic textiles.
Scientists have developed a method to convert lint-microfibers from clothes dryers into energy, producing oil, gas, and char with a 70% conversion rate. The technology has been estimated to be profitable and eco-friendly, reducing carbon footprint by 42,039,000kg CO2-eq/t of lint-microfibers.
Purdue University engineers have developed battery-free wearable technology using silk-based coils and hydrophobic molecules for easy cleaning. These smart clothes can be used underwater, washed in conventional machines and are flexible and breathable like conventional cotton T-shirts.
Researchers developed a reversible textile that traps warmth in cold temperatures and reflects it in hot weather, generating small amounts of electricity. The textile's ability to harness temperature gradients makes it suitable for various technologies, such as wearable electronics and camouflage.
Researchers at FAU have uncovered the secret behind the Pazyryk carpet's vivid colors using high-resolution x-ray fluorescence microscopy. Fermenting sheep's wool before dyeing increases brilliance and longevity of the color.
MIT engineers develop wicking fabrics from polyethylene, a material previously dismissed for textile use due to its water-trapping properties. The new fabrics show improved moisture-wicking ability compared to cotton, nylon, and polyester.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a conductive cellulose thread that can be used to create electronic textiles. The thread is made from sustainable and non-toxic materials, making it suitable for a range of applications, including healthcare and the textile industry.
Fermented wool retains its color without fading, a technique used by textile craftsmen in the Iron Age. The method involves fermenting wool and dyeing it with Turkey red, providing an insight into ancient textile production.
Researchers at Lund University develop a method to convert cotton into sugar, which can be turned into spandex, nylon, or ethanol. The process involves soaking fabrics in sulphuric acid, producing a clear, dark amber-coloured sugar solution with potential uses in various industries.
Researchers define Sneakerhead sub-culture as driven by history, nostalgia, and exclusivity. African-American men in the mid-Atlantic region identify with the movement, valuing rare sneakers and admiring their history, with a strong sense of community among members.
Researchers created a textile-based sensor system to map problematic pressure points in prosthetic limbs, improving comfort and fit. The soft, flexible sensor patch can detect pressure changes in real-time, providing valuable insights for amputees.
Researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority, Tel Aviv University, and Bar Ilan University discovered rare fabric dyed with royal purple dating back to King David and King Solomon's time. The dye was produced from species of mollusk found in the Mediterranean Sea and is often mentioned in the Bible.
Researchers have developed a method to pattern hundreds-of-meters-long multimaterial fibers with embedded functional elements, enabling the creation of customized devices. This breakthrough could pave the way for new fiber-based devices and smart textiles.
Researchers develop a strain sensor that can detect small changes in muscle movement through clothing, demonstrating its high sensitivity. The sensor's resilience allows it to withstand repeated exposure to harsh conditions like being stabbed with a scalpel or run over by a car.
Researchers have developed a new polymer that can be applied to textile fibers, turning them into flexible solar collectors. These solar concentrators can capture a wider spectrum of light and offer an immense benefit for portable devices.
Computer scientists at Saarland University have developed a method to produce special textiles with electronic properties through a dyeing process. This allows for the creation of e-textiles that can be integrated into IT devices without affecting their original properties.
Researchers examine textiles from Danish King Canute's and his brother Benedikt's shrines, concluding they are of the same age and match historical accounts. The textiles, originally meant for Benedikt, were likely moved to Canute's shrine after its enshrinement.
Scientists created a new type of fabric that can change shape and support loads, using heat-responsive alloy, stiff composite fibers, and conductive ink. The robotic fabric was used to make a tourniquet and napkin-sized sheet that can fold into a box supporting up to 50g of weight.
A team from UNIGE has successfully replicated a nanoscale coating on different surfaces, mimicking the natural anti-reflective and anti-adhesive properties of fly eyes. The coating consists of two ingredients: retinin and corneal wax, which work together to generate a regular network of protuberances.
New research from UBC Okanagan creates a sustainable and non-toxic oil and water-repellent performance textile finish. The fabric repels water, sweat, and oils without using PFCs, addressing environmental concerns.
Researchers discovered three stages of preservation: water transporting antimicrobial metal cations, followed by fiber swelling and inorganic crust formation, and gradual silicification. The study provides insight into nanoscale mineralization and its role in preserving ancient textiles.
Researchers discovered 67% of examined sharks contained microplastics and man-made fibers, emphasizing the widespread nature of plastic pollution. The study highlights potential sources of microplastic contamination, including fishing lines and textile waste.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a non-invasive technique for measuring the thickness of single-walled carbon nanotube films, which may have applications in solar energy, smart textiles, and more. The method uses spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine film parameters with high accuracy.
A study by NUI Galway found that wet wipes and sanitary towels are a significant source of white microplastic fibres in the marine environment, with 91% of microplastics at one location derived from these products. The lack of regulation for hygiene products has led to misleading labelling, causing environmental harm.
Researchers from The University of Manchester created a prototype garment that can lower the body temperature in hot climates using graphene's remarkable thermal properties. The technology also opens up new possibilities for interactive infrared displays and covert communication on textile.
Researchers developed flexible sensor technology to detect fabric deformation, opening doors for smart textiles in clothing, hospital beds and robots. The technology measures time between sent and received signals to determine deformation location, type and intensity.
Researchers have developed a technology that can detect various fabric deformations, such as stretch, pressure, and torque, using soft fiber-shaped sensors. These sensors operate like transmission lines and measure time intervals to determine deformation location, type, and intensity.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh has developed a novel textile coating that can repel viruses and bacteria, making it potential candidate for creating safely reusable personal protective equipment (PPE). The coating was tested against adenovirus types 4 and 7 and shown to be effective in repelling these viruses.
Researchers develop strong, comfortable fabric that adapts to changing weather conditions by absorbing and releasing thermal energy. The fabric, made from silk and chitosan with phase-changing polymer PEG, can be worn indoors or outdoors, reducing the need for air conditioning or heat.