A study published in Environmental Science and Technology found that wearing clothes can release up to 400 microfibers per gram of fabric during normal activity, while washing clothes can release up to 4,000. This suggests that one person could release almost 900 million polyester microfibers per year through simply wearing garments.
A new technique for developing light-emitting fabrics has been developed by coating ultrasheer pantyhose with a thin layer of gold. The result is a soft, stretchable, and washable fabric that can be used to create wearable luminous clothing, while overcoming some of the limitations of existing light-emitting fabrics.
A new study from the University of Missouri suggests that the term 'adaptive' can be stigmatizing for consumers with disabilities. The researchers recommend using more inclusive descriptors in marketing and communications strategies to promote universal design and inclusive products.
Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an environmentally friendly technology to remove oil from water. Textiles with special surface properties passively skim off the oil and move it into a floating container without using chemicals.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a composite material that can efficiently detoxify nerve agents, including VX and soman, under battlefield-relevant conditions. The material uses metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) integrated onto textile fibers, which can capture gases and vapors without the need for liquid water.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota's DAMSL and WTL labs created temperature-responsive textiles using shape memory alloys, enabling self-fitting garments with adjustable fit and conformance to irregular body shapes. The technology has significant implications for medical, aerospace, and commercial applications.
Researchers at Drexel University developed a highly conductive, durable yarn by coating standard cellulose-based yarns with MXene. The team's conductive yarn packs more material into fibers and can be knitted using industrial knitting machines.
Aalto University researchers have developed a natural wax coating that makes garments water-resistant and breathable, using carnauba wax and a cheaper, cationic starch alternative. The coating retains breathability and natural feel while being environmentally friendly.
Researchers developed physiological-sensing textiles that can be woven into sleep garments to monitor heart rate and breathing rhythm. The technology, dubbed 'phyjama,' extracts signals from pressured regions of the textile to get a more accurate composite reading.
Researchers develop new methodology to analyze metal threads without damaging artifacts, revealing gold, silver, copper, and zinc compositions. The technique provides high-resolution images and cross-sections, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and layered structures.
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a cost-efficient method to fabricate textiles embedded with energy storage devices. In just three minutes, this technology can produce a 10x10cm smart textile patch that's waterproof, stretchable and readily integrated with solar or other sources of power.
Researchers from NUS have invented a new way for wearable devices to interconnect using conductive textiles, allowing for more efficient data transmission and improved privacy. The 'wireless body sensor network' enables devices to transmit signals with 1,000 times stronger signal strength than conventional technologies.
KIST researchers created a fibrous transistor that maintains functionality even after washing and bending. The device overcomes limitations of current electronic textiles, enabling the development of next-generation wearable computers and smart clothing.
Researchers have developed an efficient and low-cost method to convert waste denim into reusable cotton fibers, reducing textile waste and conserving resources. The new process uses a 1:4 mixture of ionic liquid and DMSO to dissolve cellulose building blocks, resulting in white or colored viscose-type fibers.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed wearable electronic components that can be directly incorporated into fabrics, enabling flexible circuits, healthcare monitoring, and energy conversion. The devices are based on low-cost, sustainable, and scalable dyeing of polyester fabric using graphene inks.
Researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg examined ancient textile samples from China and Peru and discovered the use of natural dyes dating back over 2,000 years. The new method allows for the detection of dye compositions without destroying the patterns.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new method to produce enzymes in plants, which can be as effective as traditional microbial-derived enzymes. The plant-grown enzymes are cheaper to produce and shelf-stable, making them a game-changer for industries such as textile manufacturing and juice production.
Scientists have developed a method to print electronic fibers onto fabrics using a 3D printer. The technique allows for the creation of flexible, wearable hybrid materials with unprecedented properties, enabling the integration of functions such as sensing and actuating into smart wearable systems.
Researchers at KAIST created a textile-based wearable display module that is washable and does not require an external power source. The device integrates polymer solar cells with organic light emitting diodes and features a new encapsulation barrier for reliability.
A study examines how costume changes in Star Wars female leads Padmé and Leia parallel shifts in their positions of power and romantic relationships. The researchers argue that these changes contribute to the objectification of women through costume design, highlighting the importance of considering the portrayal of women in media.
Researchers developed an adaptive textile that self-regulates its thermal properties based on the wearer's body temperature and humidity. The textile, made from infrared-sensitive yarn, can passively cool the body through radiative cooling and alter heat radiation by up to 35%.
New research demonstrates effective alternatives to harmful fluorochemicals used in durable water repellents, providing excellent rain protection and long-term ecological benefits. The study shows that non-fluorinated alternatives are a viable option for all cases where stain repellency is not essential.
Researchers developed a simple method to create silver nanowire-coated fibers with high conductivity, flexibility, and mechanical strength. The fibers have promising applications in wearable devices, addressing the need for comfortable and functional smart textiles.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University has developed an AI-powered system called WiseEye that can detect fabric defects with high accuracy, minimizing the chance of producing substandard fabric. The system is installed on weaving machines to automatically inspect fabrics and reduce labor costs, enhancing production efficiency.
University at Buffalo scientists discovered that the chemical methylene blue, commonly found in textile mill wastewater, is good at tasks associated with energy storage. The compound can capture, store and release electrons, making it a viable material for liquid batteries.
Researchers identified splicing as the earliest plant fibre technology for making thread in Early Bronze Age Britain and across Europe. This technology is fundamentally different from draft spinning and was previously unknown in Britain.
The textile industry is exploring alternative coloring methods that minimize environmental impact, with companies developing dyes that require less water and energy. Innovative approaches like inkjet printing and microbial fermentation are being tested to create more sustainable fashion.
Researchers have developed a new type of e-textile that is highly sensitive to human touch and can generate electrical signals to control household objects. The e-textile is breathable, washable, and inexpensive to produce on a large scale.
Research from the University of Missouri finds that workplace dress codes present a significant barrier to people living with disabilities, leading to increased stigma and decreased confidence. The study highlights the need for inclusive and adaptive clothing options to promote workplace inclusivity.
Textile composites' strength and durability can be compromised by a simple wrinkle in the manufacturing process. Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a custom-made fixture to iron out this issue, improving their effectiveness by pulling materials in two directions simultaneously.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a fabric that converts kinetic energy into electric power. The textile generates electricity when stretched or exposed to pressure, and can currently light an LED, send wireless signals, or drive small electric units.
A team of UMass Lowell researchers has developed sensing fabrics with optical fibers and sensors to monitor structural health and integrity of vital infrastructures. These fabrics can detect cracks and strain early on, minimizing maintenance costs and environmental impacts.
Researchers analyzed Okinawan textile Basho-fu using Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray diffraction to compare traditional and laboratory production processes. They found that traditional degumming is milder than laboratory methods, retaining more air voids and breathability.
Researchers have developed a new microbial fuel cell that can produce maximum power and exhibit stable electricity-generating capability when tested under stretching and twisting cycles. The textile-based biobattery could be integrated into wearable electronics in the future, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution.
Scientists have developed a method to print electronic circuits on fabric using graphene-based inks, creating flexible, washable, and breathable wearable devices. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the textile industry with applications in healthcare, energy harvesting, and fashion.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new smart fabric, named SOFT, that can detect, capture, and filter gases in real-time, providing enhanced hazardous-material gear. The technology has the potential to improve safety and security for workers in various industries.
Researchers developed illuminated pajamas that emit therapeutic blue light directly onto a baby's skin, improving the treatment experience and reducing discomfort. The photonic textiles, woven into satin fabric, are breathable, comfortable, and suitable for everyday wear.
A Danish/Italian/Dutch team confirmed the age and content of old textile fragments from the Friary of Folloni near Montella in Italy. C-14 analysis revealed fragments dated to 1220-1295, aligning with a medieval myth about Saint Francis of Assisi.
New study reveals technical differences between Italian and Greek textiles, suggesting distinct cultural influences. Advanced analysis of preserved textiles provides insights into raw materials, weaving techniques, and thread counts.
Scientists develop silver nanowire-coated textiles that provide multiple protection capabilities against extreme cold weather. These fabrics can capture sweat and maintain a consistent temperature, improving soldier comfort during missions.
The discovery provides insight into the society and copper production in the Timna region during the time of David and Solomon. The wool and linen pieces suggest a deeply hierarchical society dependent on long-distance trade to support its infrastructure.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have synthesized carbon nanotube textiles that exhibit high electrical conductivity and extreme toughness, making them suitable for a range of applications in flexible electronics
A skin model made from gelatine can simulate human skin's characteristics and frictional behavior against textiles in dry and hydrated conditions. This allows for early rejection of unsuitable textiles without exposing humans to risk, saving time and resources.
A team of experts led by Prof. Sabine Schrenk and Ulrike Reichert restored a centuries-old silk tunic attributed to Saint Ambrose, freeing it from its heavy glass pane in Milan. The silk fabric was preserved using a custom-made sandwich of wood, glass, and silk tunic.
Researchers at Aalto University have made significant progress in recycling and upcycling clothing to create high-quality textiles. They discovered an ionic liquid that can dissolve cellulose from wood pulp and cotton-polyester blends, producing fibers stronger than commercially available viscose.
Researcher Sandra Roos developed a comprehensive life cycle analysis to map the environmental impact of clothing. She found that conventional cotton growing is particularly heavy on the environment, but post-fibre processing stages like dyeing are equally hazardous. The most effective way for consumers to reduce their environmental loa...
Scientists at Linköping University and the University of Borås developed a new technology that turns fabric into muscular tissue, allowing it to actuate like muscle fibers. The 'textile muscles' can be integrated into clothing, providing power for devices like exoskeletons, and opening up new opportunities for people with disabilities
Bioengineers at UT Dallas created a wearable device to monitor glucose levels using perspiration, addressing challenges of invasive blood draws and providing real-time feedback. The textile-based sensor detects glucose in small amounts of ambient sweat, eliminating the need for commercialization complexities.
Researchers developed a smart textile that can sense and move like a muscle, enabling new device applications. The textile generates a mechanical work capacity and power output higher than human muscles, with potential uses in robotics, sensors, and smart clothing.
The BfR has updated its joint research strategy to focus on application-safe and environmentally friendly nanomaterials development and use. The new approach aims to ensure sustainable material use across the entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
Researchers created fibers that can capture and release solar energy, forming a flexible textile for powering small electronics like tablets and phones. The new materials were woven into a 'smart garment' that can be cut and tailored to store power from sunlight.
A study by University of Plymouth found that washing clothes can release hundreds of thousands of tiny synthetic particles into the environment. The research suggests that laundry could be a significant source of microplastics in wastewater, with potential harmful effects on aquatic life.
Kansas State University is part of a public-private partnership to advance the design and manufacture of advanced textiles, valued at over $240 million. The project aims to create an advanced textile industry through technology and research collaborations.
The Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge has selected two winning projects that offer environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for use in developing countries. Yunsang Kim's project uses nanocellulosic fibers to reduce wastewater and toxic chemicals in textile dyeing, while Suzana Yusup's project develops a wate...
The discovery of ancient Nepali textiles dating back to 400-650 AD has pushed the understanding of the Silk Road's southern extent. Textile analyses suggest that imported materials from China and India were used in combination with locally produced ones.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a method to grow nanostructures that degrade organic matter when exposed to light, directly onto textiles. The technology has the potential to create fully self-cleaning textiles that can spontaneously clean stains and grime with minimal effort.
A textile engineer at Technische Universität Dresden has developed a flexible weaving technology for producing three-dimensional textile structures with excellent structural mechanical properties. The technology can be used in various applications such as aircraft fuselage, car bodies, and machine enclosures.
A study by Pamela Norum found that millennials are more likely to donate clothing rather than throwing it away, with 65% donating at least some clothing to charity. Older adults were less likely to recycle textiles, instead sending clothes to landfills.
Research finds occupational textile dust exposure associated with a more than doubling in rheumatoid arthritis risk. Genetic susceptibility to ACPA antibodies is also linked, with those exposed nearly three times as likely to develop the disease.
The textile industry is making efforts to clean up its act by using safer chemicals and natural alternatives, reducing water pollution caused by toxic compounds like dyes and solvents. Environmental groups are also calling for stricter practices to prevent illnesses among nearby residents and harm to local farms.