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Sometimes it is too cold for us and then too hot – so it is necessary to dress-undress embarrbading. However, this can change: researchers have developed a sophisticated textile capable of independently adapting its thermal properties to the heat, perspiration or coldness of the wearer: the innovative fabric warms or cools on demand.
The human body is like a radiator – we emit heat. The amount of infrared radiation we emit in the environment can be regulated by clothes. In this context, material researchers have always developed sophisticated textiles in recent years. However, they can usually only be one or the other: Some materials insulate extremely well, keeping the body warm. Others, on the other hand, can emit intense heat radiation to cool down. According to researchers around Yu Huang Wang of the University of Maryland at College Park, a textile that can move dynamically from one function to another does not exist yet. However, this ability should now have their new hardware developed.
Fine fibers with nano-coating
They indicate that the innovative fabric is made of specially badembled fibers and coated with carbon nanotubes. The support material is composed of two different polymeric materials that react oppositely with moisture and heat with deformation. The dynamic properties of the material are based on this effect, explain the scientists: With moisture or with heat, the fibers are deformed and thus modify the structure of the material.
This process opens pores in the fabric that allow the heat to escape, according to the researchers. The second highlight is the second effect: the structural change causes electromagnetic coupling between the carbon nanotubes in the coating. This then leads to increased thermal radiation of the material. In case of perspiration, it ensures the cooling. On the other hand, if the tissue is cold or dry, the opposite effect occurs: the pores close and the modification of the electromagnetic coupling between the carbon nanotubes reduces the thermal radiation. This gives the fabric an insulating effect.
"In simple terms, the concept is similar to the effects of radio antennas," says Wang, "more closely badociating two antennas changes their response to electromagnetic waves.The fibers of our material are similar: depending on their proximity or distance, their response to changes in infrared radiation, "Wang said. At the level of the entire fabric, this means that the material can emit more or less heat depending on the conditions and thus keep the body warm or cool.
Literally cool clothes in planning
Specifically, the results of previous tests have shown that the material adapts to the infrared can change its thermal radiation by more than 35%. As the researchers report, the fabric also seems to be well suited for use as a textile material with regard to other properties: the basic substances for the production of fibers are readily available and the carbon coating can to be applied without problem. In addition, developers say that the fabric can be dyed and washed.
Nevertheless, scientists point out that the substance still needs to be optimized and tested until it can be incorporated into products. However, they are certain that the clothes of the day will be based on their concept: "I find it very exciting to be able to use this material to develop fabrics that can improve the functionality of clothing and other fabrics," says Co-author Min Ouyang.
February 7, 2019
© science.de – Martin Vieweg
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