University of Maryland Researchers Push the Textile Industry
Kalin Ned — February 27, 2019 — Art & Design
References: today.umd.edu & dezeen
Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a smart fabric that has thermal properties. The material is purely regulatory as it responds to the changes in the human body and works to assure homeostasis is reached consistently.
The smart fabric is made with polymer fibers. The material is capable of warming up when it registers that the human body is cold and cool down when it senses that the wearer is hot. This degree of responsiveness has been reached through a coating of carbon nanotubes. The smart fabric behaves quite similar to human skin. Prior to evolution rendering us hairless, goosebumps was a mechanism that was set in place to lift up hair to better insulate heat. In a similar way, when its cold and dry, the smart fabric "expands [to] trap the heat" and when it is hot it "contracts [to] allow more infrared radiation."
Photo Credits: Faye Levine / University of Maryland
The smart fabric is made with polymer fibers. The material is capable of warming up when it registers that the human body is cold and cool down when it senses that the wearer is hot. This degree of responsiveness has been reached through a coating of carbon nanotubes. The smart fabric behaves quite similar to human skin. Prior to evolution rendering us hairless, goosebumps was a mechanism that was set in place to lift up hair to better insulate heat. In a similar way, when its cold and dry, the smart fabric "expands [to] trap the heat" and when it is hot it "contracts [to] allow more infrared radiation."
Photo Credits: Faye Levine / University of Maryland
Trend Themes
1. Temperature-regulating Fabrics - Opportunity for the textile industry to develop innovative fabrics that can adjust to changes in temperature and provide thermal comfort.
2. Smart Fabrics - Potential for disruptive innovation in the development of fabrics that can respond and adapt to the wearer's body temperature for enhanced comfort.
3. Polymer Fiber Technology - Advancement in polymer fiber technology presents an opportunity for the textile industry to create fabrics with improved thermal properties and performance.
Industry Implications
1. Textile Industry - Implementation of temperature-regulating smart fabrics can revolutionize the textile industry by providing consumers with innovative and comfortable products.
2. Fashion Industry - Adoption of smart fabrics in the fashion industry can lead to the creation of technologically advanced and functional clothing items.
3. Sports Apparel Industry - Integration of temperature-regulating smart fabrics in sports apparel can provide athletes with enhanced performance and comfort during various weather conditions.
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