The invention proposed by Donghua University in China is water-repellent and dissipates body heat, making it breathable
A new fiber for fabrics could revolutionize the world of fitness, everyday clothing and even electronics. Researchers at Donghua University, China, invented a fiber with innovative properties. The material absorbs heat and disperses it outside, keeping body temperature low. In addition, the fiber is water-repellent and can keep water out. At the same time, the nanoscopic dimensions make the fabric breathable and comfortable. The union of the three properties is given by the three materials with which the fiber is produced, polyurethane, polyurethane fluoride and boron nitride.
The polyurethane acts as the base for the yarn. The flowered polyurethane instead gives the water-repellent properties. Boron nitride, introduced as nanofilms, transmits heat and disperses it to the outside. The final product has nanoscopic dimensions and, when it is spun, it is very porous, being breathable and water-repellent at the same time. The fabric thus obtained has been tested in borderline cases. In the first, it was used to form a membrane in a cylinder with under air and above water. The test showed that the material did not pass water downwards while it was able to pass air from the bottom to the top.
Thermodynamic tests showed that a body wrapped with the new fiber showed a lower temperature than the uncovered portion. The properties open up a wide range of application possibilities, from sportswear to electronics. The dissipative and water-repellent properties are particularly suitable in large plants where it is essential to control humidity and temperature. Researchers ensure that the material is easy to produce, all we have to do is wait for the first garments to arrive on the market and try them on our skin.
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