The fabric of this new jacket is transformed in response to the change in temperature, when the temperature drops the fabric is transformed again providing greater insulation
Innovation involves all fields, including fashion and clothing. Some examples are a super durable shoes or an ecological fiber. Innovation this time comes from Skyscrape, a company that develops a fabric that adapts to the temperature. Brent Ridley, CEO and founder of Skyscrape is already working with business partners to produce the first garments to market.
The new yarn is created from two types of fibers, one conventional and one that expands at low temperatures. The expansion changes the structure of the fabric from a flat to a wavy shape. The air pockets that are formed provide greater thermal insulation. The adaptability of the structure allows the garment to be used in a thermal range between 20 and 30 degrees.
The mechanical response occurs without the need for electricity, batteries or sensors. In addition, the new fabric can be produced from ordinary materials and machinery already in use in factories. The only change to be made concerns the usual yarn process. One of the projects that the company is considering involves the use of polyester only, so as to create garments that are easily recycled and recyclable. Skyscrape was conceived as an idea to save energy. Wearing an adaptable fabric would allow to save on heating of the interiors also eliminating the inconveinent of changing clothes.
ARPA-E, the American government agency that finances advanced energy research, has recognized the potential of the project by financing the initial development. The startup is now working with several partners to increase the production scale and bring the first products on the market by the end of the year. The pricing policy should make the jackets competitive with high-end technical garments.