At CIPHET-IIFA 2023, the Industry Interface Fair on Agro-processing and Kisan Mela, the cotton-based heat-generating textiles prepared by the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology (ICAR-CIRCOT) in Mumbai, became the highlights of Day 2.
On the second day of the event, which took place at the CIPHET premises in Ludhiana, a variety of cutting-edge agro-processing technologies were presented. These technologies have the potential to revolutionise the agricultural community in India and make it more competitive on a worldwide scale.
Dr. P. Jagajanantha and his team have developed cotton-based electrically conductive yarns that can seamlessly sew onto any fabric. This forward-thinking approach has led the way for the development of smart textile goods that generate heat and have outstanding flexibility, qualities that make them lightweight, safety features, and better comfort.
Dr. Jagajanantha made the following statement in reference to this significant advancement: “We have displayed this technology in Ludhiana for potential businesspeople who are interested in utilising our development.” In the past, comparable technology was only accessible to high-end multinational companies in Western nations, and it cost an amount that was unaffordable for most people. However, our new invention maintains the same level of quality while charging just one-fifth of the previous price.
He went on to add that these heat-generating textiles are capable of reaching a maximum temperature of 50 degrees Celsius within 15 seconds when utilising a power source that ranges from 5 to 12 volts DC and a current that is between 1 and 2 amperes. Importantly, the water-repellent and flame-retardant treatments that have been applied to these smart textile items have been implemented to provide protection against water permeability and short-circuit fire, with the user’s safety taking precedence.
In contrast to the currently available heat-generating apparel on the market, which normally makes use of polyester and nylon fabrics in conjunction with weighty electrical components, the cotton-based textiles developed by ICAR-CIRCOT provide an alternative that is both substantially more comfortable and secure.
ICAR-CIRCOT has established itself as a leading innovator in the game-changing process of developing cotton-based heat-generating textiles. They provide a level of flexibility, lightness, safety, and comfort that is unmatched in this business, creating a new benchmark in the process.
