Monash University is one of Australia’s leading universities and ranks among the world’s top 100. Researchers of this university have created a new fabric using nano-particles that they say could potentially replace current clothing textiles to improved thermal comfort, reducing body temperature, protecting harmful UV rays, and improving washing durability. According to the researcher’s population growth and improved living standards require solutions for textiles with new functions. If we visualize having clothing that can keep us cooler on those sweltering hot days and has the ability to prevent UV radiation from damaging our skin so we can say it is a pioneer the future of textile development across the world. For this, the researchers have developed a nano-material-based coating for fabric that could potentially replace conventional clothing material.
Function of the Nano-material-based fabric
Based on the Australian Research Council (ARC) Hub for Computational Particle Technology, and Monash University’s Department of Chemical Engineering, the research team created thin nano-particle films using cesium-doped tungsten oxide (CsxWO3) capable of shielding near-infrared rays. When this nano-particle applied or integrated into cotton fibers, the CsxWO3 nano-particles were found to be thermally efficient, reducing body temperature by 4.5°C, achieving a high range of UV protection, and preventing harmful dermatological diseases, Monash says. The fabric was also able to maintain color quality and durability across numerous wash cycles.
Researchers say there is a possibility for these nano-particles to be used in other textiles, such as household curtains or outdoor tents and shelters, to insulate homes and reduce UV exposure when outdoors. The main purposes of this textiles are to keep the human body warm and dry in cold climates and to protect it from the heat and sun in hot climates. As we can see the continuous growth in the world’s population and improvements in living standards have required textiles with new functions to meet these changing needs.
“This study highlights the great potential CsxWO3 nano-particles have in decreasing thermal transfer from the clothing item to the skin while maximizing comfort on hot days.” Researchers analyzed the color characteristics, the shielding capacity of near-infrared rays, and surface temperature under solar radiation of the coated cotton fabrics. In addition, colorfastness to washing was employed to evaluate the adhesive strength of CsxWO3 nano-sheets on the cotton fabric. The nano-sheets didn’t negatively influence the color or longevity of the cotton fabric.
This research is providing an extremely capable step for the construction of affordable and long-lasting UV-repellent textiles that can withstand some of the harshest weather and protect the body from cancer-causing rays. The researcher’s team will conduct further studies using CsxWO3 nano-particles this year to further advance the development of new, protective clothing fabric.
