During the Olympic Games in Brazil, an uninvited guest, the Zika virus, made headlines. Like malaria, Zika virus is transmitted through mosquito bites. The battle against this type of disease continues today. technologyoffers new tools as usual. In this case, instead of relying on antiviral drugs, a close-to-skin barrier, clothing, would be put in place, albeit with the help of nanotechnology. A Brazilian company has developed a new technology using nanoparticles that offer a wide range of applications in clothing. From reflecting solar radiation to removing odor-causing microbes to releasing repellents and insecticides.
Nanox is the company name and has created a range of nanoparticles based on inorganic materials. For example, silver, zinc, and copper, which have antibacterial and antibacterial properties, are used to reduce body odor. As for sun protection, nanoparticles in the form of glass microspheres coated with zinc oxide, aluminum or titanium are used as small mirrors that reflect the sun’s rays. nanotechnology Tests conducted with these show a 65% reduction in heat transfer to the fabric at wavelengths between 500 and 4,000 nanometers. In the real world, this means up to 6.5 degrees cooler for the wearer. So far, functional fibers have proven effective against UV rays, but this new generation of smart materials using nanotechnology can also reduce infrared rays.
Both fabrics are especially useful in warmer climates, where sweat and disease-carrying insects are much more common. In addition to being used in everyday clothing, these nanoparticles can also be applied to work clothes, bedding, and home curtains, greatly expanding their applications. Nanotechnology garments will hit the market in summer 2020 and are said to be more durable and durable, and retain their properties over more washing cycles.
Smart clothes for cooling down (or warming up)
Researchers at the University of Maryland have focused on developing innovative fabrics that not only dissipate heat during the summer, but retain heat in the winter. In other words, new material By doing so, our clothing will be able to adapt to environmental conditions. Its creators also take advantage of the following properties: nanotechnologyHowever, it uses bimorph fibers of triacetate and cellulose coated with thin carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Both fibers have the property of attracting and repelling water, so if placed in a hot and humid environment, the fibers will bunch up and collapse. When this happens, the carbon nanotubes are brought closer together, inducing electromagnetic coupling and increasing their ability to dissipate heat, also known as emissivity. Conversely, when the temperature is low, the fibers expand and impede heat dissipation.
The inventors of this new nanotechnology fabric liken it to a “blind” that lets or blocks infrared light depending on room temperature. They also point out that the effect is almost instant, as the fibers expand or contract before the wearer notices the change in temperature.
sauce: something amazing, physical world
photograph: Faye Levin, University of Maryland