The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics will be laser printed and made in minutes. That’s the future imagined by the researchers behind new e-textile technology.
Scientists from RMIT University have developed a cost-efficient and scaleable method for rapidly fabricating textiles that are embedded with energy storage devices.
In just three minutes, the method can produce a 10x10cm smart textile patch that’s waterproof, stretchable and readily integrated with energy harvesting technologies.
The technology enables graphene supercapacitors – powerful and long-lasting energy storage devices that are easily combined with solar or other sources of power – to be laser printed directly onto textiles.
In a proof-of-concept, the researchers connected the supercapacitor with a solar cell, delivering an efficient, washable and self-powering smart fabric that overcomes the key drawbacks of existing e-textile energy storage technologies.
The growing smart fabrics industry has diverse applications in wearable devices for the consumer, health care and defence sectors – from monitoring vital signs of patients, to tracking the location and health status of soldiers in the field, and monitoring pilots or drivers for fatigue.
Dr Litty Thekkakara, a researcher in RMIT’s School of Science, said smart textiles with built-in sensing, wireless communication or health monitoring technology called for robust and reliable energy solutions.
“Current approaches to smart textile energy storage, like stitching batteries into garments or using e-fibres, can be cumbersome and heavy, and can also have capacity issues,” Thekkakara said.
“These electronic components can also suffer short-circuits and mechanical failure when they come into contact with sweat or with moisture from the environment.
“Our graphene-based supercapacitor is not only fully washable, it can store the energy needed to power an intelligent garment – and it can be made in minutes at large scale.
“By solving the energy storage-related challenges of e-textiles, we hope to power the next generation of wearable technology and intelligent clothing.”
The research analysed the performance of the proof-of-concept smart textile across a range of mechanical, temperature and washability tests and found it remained stable and efficient.
RMIT Honorary Professor and Distinguished Professor at the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Min Gu, said the technology could enable real-time storage of renewable energies for e-textiles.
“It also opens the possibility for faster roll-to-roll fabrication, with the use of advanced laser printing based on multifocal fabrication and machine learning techniques,” Gu said.
The researchers have applied for a patent for the new technology, which was developed with support from RMIT Seed Fund and Design Hub project grants.
Learn more: Laser printing tech produces waterproof e-textiles in minutes
The Latest on: Waterproof smart fabrics
[google_news title=”” keyword=”waterproof smart fabrics” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Waterproof smart fabrics
- The best camping gear, according to National Geographic staffon April 25, 2024 at 1:10 pm
Brands like REI Co-op, Coleman, and Kelty are renowned for their high-quality camping gear, offering a wide range of products designed for durability, performance, and comfort in the outdoors.
- The best triathlon kit for women — from wetsuits to shoeson April 25, 2024 at 3:51 am
A perfect outerlayer for spring or summer riding. MAAP’s chic, all-new Atmos Jacket is the lightest-weight packable rain jacket the brand has ever created - and perfect for unpredictable weather after ...
- The 8 best walking shoes for menon April 24, 2024 at 10:13 am
From waterproof options to slip-ons to shoes for aging feet, here are our picks for the most comfortable walking shoes.
- If You Work From Home, Here’s 6 Tips To Create The Perfect WFH Officeon April 23, 2024 at 8:31 pm
Whether you have a dedicated home office or a space carved out in the living room, these tips can help to make it stylish, functional, and ergonomic.
- Shopping trolleys: the new must-have accessoryon April 23, 2024 at 1:20 am
Shopping trolleys have been given a "complete makeover" and are finding new fans among a younger audience.
- REI has two best-selling tents and other camping gear from The North Face on sale for 30% off, just in time for summeron April 17, 2024 at 10:30 am
REI's current sale, featuring 30% off on The North Face camping gear, includes the top-selling Wawona 6 and Wawona 8 tents. Gear up now!
- Maine Is a Warning for America’s PFAS Futureon April 12, 2024 at 3:14 am
New federal rules require public systems to measure and mitigate certain harmful man-made chemicals. Maine is already learning how hard that can be.
- The best pet deals on Amazon to celebrate National Pet Day 2024on April 11, 2024 at 9:52 am
For a limited time, Amazon has slashed the price of this popular and well made pet carrier, so you'll pay just $41 -- a savings of 48%. The carrier measures 19 x 11.8 x 11.5 inches and comes in your ...
- 17 Golf Gear Essentials for Playing Through the Rainon April 10, 2024 at 12:39 pm
We reviewed brands like FootJoy, Callaway, Garmin, and more to find the best golf rain gear in 2024. Read on to view our full list.
- The 6 Best Beach Tents of 2024, According to Reviewson March 6, 2024 at 11:00 am
The tent offers UPF 50+ protection from UV rays. About 40% of the fabric is made from ocean-bound recycled bottles, and the shade is sewn in the U.S. While the original Shibumi Shade works well for ...
via Bing News