What would you give to have a fabric that can be used not only as a fashion statement, but as a practical means of charging your personal electronics? Though it may sound like it at first, this idea is not the stuff of science fiction but a very real development in textiles.
A collaborative effort between American and Italian scientists led researchers to discover a viable way of coating cotton threads with a layer of semiconductor polymers and nanoparticles. Because of this the cotton threads act as electrical wires.
One of the scientists involved in the project predicts that the difference between the conductive cotton and regular cotton will be barely discernible. Juan Hinestroza of Cornell University says that the regular and conductive cottons “will bend the same, they will drape the same, they will feel the same”.
Suits that charge electronics?
Where do the threads get their charge from? The fabric includes tiny solar power cells in the fabric that will collect the energy and then transfer it to be stored. Power is discharged to your electronic device through a USB interface.
In addition to powering entertainment devices, the reasearchers anticipate even more important applications for conductive fabrics. For instance, scientists are interested in fabrics that can monitor critical bodily functions.
While admitting that it is too soon to predict exactly when such sophisticated fabrics will be making their debut, researchers are optimistic that it will be in the near future.
In the meantime, take a look at some of our novelty fabrics.
Dress Shirts Fabric
His & Hers Fabric
Clothes Line Fabric
