Nanodiamonds have emerged as a potential solution for the development of clothing with superior cooling properties, as revealed by researchers from RMIT University. Through the utilization of nanodiamonds, the team has successfully produced smart textiles capable of swiftly reducing body heat, rendering them suitable for sportswear and personal protective clothing.
The findings, highlighted in Polymers for Advanced Technologies, demonstrate that cotton fabric coated with nanodiamonds via electrospinning exhibited a reduction in temperature of 2-3 degrees Celsius during the cooling process, in contrast to untreated cotton. This remarkable effect is attributed to the exceptional thermal conductivity of nanodiamonds, which facilitates the extraction and release of body heat from the fabric. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanodiamonds has been shown to enhance the UV protection of cotton, thereby making it an ideal choice for outdoor summer attire.
Lead researcher and Senior Lecturer, Dr. Shadi Houshyar, emphasized the significant impact of even a 2 or 3-degree change on comfort and well-being over prolonged periods. This development could also potentially lead to a reduction in energy consumption of 20-30% by decreasing the reliance on air conditioning.
Further detailing the functionality of the coated cotton fabric, research assistant Dr. Aisha Rehman explained the process of coating the cotton with an adhesive and subsequently electrospinning it with a polymer solution composed of nanodiamonds, polyurethane, and solvent to form a network of nanofibres on the cotton fibres. Dr. Rehman emphasized the fabric’s design to swiftly transfer heat from the body into the air due to the outstanding thermal conductivity of nanodiamonds, resulting in a quicker process compared to untreated fabric.
Dr. Houshyar shed light on the cost-effectiveness of nanodiamond production, highlighting their affordability in comparison to other carbon materials such as graphene oxide. Additionally, she noted their biocompatibility and potential applications in the biomedical sector. Indeed, nanodiamonds have diverse applications, ranging from enhancing thermal properties of liquids and gels to increasing corrosion resistance in metals.
While the research is in its early stages, the potential for commercial utilization appears promising, as the method of coating nanofibres onto textiles is relatively straightforward and can significantly streamline the manufacturing process. The study, published in Polymers for Advanced Technologies, serves as a valuable reference for those interested in advancing research in this innovative field.
Thus, consumers may soon encounter nanodiamond-coated textiles when shopping for sportswear or outdoor summer clothing, offering not only enhanced cooling properties but also energy conservation. This groundbreaking advancement has the potential to revolutionize the fashion and textiles industries, providing both comfort and sustainability.
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