Latest Nanotech News

How about a spray-on dirt/stain releaser that only requires water? This breakthrough would immediately manifest itself in the textile industry. It may be possible later on for consumers to purchase a spray-on equivalent much like they purchase water-repellent sprays for leather shoes today. Researchers say it will still be a few years before this becomes mainstream at the retail level.

Self-cleaning coating for clothes developed

Clemson University researchers say they have created a coating that can be integrated into virtually any fabric, allowing dirt to be released when water is applied.

The patented coating allows clothing to be cleaned simply by spraying with water or wiping with a damp cloth and reduces the number of cleanings required.

The coating method could be sold to textile companies to be integrated into fabrics and one day could be available to retail customers as a spray-on. Not anytime soon, though; researchers say it could be five years before fabrics infused with the coating make it to the market.

This is different than traditional waterproofing which leaves the fabric shiny and is an additional layer on the garment. This new approach actually has the self-cleaning material interwoven into the actual garment fabric.

Besides clothing, the film also could be used on lawn furniture, convertible car tops and outdoor campers.

There, for all you campers who hate washing the trailer, now you won't have to one day. Personally I welcome this from the lawn furniture standpoint as I am surrounded by trees and struggle with keeping my outdoor furniture clean.


[edit on 11/28/2004 by titian]

Some other interesting storys on the subject. Titian are you gonna make an ATSNN submission of this cuz I was just about to when I saw your post.

SCI/TECH: Yarn Spun for Nanoscale Knitting
SCI/TECH: For cheap Nanotubes, Just add water



[edit on 27-11-2004 by sardion2000]

Is something alongs the lines of "Scotch Guard"?

Originally posted by birddawg
Is something alongs the lines of "Scotch Guard"?

No scotch guard protects the fabric, these cloths clean themselves so there would be no need for scotch guard.

This is the best thing I've heard. I need some of that coating. I wear white clothes everyday..I like white..I get them dirty all the time so this coating would rock. I'd only need a shirt, pants, socks, shoes, coats, and gloves that have this coating on it and I'll never have to buy new clothes until I get bigger.

This is something I going to watch closely. The key point that jumped out at me was the artificial muscle idea. I'm into robotics and this one concept could revolutionalize the whole field. I've read other attempts at artificial muscle and only limited sucess has been made.