A group of scientists from the ITV Denkendorf headedup by Dr. Thomas Stegmaier have developed a fabric whose surface remains dryunder water. A thin layer of air surrounds the textile and keeps it dry.


A first prototype can already remainunderwater for as long as for 4 days without getting wet much longer thanconventional high-tech textiles. For the first time it was possible tostabilise the air layers under water just by using a specific surfacestructure. The aim of the current research activities is the development of newswimwear, which dries extremely quickly, thus considerably improving wearer comfort. The jury of the NRW university competition patente Erfinder(ingeniousinventors) awarded a patent that protects this development as a particularlyinnovative invention as well as having high commercial potential. Theinnovative surface was developed in cooperation with scientists from the NeesInstitute, Bonn, Germany. Apparently, the new development has also generated alot of commercial interest: major international swimwear manufacturers havealready expressed a great deal of interest in translating this innovation intoa marketable product.


Developmentfollowing natures model


Natures toolbox provided inspiration for the development ofthis fabric. In nature, surfaces which remain dry when immersed in water arerelatively commonplace. Organisms like Ancylometes bogotensis (fishing spider)or Aphelocheirus aestivalis (stream-dwelling bug), two water insects which liveon/under the water, possess this useful effect. Underwater, the insects aresurrounded by a silvery layer of air and are completely dry when they return tothe water surface. The functional principle is based on a hairy surfacestructure. Ancylometes bogotensis has numerous short, curled hairs, whosehook-like structures remain bent over the air layer, keeping it in place evenwhen surrounded by water.


Makingthe textile


Inspired by nature, the bionics research group initiated aseries of tests with different textile surface structures. The scientists ideawas not simply to copy the animal surfaces, but to transfer the decoded basic principles from nature to technical products.


The broad knowledge in fibre and structure technologyavailable at the ITV Denkendorf was extremely helpful in the search for theoptimal structure. The team of scientists was finally able to come up with afabric that forms a layer of air on its surface, which surrounds the textileand keeps it dry. The surface has a dense, bouffant, hairy and elasticstructure. The specific arrangement and bent design of the filaments is able tocapture the tiniest air bubbles, exactly like nature.


The flexibility of the filaments can withstand somemechanical stress caused, for example, through current movements, so that thelayer of air also remains intact during movement. Underwater, this layer of airshines silvery in the same way as animal surfaces immersed in water do. Toenhance this effect, the manufactured fabric is also highly water repellent.


 

A look into the future


The first prototype is still too stiff to be used as swimwear. However, the team of scientists is working hard to develop more flexible structures. Tests with different fabric structures also include tests on knitted fabrics - used for trendy swimwear. At the same time, the scientists aim is to optimise the ability to conserve the layer of air even in the case of vigorous movement. The first prototype would not be strong enough for an active swimmer.


The basic principle provides ideas for further product ideas. In contrast to the initial design, future developments will focus on significantly reducing the friction which is caused by the layer of air. Shipbuilding, for instance, could be a suitable area of application. In this case, the minimisation of friction could considerably reduce the consumption of fuel. The question relating to the regeneration of such systems still needs to be solved. Perhaps natures toolbox might also provide an answer to this question.


Source: ITV Denkendorf



To read more articles on Textile, Industry, Technical Textile, Dyes & Chemicals, Machinery, Fashion, Apparel, Technology, Retail, Leather, Footwear & Jewellery,  Software and General please visit https://articles.fibre2fashion.com


To promote your company, product and services via promotional article, follow this link: https://www.fibre2fashion.com/services/article-writing-service/content-promotion-services.asp