Scientists at Zhejiang University in China have introduced a durable and stretchable fiber inspired by polar bear fur. This innovative material is not limited to textiles but finds applications in various fields. The research team, led by Associate Professor Gao Weiwei and Professor Bai Hao, turned to nature for inspiration to overcome the limitations of aerogel, known as the world’s lightest solid material with exceptional thermal insulation properties.
In their quest for a solution, the team took polar bears as inspiration and aimed to address the weaknesses and processing challenges associated with traditional aerogel. Unlike its typical use in aerospace due to its outstanding thermal properties, conventional aerogel faces difficulties in diverse settings due to its lack of strength, stretchability, and impractical processing for textiles.
This breakthrough in aerogel technology, especially tailored for textiles, resolves the shortcomings of traditional aerogel. Notably, it is machine washable and maintains thermal insulation in various conditions. Beyond its application in fashion, this remarkable material holds promise for a wide range of uses, marking a significant advancement in sustainable materials. The scientists demonstrated its effectiveness by weaving aerogel fiber into pullovers, showcasing its thermal insulation capabilities, which rivaled that of other textile materials but with only one-fifth the thickness.
Indorama Ventures has teamed up with Suntory, Iwatani, and others to introduce the first commercial-scale bio-PET bottle, made from certified…
Milliken & Company has introduced Milliken Assure, first flame-resistant moisture barrier for firefighter turnout gear that is free from PFAS…
Paradise Textiles has collaborated with Kintra Fibers, a leader in bio-based fibers, to produce the first garment made from Kintra’s…
Swisstulle adopted JigMaster for its dyeing and finishing operations, especially for high-quality technical textiles used in fashion and automotive industries.
Birla Cellulose, a leader under the Aditya Birla Group, has announced a long-term partnership with Circ, a U.S.-based textile recycling…
CARBIOS has collaborated with leading brands Patagonia, PUMA, Salomon etc. to create a groundbreaking polyester garment made entirely from textile…