Juan Hinestroza at North Carolina State University, and researchers at
the University of Puerto Rico have pioneered a method to develop
chemical-resistant textiles by attaching nanolayers to natural
fibers."These layers are customized for different chemicals," Hinestroza
said. "We can specifically block warfare agents like mustard or nerve
gas, or industrial chemicals, while still allowing air and moisture to
pass through to make the fabric breathable."Chemicals are blocked, when
they bind to the polymers of the fibers, which are made of materials
which attract the chemical agents.
These fabrics could be made into garments that offer very high levels of protection, without affecting comfort or usability
There are dozens of potential uses of this technology.
These fabrics could be made into garments that offer very high levels of protection, without affecting comfort or usability
There are dozens of potential uses of this technology.
- Imagine gloves coated with arthritis drugs
- Military uniforms coated with antibacterial layers to prevent infection in case of wound
- Antibacterial sheets for submarine bunks to prevent illness spread as these bunks are shared by enlisted personnel
- Comfortable protective clothing against several chemical and biological warfare agents