Exclusive textiles

Researchers at

are using nanotechnology to develop “smart textiles” that will not only keep emergency services personnel and the military safe without sacrificing comfort or ease of use, but may also have numerous other widespread uses.

Dr. Juan Hinestroza, an assistant professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science at NC State, and researchers at the University of Puerto Rico pioneered the method to develop chemical-resistant textiles by attaching nanolayers of different polymers to natural fibres.

The layers are 20 nanometres thick and can control what passes through the layer using a process called selective transport.

“These layers are customised 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, Hinestroza said, when they bind to the polymers of the fibres, which are made of materials that are attractive to the chemical agents.