RMIT University researchers have launched an initiative to enhance fabrics with nanodiamonds, aiming to expedite the body's cooling process. Through a technique called electrospinning, they found that fabric treated with nanodiamonds could lower temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius compared to untreated cotton.
Shadi Houshyar, Project Head and Senior Lecturer, RMIT, says, this technology could be used in numerous applications such as making innovative materials for sportswear and personal protective equipment like firefighter underlayers.
Additionally, the study reveals, nanodiamond-coated cotton provides improved UV protection, making it suitable for outdoor summer attire.
Houshyar emphasises, the integration of nanodiamonds into fabrics could potentially reduce the need for air conditioning, resulting in energy savings of 20-30 per cent.
Spearheaded by the Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion (CMIFF), the research comprises RMIT engineers and textile researchers renowned for crafting next-generation smart textiles. Aisha Rehman, Research Assistant, RMIT, explains, nanodiamonds were selected for their robust thermal conductivity properties.
