In a cold laboratory room in China, something warm is taking shape. No bad news! Researchers at Zhejiang University have woven the future, creating an airgel fiber that is warmer than down and inspired by polar bear fur. Soon it could wrap us in its warm embrace, rewriting the rules of winter clothing.
Inspiration from nature
How many times have I told you, and how many more times will I tell you: la biomimetics wins over everything! Nature has always had surprising solutions to even complex challenges. Take polar bears, hosts of the coldest lands: they have developed a unique coat that keeps them warm even in the coldest temperatures.
This hair, characterized by a porous internal structure and a dense outer shell, was the muse for researchers at Zhejiang University. They wanted to replicate these characteristics to create a fiber that offered superior thermal insulation. And did they succeed? Well. According to research published in Science (I link it to you here) I would say yes.
The dawn of a new fabric
The research, guided by the aim of combining aesthetics and functionality, led to the creation of an airgel fibre. This material, known for its light weight and insulating properties, has been used in the past in different fields, from space technology to industrial applications.
Until yesterday, its use in the textile sector was limited by problems such as the lack of breathability and resistance. The Chinese team overcame these obstacles, developing a fiber that not only insulates but is also strong and flexible.
Airgel fiber: the process of creation
The research team started with an initial airgel. This material was then transformed into fiber through a process that included freezing: an action that changed the structure of the material, making it more suitable for use in fabrics.
Subsequently, the material was subjected to freeze-drying: a special drying process that preserved its lightness. Finally, a semi-rigid liner was added. The result of this process? A thin, flexible airgel fiber, ready to be woven into fabric. Of note: the technique, in addition to being innovative, could also be cheaper than traditional methods for producing fabrics.
To test the qualities of this revolutionary fabric, researchers created a sweater made of airgel fiber. By exposing it to temperatures as low as -20°C, they showed that it offered superior thermal protection compared to sweaters made of down, wool or cotton. Furthermore, the sweater retained its integrity even after being stretched 10.000 times, highlighting its durability. The fiber can also be dyed and flexed, adding an extra level of versatility.
The fiber of the future: warm and sustainable
This innovation not only represents a breakthrough in thermal comfort, but also a step forward towards sustainability. With the world looking for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials, airgel fiber is positioned as a promising choice.
The new airgel fabric, warmer than down and inspired by polar bear fur, is a hymn to the brilliance of nature and human creativity: together they will dress the future.
