How would you like to power your mp3 player or cell
phone through your apparel?
New age cotton threads have come up with many novel
inventions that one cannot visualize. Just imagine if your apparel can power
your cell phones or mp3 players! Amazing isnt it? Scientists have now invented
a fabric that can conduct electricity, and can also be made into light. This
fabric contains simple cotton threads that are coated with the magical wonder. Conductive
cotton threads are used in place of conventional wires. These cotton threads
are encrusted with a layer of semiconductor polymers and nano particles. This
coating enables the thread to conduct electricity just like metal wires.
Comfortable clothing!
Tiny solar cells are embedded in this fabric. During the day
time these solar cells collect energy and store it in a device that is
identical to a battery. The conductive thread is woven through the fabric which
is used to make the garment, and is attached with the battery. Power for this
thread is discharged through a USB device. The thread contains a simple knot
that completes the circuit from energy storage to discharge. The thread will be
a natural fibre and not a synthetic one. Simple knots in this thread are
capable enough to complete a circuit. This charger will be capable enough to
power a cell phone or an mp3 player.
Earlier technologies in the same field resulted in bringing
conductivity to the fabric, but the fabric became very heavy and rigid. But
this novel technology allows the cotton thread to remain flexible, and
comfortable. Processing, weaving, and knitting the fabrics becomes an easy
process. Thus it has outwitted the discomforts that prevailed in the earlier
inventions.
The scientists behind this amazing invention assert that it
is impossible to distinguish between an ordinary cotton thread and the
conductive thread. They can twist, bend and drape in the same way just like any
other ordinary fabric. The wearer will also feel the same. The pliability of
the fabric enables it to be cut and sewn into a garment in a sewing machine
like any other fabric. This invention has potential applications in the making
of shoes, curtains, carpets and beddings. The sensors will become a main part
of the fabric. This fabric offers a potential market in the textile segment as
it does not have any foreign particle attached with the fabric, and will be a
part of the fabric.
Further researches are now undertaken so as to ensure that
this conductive thread can also monitor our body functions. If successful, this
fabric can monitor heart beat and breathing, analyze the wearers sweat, and
even cool the person off on a hot summer day. This can soon be a reality, and
myriad applications can be achieved.
References:
1.
http://www1.voanews.com
2.
http://it.moldova.org
3.
http://www.dnaindia.com
4.
http://www.solarreport.net
