Clothing made from “ Smart Fabric” will harvest the sun’s heat to keep you warm

Scientists from the University of Waterloo in Canada are developing a “smart fabric” capable of converting sunlight into heat. This material can be used to create clothes that will provide comfort in extremely low temperatures. The development is based on photothermally active nanoparticles of polydopamine and polyaniline, which are characterized by high efficiency of converting light into heat. In addition, a complex of dyes capable of changing colors when heated was included in the composition of the fabric.

During the tests, the fabric sample heated from room temperature to 53.5 °C in just 10 minutes when exposed to solar radiation with a power of 600 W per square meter. At the same time, the color of the fabric changed from red to white, signaling an increase in temperature. After cooling down, the fabric returned to its original color. The developed material is characterized by elasticity and durability. It can withstand stretching up to 500% and retain its thermal properties and ability to change color even after 25 wash cycles.

Despite the promising results, it is worth noting that the effectiveness of the smart fabric is directly dependent on the presence of sunlight. At night or in rooms without access to the sun, the material will not be able to perform heating functions. The next stage of research will be to optimize production, reduce the cost of the material and check its safety for human health.