University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Researchers Develop Printable Smart Fabric for Cooling and Energy Harvesting
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have created a printable fabric capable of cooling the body, collecting energy from movement, and producing electrical signals. This innovative material could lead to the development of smart athletic clothing and other wearable products that adapt to a user's activity and temperature needs. Unlike many smart textiles that rely on multiple layers, this new material integrates several functionalities into a single printable component, making it potentially lighter, more comfortable, and easier to manufacture. The fabric employs passive radiative cooling, reflecting 96% of incoming sunlight and releasing body heat, allowing it to remain 3 to 6 degrees Celsius cooler than the ambient air during outdoor tests. This cooling mechanism operates without external power. Additionally, the textile can convert mechanical movement into electrical energy and signals, which could be used to detect activity levels and regulate other clothing functions, such as swi...
