IIT Guwahati develops water-repellent, conductive textile

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have created a new type of textile that is both water-resistant and conductive, designed to convert electricity and sunlight into heat. This innovative material aims to provide warmth in cold weather, helping to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, such as blood clots, respiratory problems, and weakened immunity.

The solution developed by the IIT Guwahati team involves applying ultra-thin silver nanowires to cotton fabric. These nanowires, which are much thinner than a human hair, make the fabric electrically conductive, allowing it to generate heat while remaining soft and flexible.

Professor Uttam Manna from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati emphasized the textile’s features, including its ability to self-clean, breathe, and remain flexible. He also noted that the textile is scalable and durable, providing long-lasting performance for various controlled heating applications.

To prevent the silver nanowires from tarnishing, the researchers added a water-repellent coating to the fabric. This coating, inspired by the natural texture of a lotus leaf, repels water, ensuring that the textile stays dry. This makes the material durable and effective at generating heat even in damp conditions. The coating also protects the fabric from sweat, rain, and spills, making it suitable for both outdoor and everyday use. The research is detailed in their paper published in the journal Nano-Micro-Small.

The textile can be powered by a small rechargeable battery or solar energy, and it can maintain a temperature range of 40°C to 60°C for more than 10 hours. The researchers tested the fabric in wearable knee and elbow bands, proving its potential to provide continuous warmth for people working in cold environments or for therapeutic heat applications such as treating arthritis.