New Nanotech Fabric Never Gets Wet

holy_calamity writes "New Scientist reports on a simple coating for polyester that renders it unwettable — even after two months underwater it emerges dry to the touch. Water cannot attach to the new fabric thanks to nanostructured filaments and a structure that traps a constant air layer. One potential use is for low-drag swim wear."

Comments

Re:Is this a good idea?

[simcop2387]

if its anything like other coatings, certain things like oils will get on it and you'll never get them out.

Re:Is this a good idea?

[theTrueMikeBrown]

I don't think that that would really be a problem - the sweat can still evaporate and leave as water vapor

Re:Is this a good idea?

[Phase Shifter]

I don't even want to know how soaked I'd feel after cycling for half an hour wearing a 'rain-coat' like that to keep me 'dry'!

Liquid water can't adhere to the surface of the fibers. Water vapor should be able to penetrate the fabric just fine--which is exactly the way you want it if you plan to avoid heat exhaustion while biking.

old news. but cool!

[famebait]

Superhydrophobic surfaces and textile coverings have been around for a little while.
The news here is the one-step solvent-free process,
which will make industrialization a lot cheaper.

Youtube has lots on "superhydrophobic" and "nanotech fabric/textile"

Here's a cool demo: they sink a white sofa into a read bath, and pull it out again spotless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ytrQs1B5QY

Re:Is this a good idea?

[DanZ23]

This is how Gore-Tex works. You can actually sit on water and it will not come thru the membrane, but water vapor passes thru.