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New Nanotech Fabric Never Gets Wet

Posted by timothy on from the good-for-lining-lunchboxes dept.

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."

7 of 231 comments (clear)

  1. Is this a good idea? by beh · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Water can't penetrate it - that means, rain stays outside... Good idea...

    But it also means, all your sweat stays INSIDE... BAD idea...
    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'!

    1. Re:Is this a good idea? by FishAdmin · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Even worse, you can't wash it:

      Unlike some water-resistant coatings, it remains more-or-less intact when the fabric is rubbed vigorously, although it didn't survive an everyday washing machine cycle.

      That's really not such a large deal; it repels liquids, and any solids could be sprayed off with a hose/faucet/whathaveyou. It couldn't really get dirty, so there would be no need to wash it beyond a surface rinse; the bigger threat is trapping your perspiration, like beh pointed out.

      --
      Last night I played a blank tape at full volume. The mime next door went nuts.
    2. Re:Is this a good idea? by fuzzyfuzzyfungus · · Score: 4, Insightful

      While some sort of one way fabric would be even better, and presumably awaits the next round of freaky nanotech, there is nothing stopping you from using macroscale features to deal with that problem. Strategically placed vent slits or similar should be able to let sweat out and allow a modicum of air circulation without letting rain in.

      Cold weather gear would be trickier; but I suspect that the same basic mixed strategy approach would work.

    3. Re:Is this a good idea? by cowscows · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I'd imagine that with a little cleverness and effort, it'd be possible to come up with a rain jacket design that had a decent amount of venting in places that were adequately protected from rain. I own a jacket that has zippers under the armpits that you can open to allow some cooling. You still probably wouldn't be very comfortable running a marathon in it, but for day-to-day wear, I'm sure it could be quite comfortable. Designing in more venting wouldn't be impossible.

      --

      One time I threw a brick at a duck.

  2. Re:funny but. by gblackwo · · Score: 4, Insightful

    I wouldn't want that anywhere near my water supply, 10 years later if that stuff flakes off, that could do some nasty stuff to your digestive system.

  3. More use than clothing. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This stuff would be great under roofing tiles/shingles. This has FAR more uses than clothing.

  4. Re:Welcome! by UnanimousCoward · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Too bad for Bill that Monica's blue dress didn't have that coating. Oh wait, does it work on THAT substance too?

    --
    Twelve-and-three-quarter inches. Unyielding. This wand belonged to Bellatrix Lestrange.