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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."

3 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. 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.