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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. Re:Is this a good idea? by Andr+T. · · Score: 5, Interesting
    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.

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    Any life is made up of a single moment, the moment in which a man finds out, once and for all, who he is.

  2. funny but. by LWATCDR · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I was wondering if it could be used for Ships to lower their drag, or to line the inside of pipes.
    Not the fabric mind you but the coating.

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    See my blog http://ilovecookes.blogspot.com/ for light hearted technical information.
  3. Practical applications by Leafheart · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There are many important places where we can use it, besides gain an edge on competitive sports (yeah, I know, money talks).

    • If the coating can be used on anything else, I say we have a pretty serious application on anything that deals with salty water.
    • Still on the topic of swimming, how good it is the thermal isolation on this things? Can it be made to better diving suits?
    • Ship sails that do not get wet.
    • Protective clothes and other fabric for people on icy\snowy places. Specially mountaineers and the guys down at Antarctica.
    • Is it only water or any liquid? I mean, can I spray alcohol and it won't stick? What about mud? Will it only be the earth particles on the cloth and the liquid will pour off?
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    --- "When you gotta do something wrong. You gotta do it right. (Fighter)"