Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have pioneered a self-cleaning, flexible heating fabric designed to provide protection against extreme cold.
The innovation, which mitigates health risks associated with prolonged exposure to low temperatures, has been detailed in the journal Nano-Micro-Small.
Professor Uttam Manna, from the Department of Chemistry at IIT Guwahati, spotlighted the urgency of tackling cold-related health hazards, stating, “Studies indicate that deaths due to extreme cold outnumber those caused by extreme heat. Traditional solutions for protecting oneself from extreme cold, such as heaters or layered clothing, are often bulky or require a constant power source,"
"Conductive textiles offer a lightweight, flexible alternative, but existing versions often have limitations, such as poor durability, high power consumption, and vulnerability to water exposure,” he added.
A novel approach to heat generation
In response to these challenges, the research team devised an innovative method by coating cotton fabric with ultra-thin, clean silver nanowires, thereby rendering it conductive.
“These nanowires are 100,000 times thinner than a human hair, allowing electricity to flow through the fabric, helping it generate heat while remaining soft and flexible. Due to its exceptional electrical conductivity and the ability to convert both electricity and sunlight into heat, silver nanowires were chosen for this experiment. The low electrical resistance of silver allows for electrothermal conversion at low applied voltage, eliminating the risk of electrocution,” explained Manna.
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One of the drawbacks of silver nanowires is their susceptibility to tarnishing, which can impair their efficiency over time.
To counter this, the researchers developed a protective water-repellent coating inspired by the hydrophobic properties of lotus leaves.
This microscopic rough surface texture causes water to roll off rather than be absorbed.
“This keeps the textile dry, ensuring long-lasting conductivity and effective heating, even in damp conditions. The water-repellent coating also prevents damage from sweat, rain, or accidental spills, making it reliable for outdoor and everyday applications. The textile can convert electricity using a small rechargeable battery or solar energy into heat and can maintain a desired temperature between 40-60 degrees Celsius for over 10 hours,” said Manna.
Potential applications
The team successfully tested the textile in wearable knee and elbow bands, demonstrating its efficacy in providing sustained warmth for those working in cold environments and individuals requiring heat therapy, such as arthritis patients.
“The textile has broader applications, such as on-demand water heating and accelerating chemical reactions by wrapping it around reaction vessels. Our textile is self-cleanable, breathable, and flexible and can easily be scaled up. Its durability and long-lasting performance make it useful in a range of applications that require controlled heating,” Manna added.
The research team has filed a patent for this innovation in India and is currently working on integrating the material with a miniaturised electronic circuit to develop market-ready products.
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