Researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne are using nanodiamonds to create smart textiles that can cool people down faster.

The study found that fabrics made with nanodiamond-coated cotton cooled by 2-3 degrees Celsius during the cooling process compared to untreated cotton. They do this by absorbing body heat and releasing it from the fabric - a result of the nanodiamonds' incredible thermal conductivity.

Project leader and senior lecturer Dr Shadi Houshyar, published in Polymers for Advanced Technologies, said there is a great opportunity to use these insights to create new types of textiles for use in sportswear and even personal protective clothing, such as the bottom layer for firefighters to keep cool.

The study also found that nanodiamonds enhance the UV protection of cotton, making it ideal for outdoor summer clothing.

"While 2 or 3 degrees may not seem like much of a change, it does have an impact on comfort and health over long periods of time," Houshyar said. From a practical standpoint, it could be the difference between turning the air conditioning off or turning it on." "It is also possible to explore how nanodiamonds could be used to protect buildings from overheating, which could have environmental benefits."

Due to the reduced use of air conditioning, the use of this fabric in clothing is expected to save 20-30% of energy.

The research team, based at the Centre for Materials Innovation and Future Fashion (CMIFF), is made up of RMIT engineers and textile researchers with a wealth of expertise in developing the next generation of smart textiles and working with industry to develop real-world solutions.

Houshyar says that, contrary to popular belief, nanodiamonds are not the same as diamonds that adorn jewelry.

"They're actually cheap to make - cheaper than graphene oxide and other types of carbon materials," she said. "Although they have a carbon lattice structure, they are much smaller in size. They are also easy to make using methods such as explosions or scrap materials."

While the research is still preliminary, Houshyar says this method of coating nanofibers onto textiles has strong commercial potential. Further research will investigate the durability of nanofibers, especially during the washing process.

Source: NTMT Textile New Materials