Textile Insight

compared to the 20th century average," states Wu. "is phenomenon has increased the intensity and frequency of heat waves, causing wearer discomfort that could also affect heat-related episodes, making heat strokes more likely." The research team's radiative cooling fabric cools down the skin temperature by promoting heat dissipation from the human body without increasing energy consumption. Wu mentioned that radiative cooling fabric can not only improve peoples' adaptation to warming temperatures, but could potentially decrease dependence on air conditioning, which would reduce carbon emissions. Wu believes that spectrum-selective text i les simi lar to UC hicago PME's carefully engineered design for passive, radiative cooling, aimed at the growing challenges of the 'urban heat island' effects, will become an important consideration for future textile engineered designs. She notes, "is type of fabric can be produced domestically within the US textile market, and some manufacturers may already have the necessary technologies integrated into their existing infrastructure." UChicago PME's textile is actually a composite fabric, made up of three layers, which include: 1) a polymethylpentene n onwove n top l aye r m a d e t h rou g h electrospinning; 2) a silver nanowire middle layer, fabricated using a spray coating; and 3) a broadband high-emissive layer on the bottom. e three layers for clothing applications are sewn together during apparel manufacturing process. e fabric is also sustainable. Wu adds, "Our cooling textile, with its three-layer structure, is recyclable aer delaminating and separating the individual components. Each layer has an independent single component, which is relatively easy to separate and recycle." " To prove the fabric's effectiveness in wearable cooling performance for apparel, we measured the temperature and cooling power when exposed to outdoor environments," says Wu. "We also analyzed the water vapor transmission rate, which is important to ensure the textile's breathability. e emissivity spectrum of the textile in urban areas is highly related to the fiber morphology, and the molecular structure determines the best fabric construction." Wu adds, "In addition, we measured the mechanical property and bendability of the fabric, which proves the wear ability of the fabric." e short-term goal for UChicago PME's research is to develop evaporative and radiative cooling textiles that can cool the human body at lab scale. e long-term goals are to mass produce the textiles at minimal cost and enrich the color design. The development of radiative cooling textile materials represents an important trend for future cooling garment design and manufacturing, which the researchers believe could become commercially available for apparel manufacturing within the next five to ten years. Besides personal wearing apparel, radiative cooling fabrics can be used for a variety of other purposes, such as car coverings, outdoor shelters and tents, energy-efficient packaging, agricultural covers, as well as for use in roadways and building materials. e technology is open for mass-produced industrial developments in the future. n textileinsight.com Spring 2025 ~ Textile Insight • 29 FabricLink.com TheTechnicalCenter.com "Thank you for all the support you have provided to Concept III over the years. You know how much we value it. Keep up the good work!" David Parkes President Concept III Textiles Why clients are excited about the benefits of The FabricLink Network Partnership Opportunities: Kristi Rummel kristi@rummelmedia.com 608.435.6220 Editorial Opportunities: Kathy Swantko kgswantko@fabricklink.com 818.345.7501 How will they find you, if you're not there? The FabricLink Network THE Networking / Education Search Engine for ALL Things Textile Related! FL-TTC-TI-2016-2_Layout 1 9/19/19 11:54 AM Page 1 "To prove the fabric's effectiveness in wearable cooling performance for apparel, we measured the temperature and cooling power when exposed to outdoor environments." DR. RONGHUI WU UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO'S PRITZKER SCHOOL OF MOLECULAR ENGINEERING UChicago PME's research team recognizes that a spectrum-selective textile, designed to reduce heat-retention in fabrics, makes it possible for the body to be protected from high temperatures that could otherwise increase the risk for heat-related diseases.

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