PhD student Tong Cheng developed a compound that consists of a large amount of tiny pores that hold and trap photochromic dye – dye that changes colour when exposed to UV light, then reverts to its original colour when UV radiation is absent. This is then applied to wool fibres.
Most importantly, it does not change any of the characteristics that Australian Merino wool is know for.
“The fabric maintains its softness and drape, and the colour is preserved when washed,” Ms Tong said.
Another exciting aspect of the fabric is its protection against the UV rays that it absorbs.
“We have found that the polymer absorbs potentially harmful UV rays in sunlight. When applied to wool, these polymers enhance the fibre's natural UV absorption, further increasing the SPF (sun protection factor) afforded by wool garments,” said Ms Cheng. “Initial tests have shown these rays are almost totally blocked.”
The research was funded by the China-Australia Wool Innovation Network (CAWIN) program. The education and development initiative forged in 2003 between AWI and Deakin University enables the Chinese wool industry to draw on the research carried out.
Ms Cheng has won two awards for her efforts: Materials Australia's prestigious 2006 Borland Forum Award and the 2007 AWI/DWI Award for Excellence in Wool Science. DWI is the German Wool Research Institute.
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