Researchers in China have reported of a breakthrough, which will help wool, a natural fibre to display properties similar to functional fabrics like breathability, shrinkage-free and wrinkle-free.
According to the researchers, wool is naturally water-repellant, or hydrophobic, a feature that comes in the way of enhancing its features like anti-wrinkle, anti-shrinkage finishing and dyeing.
Wool's water-repellency also hinders its ability to absorb moisture and makes wool garments feel sweaty. But now they have found a way to make wool display these properties by means of a coating.
The coating is made from silica nanoparticles of 1/50,000th the width of a human hair. The particles absorb excess moisture, and make wool superhydrophilic. The new layer does not affect wool's color or texture and can withstand dry cleaning.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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