Engineers at the University of Cincinnati in the United States are working to create an innovative carbon fabric for clothing that can charge a variety of electronic devices, Science Daily reported.
The fabric is based on carbon nanotubes, which are grown on quartz silicon wafers in a vacuum chamber in a process called chemical vapor deposition.
As a result, the nanotubes form a small fibrous square that can be turned into a textile fabric by stretching over an industrial coil. It looks like a spider silk thread and can be woven into a variety of fabrics.
According to scientists, carbon nanotubes differ from other materials by unique properties: high strength, good conductivity, larger surface area and high heat resistance.
Carbon filaments can be used in a variety of devices, from heavy metal sensors to supercapacitors and batteries. Carbon nanotubes can replace copper wire in cars and airplanes, thereby reducing the weight of cars and increasing fuel efficiency.
It is noted that the US military is also interested in the development of scientists. The new fabric will be able to charge numerous electronic devices in the soldiers' arsenal, enable flashlights, night vision devices and communications devices to be activated, and thus provide a noticeable advantage in combat.
“In the past, metals have dominated the production of goods, but I think carbon will replace them in many areas. A new era will begin - the carbon revolution,”said Professor Mark Schultz, one of the leaders of the study.