Scientists smarten wool to shake off wrinkles

 
New research could invest wool with a 'brain,' placing it among other "smart" fabrics that shake off wrinkles, shrinkage and actually 'breathe.'

Fangqiong Tang, Yi Li of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and colleagues note that wool is naturally water-repellent, or hydrophobic, a feature that acts as a barrier to enhanced features such as anti-wrinkle, anti-shrinkage, finishing and dyeing.

Wool's water repellency also hinders its ability to absorb moisture and makes woollen garments feel sweaty.

Although scientists have developed treatments that make wool more hydrophilic, or water-absorbing, they may not last long, may damage the fabric, and are not eco-friendly, says a release of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

They have now developed a new coating made from silica nano particles, 50,000 times as thin as a human hair. The particles absorb excess moisture, and make wool superhydrophilic. The new layer does not affect wool's colour or texture and can withstand dry cleaning, they note.

The study appears in ACS' Langmuir, a bi-weekly journal.