A team of Chinese scientists has developed a knittable fiber with exceptional thermal insulation drawing inspiration from polar bear fur.
Aerogel fibers have historically not been viable for use in textile manufacturing because of their low strength, low stretchability, and decreased ability to insulate well in moist environments.
But the Zhejiang University team looked to the polar bear unique fur—which is known for being warm and water-resistant—as a model. The scientists mimicked the structure of polar bear fur, which is composed of a porous core surrounded by a solid shell.
Their creativity resulted in the development of a strong aerogel fiber with lamellar pores that absorbs infrared light and retains heat while maintaining its mechanical strength, making it perfect for knitting and weaving.
This fiber is incredibly strong; it maintains its insulating properties even after 10,000 stretch cycles at 100% strain. The researchers used the fiber to knit a small jumper to show how successful it was. This sweater had the same level of thermal insulation as a traditional down jacket, although being much thinner.
This discovery expands the possibilities for multifunctional aerogel fibers and textiles, hence increasing the potential applications of modern textile technology.
