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Textiles

Surreal illustration of a polar bear wearing a sweater

Polar bear fur-inspired fibers offer exceptional thermal insulation, tested in a sweater

Researchers from MIT and Northeastern University developed a liquid crystal elastomer fiber that can change its shape in response to thermal stimuli. The fiber, which is fully compatible with existing textile manufacturing machinery, could be used to make morphing textiles, like a jacket that becomes more insulating to keep the wearer warm when temperatures drop.

Shape-shifting fiber can produce morphing fabrics

Time series of 45° incline flame test of non-woven fabrics from the MAGIC recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with the inferior heat release capacities (HRC) and the most superior HRC. Each image is 5 seconds apart. Top series is fabric made from RIL-225, which like all untreated textiles produced from conventional cultivated white cottons, was fully consumed by flame in approximately 15 seconds. Bottom series is RIL-385, which self-extinguished.

New cotton is naturally fire resistant

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