Larissa Shepherd

Researchers at Cornell University have developed an ultrablack wool textile inspired by the feather structure of the magnificent riflebird. Using a two-step process combining polydopamine dyeing and plasma etching, the team achieved exceptionally low light reflectance in a wearable, scalable fabric that maintains its black appearance across wide viewing angles.

Cornell researchers have created an ultrablack colour for textiles by engineering fibre surfaces to trap nearly all incoming light. Drawing inspiration from the magnificent riflebird’s naturally light-absorbing feathers, the team used polydopamine and plasma etching to form dense nanofibrils that reduce reflectance to 0.13%. The result is a structurally produced, remarkably stable black suitable for advanced fabric applications.