North Carolina State University

Clearer physics of liquid droplet behaviour on solid surfaces could transform how textiles are designed to absorb or repel moisture. A review paper has addressed the forces operating where liquid, air, and solid interact, identifying a poorly understood variable in wetting mechanics with implications for athletic wear, protective equipment, and rainwear.

Fibre lithium-ion batteries could be woven into textiles to power devices or act as wearable controllers, a new study has concluded. It found two obstacles still block practical use. Encapsulation must keep out moisture and oxygen without losing flexibility, and mathematical models must predict how yarn length and chemistry affect output in garments.

Researchers at North Carolina State University have unveiled a potential alternative to formaldehyde and PFAS in cotton finishing, using epoxidised cottonseed oil. Presented at the American Chemical Society’s Fall 2025 meeting, the work highlights a promising green process to create wrinkle-resistant, water-repellent fabrics without harmful chemicals, potentially transforming cotton finishing and reducing environmental and health risks associated with traditional treatments.

Getting the right shade of dye is often difficult for fabric manufacturers, but research from the Wilson College of Textiles is using machine learning to tackle the mismatch of shades which could actually help reduce textile manufacturing waste by more accurately mapping how colours will change during the dyeing process.

A four-year research programme led by Woolmark and North Carolina State University positions merino wool as a natural performance fibre, offering a clear advantage in thermal performance as it behaves well across both activity and rest phases—a critical benefit in dynamic sports.

A new study has found that synthetic apparel is by far the largest source of plastic waste. The synthetic value chain accounted for 18 million tonnes of waste in 2019, making up 89% of all plastic waste from the global apparel industry that year. 

Researchers in the US have concluded that cellulosic microfibres from flushable wipes, tissue paper, and cotton fibres generated from bleached cotton jersey knit fabric biodegrade extensively across all tested conditions.

A new study from NC State University is combining machine learning with three-dimensional embroidery techniques to create a fabric-based sensor that can control electronic devices through touch.

Imagine you can make a yarn, just a regular textile yarn, that you also make into a battery. You can basically hide it in your clothing. A team of researchers is working on this which could well be a significant development for wearable technology.

A new project in the US aims to disrupt and revolutionise the $96 billion textiles industry, driving advances in smart textiles, wearable technology, medical textiles and protective textiles.