The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed intelligent, electrically activated sportswear with a nature-inspired active perspiration function.
THE TECHNOLOGY: Based on the optimised wettability pattern and gradient, the research team utilises a skin-like textile fabric to transport sweat one-way quickly and dissipate it from the inside to the outside. This feature reduces the stickiness and weight of clothing, improves breathability and ensures the garments remain dry and comfortable to wear.
- Experimental findings indicate that the sportswear range — iActive — creates a breathable and dry skin microclimate by dissipating sweat at a rate that is three times faster than the maximum human sweating rate.
- Its nature-inspired technologies, including low-voltage-driven artificial "sweat glands" created by skin-like anti-heat textile fabrics and a root-like branching liquid transport system that aligns with the body's sweat map, can actively and programmably remove sweat to a perspiration dissipater at the lower region of the sportswear.
- This innovation can also prevent discomfort from coldness and moisture after a workout.
- In comparison to traditional fabrics, the textile materials in iActive are 60% lighter and 50% less clingy when soaked, providing the wearer with all-round comfort and enabling sports enthusiasts and athletes to perform at their best.
FASHTECH: A mobile app further aids personalised sweat management by wirelessly adjusting the sweat level of iActive. This innovation is versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of textile materials to facilitate sustainable mass production.
- The all-textile sweat dissipater is compact and operates at a safe output voltage of approximately 5-9V, and its battery is easy to detach from the clothing, making it convenient for users to repeatedly wash the clothing by hand or in a washing machine to maintain hygiene.
- When the human body's sweat rate is low, iActive can still be used independently without the battery.
- Beyond sportswear, iActive is also well-suited to protective clothing and workwear for individuals engaged in prolonged, high-intensity physical labour and outdoor occupations, including healthcare professionals, construction workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others, thereby significantly enhancing their work performance.
- This pioneering innovation has garnered significant recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva this April.
WHAT THEY SAID
The extreme weather and high temperatures resulting from global warming have elevated the importance of heatstroke prevention and cooling measures on a global scale. Drawing on the vivid phenomena of thermal insulation and directed liquid flow in nature, we aim to foster innovation and sustainable advancement in garment manufacturing by inventing intelligent clothing and materials to address global challenges. We seek to harness the power of technology to infuse fresh perspectives into the traditional clothing industry, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.
— Dr Shou Dahua
Associate Professor. School of Fashion and Textiles
PolyU
