Self-cleaning fabrics could revolutionize the sport apparel industry. The technology, created by scientists working for the U.S. Air Force, has already been used to create t-shirts and underwear that can be worn hygenically for weeks without washing.
| Hurrah! No more racing stripes! |
The new technology attaches nanoparticles to clothing fibers using microwaves. Then, chemicals that can repel water, oil and bacteria are directly bound to the nanoparticles.
| I'm not an engineer, much less an underwear engineer, but it seems like if the little nanothingummymabobs are busy repelling water, oil and bacteria, presumably in the form of bodily fluids and secretions and stuff, that they have to be repelled elsewhere. So does the "elsewhere" mean your trousers? Maybe it'd be better to stick with Depends... |
These two elements combine to create a protective coating on the fibers of the material. This coating both kills bacteria, and forces liquids to bead and run off.
| "Good job, men! The enemy are all dead! That one over there looks like it might be Mullah Omar! Take ten and let your liquids run off!" |
The U.S. military spent more than $20 million to develop the fabric, deriving from research originally intended to protect soldiers from biological weapons. Jeff Owens, one of the scientists who worked to develop the process, said, "During Desert Storm, most casualties were from bacterial infections—not accidents or friendly fire. We treated underwear for soldiers who tested them for several weeks and found they remained hygienic. They also helped clear up some skin complaints."
"How're you today, Anderson?"
"Much better, sir! The crotch rot is almost gone!"
"Well, give it another couple days before changing your underwear. You don't want to rush things!" |
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