Following the threads of nanotechnology

Source: agenciadenoticias.unal.edu.co

Colombian scientist Juan Paulo Hinestroza who developed cotton yarns that can conduct electricity, will be at the National University to discuss nanotechnology.

This renowned researcher who has developed important projects now announces its latest discovery has to do with cotton yarns that can conduct electrical current, the same way as does a metal wire.

Thanks to this discovery can now be seen on the runway fashion t-shirts that can monitor your heart rate and breathing; test sweat to change the temperature according to the weather or dresses that feed solar energy to charge your iPod or MP4 player.

Multidisciplinary nanotechnology using tools developed at Cornell, in collaboration with the universities of Bologna and Cagliari, Italy, the scientist and colleagues developed a technique for permanently cover traditional cotton fibers with a layer of electrically conductive nanoparticles. The technique works so well that two simple knots in a thread, with special treatment, they can complete a circuit and powered by solar energy.

Instead of conventional cables we are using our cotton conductor to carry electricity, so our wires are part of the dress. Cotton is often called 'the fabric of our lives', but on the basis of these results, we can now call it 'The fabric of the lights,' "says Professor Hinestroza.

Although this technology seems like science fiction was presented on March 13 at the Cornell Design League Fashion Show, at Cornell University Barton Hall.

Abbey Liebman, a student of professor Hinestroza, was inspired by this technology to design a garment that uses flexible solar cells for charging small electronic devices through a USB port that works as a belt, the contact can power a smart phone or a MP3 player. In addition, the garments have proved to be lightweight and comfortable enough.

"This technique allows the cotton to remain flexible, lightweight and comfortable, while it becomes an electrical conductor," says the scientist, and recognizes that "previous technologies have made conductivity, but the resulting fiber became rigid and heavy. New techniques make our wireless accept further processing, to weaving and sewing.

In July, Professor Hinestroza will attend the International Chair in Engineering 2010, organized by the Faculty of Engineering, of the National University, where he will discuss the assembly of nanoparticles in fibers, among other topics related to this technology, which has become a world authority.

Professor Hinestroza, born in the city of Bucaramanga, Colombia, graduated from Chemical Engineering in the Industrial University of Santander (UIS), and since 2006 is Assistant Professor of Fiber Science and director of the Nanotechnology Laboratory of the School of Textile Human Ecology, at Cornell University, United States (www.nanotextiles.human.cornell.edu).