Self-Cleaning Underwear Goes Weeks Without Washing

[kirk1701™]

Just what we need in the chat forum

 

Now, not another word from anyone saying how I stink

 

http://www.livescience.com/scienceoffictio...nanofabric.html

 

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.

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. 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.

 

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."

 

Science fiction writer Neal Stephenson wrote specifically about nanotech fabrics that stayed clean; he referred to "fabricules" in his 1995 novel The Diamond Age:

 

...with a quick brush, John and Gwendolyn were able to transfer most of the dirt onto their white gloves. From there it went straight into the air. Most gentlemen's and ladies' gloves nowadays were constructed of infinitesimal fabricules that knew how to eject dirt...

(Read more about fabricules)

British news organizations pointed out that an earlier reference to the general idea of clothes that never got dirty can be found in the 1951 film "The Man in the White Suit." Sci-fi fans can console themselves with the fact that the lead role was played by Alec Guiness, who of course played Obiwan Kenobi in the original Star Wars films.

 

Don't miss these other futuristic clothing advances:

 

Fabrican - spray-on clothing

Chameleon T-Shirts With Electrochromic Polymers

Carbon Nanofiber Makes Smart Yarn

Edited January 6, 2007 by kirk1701

[Movie Junkie]

[kevdriver]

I could really use some of those underware..............

[kirk1701™]

Can you imagine the price

 

The U.S. military spent more than $20 million to develop the fabric

 

GREAT!! U.S. tax dollars at work, no wonder were in debt.

 

Now I'm going to open a debat. Sorry LUK I know how you hate it but...

 

 

Just right for a sig

Can anyone picture the Enterprise dragging this behind the docking bay

Edited January 6, 2007 by kirk1701

[zacoz]

So now instead of mothers teaching their kids to "always make sure you have clean underwear on when you leave the house (in case you get hit by a bus)",

 

it will be "always make sure you have your chemically treated, microwaved nanoparticle underwear on when you leave the house (in case you get hit by a bus)".

 

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

Edited January 7, 2007 by zacoz

[polopony]

Fabrican - spray-on clothing

 

 

theres a woman living 2 doors down from me thats already using the spray on stuff

[zacoz]

Been watching her apply it polo ?

[polopony]

no Z I haven't but I'm willing to hold the can while she pirouettes in front of me .I did see her peel it off one day to sunbathe and all I can say is mamma mia and I dont even speak Italian

[lfcrule1972]

it will be "always make sure you have your chemically treated, microwaved nanoparticle underwear on when you leave the house (in case you get hit by a bus)".

 

Doesn't have quite the same ring to it.

 

Nah but if you shit yourself when the bus hits you at least it won't stain !!!

[dontasciime]

lfc shit gag

 

I mean it was good not that it was shit

 

 

With that advancement what's dot cotton do now.

Edited January 8, 2007 by dontasciime