2019-MART-68695:Washable, flexible, self-powered e-textiles

PROBLEM

In the near future, smart clothing will outperform conventional passive garments. Their miniaturized electronic circuits and sensors will allow people to seamlessly communicate with phones, computers, cars and other machines. The fabrication of smart clothing is quite challenging, as clothes need to be periodically washed and electronics despise water.

SOLUTION 

Researchers at Purdue University have created waterproof, stain-repellent nanogenerators for textiles that are powered by human movement. These robust devices for everyday use are wearable, waterproof, washable and antibacterial, which have yet to be achieved in similar devices. These nanogenerators can range from a couple of square inches to square feet so that they can be worn on the exterior of everyday clothing or scaled up. In addition, the design is activated and controlled by simple touch, such as for playing music.

IN THE MEDIA

Purdue University News Release 

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR

Ramses Martinez, assistant professor, School of Industrial Engineering, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering

INNOVATION DISCLOSURE

Washable, flexible, self-powered e-textiles: 2019-MART-68695

LICENSING CONTACTS

Phone: (765) 588-3475
Fax: (765) 463-3486
Email: otcip@prf.org

MEDIA CONTACT

Email: sgmartin@prf.org


ABSTRACT

Washable, Flexible, Self-Powered e-Textiles

Martinez, Ramses Valentin(Project Leader), Sala de Medeiros, Marina

Researchers at Purdue University have created a waterproof, stain-repellent nanogenerators for textiles that are powered by human movement. The devices are robust for everyday use as they are wearable, waterproof, washable, and antibacterial, which has yet to be achieved in similar devices. These innovative nanogenerators are can be of different sizes ranging from a couple of square inches to square feet so that they can be conveniently worn on the exterior of every day clothing such as a shirt collar or scaled up. In addition, the design is activated and controlled by simple touch, such as for playing music.