Revolutionary "FibeRobo" fiber promises shape-shifting fabrics
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MIT engineers have created an innovative fiber that contracts or expands in response to temperature changes.
Imagine a jacket that dynamically adapts its shape to better insulate as the temperature changes without needing sensors or rigid components. This futuristic vision is getting closer to becoming a reality thanks to the innovative work of a team of researchers at MIT. They have developed an extraordinary fiber known as "FibeRobo" that can contract or expand in response to temperature fluctuations.
This innovative fiber not only promises more comfortable clothing but opens up a world of possibilities for incorporating actuation and sensing capabilities into a wide range of fabrics, transforming how we interact with textiles in various applications.
FibeRobo is made from a versatile material called liquid crystal elastomer (LCE), which can undergo significant shape changes when exposed to temperature variations. When LCE is heated, its crystal molecules become misaligned and the fiber shrinks. When the temperature cools, the molecules return to their original alignment, and the fiber returns to its original length.
This fiber can be combined with conductive yarn, allowing it to respond to electricity and give users digital control over the shape of a fabric. For example, a piece of fabric could change shape based on data from a heart rate sensor or other sources.
One of the main advantages of FibeRobo is its compatibility with common textile manufacturing techniques such as looms, embroidery machines, and industrial knitting machines. In addition, it can be produced in continuous kilometers, making it a cost-effective solution for introducing dynamic characteristics into fabrics.
The researchers overcame several challenges to create FibeRobo, including the need for it to act silently, change shape dramatically, and be compatible with textile manufacturing processes. They succeeded in synthesizing an LCE fiber capable of performing at skin-safe temperatures, making it suitable for wearable fabrics.
Although the development of FibeRobo has been a laborious process involving interdisciplinary collaboration, it has resulted in a fiber with remarkable capabilities. FibeRobo can shrink up to 40% without bending and costs around 20 cents per meter, making it 60 times cheaper than commercially available shape-shifting fibers.
This extraordinary fiber can be incorporated into industrial and non-industrial fabric production processes, offering flexibility in its use. For example, the MIT researchers demonstrated its potential in the creation of an adaptive sports bra and a compression jacket for dogs that respond to external stimuli.
Going forward, the team aims to make FibeRobo more environmentally friendly and streamline the synthesis process, ultimately making it accessible to a wider audience. The possibilities for this shape-shifting fiber are limitless, with potential applications ranging from clothing to functional fabrics for a variety of innovative purposes.
FibeRobo's development was supported by a variety of sources, including grants, research programs, and industrial collaborations. The collaborative effort involved MIT and Northeastern University researchers, highlighting the broad impact and potential of this pioneering textile innovation.
References
El revolucionario invento del MIT para crear ropa que cambia de forma según la temperatura | El Español – Omicrono. Retrieved November 4th, 2023 from: https://www.elespanol.com/omicrono/tecnologia/20231104/revolucionario-invento-mit-crear-ropa-cambia-forma-temperatura/805919438_0.html
Shape-shifting fiber can produce morphing fabrics | MIT News. Retrieved October, 26th, 2023 from: https://news.mit.edu/2023/shape-shifting-fiber-can-produce-morphing-fabrics-1026
Shape-shifting fiber can produce morphing fabrics | YouTube – Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Retrieved October 26th, 2023 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLXu9fIfZzk
