Intelligent fabric can detect and protect against harmful gases

Scientists from the University of Dartmouth in New Hampshire are developing types that can detect the presence of toxic gases as well as protect users from their effects.

Known as SOFT, this material is flexible and conductive, non-porous and washable. According to the Dartmouth team, fabrics have the ability to detect gas in real time. It is expected that the material will be brought by the military and emergency security service personnel combined with a haz-mat suit .

Katherine Mirica, assistant professor of chemistry at Dartmouth College, said: "By adding this fabric to the protective clothing, the sensor in the fabric can alert users if a chemical is entering. dangerous materials'.

"In addition, this fabric can also alert the user if there is a tear or defect in the fabric, or if the performance decreases due to any other cause."

This intelligent fabric works by using a textile backer made of materials known as organic metal forms, also known as MOF .

In their study published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Dartmouth's team said the material could identify contaminated nitrogen oxides as well as toxic hydrogen sulphide and other corrosives. Researchers believe that this fabric not only recognizes toxic gases, but also has the ability to capture and filter dangerous toxins.

Although this technology requires further development before it can be used in wearing systems, the researchers believe that this potential fabrication method could be extended to Other systems, creating a variety of new intelligent textiles with adjustable miraculous features, automatic identification.