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Chinese chemical engineers from Zhejiang University have developed a new textile material made from airgel, which is superior in heat-saving properties to cotton, wool and down. The study was published in the scientific journal Science, gazeta.ru reports.
Inspired by the properties of polar bear fur, scientists created an airgel fiber with a porous core and a hard shell. The result is a thin and flexible fiber that can be used to make clothing and other textiles.
Researchers tested how an airgel fiber sweater retains heat at temperatures as low as -20°C. The results showed that clothing made from this material has better thermal insulation properties than most natural materials. In addition, the sweater withstood 10 thousand stretches without significant damage.
Scientists note that airgel fabric can be dyed and subjected to other treatments without losing its properties.