The podcast I am doing my review on is from Science Friday on January 7th, 2011. It was titled ‘Building a Nano-Yarn. Researchers at several institutions have used nano-tube structures as a yarn and incorporated other materials to create a fabric with unique characteristics. In the past, yarns have been used to make clothing that has the function of protecting skin, keeping a person warm, or even making them look more attractive. The current fabrics being created by these scientists will have additional functions like being able to conduct heat or electricity or even acting as a battery. These materials could be used as clothing or even in structures of cars or buildings. There are endless possibilities when you have a lightweight , flexible and strong material with properties such as acting as a battery. One specific application is being able to make a fabric that could actually metabolize glucose from the liquid around it and produce electricity. This could be used with implants inside the human body that need a source of endless energy.
This type of technology is new and very expensive. As methods are improved and perfected some of the materials created could lead to better medical implants that don’t require routine surgery to replace the batteries. Cars could have the batteries woven into the frame and structure rather than requiring large and heavy batteries in the trunk. Even the clothes we wear may be able to power our cell phones or detect an health abnormality that could lead to saving our lives. It is exciting to think of all the possibilities.
This technology affects my life in a way that could be very positive. If fabrics are created that are net producers of energy, they may act to reduce the resources I consume. These fabrics may save my life some day if they detect a change in my heart rate or respiration due to illness. I wonder about the negative effects of these materials as well. Could the powders or materials woven into these fabrics have a health risk of their own? Would they break down after being washed and lose their abilities to perform correctly? Much research and improvements undoubtedly need to be done, but overall it makes me excited about the future of chemistry and material science.
http://www.sciencefriday.com/program/archives/201101071
