Clemson University researchers are making headway toward the long-hyped notion of nanotech-outfitted, self-cleaning clothing. They've created a polymer film peppered with silver nanoparticles that enable water to pick up dirt as it rolls off the fabric. From a press release issued by the American Chemical Society:
"The coating doesn't actually clean itself, but it does resist dirt much better than other fabric treatments," explains research team member Phil Brown, Ph.D., a textile chemist with Clemson University in Clemson, S.C. "The concept is based on the lotus plant, whose leaves are well-known for their ability to 'self-clean' by repelling water and dirt. Likewise, when water is exposed to the treated fabric, the dirt will be carried away more easily. You will still need some water to rinse away dirt and stains, but cleaning will be quicker and less frequent."
