A team of researchers has developed a new fabric that’s making waves in the design world. Inspired by the feathers of the magnificent riflebird, this material is the darkest ever created.
This unique fabric starts with white merino wool, which is dyed using polydopamine, a synthetic version of melanin—the natural pigment found in skin and hair. Then, in a plasma chamber, it gets transformed. Small spikes, called “nanofibrils,” are etched into the surface, giving the fabric a remarkable ability to trap light.
The outcome? A stunning fabric that absorbs an astounding 99.87% of light. Larissa Shepherd, an assistant professor at Cornell University, describes seeing the fabric as “like looking at a black hole.” This innovative work was detailed in a study published in Nature Communications.
The researchers created a prototype dress using this fabric, which showcases elements reminiscent of the riflebird’s plumage. They’ve also applied for a provisional patent, with hopes to explore its uses in high-end fashion.
This new material, referred to as Ultrablack Wool (UBW), is categorized among ultrablack textiles that reflect less than 0.5% of light. The most famous of these is Vantablack, which absorbs nearly 99.97% of visible light. Unlike Vantablack, which is primarily a coating, UBW is a wearable fabric, making it more versatile. It’s also cost-effective to produce, as it relies on wool and polydopamine, compared to the complex methods required for Vantablack.
In recreating the ultra-dark properties of the riflebird’s feathers, the researchers improved its visibility angle, allowing the fabric to appear dark from about 120 degrees—a significant enhancement over existing ultrablack materials. This is achieved through a specialized etching process that roughens the fabric’s surface to further trap light.
Additionally, UBW is designed to be breathable and flexible. Initially, the team experimented with silk but found that the chemistry between polydopamine and wool yielded better results. This fabric also has enhanced temperature-regulating properties. Kyuin Park, a Cornell doctoral student, explains that while wearing fully ultrablack clothing could absorb more heat in the sun, the fabric can be designed to only cover areas where people sweat more, leveraging sweat for cooling.
Potential applications for this innovative fabric extend beyond fashion. It could enhance technologies like camouflage, solar panels, and even aerospace components. However, researchers caution that integrating UBW into existing technologies will require overcoming some challenges.
Experts have lauded the fabric’s development. Marc Andre Meyers, a materials science professor at UC San Diego, emphasized the groundbreaking nature of using feather-inspired properties to create such a dark material. Ravi Silva, from the University of Surrey, highlighted the possibilities for advanced thermal-regulating fabrics and flexible solar interfaces.
While the discovery is promising, there are concerns about its durability, particularly regarding water exposure and washing. Kuniaki Amemiya from Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology noted that future research needs to address these issues to tap into the fabric’s full potential.
As this exciting innovation unfolds, it may pave the way for a new era in fashion and technology, combining elegance with high-performance capabilities.
