Nanotube-Based Fabric Let Air In, Keeps Toxins Out

Aug-07-16
A new breathable, second skin could be integrated into clothing to help protect soldiers from toxic chemical and biological agents.

Although there are already suits available that protect soldiers from toxic attacks, the suits are not breathable and can become very uncomfortable in hot areas. As an alternative, a team from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory is developing a “second skin” using carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes, with a diameter of less than five nanometers, will allow water to pass through the fabric while still keeping out viruses, chemical agents, and microscopic organisms.