Gold-coated fabric that emits own light could be ultimate safety gear
TECHNOLOGY 4 March 2020
By Layal Liverpool
Light-emitting fabric samples
The Carmichael Lab
Stretchable, light-emitting clothing made from fabric coated in gold could be a smart alternative to high-visibility gear not to mention a bold fashion statement.
Tricia Carmichael at the University of Windsor, Canada, and her colleagues started with a fabric that is 87 per cent nylon and 13 per cent spandex. They then added a very thin coating of gold to act as an electrode and send power to a light-emitting material made of zinc sulphide, copper and silicone.
The fabric as a whole is semi-transparent, so light can shine through it easily. Carmichael says it has big advantages over existing high-visibility gear, which relies on the reflection of streetlights or headlights.
Self-illuminating clothing will always be visible from every angle and in any lighting condition, she says. This could be important for safety apparel.
More:
https://www.newscientist.com/article/2236305-gold-coated-fabric-that-emits-own-light-could-be-ultimate-safety-gear/