Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: A Sustainable Design Paradigm for Smart Performance Textiles and Apparel
EPA Grant Number: SU835087Title: A Sustainable Design Paradigm for Smart Performance Textiles and Apparel
Investigators: Sanders, Eulanda A. , Sarkar, Ajoy K. , Reider, Anna , Gauck, Eric , Blumentritt, Jared , Garey, Logan
Institution: Colorado State University
EPA Project Officer: Hahn, Intaek
Phase: I
Project Period: August 15, 2011 through August 14, 2012
Project Amount: $14,758
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2011) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , P3 Challenge Area - Air Quality , P3 Challenge Area - Chemical Safety , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
Interdisciplinary student teams from Design and Merchandising and Engineering focused on materials and chemicals such as natural fibers, ultraviolet agents and photovoltaic cells for solar apparel and the innovative design paradigm necessary to bring such novel products to the marketplace. The project related to the prevention of pollution in two areas: 1) the introduction of UV treated natural fiber based textiles for outdoor apparel instead of the typical petroleum-based textiles, and 2) the possible elimination of alkaline based batteries to power electronic devices in soft-goods for the functional outdoor industry such as garments, backpacks, and tents by harnessing solar energy.
To investigate the feasibility of sustainable “solar powered-natural fiber” smart outdoor technical apparel and accessory prototypes that utilize solar energy to harvest solar energy to power electric devices that are functional, aesthetically appealing, durable and comfortable to the end consumer. The development of the prototypes focused on sustainability for the people, prosperity, and the planet by addressing:
- the use of solar energy versus alkaline batteries to power electric devices used in outdoor activities,
- the sustained use of electronic devices by solar energy vs. the use of electricity to recharge alkaline batteries,
- the use of natural fiber fabrications vs. petroleum based fibers for outdoor apparel; and
- protection of the outdoor apparel end user from Ultra-Violet (UV) rays while solar panels integrated into garments are charged adequately.
The successful creation of 6 “solar powered-natural fiber” prototypes: 3 jackets, a vest, and 2 helmets (one ski with blue tooth capabilities and one military inspired) that addressed the functional, aesthetic, durability needs and comfort needs of the end consumer.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
Data were collected in three areas: 1) assessment of the UV capabilities of the treated natural fabrics, 2) energy harnessing capabilities of flexible solar panels, and 3) pilot wear testing of the prototypes.
Assessment of the UV Capabilities of the Treated Natural Fabrics
Findings: As is seen from the data, only the army duck fabric had a UPF value greater than 40 making it suitable for use in outdoor apparel without treatment. For the other fabrics with poor protection factors, a UV absorber treatment was applied to the fabrics. UV absorbers are compounds with chromophore systems that absorb in the wavelength range of 290-400 nm. Examples of such compounds are oxaldianilides and derivatives of benzotriazole. The UV absorbers were applied by the exhaust method. The fabric samples were introduced in a bath containing the UV absorber and circulated for 10 minutes. Glauber's salt and soda ash were gradually added and the temperature of the bath was raised to 95 . Total treatment time was 30 minutes. Finally, the bath was cooled and the fabric samples were rinsed, air dried and the UPF was determined.
Outcome: The data illustrate that natural fabrics can be made resistant to UVR so that the end-user can spend the necessary time outside exposed to the sun without the danger of damage from UV rays since the solar panels will require to charge for 4 to 6 hours in sunlight.
Energy Harnessing Capabilities of Flexible Solar Panels
Findings: The data demonstrate that it is possible to harness enough energy to charge a solio device, used to convert the energy into useable power to charge a variety of devices. It is necessary to have above 5 volts gathered on a group of panels to charge a solio device, and the team has been capable with harness between 5 to 6 volts consistently on a variety of sizes of flexible panels using outdoor lighting.
Outcomes: The most significant outcome is that conductive thread is a viable means for attaching the panels together, while maintaining the energy harnessing capabilities of the panels and flexibility of the panels to ensure comfort for the wearer. Currently the team is investigating the use of an inline USB data collecting device to collect more consistent data concerning the amount of energy harnessed. It is important to note that on sunny days it takes 5 hours for three 1.5” x 4.5” solar panels to collect enough energy to power a solio device. What is essential to the end user is the ability to maintain a sustained charge of the solio device at 95% all day so that energy is constantly running the attached electronic device. The team has been able to achieve this through the advantageous placement of the panels on the garments and through use of multiple panels to continuously harness energy while the user is wearing the garment or accessory.
Pilot Wear Testing of Prototypes
Findings: From the qualitative data collected by pilot testing the wear ability of the flexible solar panels was found that gluing the panels to the garments is a durable means for attaching the panels; however, zipping the panels into the garments is much more user friendly for laundering care of the garments. The placement of the panels was both comfortable and appropriate for harnessing solar energy.
Outcomes: Additional participants and scenarios are needed to participate in the wear testing interview process. This will occur after the final prototypes are completed to also determine the aesthetic appeal of the garments and helmets. The instrument is useable and does not need any adjustments.
Examples of Test Prototypes
At this point in the project the team has created test prototypes of 3 jackets, a vest, and 2 helmets (one ski with blue tooth capabilities and one military). The test prototypes have been created from muslin, a light weight cotton fabric, and have been used to test function, aesthetics, durability, and comfort. Creating test prototypes was an essential part of the project to ensure the aforementioned qualities of the garments prior to dyeing and cutting the UV treated fabrics, since there were limited quantities of those fabrics. Final prototypes will be completed by the 2012 National Sustainable Design Expo.
Conclusions:
The project balanced the P3 elements by demonstrating that new products can be economically and ecologically produced for societal benefit. Success was achieved by the team working together in a constructive manner and combining their varied expertise towards a common goal. The project was also a learning experience since the students had to overcome a steep learning curve in a short time. We were also not able to benchmark against other commercially available garments due to their cost. Additionally, the number of solar panels needed to harness enough energy dictated the design and limited the creativity of the design team members. The team strongly believes that sustainable textiles are the future and the results/outcomes of the project are easily transferable to other sectors of the apparel and textile industry for both civilian and military end-uses. At this time; however, other external funding has not been leveraged for the project to be extended into other application areas. Since the team is in the Phase I prototyping stage of the project we have not conducted a quantitative product life cycle analysis of the garments. In conclusion, the project was an innovative approach to leverage and adapt existing knowledge to create a product using a hitherto untapped link between natural fabrics and outdoor apparel.
Supplemental Keywords:
Materials and Chemicals, Environmentally Benign Substitute, Clean Technologies, Green Chemistry, Innovative Technology, Green Energy, Green Manufacturing, Waste MinimizationThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.