Laser Print Innovation from Australia – Waterproof Smart-Textiles in 3 minutes!

The next generation of waterproof smart fabrics can be laser printed and made in minutes. Scientists from RMIT University in Melbourne Australia, have developed a cost-efficient and scaleable method for rapidly fabricating textiles that are embedded with energy storage devices. In just three minutes, the method can produce a 10x10cm smart textile patch that’s waterproof, stretchable and readily integrated with energy harvesting technologies.

The technology enables graphene supercapacitors – powerful and long-lasting energy storage devices that are easily combined with solar or other sources of power.In a proof-of-concept, the researchers connected the supercapacitor with a solar cell, delivering an efficient, washable and self-powering smart fabric that overcomes the key drawbacks of existing e-textile energy storage technologies. The growing smart fabrics industry has diverse applications in wearable devices for the consumer, health care and defence sectors – from monitoring vital signs of patients, to tracking the location and health status of soldiers in the field, and monitoring pilots or drivers for fatigue.

Dr Litty Thekkakara, a researcher in RMIT’s School of Science: ”Our graphene-based supercapacitor is not only fully washable, it can store the energy needed to power an intelligent garment. We hope to power the next generation of wearable technology and intelligent clothing.”