Smart materialsSpray-on clothes to help injured soldiers

Published 20 September 2010

Researchers develop spray-on clothing which could be used by people in a hurry, but also by first responders and soldiers in the field for spray-on sterilized bandages; drugs may be added to the spray-on bandage to help a wound heal faster

Spray-on fashion of the future // Source: blogspot.com

Good news for those in a hurry — including first responders and medics treating wounded soldiers in the field. A new material could be sprayed directly onto your body and have you ready to go out in minutes. Particle engineer Paul Luckham and fashion designer Manel Torres from Imperial College London combined cotton fibers, polymers, and a solvent to form a liquid that becomes a fabric when sprayed. Sandrine Ceurstemont writes that the material can be built up in layers to create a garment of your desired thickness and can also be washed and worn again like conventional fabrics.

In addition to creating instant fashion, the technology could have a range of other uses — spray-on bandages, for instance. “It’s a sterilized material coming from an aerosol can, and you can add drugs to it to help a wound heal faster,” says Torres.

On Monday, a fashion show at Imperial will feature the first couture collection created with the material.