Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a 3D-printable composite material based on zirconium oxide. When applied to textiles, this material reflects up to 96% of solar radiation and dissipates up to 97% of human body heat in the mid-infrared spectrum.
The fabric generates static electricity during human movement, reaching a peak power density of 47 mW/m2. The material is durable, sustaining over 30,000 cycles. It can be used to power small sensors, such as those monitoring sleep or movement in children and the elderly.
Experimental tests indicate that clothing made from this material remains 3–6 degrees Celsius cooler than the ambient air temperature. The researchers demonstrated a prototype garment that uses signals from the fabric to trigger an Arduino-based heating system.
