Cornell Engineers Develop Ultra-Black Fabric Inspired by Bird of Paradise
Engineers at Cornell University have introduced a groundbreaking fabric that absorbs 99.87% of incoming light, making it one of the darkest fabrics available, as reported by Science Alert and published in the journal Nature Communications.
Instead of traditional dyeing methods, the researchers enhanced the fabric's light absorption by altering its nanoscale structure. The white knitted Merino wool was treated with a synthetic melanin polymer called polydopamine, then subjected to a plasma process that creates tiny nanofibers. These fibers trap light, causing it to bounce within the material rather than reflecting outward, resulting in an exceptional level of darkness.
* Inspiration from Nature
This innovative fabric draws its design inspiration from the bird of paradise, specifically Ptiloris magnificus, native to New Guinea and northern Australia. This bird is known for its striking blue-green chest that contrasts with its dark feathers.
While the new fabric surpasses the bird in certain aspects, the bird appears darkest when viewed head-on but becomes reflective from angles. In contrast, the Cornell fabric maintains its light absorption even when viewed at angles up to 60 degrees.
* Fashion Meets Function
Cornell fashion design student Zoe Alvarez has created an eye-catching dress using this new fabric, featuring a gradient that transitions to deep black around a blue-green focal point, elegantly reflecting the beauty of the bird of paradise.
* Advantages of the New Fabric
While other materials like Vantablack absorb up to 99.96% of light and carbon nanotube fabrics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology achieve absorption rates of 99.995%, these options are often costly and complex to produce. In contrast, the new Cornell fabric is easier and more economical to manufacture, making it suitable for large-scale production.
This advancement from Cornell represents a significant step forward in fabric technology, showcasing how nature can inspire innovative solutions.
