Nanotechnology could be used to clean laundry automatically in the future by hanging clothes outside in bright sunlight, based on a new study. Australian researchers claim they have found a way to change fabric so coffee stains and other discoloring disappear after a couple minutes of sun exposure.
The study was conducted by the Ian Potter NanoBioSensing Facility at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.
Researchers first dip the fabric into a solution that coats the articles of clothing with tiny silver and copper particles. Then when a bright light hits the clothes the particles come alive and work like a bleach, according to CNN.
One of the researchers was Rajesh Ramanathan. He told CNNMoney on March 23, Wednesday that the particles get excited then break down the organic matter on the clothes. However, the tiny bits of metal do not eat the cotton fibers because it is a very strong cellulose (substance in plants' cell walls).
The research team also tested the new nanotechnology on other fabrics including polyester and nylon.
Humans have known that silver is an anti-microbial element for hundreds of years. In fact, ancient Greeks and Romans placed silver coins in water in order to prevent the growth of microbes, while today several medical clothes are treated with silver.
RMIT University's invention is better than other self-cleaning tech developed in the past. That is because the special coating keeps eating tough stains after 15 washings.
Chinese researchers developed a similar self-cleaning tech a couple years ago. However, their method used different types of particles and required over 18 hours to cover the fabric and start eating away stains. The new method can complete the process in less than 40 minutes.
Ramanathan and his team hope they can convince textile producers to use the nanotechnology solution when manufacturing fabrics. The product could also be sold as a one-step detergent.
In related news Samsung introduced its Welt smart belt at this year Consumer Electronics Show (CES), according to NBC News. The accessory wearable measures a person's waistline and steps taken.
Meanwhile, Sensoria unveiled an updated app at CES 2016. It was for its smart socks that track running style in order to avoid injuries.
This video explains nanotechnology: