With new innovations taking place almost every day to cater to utility and durability issues of textiles, one of the most common problem in fabrics used in raincoats and outerwear is that of ‘ripping’, even those made by established, high-end brands. Finding a solution, SINTEF, a research organization of Scandinavian researchers, are fabricating a textile coating that automatically seals tears on the surface of waterproof workwear. Experimented with raincoats, the technique comprises a protective layer of plastic polyurethane, which is applied in liquid form to the fabric surface and allowed to harden. Further microcapsules containing a glue-like substance are added, and when any tearing occurs, the capsules break and the sealant are released. Once the liquid comes in contact with the air or water, it hardens, bonding the ripped fabric back together. Although, scientists in other parts of the world have created self-repairing plastics that protect metals from corrosion, particularly in the automotive industry, a textile that heals itself is still one of its kinds, and the researchers are testing different types of bonding agents to maximize the effectiveness and strength of the microcapsules.
