Overview
- Peer‑reviewed results in Nature Communications report average total reflectance of 0.13%, the lowest measured for a fabric to date.
- The material maintains its ultrablack appearance across a 120‑degree viewing span, outperforming commercial alternatives that wash out at angles.
- Researchers dyed merino wool with polydopamine, a synthetic melanin, then plasma‑etched fibers to form nanofibrils that trap light via internal scattering.
- The process is described as wearable, scalable, and compatible with natural fibers including wool, silk, and cotton.
- Cornell’s team has filed for protection through the Center for Technology Licensing, showcased the fabric in a student‑designed dress, and is exploring applications such as solar‑thermal conversion and thermo‑regulating camouflage.