Innovative Silk Thread Transforms Textiles into Power Sources

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a conductive silk thread that can convert temperature differences into electrical energy.

• The silk thread is coated with a conductive polymer, making it suitable for use in textiles that generate electricity from temperature differences.
• Thermoelectric textiles can power electronics like health monitors and mobile phones without the need for batteries.
• The new thread boasts enhanced electrical conductivity and stability, using organic polymers instead of rare earth metals.
• Initial tests show the thread maintains two-thirds of its conductivity after seven machine washes, though improvements are needed for commercial viability.
• Currently, the production process is labor-intensive, but researchers aim to automate and scale up to realize the technology's potential.

3 Articles

ScienceDaily Tech Xplore Technology Networks