Cotton Yarn can Supply Power for Mobile

Cotton yarn can be a conductor of electric current for power supply for various electronic devices such as mobile phones. How does it work?

This new breakthrough developed at Cornell University in collaboration with a number of universities in Bologna and Cagliari in Italy.


Juan Hinestroza, assistant professor of Fiber Science and Apparel Design and his colleagues developed a technique to coat the cotton fibers with nano particles conducting electricity.

"Instead of regular cable, we use cotton conductive to conduct electrical current. So this conductive cotton became part of the clothing," Hinestroza said.

Hinestroza claim that they have developed technology that allows cotton remain flexible, lightweight and comfortable, although the current conductor.

"The technology exists but has been conducting fibers become stiff and heavy. This new technique makes the thread remained friends when woven, sewn or knitted," Hinestroza added as quoted from Cellularnews, Thursday (11/3/2010).

A student Hinestroza, Abbey Liebman, inspired by this technology. He also made an outfit that uses solar panels to supply power electronic devices such as mobile phones and MP3 players via a USB charger is placed at the waist.