Can graphene replace clothing materials?« Back to Questions List

Graphene is a form of carbon. The properties of graphene make it act as filter between the body and external environment. This property can be utilized to make it an ideal clothing material in extreme temperatures as it has the potential to ensure perfect temperature for the wearer.  Hence graphene is used in a variety of applications ranging from textile to aeronautics. The business centered on graphene is now a multimillion dollar industry. In fact, one gram of graphene costs much more than the cost of gold. It costs around Rs. 3,500 per gram.

Textile industry is one of the most dynamic industries that undergo rapid changes. Two favorite materials of fashion designers for long have been cotton and silk. But, graphene based textile industry has seen many developments in the recent past. This has mainly resulted from the joining hands of start-ups and established textile industry players to derive mileage from the exploding new segment.  Association between the start-up Big Phi Technologies and Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester is one of such joint efforts. The Bengaluru based start-up is the producer of the brand Tumswear and the researches are for producing cost effective graphene. UK based Velleback and Ahmedabad based Arvind Ltd have a range of graphene based products.  But the market for graphene products is only in the nascent stage.

High cost of the raw material is the major cause that prevents penetration of markets. This factor blocks wide usage despite having many factors in favour of the material. Once the production, turns cost effective, experts of textile industry believe that graphene will get inroads to a much larger audience. Reports states the textile industry to be a $ 100 billion business by 2025, a portion of which will be from wearables based on advanced technologies like nanotechnology and alternate materials like graphene.

At the same time, health experts warn that the properties of graphene itself cause concern. Researches have revealed that graphene particles lead to inflammatory response in lung cells and cells found in the pleural space. The experts also reveal that much study needs to be undertaken on the impact on health that can be caused by graphene wearables. As of now, there are no global standards prescribed for toxicological tests for materials. Supporters of graphene state that existing standards such as OekoTex by the International Association for Research and testing in the field of textile and leather ecology and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals ) by the European Union can be adhered to enhance acceptability of graphene.

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