Heats up in just 10 minutes: Scientists have developed a new fabric that protects against extreme cold.

A recent breakthrough has led to the development of a fabric that converts sunlight into heat. At the end of last year, a team of scientists from Canada experimented with new materials to meet the demand for clothing suitable for extremely cold conditions. Their research indicated that the fabric can rapidly increase its temperature by harnessing solar energy, writes Live Science.

The study revealed that the material, which includes special nanoparticles that absorb sunlight and convert it into heat, along with thermosensitive dyes, can raise its temperature by over 30°C in just ten minutes of sun exposure.

Chemical engineer Yuning Li and his team from the University of Waterloo in Canada developed the fabric by embedding photothermal polymers within a matrix of thermoplastic polyurethane fibers.

"The integrated nanoparticles effectively absorb sunlight across a wide range of wavelengths," Li reported. "When sunlight hits these nanoparticles, they absorb energy and release it as heat in a process known as photothermal conversion."

The fabric incorporates two polymers—polyaniline (PANI) and polydopamine (PDA)—which are embedded in a well-known waterproof material used in sportswear. The researchers also added dyes that change color when the material is heated, providing a visual indication of temperature increase.

Moreover, the fabric features a soft and elastic texture, allowing it to stretch up to five times its size while retaining its color-changing and temperature-altering properties even after 25 washes.

"The next steps in this research focus on reducing manufacturing costs, scaling up the production process, and ensuring the fibers are safe for prolonged skin contact," Li stated.