Uncle Sam Spends $20 Million for No-Wash Undies

[NJCher]

Don't Wash Your Shorts! (Courtesy of U.S. Military)

Self-cleaning fabrics could revolutionize the sport apparel industry. The technology, created by scientists working for the U.S. Air Force, has already been used to create t-shirts and underwear that can be worn hygenically for weeks without washing.

The new technology attaches nanoparticles to clothing fibers using microwaves. Then, chemicals that can repel water, oil and bacteria are directly bound to the nanoparticles. These two elements combine to create a protective coating on the fibers of the material.

This coating both kills bacteria, and forces liquids to bead and run off.The U.S. military spent more than $20 million to develop the fabric, deriving from research originally intended to protect soldiers from biological weapons.

snip

Jeff Owens, one of the scientists who worked to develop the process, said, "During Desert Storm, most casualties were from bacterial infections—not accidents or friendly fire. We treated underwear for soldiers who tested them for several weeks and found they remained hygienic. They also helped clear up some skin complaints."

http://www.livescience.com/scienceoffiction/070105_nanofabric.html



Cher

p.s. This actually seems like a good idea, assuming our soldiers were in a place where they couldn't wash for awhile.

[mike_c]

1. easier just to turn them inside out for a few weeks until the dirty side...

...rubs clean. Well, comparatively.

[NJCher]

2. ewwwww

:)



Cher

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

12. Yes it werks. I lernd that in collidge.

but it's only for underwear, socks, and sweats.

And if you wear all three at the same time, you're overdressed.

:)

[u4ic]

3. I've got a better idea

just don't wear any. :7


I'd like to know what's in the coating? These new 'cocktails' always concern me.

[gr8dane_daddy]

5. Isn't that what going commando is all about?

...technology..ain't it great?

[gr8dane_daddy]

6. Isn't that what going commando is all about?

...technology..ain't it great?

[SKKY]

8. HAHAHA. "Cock"-tails. You rock!

:rofl:

[rug]

4. I'm in! I've been waiting for this for years.

[billyskank]

7. Students rejoice!

:7

[seemunkee]

9. I bought a pair for backpacking

REI is selling them.

[AllegroRondo]

10. as my Drill Sergeant from Basic Training said...

"you can get 4 days out of a pair of drawers if you turn them inside out!"

he was a bit of a nut.

[ThomCat]

11. So, after a week or two, how do you wash these things?

Wouldn't washing them ruin them?