A root-like liquid transport system and a skin-like active perspiration dissipater are the key features of the iActive sportswear garments developed by the research team of Dr Shou Dahua at the School of Fashion and Textiles at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU).

The nature-inspired, anti-heat fabrics effectively expedite sweat removal to reduce the weight and stickiness of activewear caused by sweat accumulation during exercise.

Low-voltage-driven artificial ‘sweat glands’ and a root-like branching liquid transport system that aligns with the body’s sweat map have been developed to actively remove perspiration to a dissipater at the lower region of the garments. The all-textile sweat dissipater is compact and operates at a safe output voltage of approximately 5-9V, and its battery is easy to detach, making it convenient for users to repeatedly machine or hand wash the garments.

Based on an optimised wettability pattern and gradient, the research team’s skin-like fabric transports sweat one-way quickly and dissipates it from the inside to the outside. This reduces stickiness and weight, improves breathability and ensures the garments remain dry and comfortable to wear. Experimental findings indicate that iActive creates a breathable and dry skin microclimate by dissipating sweat at a rate that is three times faster than the maximum human sweating rate. In comparison to traditional fabrics, the textile materials in iActive are 60% lighter and 50% less clingy when soaked, providing the wearer with all-round comfort and enabling sports enthusiasts and athletes to perform at their best.

A mobile app further aids personalised sweat management by wirelessly adjusting the sweat level of iActive. Beyond sportswear, iActive is also well-suited to protective clothing and workwear.

The innovation has already received significant recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva this April.

www.polyu.edu.hk