Synthetic hackmanite powder (left) and a fabric (right). Photo by Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Synthetic hackmanite powder (left) and a fabric (right). Photo: Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz

Photochromic Textiles: 

Sustainable transformations of casual fabrics to UV-detectors

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Department of Chemistry, 

University of Turku

This project explores innovative ways to obtain UV-sensing wearables for repeatable detection using sustainable materials. Our fabrics leverage naturally occurring photochromic minerals, such as hackmanite to offer functionality beyond aesthetics. The hackmanite-coated fabric is proficient in monitoring UV index (UVI) values, even at levels below 3, a threshold for taking preventive measures. With the capability to detect UV, these textiles can serve as functional pieces promoting sun safety awareness through color-changing features.

Natural hackmanite before UV exposure. Photo by Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Natural hackmanite before UV exposure. Photo: Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz

PROJECT TEAM:

-Alicja Lawrynowicz, doctoral researcher 

-Sami Vuori, postdoctoral researcher 

-Mika Lastusaari, Professor

-Kati Miettunen, Professor

.

Contact information:

Alicja Lawrynowicz - [email protected]

Solar Energy Materials and Systems research group

Natural hackmanite after UV exposure. Photo by Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Natural hackmanite after UV exposure. Photo: Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Different forms of hackmanite before UV exposure. Photo by Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Different forms of hackmanite: natural mineral (left), synthetic powder (right) and a hackmanite-coated fabric, before UV exposure. Photo: Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Different forms of hackmanite after UV exposure. Photo by Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz
Different forms of hackmanite: natural mineral (left), synthetic powder (right) and a hackmanite-coated fabric, after UV exposure. This color-changing feature can serve as a powerful UV-sensing tool. Photo: Sami Vuori & Alicja Lawrynowicz

To the exhibition's main page:

Entangled exhibition, title image. Image by Mithila Mohan. Photo by Maija Vaara.

Entangled

Reimagining Textile Functionalities, Aesthetics and Sustainability (Aalto University - VIA University College - University of Borås - University of Turku - Iceland University of the Arts)

Virtual Exhibitions