Exploring Products: Nano Fabrics

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In this activity, learners explore how the application of nano-sized "whiskers" can protect clothing from stains. Learners investigate the hydrophobic properties of pants made from nano fabric and ordinary fabric. Use this activity to talk about products that we can already buy that use nanotechnology, like treated fabrics, water filters, sunscreen and stuffed animals that have silver nanoparticles.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
Over $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 4 - adult
Resource Type:
Activity
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Pants made of nanotechnology stain-resistant fabric (search online for “stain resistant pants,” then check for the word “nano” in the garment description)
  • Pants made of ordinary fabric
  • Dropper bottle
  • Tray
  • Water

Keywords

Subjects

  • Engineering and Technology
    • Engineering
      • Metallurgy and Materials Engineering
      • Nanotechnology
  • Mathematics
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
  • Physical Sciences
    • Chemistry
      • Chemical Bonding
    • Structure and Properties of Matter

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Uses STEM to solve real-world problems
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation, 0532536
  • National Science Foundation, 0940143