Revolutionary Self-Cleaning Underwear: US Air Force Tech

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the innovative technology of self-cleaning fabrics developed by scientists for the U.S. Air Force, specifically focusing on its application in sports apparel and underwear. Participants explore the implications of this technology, including hygiene benefits and humorous anecdotes related to its use.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the potential of self-cleaning fabrics to revolutionize hygiene in clothing, noting that they can be worn hygienically for extended periods without washing.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the implications of not needing to change underwear frequently, with some joking about the frequency of laundry and the concept of "nano-panties."
  • One participant questions the term "nano-panties," suggesting it sounds odd, while another considers the potential for attachments to the technology.
  • Some participants mention the practical applications of this technology in serious situations, such as inflight emergencies.
  • Several posts touch on the humorous side of the discussion, including references to personal experiences and the concept of "Too Much Information" (TMI) in relation to the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally engage in light-hearted banter and humor, with no clear consensus on the seriousness or practicality of the technology. The discussion remains playful and exploratory, with various viewpoints and jokes presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes a mix of technical references and personal anecdotes, with no detailed technical specifications or limitations of the technology discussed. The humor and informal tone may affect the perception of the technology's seriousness.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in innovative textile technology, humor in scientific discussions, or the intersection of military research and consumer products may find this thread engaging.

Ivan Seeking
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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. [continued]
http://www.livescience.com/scienceoffiction/070105_nanofabric.html

This reminds me of an old army joke: After living in the field for a week under the most primative conditions, the commanding officer decided to give his troops a break and allow a change of underwear. So he called the troops to attention and gave them the good news. "Men, in the interest of personal hygene, we are going to change our shorts today. Private Smith, change with Private Gonzales. Private Jones, change with Private Black..."
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
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.

Wow this means I won't have to change my underwear for a whole year :biggrin:
 
Kurdt said:
Wow this means I won't have to change my underwear for a whole year :biggrin:

so for you, basically nothing changes, eh? :-p
 
Math Is Hard said:
so for you, basically nothing changes, eh? :-p

Well I'm anticipating an increase in the wear time.
 
The new technology attaches nanoparticles to clothing fibers using microwaves.
Micro and nano? How you could possibly pass up on that?

Once I get my first crateload of undies, my underwear laundry frequency will be in the range of picohertz! Hooray!
 
nano-panties? That just doesn't sound right.
 
hypatia said:
nano-panties? That just doesn't sound right.

But look at the potential for attachments...
 
Could be useful in serious inflight emergencies.:smile:
 
(G-)strings at the nano-scale!
 
  • #10
This doesn't help those of us who do not wear underwear :-p
 
  • #11
T M I !
 
  • #12
I've never seen "TMI" used before, but it only took a few microseconds to understand the meaning.
 
  • #13
Ivan Seeking said:
I've never seen "TMI" used before, but it only took a few microseconds to understand the meaning.

:smile: Just had to look to the post above it, huh?
 
  • #14
Ivan Seeking said:
I've never seen "TMI" used before, but it only took a few microseconds to understand the meaning.

Call me an old fart. I had to think a bit.

Trans Mars Injection? Nope. That takes a spacesuit, let alone underwear.
Technical Military Instruction? Nope. That was in the OP.
Touched, Moved, and Inspired? DaveC, you're sick!
 
  • #15
Too Much Information!

This was going to be my response as well.
 
  • #16
Ivan Seeking said:
Too Much Information!

I was just having fun. I have three sons, late teens to early twenties. I have learned not to ask questions that lead to TMI, such as "How did you get mud all over the inside of the van?"
 
  • #17
Good idea, esp when it comes to a van! :biggrin:
 
  • #18
DaveC426913 said:
T M I !

I thought it was "Too Many Instructions" i was thinking of nano-panties within nano-panties within nano-panties, like a Russell's pantiedox...

I wonder if they chaff, are they non-stick?
 
  • #19
D H said:
I have three sons, late teens to early twenties. I have learned not to ask questions that lead to TMI, such as "How did you get mud all over the inside of the van?"
Two. Both early twenties. Both men.

"Why do you have a bandage over your eyebrow/nose/lip/tongue/navel and what you need the peroxide for?"

"Why do you keep needing the toilet plunger in the downstairs bathroom?"
 

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