PFA free Bioinspired Superhydrophobic Fabrics

Humans have long been searching for protective rainwear that meet a range of comfort and performance requirements including breathability, flexibility, durability, and water repellency. Dubbed “forever chemicals,” they persist in our environment and bioaccumulate in the blood of organisms globally. Some of these compound classes are known to cause a range of human health impacts including cancer and reproductive harm. Prioritized as a water hazard by the EPA in 2009 and growing health advisory revisions since, several states have now issued legislation to ban the use of PFAs in garments by 2025.

Nixe offers a next-generation PFA free water repellent textile solution. Inspired by the microscopically bumpy water repellent surfaces of lotus leaves, Nixe utilizes nanotechnology to create a durable, flexible, transparent, and water repellent rough air trapping interface between fabric and water to increase the slipperiness of fabric. Tested in research labs at Harvard University and Switzerland, Nixe excels in industry standard water repellent performance and reduces water consumption in the application process.

This research is currently ongoing, and a part of my Independent Design Engineering Thesis. Materials science | product design | digital modeling | fabrication