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Circular building Solar fabric emerges as a

solutions using flexible energy-generating textile

flax-based Solar fabric, also known as photovoltaic textile, is an innovative material that integrates photovoltaic cells

composites organic photovoltaic cells that are lightweight, bendable, and often less efficient but significantly more versatile.
directly into yarns, threads, or coatings on fabric. This fabric harnesses sunlight to generate electricity while
retaining textile flexibility and adaptability. Unlike traditional rigid silicon panels, solar fabrics use thin-film or

Flax-based composites are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives in the construction sector, offering Researchers have developed various approaches, including embedding small cylindrical PV cells around
circular building solutions with impressive environmental credentials. Developed through recent individual fibers and applying printable solar skins onto lightweight substrates. Breakthroughs include
innovation, these new materials utilize flax fibres combined with bio-resins or natural adhesives to create semiconducting nanomaterial inks and perovskite-based films. For example, MIT researchers have fabricated
panels, insulation, and structural components that rival traditional composites in strength while being ultralight solar fabric capable of generating around 370 W per kilogram, and Australian teams have created
lightweight and biodegradable. One key advantage of flax composites is their reduced carbon footprint. flexible solar skins achieving 16.6 percent efficiency.

Flax cultivation sequesters CO during growth, and when paired with bio-based resins, the overall These fabrics can withstand daily wear, being rolled and unrolled hundreds of times while preserving over 90
lifecycle emissions can be substantially lower than those of conventional timber or petrochemical-based percent of their power-generating capacity. Applications for solar fabric span wearable technology, such as
materials. The end products are designed for easy recycling, composting, or energy recovery, aligning jackets, backpacks, and fitness gear that charge personal devices—to architectural elements like awnings,
closely with circular economy principles. shade sails, and building facades. They are also suited to mobile and off-grid environments, including tents,
marine sails, and refugee shelters. Due to their lightweight, aesthetic integration, and portability, solar textiles
In practical applications, flax composite panels have demonstrated strong mechanical performance, are particularly valuable in sectors where rigid panels are impractical.
including load-bearing capability and thermal insulation, making them suitable for walls, roofs, and
interior elements. Their natural aesthetics—featuring a warm, fibrous texture also appeal to architects and
designers seeking eco-friendly yet visually appealing finishes. Flax composites are being tested in pilot
projects, such as modular housing and temporary structures, to evaluate real-world durability, water
resistance, and fire safety. Preliminary results are promising, with ongoing refinements in resin
formulation and manufacturing processes aimed at enhancing performance and scalability. Exploring biological and

Textile abrasion and pilling testing for bacterial approaches in

enhanced textile testing efficiency construction materials

James Heal has launched the latest evolution of its iconic Martindale testing instrument, the Martindale Motion, The rising cost of repairs due to material degradation remain dormant within the material for over two
designed to deliver greater efficiency and cost savings in textile abrasion and pilling testing. Following three and corrosion has inspired interest in self-healing centuries. When cracks form and water infiltrates,
years of dedicated research, design, and testing at the company's Halifax-based headquarters in the UK, the construction materials, with concrete as a key focus. these microbes activate, consuming calcium lactate
upgraded model introduces innovative features that streamline operations and improve testing accuracy. Microcracks and freeze–thaw damage can and depositing limestone to seal fissures.
significantly impact infrastructure durability, costing
The new nine-station Martindale Motion allows users to operate each station independently, enabling multiple industrialised nations about 3% of GDP each year. A This process simultaneously helps protect
textile tests to run simultaneously. Individual lifting heads automate sample evaluation points, meaning the new report from IDTechEx spotlights emerging embedded steel reinforcement by depleting oxygen,
system can operate unattended, freeing up operators for other tasks and even functioning overnight. Each test technologies that prevent such deterioration by slowing corrosion. Another intriguing method involves
concludes with the sample preserved for final assessment, reducing grading errors and the need for retesting. actively repairing damage before it worsens. coating concrete with bacteria-containing fibres.
These fibres act like built-in stitches that limit crack
Another notable enhancement is the redesigned hinged access that simplifies changing the self-aligning drive Among the most promising are biological methods, propagation and support targeted self-healing. Such
pins, offering quick and safe test transitions. The Martindale Motion maintains James Heal’s hallmark silent especially those using bacteria-coated fibres and approaches foster scalable applications across
operation, user-friendly touchscreen interface, and industry-leading safety features. Over the decades, the bacteria-infused concrete. Companies like Basilisk high-volume construction scenarios, such as slabs
brand has introduced several advancements, including the DurAbrasion and AquAbrasion machines, have developed mineral-producing bacteria that can and walls.
strengthening its leadership in textile testing technology.

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