A team of materials researchers at the Northeast Normal University in China have evolved a new method for treatment of off-the-shelf cotton fabric. Presently, the treatment involves a three-step process involving use of silica, zinc oxide and other materials and takes a day’s time.

Nevertheless the outcomes are quite inspiring, as the cloth so processed is not only waterproof but is also fabulous, when it comes to providing protection against ultraviolet radiation.

Lingling Wang along with his fellow researchers illustrated a new method of developing a coat with the use of zinc oxide nanorods and zinc oxide crystallites.

This coat bonds with cotton fibre to develop into a material which according to its creators would address the world’s requirement for multi-functional clothe. The fabric does not require any sort of cleaning and even protects the skin of the person wearing them against harmful ultraviolet radiation.

The fabric that results after the above mentioned process not only is water-resistant but also has the quality of blocking UV radiation from the sun to the extent of 101.15 Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).

This rating is almost two times higher than the highest possible rating on the normal chart, and also significantly higher than what the users of the suntan lotion bottles are used to seeing on these bottles.

The research group would now test the fabric under real world conditions to test its functionalities.

Once this test is cleared successfully and if the process turns out to be economical enough, it could be used to produce clothes with longer durability and which requires cleaning much less frequently.