Nature as a Source for Future Super-natural Textiles

Braddock-Clarke, Sarah ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2794-5138 (2023) Nature as a Source for Future Super-natural Textiles. In: Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of World Textiles – Volume 10 – Textile Futures. Volume 10 – Textile Futures . Bloomsbury Academic, London and New York. ISBN 9781472586049 (In Press)

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Abstract / Summary

The future of neo-textiles could lie in the environment that encircles us where natural, material, physical, digital, technological, sustainable, ecological, and ethical considerations all play a part alongside informed design practice. Nature can provide answers to environmental problems where bio-based super-naturals offer alternatives to petrochemicals that deplete fuel and energy resources. By teaming knowledge of new ecologies with dynamic advances in materials, nanotechnology, and intelligent design perspectives, textile solutions emerge that are both function- and aesthetic-driven. Human beings have a biophilic sense with the natural world and trust its potential to deliver. Developing from this affinity is the utilisation of biomimicry, bioengineering, and biofabrication for design/manufacture. Meeting the challenge, super-naturals can result in materials with superior qualities and functionalities, combining the tried-and-tested with technological know-how. As an ever-replenishing resource, nature is actively researched where plant-based fibers, proteins, and living organisms can provide compelling visual and tactile aesthetics with enhanced performances. Ancient natural textiles that have been harvested for centuries often possess a range of valuable inherent properties and yield a variety of results. Raw materials include bast-, leaf-, grass-, straw-, wood-, seed-, and fruit-based fibers as well as soybean, mycelium, and casein - ideal for designers and scientists working towards environmentally-friendly fabrics that are biodegradable/compostable. Many innovative materials can extend applications of agricultural by-products and food waste, while closed-loop production methods can combine with design-centric ethoses to aid reduction of pollutants and approach zero waste. Smart super-naturals can be sensitive, reactive, responsive, adaptive, and interactive. Such bio/techno textiles can be thermo-regulating, self-cleaning, retain in-built memories, and work in flux with the wearer and their immediate surroundings. Some neoteric materials present altered states, behaviours, and actions - theoretical concepts are posed that encompass embedded consciences as speculative potentials. These super-naturals guide criteria to be imaginatively considered by tomorrow’s generation of designers.

Key words: Nature, Technology, Design, Super-naturals, Biomimicry

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