A new era in the world of textiles

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Material of the future – Graphene

Graphene is a natural material consisting of a unique form of carbon. It was first discovered at the University of Manchester in the UK by two Russian scientists in 2004. For their groundbreaking discovery,they were awarded the Nobel Prize in 2010. Since then, it has garnered significant attention, with hundreds of scientists exploring its diverse applications, ranging from electronics to bioengineering to textiles. Today, graphene finds use in various sectors such as cosmology, aerospace, automotive, where it contributes to the production of composite materials, chips, batteries, photovoltaic cells, touch screens, etc.

Its integration into the textile industry is a current global trend. Graphene fibers, renowned for their exceptional properties, are considered highly functional materials, leading to an increasing number of manufacturers worldwide, including in the Czech Republic, incorporating graphene into their products. One notable example is the Czech brand Mowement, which is gradually establishing its presence in the market with its graphene sportswear.

Graphene's Properties & Structure:

One of graphene's key advantages lies in its combination of properties, typically only achieved by combining or layering multiple different functional materials. Remarkably, it stands out as one of the lightest materials while also ranking among the most durable, boasting strength values that surpass even those of steel and iron. How is this possible? The answer lies in graphene's distinct structure —a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice with a free-moving electron. Carbon is a widely known chemical element essential to all life on Earth. It constitutes the building blocks of living organisms, including humans. This versatile element exists in numerous forms, with one common example being the graphite core of an ordinary pencil. Another form includes diamond, as well as the recently discovered graphene. Despite being just a single-layer structure—classified as a 2D material—it outperforms iron in strength and silicon in conductivity. As a result, graphene is damage resistant, flexible and extremely thermally and electrically conductive.

Graphene in textile 

Textiles containing graphene have undergone rigorous testing for various properties, revealing its strong antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal characteristics. In antibacterial tests, the mortality of staphylococcus and pneumococcus, two well-known bacteria, reached up to 99.9% before and after washing. Graphene atoms inhibit bacterial multiplication, leading to their gradual mortality. In the antiviral test, the influenza A virus was reduced by 99.85%. This material is highly recyclable, exceptionally strong, and boasts excellent heat conduction thanks to its carbon properties. Its high thermal conductivity ensures optimal body temperature regulation by dissipating or retaining heat based on the electromagnetic waves emitted by the human body in the infrared spectrum. Moreover, graphene textiles effectively absorb harmful UV radiation, making them especially beneficial for sportswear.

Static Electricity & Stress

Static electricity is a common phenomenon caused by the accumulation of electric charge when different objects come into contact. While electric charge is used, for example, in printers and copy machines, its presence in close proximity to humans is often more harmful than beneficial. It manifests itself through what we call a "shock" when touching another person, or often a shopping trolley or other metal objects. Additionally, it can cause clothes to cling and hair to stand up. This charge is often caused by (among other things) interaction with synthetic textiles, which is also related to sleep issues and can affect sleep quality. How? During sleep, movements such as tossing and turning can generate static electricity in our surroundings. Although small in quantity, this static electricity can pose a health risk, and on top of that, frequent discharges can be uncomfortable.

Graphene fibers, with their high conductivity, can effectively dissipate these electrical charges. This helps to reduce stress and tension around the human body, contributing to better, higher quality sleep.

Mattress protector - Graphene

The Grafen mattress protector contains 15% yarn with graphene fibers, providing antibacterial properties and preventing the growth of viruses and moulds. This ensures better hygienic conditions for sleep compared to conventional sheets or protectors.  The conductivity of the fibers enables the Grafen mattress protector to redirect excess static electricity away from the body, helping with stress and tension reduction. The protector features a "skirt" design and is fitted onto the mattress like a sheet, providing partial coverage to the sides of the mattress. Additionally, it includes a polyurethane membrane on the reverse side to safeguard the mattress from fluid contamination and general wear and tear.

Explore our range by searching for the Graphene Mattress Protector or the Energy plus Travel Pillow.