Crystal International, a leading apparel manufacturer based in Hong Kong, has teamed up with the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), an international research organization, to innovate thermal apparel using advanced graphene electrothermal technology in thermal apparel.
This initiative, financially supported by the Innovation and Technology Commission, aims to improve thermal clothing by utilizing reduced graphene oxide (r-GO).
When integrated with power devices and voltage sources, r-GO functions as an electrothermal material that significantly enhances the capabilities of thermal wear.
Through this collaboration, Crystal is refining the r-GO composite coating with HKPC’s solutions to optimize electrical conductivity and maximize heat generation.
A cutting-edge smart-screen-printing technology incorporates this additive into garments, improving their electrothermal performance while simultaneously lowering production costs.
Since its launch in 2021, the project has undergone two significant phases of development and execution.
In the first phase, Crystal’s knits division participated as an industry co-applicant, providing both funding and technical expertise to research and develop multifunctional fabrics featuring a graphene coating, in collaboration with HKPC and The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA).
Upon completing these developments, Crystal obtained a utility model patent in China, authorized under HKPC’s technology.
In 2023, the project progressed to its second phase as part of the Public Sector Trial Scheme led by HKPC, focusing on applying graphene electrothermal technology in thermal apparel to the full garment production process.
This phase involved creating prototypes and assessing electrothermal clothing samples in practical environments, including trials at the Wong Cho Tong Day Care Centre for the Elderly, part of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals.
The thermal garments successfully underwent laboratory tests for durability against abrasion and washing, electrical safety, and skin irritation, Crystal reported.
In conducting field trials with 100 elderly participants, data was gathered through feedback surveys regarding warmth perception, heating consistency, user-friendliness, and garment durability.
Results indicated that the garments achieved a rapid heating rate of 30°C within just two minutes, significantly enhancing user comfort. Participants rated their satisfaction with an impressive average score of 8.3 out of 9.
Danny Cheng, General Manager of Technical Services and Support at Crystal International, stated: “We are thrilled to be at the forefront of this project that not only showcases our excellence in innovation but also addresses the needs for flexible electrothermal fabric in the industry. By leveraging advanced technology in textiles, we aim to improve the quality of life for those in need while promoting sustainable fashion practices.”
Beyond clothing, the innovative r-GO composite fabric has potential applications in heated shoe insoles and therapeutic heat bandages, offering benefits to various sectors of the community.
Crystal is actively exploring commercial prospects for its r-GO-enhanced clothing line.
