Writing Sci-Fi Clothing Using Nanotechnology Clothing Basics
- Casey Hudson
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Sci-Fi clothing can incorporate anything from futuristic styles and colors to nanotech fabric. And although real-world nanorobotics isn’t as advanced as Iron Man, nanotechnology clothing is already an everyday part of our lives.
So If I want to envision nanotechnology clothing for my Drifting Amalgams universe, what real-life options can I build upon?
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Smart and Nanotechnology Clothing Ideas for Sci-Fi Clothing
Ever seen someone work with miniatures? Well, those replicas are roughly 1/12 to 1/48 scale. Now, imagine working with something smaller. Like one-billionth of a meter in size. Now we’re talking nanoscale: the scale nanotechnology works on.
But rather than thinking of nanotechnology as a miniaturization, it’s better to think of it like a different world. Because, when objects are manipulated on the nanometric scale, they can become more durable, robust, or conductive than their life-sized counterparts. And when talking about clothing, the micro and macro combine in useful ways.
While healthcare, sports, and military use nanotech fabric, even upholstery, antimicrobial bedding, and durable curtains have taken advantage of the water-repellent and stain-resistant properties of nanoparticles.
Nanoparticles are probably going to be around for a while, so why not find ways to use them in sci-fi clothing. I’ll start by looking at some of today’s techniques.
We achieve water repellency by weaving or spraying silica nanoparticles. And we can make clothes that require less frequent washing by killing odorous bacteria with silver nanoparticles. Add copper for a protective layer that breaks down food and dirt when exposed to heat or sunlight. And for chemical deodorizing, we use copper-silica nanoparticles that target and modify stench-causing molecules.
All very usable in a sci-fi world.
My pentapardi species’ native planet has a fair amount of freshwater sources, so having water-repellent clothing will be helpful. And, many pentapaardi cultures spend a lot of time outdoors. So stain resistance is a must. However, pentapardi and their planet mates, tadaribrae, use smell for vital sensory input. So I’ll ditch the odor guard.
Real-world nanotechnology clothing commonly has UV protection, enhanced comfort, and breathability, Though the red dwarf star of the pentapardi’s planet won’t require much UV protection, they’ll need it when travelling to other planets. So I’ll make UV protection standard for off-world gear.
And who doesn’t like increased comfort and breathability? …I’ll go ahead and duplicate these two characteristics as well.
I don’t want to stop at just basic fabric manipulation, though. And, as it turns out, neither did real-world scientists. Smart fabrics combine clothing and wearable technology. Nanosensors in smart textiles can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and pressure. And they can be used in health-monitoring garments.
Similarly, energy-harvesting fabrics convert ambient energy–either solar or body heat–into usable electrical power for wearable devices.
Now, we’re really getting somewhere. This means that not only can I borrow the properties of nanoparticles, but I can incorporate electrical devices–including nanorobots.
Using Nanorobotics and Nanotech Fabric in Sci-Fi Clothing
Nanorobotics work by using robots at nanoscale. Though much of their use is more theoretical than practice, the general idea is that they use nanoscale sensors, control systems, and nanoscale actuators.
Sensors would detect specific signals or conditions like the presence of a certain type of molecule or material. Then, they’d transmit this information to their control system. The control system could then use this information to decide how the nanorobot should act. In turn, actuators could perform a wide range of actions including movement, releasing of drugs in the human body, or the manipulation of structures and materials.
This is where I can play a bit with my sci-fi clothing. What if the clothes that my pentapardi wear are made with fabrics that can be upgraded?
I’m thinking I could worldbuild accessories that release nanorobots in certain situations. They’d deposit nanoparticles to protect the user and their clothing.
Let’s say the sensors in a user’s bracelet detected high levels of UV in an environment. The control system would then release nanorobots carrying the appropriate nanoparticles. And UV protection would be deposited on the user’s clothing. This would provide on-demand comfort and protection without the need for invasive devices.
For customization, the bracelet could be something akin to a smart watch that would act as the control system and remote control for the nanorobots.
But what about powering the nanorobots?
Yes, the clothing could take advantage of energy-harvesting fabric. But what if it needs more energy?
Theoretical science has an answer for that.
Generators aboard theoretical nanobots could create energy within a body. They’d use either electrolytes within the bloodstream or mix a chemical with the bloodstream to create a chemical reaction.
Outside the body, tiny wires could connect the nanobots to an external power source. Using nanosized fiber optics, light pulses could be sent through the wires to generate power for the nanobot.
Alternatively, a membrane can absorb ultrasonic vibrations and convert them into electrical power. And magnetic fields can accelerate electrical currents inside the robot's closed conducting loop. As an added advantage, the magnetic field can be utilized to steer the nanobot.
I think I’ll use all these ideas depending on the power needs of my sci-fi clothing. As long as the user remembers how and when to power up, they’ll have nanotechnology clothing that’ll last for years.
Until next time, stay curious.
