Nano textured cotton separates oil, water

BRAGA – Cotton’s comfort and breathability have made it the workhorse fibre of the global apparel industry, but its natural tendency to soak up moisture limits its use in technical garments and other functional textiles.

Now researchers at the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL) say they have created an “eco‑friendly” cotton that shrugs off water and stains while still allowing oil to pass through – all without relying on fluorinated chemistries.