Military

New uniform coating could keep troops warm without multiple layers

Researchers are working on a way for soldiers to generate heat in cold environments instead of piling on multiple bulky layers to their uniforms.

By applying a silver nanowire coating to the uniforms, troops could theoretically dial up the heat to keep themselves comfortable, according to researchers at U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center in Massachusetts.

The silver nanowires form an electrically conductive network that when hooked up to a low-power battery can heat up polyester and polypropylene, research bioengineer Paola D’Angelo told Army Times.

The goal is to coat gloves with the material and eventually apply it to the entire uniform.

“If we reduce the number of layers [troops have to wear], they still keep that dexterity that allows them to operate weapons and machinery,” D’Angelo said.