Vollebak uses copper to create virus-killing jacket
Vollebak’s virus-killing copper jacket can wipe out different kinds of germs and bacteria before they can even have the chance to grow on it. Named Full Metal Jacket, the technical clothing contains three layers of textile with 11 kilometers of copper wire. The design team uses industrial lasers to convert the copper into yarns, which they then weave into a wearable protective piece of clothing. The yarns are made from industrial copper rods that are stretched and reduced in diameter multiple times using laser-controlled machinery.
Each strand is measured by lasers to make sure it stays soft and uniform, and once the strands are ready, they are heated and coated in a thin layer of lacquer to protect the copper from corrosion. After coating, the yarn goes through a six-day curing process where it is woven, scoured, heat-set, and dried. The copper layer is combined with a c_change membrane, which is a waterproof and breathable barrier. This part can react to changes in temperature and humidity, so when the weather is hot, the virus-killing copper jacket opens to allow heat and moisture to escape. Then, when the weather is cold, the structure closes to retain warmth and keep the wearer away from frost.
all images courtesy of Vollebak
Using lasers to turn metal into yarns
The idea behind the virus-killing copper jacket was to build a wearable fabric that uses one of the oldest and most useful metals known to humans. Although metal is usually hard, copper’s atomic structure allows it to bend without breaking. This structure is called a face-centered cubic crystal, which gives the metal both strength and flexibility, making it possible to weave copper into textile form while keeping it functional as a fabric. The design team also picked copper for its ability to conduct heat and electricity and for its natural ability to resist bacteria and viruses. When microbes touch copper, electrically charged ions disrupt their outer membranes and destroy their DNA, preventing them from reproducing and letting Full Metal Jacket stay cleaner and resist contamination.
There are three layers in Vollebak’s clothing, with the third one being a soft inner fabric that makes contact with the skin. These combined parts then create a textile that is waterproof, windproof, and breathable, and the seams are sealed to stop water from getting in, and all zippers and snaps are water resistant. The jacket weighs about 1,400 grams and is designed to be easy to maintain and can be wiped clean instead of washed. There are two side pockets with fleece lining and water-resistant zippers found on the virus-killing copper jacket. Those plus two large front bellows pockets with angled storm flaps and metal snap fasteners; each of these pockets can hold small tools or a tablet. Hidden behind storm flaps are two chest pockets for phones or other small objects and another internal pocket on the right side, both of which are for extra storage.
Vollebak’s virus-killing copper jacket can wipe out different kinds of germs and bacteria
the technical clothing contains three layers of textile with 11 kilometers of copper wire
the design team uses industrial lasers to convert the copper into yarns
the yarns are made from industrial copper rods that are stretched
rear view of the clothing
each strand is measured by lasers to make sure it stays soft and uniform
the yarn goes through a six-day curing process where it is woven
project info:
name: Full Metal Jacket Copper
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