Many companies in the outdoor sports industry are increasingly launching products with graphene. The material is becoming increasingly important in alpine winter sports apparel.
Graphene is a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms with unique properties. Companies are promoting this „miracle material“ that seems to optimize their products. Incorporated into textile surfaces or garments, it is said to give them the ability to transfer heat from hot areas of the garment to cooler areas. This heat equalization means that athletes use less energy and would therefore be more efficient. But does graphene actually help optimize the thermal conductivity of textiles? This paper attempts to answer that question.
Based on a study of the material graphene and the possibilities of combining it with textiles, various polyester samples are equipped with the material and then tested for their thermal conductivity. The results of the tests show that the heat is not distributed slowly through the textile. Not a single sample showed any recognizable changes.
