Versarien highlights importance of University of Gloucestershire's research into sportswear technology
The impact of research by University of Gloucestershire is highlighted in a new white paper published by the Forest of Dean based advanced engineering materials group Versarien Plc.
The white paper reports how the first academic wearer trial of its kind by the University has contributed to Versarien Plc making “significant progress in developing Graphene-Wear technology in the lab and in real-life environments.”
The University carried out tests to understand how a prototype upper body garment applied with Versarien’s Graphene-Wear ink formula through a screen-printing process – manufactured by partner MAS – compared to a selection of other sports garments when worn during high-intensity exercise.
The independent study, part of ongoing collaboration between the University and Versarien plc, was supervised by Professor Athanassios Bissas, Professor of Sport and Exercise Technologies at the university.
The research explored the thermal and moisture management properties of three different semi-fitted, long-sleeved, baselayer tops when worn during exercise, and assessed the wearers’ perception and comfort levels whilst wearing the garments.
The three garments tested were the Graphene-Wear, a garment from a high-market share brand marketed to have moisture management properties, and a garment from a brand with high-market share marketed to have moisture and thermal management properties.
As study subjects, 11 aerobically trained male athletes of an intermediate to elite standard of running were selected to perform a sub-maximal effort treadmill run for a set duration of 50 minutes while wearing one of the trial garments and repeated for the remaining two garments.
The sportswear trials at the University are part of Versarien’s ongoing plan to commercialise graphene within the textiles industry through products that effectively harness graphene’s unique thermal and moisture management properties.
Professor Bissas said: “The sportswear testing project with Versarien provided an excellent opportunity for our department, its postgraduates and students to serve and interact with real-life science applications and advance their laboratory and analytical skills.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Versarien and excited to be developing contemporary analysis techniques supported by AI, such as thermal imaging analysis, that can enable us to become an international player in the area of sportswear testing.”
Gloucestershire-based Versarien Plc has been at the forefront of developing products that integrate graphene – the thinnest material yet discovered but also incredibly strong – ranging from face masks to products that are currently under development for defence.
