SOLIYARN LLC SBIR Phase II Award, October 2022

Soliyarn has invented a novel process for transforming off-the-shelf fabrics into metal-free conducting electrodes without changing the feel, weight, breathability, and pliability of the underlying fabric. This scientific breakthrough opens the door for a wide range of applications in the smart textiles industry. Our proposed Phase II R&D focuses on one such application that has been highlighted by AFLCMC as a critical requirement – actively heated gloves.  Garment manufacturers have historically struggled to develop American made, military grade heated apparel, especially gloves. Legacy solutions rely on weaving cumbersome electrical wiring throughout the garment to heat specific areas of the body. This construct has many pitfalls, including a high-power requirement, a lack of durability, the inability to wash, and general discomfort.  Soliyarn’s proven technology solves all these problems using a proprietary vapor deposition process that essentially creates “smart fabric” capable of transmitting electricity without the use of individual wires. In addition to heating, this innovation can be used to automatically regulate the temperature of the glove through biometric sensing. In Phase II we will adapt our patented technology to develop prototype gloves that will give Airmen a tactical and strategic advantage over near-peer adversaries operating in extreme cold weather AORs.