Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Versarien highlights importance of university’s sportswear research

The impact of ground-breaking research by University of Gloucestershire is highlighted in a new paper published by Gloucestershire-based Versarien.

The white paper (a guide which informs readers in concise terms about a complex issue) reports how the first academic wearer trial of its kind by the university has contributed to advanced engineering materials group Versarien Plc making "significant progress in developing Graphene-WearTM technology in the lab and in real-life environments."

The university carried out tests to understand how a prototype upper body garment applied with Forest of Dean-based Versarien's Graphene-Wear™ ink formula through a screen-printing process - manufactured by their partner MAS - compared to a selection of other sports garments, when worn during high intensity exercise.

The independent study, part of an ongoing collaboration between the university and Versarien, was supervised by Professor Athanassios Bissas, professor of sport and exercise technologies, from the university's School of Sport and Exercise. Professor Bissas's research was supported by a number of colleagues and students.

The research explored the thermal and moisture management properties of three different semi-fitted, long-sleeved, base layer 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 TM, 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.

This was repeated for each garment after a time interval of at least 48 hours. Body mass, garment mass, urine osmolality levels, heart rate, blood samples and internal core temperature were collected/ measured every 10 minutes.

The athletes were interviewed after each test to record wetness perception, thermal sensation and thermal comfort.

The white paper explains: "Overall, the research found that Graphene-Wear TM competed well with the existing high market share garment and performed better than an equivalent fabric composition market-leading garment in both thermal and moisture management.

"Versarien will continue to work closely with the University of Gloucestershire team in developing further studies to explore additional controlled and uncontrolled environments, including both genders and further garment types."

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 Athanassios Bissas, professor of sport and exercise technologies, from the university's School of Sport and Exercise, 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 are 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."

Versarien Plc has been at the forefront of developing products which integrate graphene - the thinnest material yet discovered but also incredibly strong - ranging from face masks to products that are currently under development for defence.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.