News

Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award goes to knitwear student Shirley Cheung

The Woolmark Company and Flinders Merino Group presented the Best Use of Australian Merino Wool Award to knitwear design graduating student, Cheung Wai-yee, Shirley, for her graduation collection that is representative of innovative applications of Australian Merino wool at the PolyU Fashion Show 2024. The award presentation was successfully held at The Woolmark Company’s Wool Resource Centre on 29 August. Shirley’s collection is called “Magic Mushroom Dreamland”, and inspired by mushrooms found in enchanting fairy tales. Through the creation of distinct patterns, magic mushrooms come to life and explore in a whimsical fairytale realm. Her designs not only encapsulate a sense of joy and playfulness, but also emphasise practicality for everyday wear, thus harmoniously balancing imagination and functionality. Shirley’s collection highlights the meticulous use of fancy yarns in stitching, hand embroidering and crocheting. The Woolmark Company is the global authority on Merino wool and owns the Woolmark logo, a quality assurance symbol found on more than 5 billion products. As a not-for-profit organisation, The Woolmark Company works alongside 60,000 woolgrowers in Australia to research, develop and certify Australian wool. They support and collaborate with like-minded fashion designers and brands. SFT would like to thank The Woolmark Company and Flinders Merino Group for their continuous support in nurturing the next generation of fashion design talents.

“Stitchable Chinese Arts” Fashion Design Competition and Catwalk Show 2023/24

Co-organised by the Art Education Section of the Curriculum Development Institute - Education Bureau and SFT, the “Stitchable Chinese Arts” Fashion Design Competition and Catwalk Show 2023/24 successfully took place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 29 August 2024. Dr Christine Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education, and Professor Wong Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost, PolyU, honoured the event as the officiating guests to deliver the welcome speeches. The event showcased over 1,500 entries from more than 120 primary and secondary schools, with 48 talented students shortlisted for the final catwalk show. The finalists demonstrated their exceptional skills in blending fashion design with Chinese cultural elements, and presented a variety of distinct garments that captivated the audience. This initiative aims to inspire students to incorporate Chinese art and design into their fashion creations, thus fostering more appreciation for aesthetics, creativity, and cultural heritage. Under the expert guidance of the SFT’s staff and students, the finalists crafted exquisite garments that highlighted their innovative approaches. The catwalk show was met with an enthusiastic response, and testifies to the future of fashion in Hong Kong while promoting the rich tapestry of Chinese art and culture. Click here for the digital version of the show brochure.

Dr Fu Jimin secures HK$1.2M from MTR Research Funding Scheme 2024

Dr Fu Jimin, Research Assistant Professor proudly secured funding of HK$1,207,800 from the MTR Academy’s 2024 MTR Research Funding Scheme (MRF 2024), with his project “Enhancing Rail Resilience with Cellulosic Zinc-Ion Batteries: A Sustainable Energy Storage Solution for Future Railway Systems”. The research initiative targets the development of cellulosic zinc-ion batteries as a sustainable energy storage solution for railway systems. By leveraging the inherent properties of cellulosic materials, specifically carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), this project aims to create lightweight, flexible three-dimensional nanofiber electrodes that are dendrite-free and compatible with aqueous zinc-ion full batteries. The research approach involves a molecular-level functionalization or modification of cellulosic materials to enhance their electrochemical performance and target to enable the introduction of features such as thermal responsiveness and ion selectivity, crucial for railway applications. MRF aims to support exploratory and upstream research to create and build future operations and services in mass public transportation. The proposals are expected to put forward innovative solutions to address the challenges and define the future rail transport system performance, commuting experience, business models, community integration, social impacts, etc.

Prof. Xu Bingang’s team publishes in Advanced Energy Materials

Rapid technological advancements have reduced the size and increased the portability of electronics. In 2021, the number of portable devices reached 12.2 billion globally, and is predicted to exceed 25 billion in 2025. Such an immense number of small electronics has resulted in an ever-increasing demand for energy. However, existing energy sources are primarily derived from unsustainable resources such as coal, oil and natural gas, which are non-renewable and cause pollution. Therefore, developing renewable and sustainable types of energy is an important, urgent, albeit challenging task. Prof. Xu Bingang’s research focuses on an important direction: determining how to provide a green, renewable and sustainable power supply for wearable electronic devices. To tackle this issue, his team has carried out avant-garde research on utilising human motions like walking and running, and environmental sources like sunlight, heat and humidity, to convert mechanical, solar, thermal and humidity energy into usable electric energy for sustainable applications. The works are based on the individual energy-conversion effects of piezoelectric, triboelectric, photoelectric, thermoelectric, and moist-electric effects. To further enlarge the input energy capacity for higher performance, his team has also made effort to combine or integrate these energy-conversion effects by developing a kind of hybrid energy harvester that is able to harvest renewable energies from multiple sources simultaneously (like mechanical, solar, moisture and thermal energy) and then convert them into electricity. The main challenges for developing this kind of hybrid energy harvesting method lies in the fundamental study and novel designs of functional materials that can effectively resolve the problem of synergistic coupling and fusion of different input energies into a single device unit. More recently, Prof. Xu’s team has made an innovative breakthrough in the field by fundamentally disclosing and designing a new type of hybrid multi-energy harvesting strategy. This development is based on their new understanding and synergistical regulation of charge generation and transfer dynamics by integrating ferroelectric and photovoltaic effects with the tribovoltaic effect. With this new strategy, the developed multi-energy devices are flexible for wearing and can also deliver an impressive direct current (DC) electric output of 7.3 V and 69.8 µA, thus outperforming those in other reported works. In addition to driving portable devices, the flexible multi-energy harvesting device is also capable of self-powered multifunctional sensing, including sensing temperature, humidity, bending, and photodetection. This study proposes new scientific insights into modulating the electric performance of hybrid energy harvesting while extending its functionality to applications in smart wearables and e-textiles. This work is published in Advanced Energy Materials (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.202402145), a top-tier journal in Materials Science with an impact factor of 24.4. The first two authors are respectively Drs Xin Yin and Yujue Yang, a postdoctoral fellow and a new PhD graduate (2024) under the supervision of Prof. Xu.

PolyU and Fung Retailing Group sign MoU to promote sustainable fashion

We are excited to announce a new partnership with the Fung Retailing Group of the Fung Group. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Signing Ceremony was held at the Opening Ceremony of Li & Fung Sustainable Fashion Week (利丰可持续时尚周) in Shanghai on 13 August. This collaboration will practise the concept of sustainable fashion together and facilitate the commercialisation of results of research on new functional fabrics in collaboration with companies in Minhang District in Shanghai.

Dr Fan Di receives media attention for publication

Dr Fan Di, Associate Professor, has published a significant study titled "Locking in Overseas Buyers Amid Geopolitical Conflicts" in the Journal of Operations Management. This collaborative research, conducted with scholars from Renmin University, the Australian National University, and Singapore Management University, explores the impact of the ongoing U.S.–China trade war on cross-border trade relationships. The study reveals that transactions between U.S. buyers and Chinese suppliers dropped by 18.42% following the 2018 trade war. It also highlights strategies for mitigating these impacts, emphasising the importance of innovation and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in building resilient international relationships. The study provides essential insights for businesses that are navigating today’s deglobalised world. Dr Fan and his team suggest that Chinese suppliers with strong innovation capabilities and high CSR performance are better equipped to retain overseas buyers. Furthermore, while political connections can be beneficial during stable times, they may become liabilities amid geopolitical tensions, thus posing risks to international partnerships. Buyers, on the other hand, should carefully assess their dependence on specific suppliers and strive to balance supplier capabilities with supply chain flexibility to enhance resilience against geopolitical risks. The importance of Dr Fan's research work has caught the attention of major media outlets, including the South China Morning Post and Asia Times. An article in the South China Morning Post, "Is Vietnam losing its appeal for China’s manufacturers bypassing US tariffs?," examines how Chinese firms adapt their strategies amidst changing geopolitical dynamics. Similarly, the Asia Times discusses the ongoing challenges faced by Chinese EV manufacturers in "China EVs still driving for EU’s protected markets." These features underscore the relevance and impact of Dr Fan’s work, which offers a comprehensive analysis of the strategies that businesses can use to navigate the complexities of geopolitical conflicts. The Journal of Operations Management is a flagship peer-reviewed academic journal in the area of operations and supply chain management. It is listed in the Financial Times 50 and UT-Dallas journal lists, and ranked 4* on the UK’s ABS journal list and A* on Australia’s ABDC list. The full article is available here.

Prof. Joanne Yip garners two awards at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival

Professor Joanne Yip, Associate Dean, garnered two prestigious awards at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Inventions Festival (SVIIF), including the Prize of the Korea Invention Promotion Association and one gold medal. Professor Yip’s awarded project titled “Development of Intelligent Nighttime Brace with Smart Padding to Treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis” introduces an intelligent nighttime brace for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients with a Cobb’s angle of 10 to 25 degrees, using soft robotics and smart padding. Integrating clinical research, material science, and wearable technology, the brace features a smart system that automatically adjusts corrective forces and positioning, ensuring optimal spinal correction. Covered with sweat-wicking and breathable textiles, and equipped with an air-bag support belt for additional tractive forces, the brace promises comfort and efficiency. Real-time sensors monitor body-brace contact and sleeping posture, allowing dynamic adjustments to the wearer's movements, enhancing correction effectiveness, and minimising discomfort. The invention offers significant advantages: personalised treatment, improved patient compliance due to comfort, and reduced risk of skin issues. Its impact lies in providing a more effective, comfortable, and user-friendly solution for AIS treatment, potentially improving the quality of life for adolescents with scoliosis. Ongoing clinical trials aim to optimise this innovative brace, highlighting a commitment to advancing scoliosis management. SVIIF, which is the largest event of its kind in the United States, this year drew participation from approximately 30 countries and regions, representing a wide array of academic institutions, research institutes and enterprises. Supported and attended by multinational corporations, investors and entrepreneurs, the event serves as a crucial platform for inventors and the business community to explore commercialisation opportunities and seek partnerships.

Dr Shou Dahua honoured with PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Award

We are thrilled to announce that Dr Shou Dahua is the recipient of this year’s PolyU Graduate School Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Award. This prestigious honour recognises Dr Shou's exceptional contributions to research and his remarkable achievements as a young alumnus of PolyU. Dr Shou completed his PhD at PolyU and since then, has made significant strides in his field. He has shown his unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation. His groundbreaking research has not only garnered widespread recognition but has also had a profound impact on both the academia and industry practices. Dr Shou’s research interests include personal thermal and moisture management, advanced textiles, intelligent wearables, and soft robotics. He has published nearly 100 papers in well-respected academic journals and holds three U.S. patents and over ten Chinese patents. He is also the leader of more than 20 research grants from various competitive funds such as the GRF/ECS, ITF, GTF, and ECF. The Outstanding Research Postgraduate Young Alumni Award is presented annually to honour a distinguished young alumnus who has shown exemplary dedication to research excellence and made notable contributions to his/her field of study. Receiving this award underscores Dr Shou’s outstanding academic accomplishments and his potential to drive future advancements. SFT extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr Shou for this well-deserved honour. We look forward to witnessing his continued success and contributions to the global research community.

Prof. Tao Xiaoming secures RGC Theme-based Research Scheme for sustainable impacts

We are delighted to announce that Professor Tao Xiaoming, Vincent and Lily Woo Professor in Textile Technology, Chair Professor of Textile Technology, and Director of the Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems, has been awarded the esteemed Research Grants Council (RGC)'s Theme-based Research Scheme 2024/25 of HK$62.378 million*. This funding is for her project, "Mechanisms and Key Technologies of Multi-Sensory Emulation Wearable Devices”. Professor Tao's project aims to lead global research in multi-sensory emulation wearable devices, capitalising on PolyU’s exceptional multidisciplinary expertise and facilities in flexible materials, sensors and actuators for the Internet of Things (IoT), wearable and biomedical applications, electronic fabrics, mathematics for artificial intelligence, acoustics and signal processing. It also aims to emulate the less enhanced yet urgently needed sensations of touch (tactile) and smell (olfactory) through a study of multi-sensory emulation wearable devices (MSEWDs) that reveals their operational mechanisms, and to develop relevant key technologies and applications. First-of-its-kind emulation mechanisms based on fibrous structures and their bionic actuation devices will be developed for delivering mixed scents and tactile sensations. Leveraging AI models to link measured signals obtained by biosensors and algorithms for controlling the bionic emulation devices will offer more immersive experiences. The target of the MSEWDs includes: A device that senses and simulates olfactory sensation by AI-controlled scent-making and dispersion of mixed scents; A fabric tactile emulator that senses and tunes reactive forces and temperature by changing its rigidity, dimension, surface morphology and thermoelectric properties; and A wearable fabric-based acoustic stethoscope that continuously detects the location and intensity of sound generated from human internal organs. This research has far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the development of novel fibre-based multi-sensory emulation wearable devices. Ultimately, it also contributes to diverse social and industrial fields, encompassing healthcare, IoT, smart cities, art technology, robotics, education, sports, fashion and textiles, and personal protection. Professor Erin Cho, Dean and Limin Professor in Integrated Strategies and Leadership in Fashion , said, "Words cannot fully express my appreciation about this milestone. The first-ever Theme based Research Scheme in SFT distinctively excellent institutional history. This achievement is the immense source of pride not only for SFT for the entire university. The Theme-based Research Scheme, by all means, represents one of the most difficult and competitive grants to secure, further underscored by the substantial size of the funding.This is also the major reflection of Professor Tao’s lifetime commitment and devotion to her research. She is an internationally renowned and celebrated scholar in fiber science and wearable technology, with numerous distinctive awards and recognitions to her name. Her success in securing this grant also marks one of her most significant accomplishments, a goal she has pursued with unwavering determination. Please join me in congratulating Professor Tao. SFT is deeply honored to have her as our academic leader and a dedicated citizen of our community."   * RGC provides 90% of the approved budget and the remaining 10% will be provided by the coordinating University.

Dr Shou Dahua develops intelligent activewear for a dry and comfortable experience

The Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games are just around the corner and a global sports frenzy is underway. However, intense summer workouts often lead to sportswear absorbing excessive sweat, becoming clingy and cumbersome, causing discomfort and potentially impacting performance. Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Associate Professor, Dr Shou Dahua has developed the iActive™ sportswear range which features a root-like liquid transport system and a skin-like active perspiration dissipater and utilises nature-inspired, anti-heat textile fabrics to expedite sweat removal, effectively reducing the weight and stickiness of activewear caused by sweat accumulation during exercise. The human body has millions of sweat glands that are vital for regulating body temperature by dissipating sweat for evaporation to cool the skin’s surface. With unabating greenhouse gas emissions, the number of very hot days annually is expected to increase significantly. This will lead to elevated energy consumption and increased sweating during physical activity and outdoor labour. Even when wearing highly breathable clothes with good sweat-wicking properties, individuals may still experience discomfort due to excessive sweat accumulation. A research team led by Dr Shou, has invented the groundbreaking iActive™, intelligent, electrically activated sportswear with a nature-inspired active perspiration function. This pioneering innovation has garnered significant recognition, including a Gold Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva this April. Its nature-inspired technologies, including low-voltage-driven artificial “sweat glands” created by skin-like anti-heat textile fabrics and a root-like branching liquid transport system that aligns with the body’s sweat map, can actively and programmably transport sweat to a perspiration dissipater at the lower region of the sportswear, and quickly remove it as liquid droplets. The all-textile sweat dissipater is compact and operates at a safe output voltage of approximately 5-9V, and its battery is easy to detach from the clothing, making it convenient for users to repeatedly wash the clothing by hand or in a washing machine to maintain hygiene. When the human body’s sweat rate is low, iActive™ can still be used independently without the battery. Based on the optimised wettability pattern and gradient, the research team utilises a skin-like textile fabric to transport sweat one-way quickly and dissipate it directionally from the inside to the outside. This feature reduces the stickiness and weight of clothing, improves breathability and ensures the garments remain dry and comfortable to wear. Experimental findings indicate that iActive™ creates a breathable and dry skin microclimate by dissipating sweat at a rate that is three times faster than the maximum human sweating rate. This innovation can also prevent discomfort from coldness and moisture after a workout. In comparison to traditional fabrics, the textile materials in iActive™ are 60% lighter and 50% less clingy when soaked, providing the wearer with all-round comfort and enabling sports enthusiasts and athletes to perform at their best. Furthermore, a mobile app further aids personalised sweat management by wirelessly adjusting the sweat level of iActive™. This innovation is versatile and can be seamlessly integrated into a variety of textile materials to facilitate sustainable mass production. Beyond sportswear, iActive™ is also well-suited to protective clothing and workwear for individuals engaged in prolonged, high-intensity physical labour and outdoor occupations, including healthcare professionals, construction workers, firefighters, law enforcement officers and others, thereby significantly enhancing their work performance. Dr Shou stated, “The extreme weather and high temperatures resulting from global warming have elevated the importance of heatstroke prevention and cooling measures on a global scale. Drawing on the vivid phenomena of thermal insulation and directed liquid flow in nature, we aim to foster innovation and sustainable advancement in garment manufacturing by inventing intelligent clothing and materials to address global challenges. We seek to harness the power of technology to infuse fresh perspectives into the traditional clothing industry, thereby enhancing its competitiveness.” His research team has also developed a premium fabric named Omni-Cool-Dry™, drawing inspiration from volcano dwelling beetles. This fabric not only provides ultra-fast sweat dissipation and ensures all-day comfort with its dry and breathable features under dynamic thermal conditions, but also reflects solar radiation and emits body heat into the cold universe, enabling passive cooling. The team is working hard to leverage the benefits of both inventions to further enhance the sweat-dissipating and cooling capability of iActive™ sportswear. Dr Shou, a core member of the PolyU Research Institute for Intelligent Wearable Systems and the Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, has recently been bestowed with the 2023 Distinguished Achievement Award by The Fiber Society for his outstanding contributions to the fields of personal thermal and moisture management, intelligent wearables and soft robotics. The accolade is presented annually to an individual researcher worldwide. He has also received international innovation awards, including consecutive TechConnect Global Innovation Awards in 2021 and 2022. Moreover, his research papers have been published in various internationally renowned academic journals including Science Advances, PNAS, Advanced Functional Materials, and Advanced Energy Materials. Dr Shou will be chairing The Fiber Society Spring 2025 Conference at PolyU.