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Babak defends PhD thesis on electrically heating bio-based textiles

Babak Abdi publicly defended his doctoral thesis on 27 March 2026 at the Boproducts and Biosystems Department of Aalto University鈥檚 School of Chemical Engineering, presenting research that advances the development of sustainable electrically heating textiles.
Lecture hall with students watching a man present slides on electrically heated textiles at the front

The dissertation, titled 鈥淭oward robust electrical heating bio-based textiles,鈥 explores how fabrics can be transformed into flexible, durable heating materials using bio-based components and conductive carbon materials. The public defence was held in English as part of Aalto University鈥檚 doctoral programme in chemical engineering.

The opponent for the defence was Professor Dr. Nils-Krister Persson from the University of Bor氓s, Sweden, while Professor Dr. Ali Tehrani from Aalto University served as custos.

Lecture hall with seated audience watching a man in a dark suit present research slides on a large screen

Abdi鈥檚 research addresses a growing global interest in smart textiles鈥攎aterials capable of performing electronic functions while maintaining the comfort and flexibility of conventional fabrics. The thesis focuses specifically on textiles that can generate heat through electrical conductivity, opening possibilities for wearable technology, energy-efficient clothing, and functional industrial materials.

The work investigates how conductive coatings, material composition, and processing methods influence key properties such as electrical conductivity, heating efficiency, durability, and resistance to wear and washing. According to the research, current heating textiles often face trade-offs between flexibility, performance, and environmental sustainability, limiting their practical adoption.

Students in a tiered lecture hall watch a sustainability slide projected on a white screen

By studying carbon-based nanomaterials and more sustainable binder systems, the thesis demonstrates how conventional fabrics can be converted into electrically active surfaces capable of stable and controllable heat generation.

The doctoral research contributes to the expanding field of functional and sustainable materials, particularly within bio-based textile innovation. Experimental findings provide a systematic understanding of how coating design and material selection affect long-term textile performance, offering guidance for future industrial applications and smart clothing technologies.

Lecture hall with many people watching a presenter in a suit showing a thank-you slide on a large screen.

The study builds on several peer-reviewed publications examining conductive textile coatings, graphene-based materials, and heating performance durability, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration between materials science, textile chemistry, and sustainable engineering.

Abdi鈥檚 successful defence marks a step forward in research aimed at combining sustainability with advanced textile functionality鈥攁n area expected to play an increasing role in wearable technology and energy-efficient solutions.

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