Temperature-adaptive thermal management textiles achieve the moisture and heat balance of human body

Abstract

Abstract Smart textiles with heating and cooling capabilities are highly favored in the field of human thermal management because they not only satisfy the demands for human comfort but also reduce energy consumption. However, due to the subjectivity of thermal comfort, developing textiles with adaptive and personalized thermal management characteristics remains a challenge. Herein, a combination of ultraviolet-induced free radical polymerization and pad-dry-cure process was used to prepare temperature-sensitive P(MEO2MA-co-OEGMA475-co-GMA) cotton fabric (PMOG-cotton). By precisely controlling the amount of OEGMA475, the temperature response of PMOG-cotton can be regulated. Below the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), PMOG-cotton exhibits hydrophilicity. While above the LCST, it shows hydrophobicity. Additionally, the air permeability and water vapor permeability of PMOG-cotton also exhibit responsive characteristics to changes in environmental temperature. PMOG-cotton demonstrates excellent abrasion resistance, mechanical properties, and whiteness. It can provide a warming effect of 2.4°C in cold environments and a cooling effect of 1.3°C in hot environments. This adaptive thermal management textile shows promise for delivering human thermal comfort in complex and dynamic environments.