Recent Advances in Thermoregulatory Clothing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Perspectives

Abstract

Personal thermal management (PTM) is a promising approach for maintaining the thermal comfort zone of the human body while minimizing the energy consumption of indoor buildings. Recent studies have reported the development of numerous advanced textiles that enable PTM systems to regulate body temperature and are comfortable to wear. Herein, recent advancements in thermoregulatory clothing for PTM are discussed. These advances in thermoregulatory clothing have focused on enhancing the control of heat dissipation between the skin and the localized environment. We primarily summarize research on advanced clothing that controls the heat dissipation pathways of the human body, such as radiation-and conductance-controlled clothing. Furthermore, adaptive clothing such as dual-mode textiles, which can regulate the microclimate of the human body, as well as responsive textiles that address both thermal performance (warming and/or cooling) and wearability are discussed. Finally, we include a discussion on significant challenges and perspectives in this field, including large-scale production, smart textiles, bioinspired clothing, and AI-assisted clothing. This comprehensive review aims to further the development of sustainably manufactured advanced clothing with superior thermal performance and outstanding wearability for PTM in practical applications.

Dual-functional reduced graphene oxide decorated nanoporous polytetrafluoroethylene metafabrics for radiative cooling and solar-heating

“…It is still challenging to integrate heating and cooling into one wearable metafabric for practical multi-scenario PTM applications. 27,47 Among common fabrics and textiles for clothing, the nanoporous polytetrauoroethylene (NPTFE) fabric whose pore size distribution is matched to visible light wavelengths can reect and scatter sunlight effectively, and it can also allow the infrared ray to pass through, exhibiting a selective transmittance. 46,48 Meanwhile, NPTFE is composed of a single -CF 2 chemical structure, which can further avoid infrared radiation absorption in the HBIR range.…”

“…It is still challenging to integrate heating and cooling into one wearable metafabric for practical multi-scenario PTM applications. 27,47…”

A Janus membrane doped with carbon nanotubes for wet–thermal management

“…11,12 The development of new textiles by designers has increased the demand for clothing thanks to the introduction of innovative materials and improvement in techniques for making clothing. [13][14][15][16][17] Various applications of contemporary fabrics have been investigated. Regardless of how human civilization evolves, the primary and basic purpose of textiles will be to deliver thermal comfort and protection from water to the human body.…”

Asymmetric Multienergy-Coupled Radiative Warming Textiles for Personal Thermal-Moisture Management

“…Thermal management of conventional textiles can be obtained by increasing the thickness of the fabric as a way of reducing heat convection and heat conduction. Unfortunately, high mid-infrared emissivity makes them ineffective in suppressing thermal radiation, resulting in about 40–60% of human body heat being dissipated. – In contrast to it, personal thermal management (PTM) textiles that regulate the temperature of local areas around the body can meet thermal comfort needs, which not only extends their application to indoor and outdoor scenarios but also promises to alleviate the energy crisis and global warming. – …”