Research trends of the application of aerogel materials in clothing

Abstract

This study investigated the application research of aerogel materials in clothing and analyzed the current research focus on aerogel clothing, the details of the development of aerogel materials, and the evaluation of the application effects of aerogel in clothing. Current research mainly focuses on the application of aerogel in firefighting clothing, space suits, wetsuits, and footwear products. The aerogel materials used in surveyed studies can be classified into aerogel fiber composite, aerogel foam composite, and aerogel coating fabric. Aerogel fiber composite is the most widely used aerogel material in the clothing industry. The thermal performance, mechanical properties, and comfort performance of aerogel clothing have been qualitatively discussed. This survey revealed that aerogel positively affects thermal performance of clothing. In addition, the mechanical properties such as the durability and strength of aerogel materials can meet the application requirements of clothing. However, the dust contamination hazard of aerogel particles limits the further application of aerogels in clothing. In addition, the experimental evaluation of the comfort performance of aerogel clothing through human- and manikin-wearing experiments is insufficient. The findings of this study reveal that it is essential to conduct further studies on the comfort performance of aerogel clothing to determine whether aerogel can have widespread application in clothing. Lastly, we provide suggestions on directions for future studies on the application of aerogels in clothing.

Wearable Aerogels for Personal Thermal Management and Smart Devices

“…The greatest challenge of aerogels for PTM is their suitability for wearing. Nevertheless, their excellent thermal insulation and lightweight properties have attracted significant interest for PTM, such as aerogel shoe insoles and high-altitude suits, in the manner of aerogel blankets in which silica aerogel is integrated in a hybrid fabric matrix. ,− However, aerogel particles in aerogel blankets easily detached from nonwoven materials, limiting the further application of aerogel blankets. To address this problem, the aerogel blankets were encapsulated before use; however, this negatively affected the flexibility and breathability of the material, and inner damage and sedimentation of the aerogel were still inevitable .…”

“…The application of aerogels in PTM is limited due to their weak mechanical strength and wear suitability. For instance, the most widely used silica aerogels are too brittle to be worn, − whereas recently developed mechanically strong aerogels are far more flexible. − Hopefully, emerging aerogel formats, such as aerogel fibers, films, and composites, can be knitted, stretched, and transformed into aerogel textiles and fabrics that can be wearable for PTM. , Aerogel can not only provide passive thermal insulation but also solar heating, Joule heating, radiative cooling, or even switching between heating or cooling. − Interestingly, some conductive aerogels can be fabricated into wearable devices for sensing and alarming. The considerable progress in wearable aerogels begins a stage of PTM development with a promising future for overcoming extreme environments.…”

Cu/CeO2 and Cu/Gd-Substituted CeO2 Aerogels as Active, Selective, and Stable COPROX Catalysts

“…As an alternative to traditional supports of dense oxide particles that agglomerate, aerogels are architected platforms that offer a covalently bonded network of nanoscopic oxide that effectively disperses the active metal while the cocontinuous mesoporous network ensures efficient transport of reactants to and products from active sites. The aerogel synthetic process is also industrially scalable, with aerogels integrated into textiles 23 and building insulation. 24 We previously demonstrated that CeO 2 aerogels stabilize more of the catalytically active phases for CO oxidation compared to commercial nanoparticulate ceria, namely, low-valent Cu 25 and Ni(OH) 2 , 26 even under oxidizing conditions.…”

Thermal resistance prediction of aerogel fabrics after repeated washing based on small-sample data

“…With their open-pore structure and low thermal conductivity, aerogel fabrics are widely used in protective equipment, including firefighting apparel, cold-resistant clothing, diving suits, and accessories. 1,2 Nevertheless, the durability of aerogel fabrics after repeated washing remains a major challenge. Ensuring hygienic conditions on contaminated surfaces without compromising performance or wearer comfort necessitates the development of aerogel fabrics capable of withstanding multiple washing cycles.…”

“…Although thorough cleaning is imperative, frequent or excessive washing can modify fabric properties, including thermal resistance, as aerogel particles dislodge during washing. [2][3][4] This phenomenon diminishes product lifespan and raises safety concerns. Owing to the high costs and specialized equipment required to evaluate the thermal properties of aerogel fabrics, conducting large-sample investigations in engineering practice is impractical.…”