Three‐Layer Composite Fabric with the Gradient of Wettability Inspired by Populus euphratica Root Pressure for Drying and Cooling

Abstract

Fabric with efficient sweat release and heat dissipation is highly desirable in a broad range of applications. However, creating such materials still remains a tough challenge. Here, inspired by the root pressure water of Populus euphratica and jade heat dissipation, a three‐layer composite fabric (T‐CF) for highly efficient personal drying and cooling is presented. The obtained T‐CF is formed by three individual layers with designed functions. The inner layer, middle layer, and surface layer are composed of cool polyester yarns, cool polyester/bamboo composite yarns, and bamboo yarns, respectively, to form a wetting gradient property. The biomimetic design offers the fabric with promising advantages, such as the unidirectional water conductivity of 800.34%, the water evaporation rate of 0.2611 g h−1, the instantaneous contact cool feeling of 0.186 ± 0.009 w cm−2, and the maximum cool temperature in wet state of 4.74 °C. Consequently, the T‐CF not only has good moisture absorption and moisture conduction, but also has heat dissipation and a certain sense of contact cooling. It is believed that the strategy reported in this work can provide a facile route for new‐generation functional fabric development regarding human health management.

Fabric Comprised of Cotton Impregnated with Graphene Oxide and Coated with Polystyrene for Personal Moisture and Thermal Management

“…This phenomenon may be due to the thermal conductivity of the GO nanosheets (3.19 Wm –1 K –1 ), which is substantially lower than that of graphene (5000 Wm –1 K –1 ) . To test the thermal conductivity capability quantitatively, the concept of the instantaneous contact coolness factor ( q max ) was introduced . In wet conditions, the q max value for the cotton fabric was recorded to be 0.177 ± 0.012 J/cm –2 ·s, while that for the G/P-C fabric was merely 0.186 ± 0.022 J/cm –2 ·s (Figure c).…”

“…48 To test the thermal conductivity capability quantitatively, the concept of the instantaneous contact coolness factor (q max ) was introduced. 18 In wet conditions, the q max value for the cotton fabric was recorded to be 0.177 ± 0.012 J/cm −2 •s, while that for the G/P-C fabric was merely 0.186 ± 0.022 J/ cm −2 •s (Figure 7c). In addition, the q max of the G/P-C fabric remained essentially the same as that of the cotton fabric in a dry state (Figure S4).…”

“…To further demonstrate the "coolness" of the composite fabric, the instantaneous contact coolness factor (q max ) was introduced. 18 The maximum heat flux (q max ) at the interface between the fabric and the test platform was tested using a KES-F7 THERMO LABO IIB contact cold and warm sensitivity tester according to the GB/T35263-2017. The formula for calculating q max is presented in eq 3.…”

Optimization design of functional running pants and evaluation of thermal-humid comfort capabilities

“…23 Most of the current research related to the thermal and humid comfort of clothing has focused on the types of fabrics 24,25 and the lightweight design of synthetic materials. 26,27 To carry out exercise training and human body recovery in an effective way, 28 there are also a few studies that use cooling schemes to cool down. 29,30 The research on improving the comfort of sportswear and having a positive impact on sports efficiency by optimizing style structure and improving fabric performance is not mentioned.…”

“…39 For example, fabric moisture-wicking and sweat-conducting finishing aims to improve the comfort and athletic performance of athletes by improving water permeability, 40 enhancing sweat absorption ability, and promoting evaporation and thermal loss. 28,41 The human body tends to sweat profusely when it is in a hot and humid environment or in a state of intense exercise. When sweat adheres to the body, inefficient moisture transport not only affects thermal and physiological comfort, but may also lead to discomfort in skin conditions.…”