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Protective thermal clothing is essential for the safety of those who work in extreme high-temperature environments, such as firefighters or steelworkers. However, the current gear of these workers has a thermal resistance that is unchangeable, keeping the temperature within the suit high, and possibly causing overheating and discomfort for the worker. Further, some of these suits are also not completely insulated, an issue that can put the person at risk when operating in extreme temperatures.
In order to address these concerns, a team from the School of Fashion and Textiles of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has developed a well-insulated yet breathable soft robotic clothing that can automatically adapt to changing temperatures, ensuring both safety and comfort in hot environments. Their research was published in Advanced Science.
As reported on TechXplore, the team was inspired by nature, and the way pigeons can thermally regulate by changing the way their feathers lay on their body. First, the feathers are flat, in a way that keeps a layer of air between their skin and the feathers, keeping them cool. Then, once the weather gets colder, they fluff their feathers, trapping much more air in, creating a layer of insulation and retaining warmth. The team developed a flexible robotic fabric with a TPU-sealed actuation system that uses a special fluid that has a low boiling point, allowing it to switch between solid and liquid states. This process acts like an internal framework that expands the fabric, improving its ability to create air gaps and provide better thermal insulation. This allows for thermal resistance to go from 0.23 to 0.48 Km2/W. Additionally, gear made from this textile can also make the inner surface temperatures at least 10°C cooler than traditional heat-resistant clothing.
The soft actuators embedded in the fabric that keep the liquid inside of them have not leaked when tested, even after undergoing thorough washing tests. Unlike regular firefighting gear, which can be stifling, this fabric is lightweight, breathable, and flexible due to being porous and knitted. Therefore, it can match various seasons and climates, allowing the wearer comfort while still being protected.
Looking forward, the team is looking at further applications for their novel fabric, such as activewear, winter jackets, outdoor gear, or even energy-saving insulation for buildings.
