Self-repairing intelligent wool fabric based on bionic microcapsule core sheath yarn and preparation method of self-repairing intelligent wool fabric

Abstract

The invention discloses a self-repairing intelligent wool fabric based on bionic microcapsule core-sheath yarn and a preparation method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of functional textiles, the self-repairing intelligent wool fabric comprises the self-repairing core-sheath yarn, the self-repairing core-sheath yarn is of a core-sheath structure, and a sheath layer is composed of wool fibers; the core layer comprises carrier fibers loaded with bionic repairing microcapsules, and the sheath layer wraps the core layer and is used for releasing a repairing agent when the yarn is broken. According to the self-repairing intelligent wool fabric, the bionic repairing microcapsules can be effectively and stably integrated into the wool fabric, the situation that the bionic repairing microcapsules are broken too early due to external force such as friction and washing in textile processing or daily use is avoided, and it is ensured that the repairing agent is released directionally only when the self-repairing core sheath yarn is broken.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of functional textile technology, specifically relating to a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn and its preparation method. Background Technology

[0002] Wool, as a high-quality natural fiber, is widely used in high-end clothing due to its excellent warmth, breathability, and comfort. However, wool fabrics also have inherent weaknesses, namely, relatively low fiber strength. During use, they are prone to yarn breakage or scratches on the fabric surface due to snagging and friction, affecting their appearance and durability.

[0003] To improve the durability of wool fabrics, existing technologies mainly focus on physical reinforcement. For example, by compounding with high-strength fibers, using 3D three-dimensional weaving skeletons, or special glue-free composite processes, the tear resistance and abrasion resistance of the fabric can be improved to some extent. These methods are essentially "passive defenses," aiming to increase the fabric's threshold for resistance to damage, but once damage occurs, it is irreversible.

[0004] In other fields, such as polymer composites and coatings, self-healing technology has become a research hotspot. For example, Chinese patent CN119613666A discloses a self-healing polyurethane coating, which releases the repair agent when the coating is damaged by adding microcapsules containing a repair agent to the coating to achieve crack healing. Chinese patent CN115679708A discloses a photo-induced self-warning or self-healing microcapsule-coated fabric and its preparation method. This fabric uses photo-induced self-warning or self-healing microcapsule-coated fabric, loading photoresponsive microcapsules onto a fabric base, and using UV or visible light to activate the repair agent within the microcapsules to achieve self-healing and self-warning functions. However, applying such rigid microcapsule technology to soft, porous textiles, especially natural protein fibers, which undergo complex spinning and weaving processes, faces significant technical challenges: 1) Microcapsules are easily damaged by mechanical forces during spinning and weaving, leading to premature failure; 2) The repair agent must have good compatibility with wool fibers and must not form hard lumps after curing, affecting the hand feel; 3) The triggering conditions for the repair process must be simple, safe, and easy for consumers to operate themselves. Therefore, developing a method to effectively and stably integrate self-healing functions into wool fabrics without sacrificing their original superior performance is a pressing technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention aims to provide a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn and its preparation method, so as to solve the technical problem that existing self-healing substances are difficult to effectively and stably integrate into wool fabrics.

[0006] In this invention, the repair prepolymer liquid refers to an unpolymerized liquid mixture encapsulated in biomimetic repair microcapsules, while the repair agent refers to a substance released after the biomimetic repair microcapsules rupture, which can undergo a polymerization reaction under external conditions (such as steam) to achieve its repair function. Repair prepolymer liquid and repair agent are names for the same substance at different stages.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: This invention provides a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn, comprising a self-healing core-sheath yarn having a core-sheath structure, wherein the sheath layer is composed of wool fibers; the core layer contains carrier fibers loaded with biomimetic repair microcapsules, and the sheath layer encloses the core layer for releasing a repair agent when the self-healing core-sheath yarn breaks.

[0008] Preferably, the biomimetic repair microcapsule has a capsule-shell structure, with the shell being a flexible polymer material and the capsule being a repair prepolymer containing thiol monomers, photoinitiators, and cosolvents, wherein the mass ratio of the thiol monomers, photoinitiators, and cosolvents is 85:3:12.

[0009] Preferably, the flexible polymer material is polyurethane or polyurea.

[0010] Preferably, the weight ratio of the core layer to the sheath layer of the self-healing core-sheath yarn is (10:90) to (30:70).

[0011] Preferably, the average particle size of the biomimetic repair microcapsules is 5μm-15μm.

[0012] Preferably, the repair agent is activated by polymerization under steam treatment.

[0013] Preferably, the conditions for the steam treatment include: a temperature of 100-110°C and a duration of 10-30 seconds.

[0014] Preferably, the carrier fiber is water-soluble PVA fiber or low-melting-point polyester fiber.

[0015] This invention also provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn, comprising the following steps: S1: Prepare a repair prepolymer solution according to a certain ratio, emulsify the repair prepolymer solution to form an oil-in-water emulsion as a capsule layer, and then polymerize a flexible polymer material on the surface of the oil phase droplets in the oil-in-water emulsion as a shell layer to form a biomimetic repair microcapsule with a capsule-shell structure. S2: Using composite spinning technology, the carrier fiber carrying the biomimetic repair microcapsule is used as the core layer, and wool fiber is used as the sheath layer. Through the spinning process, the sheath layer is uniformly wrapped around the core layer to form a self-healing core-sheath yarn with a core-sheath structure. S3: Using the self-healing core sheath yarn as warp and / or weft yarns, wool fabric is made by weaving or knitting processes; S4: Perform post-treatment on the wool fabric so that the biomimetic repair microcapsules can release repair agents when the yarn breaks, thereby obtaining a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn.

[0016] Preferably, in S4, the finishing process includes: dissolving the carrier fiber by steam treatment, so that the biomimetic repair microcapsules are distributed inside the yarn.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: This invention provides a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn, comprising a core-sheath structure, wherein the sheath layer is wool fiber and the core layer is loaded with biomimetic repair microcapsules. This core-sheath structure effectively and stably integrates the biomimetic repair microcapsules into the wool fabric through the physical isolation of the core layer. The sheath layer, composed of wool fibers, encapsulates the core layer, preventing premature rupture of the biomimetic repair microcapsules due to external forces such as friction and washing during textile processing or daily use, ensuring that the repair agent is released only directionally when the self-healing core-sheath yarn breaks. When the self-healing core-sheath yarn is damaged and breaks, the stress concentration at the crack tip triggers the rupture of the biomimetic repair microcapsules, allowing the repair agent to penetrate the crack and polymerize for repair. The core-sheath structure allows the functional core layer to combine with the natural wool sheath layer, preserving the comfort of wool while adding self-healing functionality, achieving a fusion of traditional fabrics and smart materials.

[0018] Furthermore, the mass ratio of thiol monomers, photoinitiator, and cosolvent is 85:3:12, allowing the thiol monomers to form highly cross-linked polymers through free radical polymerization under the action of the photoinitiator, thus improving the repair strength. The cosolvent enhances the fluidity of the repair agent in the crack, ensuring full coverage of the damaged area. The flexible polymer material of the shell protects the repair prepolymer from environmental influences and is activated only when the fabric breaks due to external force, extending the fabric's service life.

[0019] Furthermore, polyurethane or polyurea enables self-healing smart wool fabrics to withstand mechanical stress during spinning, preventing the biomimetic repair microcapsules from being damaged during production. Their flexibility allows the biomimetic repair microcapsules to remain intact under minor daily deformations, even when the self-healing core sheath yarn breaks due to stress at the crack tip, and to respond precisely to damage.

[0020] Furthermore, the weight ratio of the core layer to the sheath layer in the self-healing core-sheath yarn is (10:90) to (30:70). A core layer ratio of ≥10% ensures sufficient loading of biomimetic repair microcapsules, providing ample repair agent; a ratio of ≤30% prevents an excessively thick core layer from affecting yarn softness and the natural hand feel of wool fabrics. At this ratio, the sheath layer fully encapsulates the core layer, preventing microcapsules from falling off while maintaining yarn strength.

[0021] Furthermore, biomimetic repair microcapsules with a particle size of 5μm–15 μm can be uniformly embedded in the carrier fibers, avoiding stress concentration points caused by aggregation in the self-healing core-sheath yarn. The particle size matches the diameter of wool fibers (typically 15–40 μm), ensuring that the biomimetic repair microcapsules are compatible with the crack size of the self-healing core-sheath yarn, and that the repair agent can fully fill the microcracks.

[0022] Furthermore, the repair agent activates polymerization under steam treatment. The moisture and heat provided by the steam promote the decomposition of the photoinitiator to generate free radicals, initiating polymerization without the need for complex equipment. Compared to high temperature or ultraviolet irradiation, steam treatment causes less damage to temperature-sensitive wool fibers and avoids protein denaturation.

[0023] Furthermore, the steam treatment conditions include a temperature of 100-110℃ and a duration of 10-30 seconds, which allows the wool fibers to maintain structural stability under short-term high-temperature steam, while enabling the repair agent to be rapidly activated. This also ensures sufficient flow and cross-linking of the repair prepolymer solution, forming a continuous repair film.

[0024] Furthermore, the carrier fiber is water-soluble PVA or low-melting-point polyester. The water-soluble PVA dissolves after steam treatment, releasing biomimetic repair microcapsules into the self-healing core-sheath yarn. The low-melting-point polyester fiber is heat-melted and then bonded to the biomimetic repair microcapsules, enhancing its bonding force with the self-healing core-sheath yarn. Both fibers are highly compatible with wool and provide temporary support during spinning, facilitating core layer formation.

[0025] This invention also provides a method for preparing the aforementioned self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn. The method employs microcapsule synthesis, core-sheath spinning, weaving, and finishing processes. The composite spinning technology allows for continuous production of core-sheath yarn at speeds of 80–140 meters per minute, meeting industrial requirements. Gentle weaving and finishing processes avoid high pressure or high temperature damage to the microcapsules, ensuring the self-healing function is integrated into the fabric as a whole.

[0026] Furthermore, steam treatment dissolves the carrier fibers, distributing the biomimetic repair microcapsules within the self-healing core-sheath yarn, thus activating and fixing the self-healing function. Steam permeation dissolves the water-soluble PVA or melts the polyester, allowing the biomimetic repair microcapsules to be uniformly embedded in the gaps of the self-healing core-sheath yarn, increasing the probability of contact between the repair agent and the crack. The biomimetic repair microcapsules are anchored inside the self-healing core-sheath yarn, rather than on the surface, improving wash and abrasion resistance and preventing the easy loss of traditional finishing agents.

[0027] The sheath of wool encapsulates the core layer, providing complete physical protection for the biomimetic repair microcapsules and preventing them from being damaged during subsequent processing. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a process flow diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the self-healing core-sheath yarn described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a microscopic schematic diagram of the self-healing intelligent wool fabric damage and repair principle described in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to understand the features and effects of the present invention, the following descriptions and definitions are only general descriptions of the terms and expressions mentioned in the specification and claims. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art regarding the present invention, and in the event of any conflict, the definitions in this specification shall prevail.

[0030] The theories or mechanisms described and disclosed herein, whether right or wrong, should not in any way limit the scope of the invention, that is, the contents of the invention can be implemented without being limited by any particular theory or mechanism.

[0031] In this document, all features defined by numerical ranges or percentage ranges, such as numerical values, quantities, contents, and concentrations, are for the sake of brevity and convenience only. Accordingly, descriptions of numerical ranges or percentage ranges should be considered as covering and specifically disclosing all possible sub-ranges and individual numerical values ​​(including integers and fractions) within those ranges.

[0032] In this article, unless otherwise specified, “contains,” “includes,” “containing,” “has,” or similar terms cover the meanings of “composed of” and “mainly composed of,” for example, “A contains a” covers the meanings of “A contains a and others” and “A contains only a.”

[0033] For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in each implementation scheme or embodiment are described herein. Therefore, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, the technical features in each implementation scheme or embodiment can be combined arbitrarily, and all possible combinations should be considered within the scope of this specification.

[0034] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0035] The following examples use instruments and equipment conventional in the art. Experimental methods in the following examples, unless otherwise specified, are generally performed under conventional conditions or as recommended by the manufacturer. All raw materials used in the following examples are conventional commercially available products with specifications conventional in the art. In this specification and the following examples, unless otherwise specified, "%" represents weight percentage, "parts" represents parts by weight, and "ratio" represents weight proportion.

[0036] Example 1 I. Raw Material Preparation Raw materials for preparing biomimetic repair microcapsules: Encapsulation components: 85 wt% of thiol monomer trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate), 3 wt% of photoinitiator 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1-propanone, and 12 wt% of cosolvent anhydrous ethanol, mixed evenly to obtain the repair prepolymer solution; Shell material: water-based polyurethane emulsion (30wt% solids content, glass transition temperature -25℃, ensuring shell flexibility); Emulsifier: Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), used at 2 wt% of the prepolymer solution mass; Deionized water: used as a dispersion medium.

[0037] Self-healing core-sheath yarn raw material: Sheath material: 100% high-quality wool fiber, fineness 18.5μm, length 65mm, fat content ≤0.8%, pretreated by degreasing and impurity removal; Core layer material: water-soluble PVA fiber (degree of polymerization 1750±50, degree of hydrolysis 99.0%~99.8%), fineness 2.2dtex, length 51mm; the amount of microcapsules loaded in the core layer is 25wt% of the mass of PVA fiber.

[0038] Auxiliary materials: textile-grade formaldehyde-free color-fixing agent and softening agent (cationic silicone emulsion).

[0039] II. Specific Process Steps S1: Preparation of biomimetic repair microcapsules Take 100g of repair prepolymer solution and place it in a beaker. Add 2g of SDS emulsifier and 300g of deionized water. Emulsify in a high-speed disperser at 8000r / min for 20min to form a uniform and stable O / W type emulsion. The particle size of the dispersed phase droplets in the emulsion is controlled at 5-10μm. The above emulsion was transferred to a 5L reactor, heated to 45℃, and the stirring speed was adjusted to 300r / min. 150g of waterborne polyurethane emulsion was slowly added dropwise over a time of 60min. After the addition is complete, continue to keep warm and stir for 3 hours to allow the polyurethane to fully polymerize on the surface of the oil phase droplets to form a shell structure. After the reaction was completed, the product was cooled to room temperature and the microcapsules were separated by vacuum filtration with a membrane pore size of 0.45 μm. The microcapsules were washed three times with deionized water to remove free emulsifiers and unreacted monomers, and then dried in a vacuum drying oven at 40 °C for 12 h to obtain dried biomimetic repair microcapsules with a shell structure.

[0040] S2: Spinning of self-healing core-sheath yarn Core layer preparation: The dried biomimetic repair microcapsules are thoroughly mixed with water-soluble PVA fibers and opened by an opener at an opening roller speed of 600 r / min. Then, the fibers are combed by a carding machine at a cylinder speed of 900 r / min and a doffer speed of 120 r / min to produce a uniform core layer fiber sliver with a quantitative control of 8 g / 10 m. Sheath preparation: The pretreated wool fibers are opened, combed and drawn, with the drawing process consisting of 3 draws at a speed of 250 m / min, to produce sheath fiber slivers with a quantitative control of 32 g / 10 m. Preparation of self-healing core-sheath yarn: Using a modified ring spinning machine (model FA506), the core fiber strip is fed from the center of the spinning spindle, and the sheath fiber strip is wrapped around the outside of the core layer. The spinning parameters are set as follows: spindle speed 12000 r / min, twist 800 twists / meter, and draft ratio 50 times, to obtain a self-healing core-sheath yarn with a core-sheath structure.

[0041] S3: Weaving of self-healing fabrics Warp preparation: Use self-healing core sheath yarn as warp yarn, and perform warping, warping, and sizing processes; In the winding process, the winding speed is 800 m / min and the tension is controlled at 12 cN; in the warping process, the warping speed is 500 m / min and the warp density is 320 yarns / 10 cm; in the sizing process, the sizing agent is modified starch and acrylic ester sizing agent with a solid content of 10%, a sizing rate of 8%, and a drying temperature of 80℃. Weft yarn preparation: Use the same self-healing core sheath yarn as the warp yarn as the weft yarn, with a weft yarn density of 280 yarns / 10cm; Weaving: A rapier loom of model GA747-280 was used. The weaving structure was plain weave, the weaving speed was 300 r / min, the shedding time was 310°, and the beat-up force was 250 N to obtain wool greige fabric.

[0042] S4: Post-processing and Function Activation Dissolving the core layer: Soak the wool fabric in room temperature water for 10 minutes, then heat it to 95℃ and keep it warm for 20 minutes, stirring at 50 r / min to completely dissolve the water-soluble PVA fibers in the core layer, and evenly disperse the biomimetic repair microcapsules in the hollow area inside the yarn; then wash it twice with 80℃ hot water to remove residual PVA; Routine tidying up: The wool fabric treated with the dissolved core layer was then subjected to washing, fulling, setting, and softening processes to obtain a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarns. The following are the process conditions for washing, fulling, setting, and softening: Washing: Add 2g / L of textile-grade formaldehyde-free color-fixing agent to the washing machine, and rotate at 40r / min; the washing conditions of the washing machine are: liquor ratio 1:30, temperature 40℃, and time 30min. Shrinking: carried out in a shrinking machine at a temperature of 38℃, a liquor ratio of 1:25, and a time of 45 minutes, with the shrinkage rate controlled at 8%; Setting: Use a heat setting machine at 120℃ for 30 seconds and a tension of 20N / cm to ensure fabric dimensional stability and shrinkage rate ≤2%; Softening treatment: Add 3 g / L of cationic silicone emulsion to the softening treatment tank, with a bath ratio of 1:20, a temperature of 45℃, and a treatment time of 20 min, followed by drying at 70℃ for 30 min; Repair activation demonstration: A 1cm long and 0.1mm deep scratch (simulating actual scratch damage) was made on the surface of a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core sheath yarn using a standard scriber with a 0.1mm diameter needle under a 5N load. Then, a household steam iron was used to spray steam onto the damaged area for 20 seconds. After natural cooling to room temperature, the repair was completed, allowing the microcapsules to be evenly and loosely distributed inside the hollow yarn. The steam temperature of the steam iron was 105℃ and the steam pressure was 0.2MPa.

[0043] Repair Principle: When fabric suffers minor damage such as scratches during use, causing some yarns to break, the microcapsules at the breakage point rupture, releasing the repair prepolymer solution from the capsule layer and wetting the broken wool fiber ends. At this point, the user only needs to use a household steam iron or garment steamer to steam the damaged area (the combined effect of heat and moisture). The heat triggers a polymerization reaction between the repair prepolymer solution and the fiber cross-sections, forming flexible chemical bonds that "weld" the broken fibers together, achieving a repair invisible to the naked eye.

[0044] Comparative Example 1 uses the exact same wool fibers and weaving process as Example 1, but is a regular wool fabric without microcapsules.

[0045] Comparative Example 2 used the same microcapsules as Example 1, but incorporated them into wool yarn through a simple blending process (instead of a core-sheath structure) before weaving.

[0046] Comparative Example 3 used the same self-healing fabric as Example 1, but did not undergo steam activation treatment after damage.

[0047] Performance testing and comparison: The fabric samples of Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were subjected to the same damage treatment (e.g., 1 cm scratches were made with a standard scriber under a fixed load). Then, Example 1 was steam activated, and all samples were compared as shown in Table 1 below.

[0048] Table 1

[0049] The comparison in Table 1 above clearly demonstrates the significant advantages of this invention in achieving effective, convenient, and high-quality self-repair.

[0050] Example 2 Preparation of self-healing core-sheath yarns and their fabrics with a core-to-sheath weight ratio of 10:90: Unlike Example 1, in step S2, "spinning of self-healing core-sheath yarns," the basis weight of the core and sheath fiber slivers is adjusted: The core fiber strip quantity is controlled at 4.5g / 10m.

[0051] The quantitative control of sheath fiber strips was 40.5 g / 10 m.

[0052] The self-healing core-sheath yarn produced in this way has a core-to-sheath weight ratio of approximately 10:90. All other raw materials, process steps, and parameters are the same as in Example 1. After weaving and finishing with this yarn, the self-healing function of the resulting fabric was tested (using the same method as in Example 1) and found to be effective, with a repair rate meeting the expected standard.

[0053] Example 3 Preparation of self-healing core-sheath yarns and their fabrics with a core-to-sheath weight ratio of 30:70: Unlike Example 1, in step S2, "spinning of self-healing core-sheath yarns," the basis weight of the core and sheath fiber slivers is adjusted: The core fiber strip is quantitatively controlled at 12g / 10m.

[0054] The quantitative control of sheath fiber strips is 28g / 10m.

[0055] The self-healing core-sheath yarn spun in this way has a core-to-sheath weight ratio of approximately 30:70. All other raw materials, process steps, and parameters are the same as in Example 1. After weaving and finishing with this ratio of yarn, the self-healing function of the resulting fabric was tested and found to be effective, with a repair rate meeting the expected standard.

[0056] Example 4 Preparation of biomimetic repair microcapsules with an average particle size of 15 μm: Unlike Example 1, in step S1, "Preparation of biomimetic repair microcapsules", the emulsification process parameters were adjusted to increase the microcapsule particle size: The emulsification speed in the high-speed disperser was adjusted to 4000 r / min, and the emulsification time was extended to 30 min to form dispersed phase droplets with a particle size distribution concentrated in 12-15 μm.

[0057] The subsequent polymerization, shell formation, separation, and drying processes were the same as in Example 1. The final biomimetic repair microcapsules had an average particle size of approximately 15 μm. Using these microcapsules, the self-healing smart wool fabric prepared according to the subsequent steps of Example 1 demonstrated effective repair function after steam treatment following simulated damage.

[0058] Example 5 Repair and activation at a steam treatment temperature of 100℃: Unlike Example 1, in step S4, "Repair Activation Demonstration", the steam treatment temperature is adjusted: Use a steam iron to spray steam onto the damaged area, keeping the steam temperature at 100°C and the duration at 20 seconds.

[0059] The remaining conditions are the same as in Example 1. After this treatment, the repair prepolymer solution at the fabric scratch was successfully activated and polymerized, achieving effective "welding" of the wool fibers, and the repair effect met the requirements.

[0060] Example 6 Repair and activation at a steam treatment temperature of 110℃: Unlike Example 1, in step S4, "Repair Activation Demonstration", the steam treatment temperature is adjusted: Use a steam iron to spray steam onto the damaged area, with the steam temperature controlled at 110°C and the duration remaining at 20 seconds.

[0061] The remaining conditions are the same as in Example 1. After this treatment, the fabric repair function is effectively activated, the repair effect is good, and no thermal damage is caused to the wool fabric itself.

[0062] Example 7 Repair activation with a steam treatment time of 10 seconds: Unlike Example 1, in step S4 "Repair Activation Demonstration", the steam treatment time is adjusted: Use a steam iron (steam temperature 105℃) to spray steam onto the damaged area for 10 seconds.

[0063] The remaining conditions were the same as in Example 1. After this short-term steam treatment, the repair prepolymer was successfully activated and polymerized, achieving effective repair.

[0064] Example 8 Repair activation with a steam treatment time of 30 seconds: Unlike Example 1, in step S4 "Repair Activation Demonstration", the steam treatment time is adjusted: Use a steam iron (steam temperature 105℃) to spray steam onto the damaged area for 30 seconds.

[0065] The remaining conditions are the same as in Example 1. After this treatment, the repair reaction is sufficient and the repair effect is stable.

[0066] like Figure 1As shown, the flowchart clearly illustrates the complete process for preparing the self-healing smart wool fabric, including six core steps. The process begins in S1: preparing biomimetic repair microcapsules with a capsule-shell structure, which is the key material for achieving self-healing function. Then, in S2: loading the prepared microcapsules onto water-soluble PVA fibers to form a "drug-loaded" core layer. The core step is "composite spinning of core-sheath structure yarn," which combines the core layer fibers loaded with microcapsules with the wool fiber sheath layer using a specific spinning technique to form a self-healing yarn with a unique encapsulation structure. Based on this yarn, a fabric greige is formed through weaving or knitting in S3. Then, the PVA core layer fibers are removed through a hot water dissolution process in S4, loosely positioning the microcapsules within the hollow channels inside the yarn. Finally, the fabric undergoes conventional wet finishing and setting to obtain the final product. This flowchart systematically summarizes the entire process from functional material preparation to fabric forming and functionalization.

[0067] like Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, this schematic visually reveals the microscopic composite structure of the self-healing yarn, which exhibits a distinct core-sheath geometry. The central region is the core layer, composed of water-soluble PVA fibers, within which numerous tiny, dot-like "self-healing microcapsules" are uniformly dispersed. The core layer is tightly encased by a sheath layer, which is composed of multiple elliptical or near-circular wool fiber cross-sections, forming a complete outer coating. This structure ensures that the functional core layer (carrying the healing agent) is physically protected by the wool fiber sheath.

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, this schematic diagram dynamically demonstrates the self-healing mechanism through three consecutive scenarios (A, B, and C). Scenario A (fabric damaged, microcapsule rupture) illustrates how the biomimetic repair microcapsule shell embedded in the yarn ruptures when external force causes the wool fibers to break. Scenario B (steam activation) depicts the process of a user applying steam to the damaged area; the heat and moisture provided by the steam (shown as a wavy line) activates the repair prepolymer flowing from the ruptured microcapsules. Scenario C (repair complete, chemical bond formation) shows the activated repair prepolymer undergoing a polymerization reaction between the broken fiber ends, forming a new "polymer" network. This polymer, acting like "chemical bonds," reconnects the broken fiber ends, thus achieving autonomous repair of the damage.

[0069] The above content is only for illustrating the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solution based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn, characterized in that, The invention includes a self-healing core-sheath yarn having a core-sheath structure, wherein the sheath layer is composed of wool fibers; the core layer contains carrier fibers loaded with biomimetic repair microcapsules, and the sheath layer encloses the core layer for releasing a repair agent when the self-healing core-sheath yarn breaks.

2. The self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biomimetic repair microcapsule has a capsule-shell structure, with the shell being a flexible polymer material and the capsule being a repair prepolymer containing thiol monomers, photoinitiators, and cosolvents, wherein the mass ratio of the thiol monomers, photoinitiators, and cosolvents is 85:3:

12.

3. The self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible polymer material is polyurethane or polyurea.

4. The self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight ratio of the core layer to the sheath layer of the self-healing core-sheath yarn is (10:90)-(30:70).

5. The self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The average particle size of the biomimetic repair microcapsules is 5μm-15μm.

6. The self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The repair agent is activated by polymerization under steam treatment.

7. A self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 5, characterized in that, The conditions for the steam treatment include: a temperature of 100-110℃ and a duration of 10-30 seconds.

8. A self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 1, characterized in that, The carrier fiber is water-soluble PVA fiber or low-melting-point polyester fiber.

9. A method for preparing a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to any one of claims 1-8, comprising the following steps: S1: Prepare a repair prepolymer solution according to a certain ratio, emulsify the repair prepolymer solution to form a water-in-oil emulsion as a capsule layer, and then polymerize a flexible polymer material on the surface of the oil phase droplets in the water-in-oil emulsion as a shell layer to form a biomimetic repair microcapsule with a capsule-shell structure. S2: Using composite spinning technology, the carrier fiber carrying the biomimetic repair microcapsule is used as the core layer, and wool fiber is used as the sheath layer. Through the spinning process, the sheath layer is uniformly wrapped around the core layer to form a self-healing core-sheath yarn with a core-sheath structure. S3: Using the self-healing core sheath yarn as warp and / or weft yarns, wool fabric is made by weaving or knitting processes; S4: Perform post-treatment on the wool fabric so that the biomimetic repair microcapsules can release repair agents when the yarn breaks, thereby obtaining a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn.

10. The method for preparing a self-healing smart wool fabric based on biomimetic microcapsule core-sheath yarn according to claim 9, characterized in that, In S4, the finishing process includes: dissolving the carrier fiber by steam treatment, so that the biomimetic repair microcapsules are distributed inside the yarn.

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