Multi-layer photothermal textile and wearable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current textiles are inadequate for thermoregulation, especially in environmental extremes, and traditional methods rely on metallic or inorganic materials that can be toxic and inefficient, while also failing to effectively utilize solar or ambient light for heating.
Innovation Solution
A textile comprising a photothermal absorber layer made of conjugated polymer and a transmissive layer with fibers that forward scatter visible light, allowing for efficient absorption of solar or ambient light for thermoregulation without relying on metals or nanoparticles, achieving improved temperature regulation and reduced heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If traditional thick textile structures are used for thermoregulation, then thermal insulation is improved, but weight and comfort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The textile is divided into multiple functional layers: a photothermal absorber layer (conjugated polymer) for light harvesting, a transmissive layer for heat trapping, and an outer protective layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive thickness throughout the entire textile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines organic conjugated polymers with inorganic nanoparticles (such as TiO2, SiO2, or ZnO) to create composite photothermal materials. This composite approach enables the textile to achieve high photothermal conversion efficiency and thermal insulation with reduced weight compared to traditional thick textile structures.
2Use of energy by moving object
If metallic or inorganic materials are used for photothermal absorption, then light harvesting efficiency is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from traditional metallic or inorganic photothermal materials to organic conjugated polymers. This parameter change maintains photothermal absorption capability while eliminating toxicity and environmental persistence issues associated with metals and certain inorganic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of organic conjugated polymers replaces expensive and potentially toxic metallic materials. These organic materials are generally less toxic, more environmentally friendly, and can be processed more economically, aligning with sustainable textile development goals.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional textile structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but thermoregulation performance in extreme environments is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The photothermal absorber layer is incorporated into the textile structure during the manufacturing process rather than as a post-processing addition. This preliminary integration ensures optimal performance from the outset and simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow by combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of conjugated polymers and nanoparticles is integrated into the textile matrix during manufacturing, creating a multifunctional material that simultaneously provides photothermal conversion, thermal insulation, and structural integrity. This approach maintains manufacturing feasibility while dramatically improving thermoregulation performance.
4Use of energy by moving object
If nanoparticles are used for photothermal absorption, then light absorption capability is improved, but wearability and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where nanoparticles are embedded within or on the surface of conjugated polymer matrices that are themselves integrated into the textile. This hierarchical composite structure protects the nanoparticles during washing and wear while maintaining their photothermal functionality, solving both light absorption and durability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The photothermal active materials are concentrated in specific layers (the photothermal absorber layer) rather than being uniformly distributed throughout the entire textile. This localized placement optimizes light absorption where needed while maintaining the natural hand feel and wearability of the textile in other regions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The textile provides enhanced thermoregulation with a flexible, lightweight design that extends the functional temperature range by 10°C compared to traditional cotton T-shirts while weighing 30% less, and offers a net environmental benefit by reducing reliance on fossil-fuel heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
a photothermal absorber layer, which comprises a conjugated polymer
Implementation Method 2
a transmissive layer, which comprises fibers that forward scatter incident visible light with a transmission of 60% or greater
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a textile having a photothermal absorber layer, which comprises a conjugated polymer; and a transmissive layer, which comprises fibers that forward scatter incident visible light with a transmission of 60% or greater. The photothermal absorber layer can be nylon coated with a conjugated polymer, such as PEDOT. The transmissive layer can be a non-woven polypropylene material. The disclosure also provides wearables, such as a clothing, comprising such textile, and methods for making the same.