Silk Fabrics Modified with Photothermal Phase Change Microcapsules for Personal Thermal Management

With the development of technology, personal heat management has become a focus of attention. Phase change fabrics, as intelligent materials, are expected to be widely used in multiple fields, bringing comfortable, intelligent and convenient living experience.

In this study, miniature phase change microcapsules (MPCM) with n-octadecane as core and poly(methyl methacrylate) as shell were successfully prepared. Using the in-situ reduction property of polydopamine, gold nanoparticles were deposited on the surface of the microcapsules, which retained the heat storage function and imparted photothermal and antibacterial properties. The MPCM with photothermal conversion function was modified on the surface of silk fabric using aqueous polyurethane after verified by comprehensive material characterisation techniques.

Under the near infrared light of 808 nm wavelength and 0.134 W/cm² irradiation intensity, the MPCM@PDA@Au modified silk fabrics showed excellent photothermal conversion performance, which could be increased from 25°C to 60°C in 50s. After the light source was cut off, the fabrics showed good heat release ability, with melting enthalpy and crystallisation enthalpy reaching 41.58 J/g and 43.3 J/g, respectively, which were not changed after repeated cycles. After the light source is cut off, the fabric has good heat release ability, and the enthalpy of melting and crystallisation reaches 41.58 J/g and 43.3 J/g, respectively, and the photothermal efficiency remains unchanged after many cycles of use, which proves that it has excellent durability and stability. The antimicrobial test shows that the fabric has significant antibacterial effect on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus).

MPCM@PDA@Au silk fabrics bring new possibilities for the future of personal thermal management and antimicrobial protection in the field of medical health, outdoor sports and other areas of broad application prospects, heralding the birth of a series of innovative applications and solutions.