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Enhanced Photothermal Based-Heat Retention in Regenerated Cellulose Fibers via Ceramic Particles and Polyelectrolyte
Özkan Yapar1,2, Ajra Hadela2, Alenka Ojstršek1
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Smetanova Ulica 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
Polymers
|April 12, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed functional clothing textiles using ceramic-coated regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs). These innovative textiles generate and retain heat from light, offering sustainable thermo-physiological comfort without high temperatures.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Textile Engineering
- Sustainable Fashion
Background:
- Growing demand for functional textiles that regulate body temperature sustainably.
- Need for innovative fibers that generate, retain, and release heat without external energy sources.
- Focus on developing advanced materials for thermo-physiological comfort in clothing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physio-mechanical properties of surface-functionalized regenerated cellulose fibers (RCFs) coated with ceramic particles.
- To assess the heat-generating, retaining, and releasing capabilities of these coated fibers.
- To evaluate the potential of these functional textiles for maintaining comfortable body temperature.
Main Methods:
- Surface functionalization of RCFs with zirconium carbide (ZrC) ceramic particles using polyelectrolyte binders (PEI, polyDADMAC) via exhaustion methods.
- Analysis of morphological characteristics using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Evaluation of tensile properties through single-fiber tensile testing.
- Assessment of heat retention and release using Infrared (IR) imaging and an IR emission lamp.
Main Results:
- SEM confirmed successful ZrC particle coating on RCF surfaces with minimal impact on mechanical properties.
- Coated RCFs exhibited enhanced heat retention compared to uncoated RCFs.
- Demonstrated effective photothermal conversion, heat generation, retention, and release properties.
Conclusions:
- The developed ZrC-coated RCFs are suitable for functional clothing applications requiring moderate thermal regulation.
- These textiles can maintain thermo-physiological comfort by keeping body temperature within the 36.5-37.5 °C range.
- The study offers a sustainable approach to functional textiles, avoiding extreme temperature generation.
