Leaf-inspired MXene@nanocellulose aerogel composite cotton fabric for long-lasting infrared camouflage and personal thermal management

Yubin Li ¹, Jie Fan ¹, Guoliang Dai ²

⁰School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin 300387, China.

International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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May 3, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Researchers developed a leaf-inspired MXene@nanocellulose fabric for advanced infrared camouflage and thermal management. This biomimetic composite offers improved mechanical strength and long-lasting thermal performance for military and personal applications.

Area Of Science

Materials Science
Nanotechnology
Biomimetics

Background

MXene materials are promising for infrared camouflage and thermal management.
Limitations include low mechanical strength and high thermal conductivity of MXene membranes.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop a biomimetic composite fabric with enhanced mechanical properties and infrared camouflage capabilities.
To leverage MXene's properties with nanocellulose for improved thermal management.

Main Methods

Fabrication of a leaf-inspired MXene@nanocellulose aerogel composite cotton fabric.
Characterization of mechanical strength, bending hysteresis, and infrared emissivity.
Evaluation of infrared camouflage duration and thermal management performance.

Main Results

The 2.6 mm thick composite fabric achieved a breaking strength of 158 N and low bending hysteresis.
Demonstrated infrared emissivities of 0.35 (3-5 µm) and 0.22 (8-14 µm).
Provided 600 s of infrared camouflage and improved heating performance by 5.0°C (passive) and 17°C (solar-active).

Conclusions

The biomimetic design offers a novel strategy for multifunctional composite fabrics.
The fabric integrates robust mechanics, durable infrared camouflage, and efficient thermal management.
High application prospects in military infrared camouflage, light-to-heat conversion, and personal thermal management.

Keywords:

CNF aerogel Cotton fabric Infrared camouflage Leaf bionicist MXene Personal thermal management