Recyclable near-body temperature eutectic system with double positive temperature coefficient effect for personalised...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Wearable temperature sensors are crucial for personal thermal management but face challenges in accuracy, flexibility, and multifunctionality.
• Existing materials often struggle to balance these performance metrics effectively.
• Biodegradable and sustainable materials are increasingly sought after for advanced electronic applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel biodegradable polymer-based composite for advanced wearable temperature sensing and thermal management.
• To achieve precise, self-regulating heating and accurate temperature sensing capabilities.
• To enhance material flexibility, multifunctionality, and recyclability for sustainable applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a quaternary composite using polycaprolactone (PCL), a binary eutectic fatty acid system (lauric acid and myristic acid), and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs).
• Characterization of the composite's thermal transition range, electrical conductivity, and temperature coefficient effects (PTC/NTC).
• Evaluation of self-regulating heating performance, power consumption, and thermal response under practical operating conditions (e.g., 5 V).

Main Results:

• The composite exhibits a tuneable phase transition range (30-60 °C) and a distinct double positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect up to 80 °C.
• Achieved self-regulating heating at approximately 36 °C with stable low-power operation (100-250 mW) and effective heat absorption.
• Demonstrated excellent recyclability via dissolution and recasting, maintaining stable thermal response after multiple cycles.
• The material is suitable for operation with standard power banks (5 V), enhancing its applicability in wearable systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed biodegradable composite offers a promising solution for next-generation wearable temperature sensors and thermal management systems.
• Its unique double PTC behavior, self-regulating heating, and recyclability address key limitations of current technologies.
• The material's attributes make it highly suitable for applications in electronic skins, smart thermal regulation, and overcurrent protection fuses, promoting sustainable technology.