Recent Advances in Reversible Thermochromic Materials for Smart Textiles: A Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Textile Engineering
• Smart Materials

Background:

• Reversible thermochromic materials exhibit color change with temperature fluctuations.
• These materials are crucial for developing advanced smart textiles with enhanced functionality.
• Their properties enable improved intelligence, multifunctionality, and environmental adaptability in textiles.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics and recent advancements of reversible thermochromic materials.
• To summarize integration techniques for incorporating these materials into textiles.
• To examine the applications and challenges of thermochromic smart textiles.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on reversible thermochromic materials (leuco dye, LC, inorganic, PC).
• Analysis of integration methods: microencapsulation, printing/dyeing, fiber fabrication.
• Systematic examination of smart textile applications.

Main Results:

• Diverse types of reversible thermochromic materials are identified.
• Effective integration methods for textile applications are highlighted.
• Key applications in anti-counterfeiting, temperature regulation, and aesthetics are detailed.

Conclusions:

• Thermochromic smart textiles offer significant potential but face challenges in stability and durability.
• Further research is needed to improve material performance and wash durability.
• This review provides a foundation for developing next-generation thermochromic smart textiles.