In the 21st century, the two critical challenges facing human societal development are energy consumption and climate change. In light of this, numerous novel renewable energy sources-such as solar, wind, and hydrogen-have been developed to address these issues. Additionally, reducing energy consumption and improving energy utilization efficiency are equally vital. Against this backdrop, phase-change fibers (PCFs), owing to their ability to autonomously regulate temperature to adapt to varying environmental conditions, have emerged as a significant research focus in textile technology, particularly in the development of comfort-oriented fibers. PCFs not only help reduce reliance on traditional energy sources but also represent an innovative pathway to enhance energy efficiency.
Research on PCFs originated in the 1980s, initially driven by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for applications in astronaut suits and protective coatings for precision instruments. PCFs regulate temperature by absorbing or releasing heat in response to external environmental changes, thereby providing optimal thermal comfort. Simultaneously, they reduce dependence on conventional air conditioning and heating systems, significantly improving energy efficiency. Furthermore, due to their thermoregulatory functionality, PCFs exhibit application potential across diverse fields, including medical supplies, defense, military equipment, and home textiles.
The key to PCFs' temperature-regulating capability lies in the integration of phase-change materials (PCMs). These materials undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures, absorbing or releasing substantial amounts of heat to achieve thermal modulation.
In practical applications, the development of PCMs actively aligns with eco-friendly and sustainable principles, focusing on bio-based solid-solid PCMs derived from renewable resources. These materials are not only environmentally benign but may also demonstrate novel advantages in medical and healthcare sectors due to their unique biocompatibility. Such advancements can drive technological progress in PCM fabrication, elevate the textile industry's quality and innovation, and deliver textiles that are more comfortable, health-conscious, and eco-friendly.
By leveraging the phase-change properties of PCMs, PCFs achieve autonomous temperature regulation, diminish reliance on traditional energy sources, and enhance energy utilization efficiency. Despite notable progress in PCF research, challenges remain, including leakage susceptibility, limitations in microencapsulated PCM loading capacities, and resource-related constraints. Future studies must prioritize the modification of phase-change microcapsules, the development of bio-based solid-solid PCMs, and the multifunctional integration of PCFs to realize more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent thermoregulation. These efforts will expand the application scope of PCFs, driving performance improvements in related products and fostering innovation across industries.
