Keeping cool in extreme heat
Researchers at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University have developed soft robotic clothing designed to automatically adapt to high temperatures. Led by Dr Dahua Shou, the team looked to nature to inspire the creation of a new material, soft robotic textile (SRT), to enhance thermal comfort and safety for individuals exposed to extreme heat, such as firefighters and construction workers.
The SRT utilises a biomimetic approach inspired by pigeons, which adjust their feathers to regulate body temperature. This thermo-stimulated system is filled with a fluid which turns into a gas when the ambient temperature rises, causing the expansion of soft actuators and thickening the textile matrix, thereby enhancing the gap of still air. This effectively doubles the thermal resistance from 0.23 to 0.48 K·m²/W-1. The protective clothing can also keep the inner surface temperatures at least 10°C cooler than conventional heat-resistant clothing.
Notably, the SRT is lightweight and does not rely on external energy sources, making it both efficient and environmentally friendly. The material is durable, skin-friendly, and breathable, ensuring comfort across varying climates and in moderate heat conditions. The researchers’ findings have been published in Advanced Science, with Xiaohui Zhang as the first author.
This marks a significant step forward in personal thermal management. Possible further applications for the new technology could include activewear or sustainable building insulation.