Core Insights - The research team from Tianjin University has developed a new type of molecular solar thermal (MOST) fabric that can efficiently convert light into heat and maintain excellent mechanical properties, inspired by the salt-absorbing mechanisms of salt-tolerant plants [1][2][3] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - The MOST fabric can rapidly increase surface temperature in extreme cold conditions, achieving a temperature rise of 25.5°C within 70 seconds under 420 nm blue light, and 21.2°C in 50 seconds at -20°C [2] - The fabric demonstrates remarkable durability, retaining over 90% of its light-heat performance after 50 abrasion cycles, 500 stretch-bend cycles, and 72 hours of continuous washing [2] Group 2: Applications and Future Prospects - This innovative fabric allows for precise control of heat release by adjusting light intensity, making it suitable for daily warmth and as a portable therapy device for conditions like arthritis [3] - The research represents a breakthrough in personal thermal management, shifting from reliance on external energy sources to efficient solar energy utilization, with potential applications in smart clothing, medical therapy devices, and outdoor protective gear [3]

Core Insights - The research team from Tianjin University has developed a new type of molecular solar thermal (MOST) fabric that can efficiently convert light into heat, achieving a surface temperature increase to 40°C within 12 seconds under -20°C conditions, and maintaining its thermal performance even after repeated washing and friction [1][5][6] - This innovation addresses the long-standing challenge of balancing mechanical and thermal management properties in personal thermal management fabrics, which is crucial for energy conservation and enhancing the convenience of medical therapies [1][5] Group 1: Research and Development - The MOST fabric is inspired by the salt-absorbing and salt-excreting mechanisms of the salt-tolerant plant "Kochia scoparia," which adapts to extreme environments through a dynamic cycle [5] - The team utilized thermoplastic polyurethane aerogel fibers as a substrate, which were treated with a special azobenzene/chloroform solution to create a dense crystalline layer on the fiber surface, enhancing both optical and mechanical properties [5][6] Group 2: Performance and Durability - Experimental results show that the new fabric can achieve a temperature increase of 25.5°C within 70 seconds under 420nm blue light, and 21.2°C within 50 seconds in simulated sunlight at -20°C [5] - The fabric exhibits exceptional durability, retaining over 90% of its thermal performance after 50 friction tests, 500 stretch-bend cycles, and 72 hours of continuous washing, overcoming the common issues of traditional MOST materials [5][6] Group 3: Applications and Future Prospects - The MOST fabric allows for precise control of heat release temperature by adjusting light intensity, making it suitable for everyday warmth and portable therapy applications for conditions like arthritis [6] - This biomimetic design not only provides a new method for large-scale production of MOST fabrics but also represents a breakthrough in thermal management fabric performance, with potential applications in smart clothing, medical therapy devices, and outdoor protective gear [6]

Core Insights - Tianjin University has developed a new type of molecular solar thermal (MOST) fabric inspired by the "salt-absorbing and salt-excreting" mechanism of salt-tolerant plants, which offers efficient photothermal conversion and excellent mechanical properties without the need for complex electronic devices [1][2] - The fabric can rapidly increase its temperature by 21.2℃ within 50 seconds under simulated sunlight at -20℃, paving the way for advancements in next-generation wearable thermal management technology [1] Summary by Sections Fabric Performance - The new MOST fabric demonstrates superior thermal management capabilities, achieving a temperature increase of 25.5℃ within 70 seconds under 420nm blue light [2] - The fabric maintains over 90% of its photothermal performance after 50 friction tests, 500 stretch-bend cycles, and 72 hours of continuous washing, addressing the durability issues faced by traditional MOST materials [2] Innovative Design - The research team utilized a biomimetic strategy by drawing inspiration from the plant "Kochia scoparia," employing thermoplastic polyurethane-based aerogel fibers as the substrate, which undergo a unique soaking and drying process to enhance their properties [1][2] - This design approach not only provides a new method for large-scale production of MOST fabrics but also achieves a breakthrough in thermal management fabric performance [2] Application Potential - The fabric can precisely control heat release temperature by adjusting light intensity, making it suitable for everyday warmth and as a portable therapeutic medium for conditions like arthritis [2] - The innovation is expected to facilitate the transition of personal thermal management from reliance on external energy sources to efficient utilization of solar energy, with potential applications in smart clothing, medical therapy devices, and outdoor protective gear [2]