Sandwich structured metafabric created via orthogonal assembly for dual-mode thermal management

Abstract

Fabrics with passive radiative cooling (PRC) capability possess great values for thermally comfortable clothes and low-carbon economy. However, all-weather thermal management is always hard to achieve due to the undesirable and ceaseless mid-infrared emission of PRC materials under all circumstances. Herein, a dual-mode thermal managing metafabric integrating PRC technology and Joule heating strategy is developed on a sandwiched structure for all-day dressing comfort. The metafabric is prepared by a versatile orthogonal assembly of oriented SEBS microfibers encapsulated with TiO₂ microparticles, thus yielding highly homogeneous porosity in the metafabric with 96 % sunlight reflectivity (0.3–2.5 μm) and an average emissivity of 91 % (atmospheric window). Additionally, printed EGaIn circuits are stably sandwiched in the extremely elastic metafabric to provide low-watt Joule heating ability under large-scale tensile conditions. As a result, a maximum daytime cooling effect of ∼ 13 °C and a nighttime Joule heating performance of ∼ 7°C are delivered by the dual-mode metafabric, offering all-weather thermal management for comfortable and healthy wearing. The straightforward preparation and versatility of this metafabric open a promising avenue for developing advanced thermal regulation materials.