Multi‐Stimuli Dually‐Responsive Intelligent Woven Structures with Local Programmability for Biomimetic Applications

Abstract

This work focuses on multi‐stimuli‐responsive materials with distinctive abilities, that is, color‐changing and shape‐memory. Using metallic composite yarns and polymeric/thermochromic microcapsule composite fibers, processed via a melt‐spinning technique, an electrothermally multi‐responsive fabric is woven. The resulting smart‐fabric transfers from a predefined structure to an original shape while changing color upon heating or applying an electric field, making it appealing for advanced applications. The shape‐memory and color‐changing features of the fabric can be controlled by rationally controlling the micro‐scale design of the individual fibers in the structure. Thus, the fibers’ microstructural features are optimized to achieve excellent color‐changing behavior along with shape fixity and recovery ratios of 99.95% and 79.2%, respectively. More importantly, the fabric's dual‐response by electric field can be achieved by a low voltage of 5 V, which is smaller than the previously reported values. Above and beyond, the fabric is able to be meticulously activated by selectively applying a controlled voltage to any part of the fabric. The precise local responsiveness can be bestowed upon the fabric by readily controlling its macro‐scale design. A biomimetic dragonfly with the shape‐memory and color‐changing dual‐response ability is successfully fabricated, broadening the design and fabrication horizon of groundbreaking smart materials with multiple functions.

Fibrous Structures: An Overview of Their Responsiveness to External Stimuli towards Intended Application

“…Responsive fibrous structures can sense and respond to a diverse array of external stimuli, including temperature [22], light [23], pH [24], humidity [25], electricity [26], magnetism [27], biological agents [28], chemical product [29] or pressure [29]. This adaptability is crucial as each stimulus provides a unique avenue for customizing structure properties and responses to specific needs.…”

“…This adaptability is crucial as each stimulus provides a unique avenue for customizing structure properties and responses to specific needs. These structures find application across various domains such as wearable and smart textiles [24], water filtration [30], biomedicine [31], biomimetics [26], among others. In these applications, the fibrous structures exhibit versatile behaviors in response to environmental stimulus, showcasing functions like color changes [22], shape changes [32], self-cleaning processes [33], or perform other tailored responses.…”

“…These structures react to external triggers, that can be of physical, chemical, or biological nature [37]. Physical stimuli encompass factors such as temperature [38], light [23], pressure [29], magnetic [39] and electric [26] fields. Chemical stimuli involve responses to variations in pH [40] or exposure to specific solvents or substances [29], while biological stimuli include reactions to substances like glucose [41] or enzymes [42].…”

“…The most researched and attractive SMPs are polyurethanes (PU) [32,64,65,68,75]. Other SMPs commonly used include: poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) [71,76], which is a component of many PU materials; polyethylene terephthalate (PET) [26,76]; polylactic acid (PLA) [32] and co-polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) [77]; polyethylene glycol (PEG) [78]; among others. In order to improve the recovery of the original shape, mechanical strength and reduced recovery time, for example, reinforcing fillers such as silica, carbon nanotubes, graphene oxides (GOs), and nanoclay, can be incorporated into SMPs [59].…”

Recent Advances in Smart Fabric-Type Wearable Electronics toward Comfortable Wearing

“…In comparison to twill and satin, the plain texture stands out as the most extensively researched texture in the domain of wearable smart fabrics, owing to its simplicity and straightforwardness in textile construction. For example, Xiao et al [112] innovatively fabricated an electrothermally responsive fabric by integrating metallic composite yarns with polymeric/thermochromic microcapsule composite fibers, utilizing a melt-spinning technique (Figure 10d). Notably, the resulting advanced wearable smart fabric exhibited remarkable air permeability.…”