Phys.org April 24, 2023
To study multi-stimuli-responsive materials with distinctive abilities to change color and color-changing and shape-memory, an international team of researchers (China, Canada) wove an electrothermally multi-responsive fabric using metallic composite yarns and polymeric/thermochromic microcapsule composite fibers. The shape-memory and color-changing features of the fabric could be controlled by rationally controlling the micro-scale design of the individual fibers in the structure. The microstructural features were optimized to achieve excellent color-changing behavior along with shape fixity and recovery ratios of 99.95% and 79.2%, respectively. The fabric’s dual response by electric field could be achieved by a low voltage of 5 V. The fabric could be meticulously activated by selectively applying a controlled voltage to any part of the fabric. According to the researchers the shape-memory and color-changing dual-response ability was successfully fabricated, broadening the design and fabrication of smart materials with multiple functions… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Schematic of the fabric… Credit: Small, Early View, 2207900, 19, February 2023Â