Skin‐Structure‐Inspired Hierarchical Metafabric for Multifunctional Personal Thermal and Moisture Management

Why It Matters

The metafabric provides high‑performance passive cooling and moisture control, addressing growing demand for climate‑adaptive wearables and safer PPE while reducing reliance on energy‑intensive cooling systems.

Key Takeaways

• 97.3% solar reflectance, 91.3% infrared emissivity
• Reduces temperature by 7.3 °C under sunlight
• Water resistance 67.4 kPa, MVTR 7.8 kg·m⁻²·d⁻¹
• Fabricated via green‑solvent electrospinning and electrospraying
• Scalable biomimetic textile outperforms conventional cotton

Pulse Analysis

Passive cooling textiles have emerged as a strategic response to rising global temperatures, yet many existing solutions struggle to balance thermal regulation with wearer comfort. Conventional fabrics either reflect sunlight poorly or trap moisture, leading to overheating and sweat accumulation. By mimicking the multilayered architecture of human skin, researchers can engineer materials that simultaneously manage heat and humidity, unlocking new possibilities for climate‑responsive apparel and protective equipment.

The hierarchical metafabric leverages a two‑step manufacturing process: electrospinning creates a porous polyamide nanofiber scaffold, while electrospraying deposits uniformly sized nanospheres that act as photonic scatterers. This synergy yields a broadband solar reflectance of 97.3% and an infrared emissivity of 91.3%, delivering a measurable 7.3 °C cooling advantage in direct sunlight. Crucially, the fabric maintains a water‑contact angle translating to 67.4 kPa resistance and permits 7.8 kg·m⁻²·d⁻¹ of vapor transmission, ensuring breathability without sacrificing protection. The use of ethanol as a green solvent eliminates hazardous chemicals, supporting large‑scale, environmentally responsible production.

For industry, the implications are significant. Outdoor workwear, military uniforms, and healthcare PPE can integrate this technology to reduce reliance on active cooling systems, lowering energy consumption and operational costs. The scalable, biomimetic approach aligns with sustainability goals and offers a competitive edge in markets demanding high‑performance, eco‑friendly textiles. Future research may explore functional additives—such as antimicrobial agents or conductive pathways—to further expand the metafabric’s utility across smart‑wear and health‑monitoring applications.