Al2O3 nanofiber aerogels are widely used in high-temperature thermal insulation owing to their excellent thermal stability. However, the traditional sol-gel method for preparing such aerogels suffers from high brittleness. Consequently, the development of lightweight and flexible Al2O3 nanofiber aerogels via electrospinning technology has become a current research focus. Traditional single-needle electrospinning is limited by low nanofiber membrane productivity, which restricts the preparation efficiency and practical application of aerogels. In this study, a novel linear narrow-slit needleless spinneret was developed using needleless electrospinning technology, combined with COMSOL Multiphysics finite element simulation software. Using this spinneret, wide-width Al2O3/polyvinyl butyral (PVB) precursor composite nanofibers were efficiently fabricated, thereby enabling the preparation of Al2O3 nanofiber aerogels with outstanding thermal insulation performance. The microstructure, crystal phase, functional groups, and thermal insulation properties of Al2O3 nanofiber membranes prepared at different calcination temperatures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), as well as thermal conductivity and insulation performance tests. The Al2O3 fibers prepared using this nozzle exhibit the lowest thermal conductivity after calcination at 700 degrees C, demonstrating excellent thermal insulation performance. The aerogel fabricated from these Al2O3 nanofibers possesses lightweight, flexible, and high-temperature-resistant characteristics: with a bulk density of only 27 mg/cm3 and a thermal conductivity of 0.0386 W/(m & sdot;K), the aerogel maintained a surface temperature between 130 degrees C and 150 degrees C when heated on a 350 degrees C hot stage for 180 s. This study provides a novel approach for the efficient preparation of functional nanofiber materials, while also offering experimental references for the research and development of high-temperature thermal insulation Al2O3 nanofiber aerogels.
With the development of detection technology, higher and higher requirements have been put forward for the performance of radar absorbing materials. This study innovatively selected three-dimensional woven spacer fabric as the reinforcement, using carbon fiber and quartz fiber as raw materials. By finely adjusting the arrangement period of conductive carbon fibers in the three-dimensional woven spacer reinforcement and the number of layers involved in weaving, the electromagnetic wave absorption performance of the threedimensional spacer hybrid woven fabric was deeply and systematically studied, aiming to explore the potential application and performance optimization path of absorbing waves. And the epoxy matrix was foamed and its electromagnetic parameters were adjusted by adding different contents of carbon black absorbent. Finally, the microwave absorption properties of the composites were systematically adjusted by the three-dimensional reinforcement materials with periodic structure and foam matrix. The microstructure and pore size of the foam matrix were observed and calculated, and the microwave absorbing properties of the composites were tested and analyzed. The results showed that the effective absorption bandwidth of carbon black/epoxy foam filled threedimensional spacer braided foam composites with RL <=-10 dB reached 3.57 GHz in the X-band, and the minimum value reached-30.42 dB at 9.48 GHz.
The development of microwave absorbing materials (MAMs) with both wide-angle radar stealth capability and moisture resistance has become an urgent requirement for practical deployment. In this work, CoFe@C precursors are rapidly prepared via a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, followed by in situ polymerization of pyrrole (Py) to construct dual-shelled CoFe@C@PPy hybrid fibers with different PPy loadings. The dual-shell architecture enables systematic regulation of the magnetic-dielectric balance and impedance matching. At an ultrathin thickness of 2.1 mm, the optimal sample achieves a minimum reflection loss (RL) of-52.06 dB at 13.14 GHz and a maximum effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) of 5.92 GHz. More importantly, wide-angle (0-90 degrees) radar cross-section (RCS) simulations reveal outstanding suppression capability, with a maximum RCS reduction of 37.6 dB m2 at an incident angle of 35 degrees, demonstrating stable performance under oblique illumination in real radar detection scenarios. In addition, the optimal sample exhibits a water contact angle of 134.2 degrees, showing good anti-humidity performance. This work provides a strategy for the design of dual-shelled microwave absorbers with excellent wide-angle radar cross-section reduction through interfacial polarization engineering.
This review critically summarizes recent advances in electrospun nanofibrous membranes for oil-water separation, emphasizing material design, wettability regulation, and separation mechanisms. In response to the growing challenges posed by industrial wastewater and oil pollution, electrospinning emerges as a promising technology due to its simplicity, controllability, and ability to produce membranes with high surface area and hierarchical porosity. The review outlines the principles and fabrication process of electrospinning, and classifies electrospun membranes into hydrophilic-oleophobic, hydrophobic-oleophilic, and special wettability types based on wettability, further discuss representative organic, inorganic, and composite materials. It highlights functional modification strategies, such as surface grafting, nanofiller incorporation, photocatalysis, and Janus structures. Additionally, emerging trends including high flux, reusability, corrosion resistance, and intelligent responsiveness are explored, showcasing the potential for real-world application. The review concludes by identifying future directions such as green material development, multifunctional membrane design, and industrial-scale implementation, providing valuable theoretical and practical guidance for advancing oil-water separation technologies.
Currently, with the rapid development of electronic technology, electronic products are becoming increasingly used in both military and civilian fields. Technology is a double‐edged sword. While it brings convenience to people, it also brings risks. The use of electronic products brings electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, studying the absorption of electromagnetic waves by microwave absorption materials is of great research significance. At present, common carbon‐based microwave absorption materials include carbon fiber, graphene, carbon nanotubes, carbon black, etc. However, the complex preparation process and high cost limit its use. In contrast, biomass‐derived materials are receiving widespread attention due to their green and environmentally friendly characteristics as well as abundant carbon sources. This review highlights the preparation approaches of biomass‐derived carbon and systematically analyzes recent progress in composite biomass carbon‐based microwave absorption materials. These composite materials are typically prepared by combining biomass as a carbon source with magnetic materials, conductive polymers, and transition metal oxides. In the future, biomass materials will have good application scenarios in the field of electromagnetic absorption.
This study successfully synthesized high-performance silica aerogel with a continuous three-dimensional network structure via a sol-gel process. Compared with traditional insulating materials, this aerogel achieves superior thermal insulation efficiency per unit thickness due to its unique nanoporous structure. The material exhibited a high specific surface area of 888.65 m2/g and an average pore diameter of 62.3 nm, contributing to its exceptional thermal insulation properties. After hydrophobic modification, the aerogel achieved a water contact angle of 144°, confirming excellent hydrophobicity. This work systematically evaluated the thermal insulation performance of the aerogel applied as a coating and an interlayer in fabric composites. Key quantitative results demonstrate that the optimal thermal insulation was achieved with a 7 wt
With the widespread use of electronic devices and the development of emerging technologies such as 5G, the issue of electromagnetic radiation is becoming increasingly severe, posing a threat to human health. In response to the increasingly severe problem of electromagnetic radiation pollution, high-performance electromagnetic shielding fabrics were prepared successfully by optimizing the synthesis process of PEDOT:PSS and combining it with coaxial wet spinning technology. During the synthesis phase, the synthesis conditions of the PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion were optimized by adjusting the ratio of 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT), sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS-Na), and deionized water, resulting in a reduction of its resistance to 381.7 Omega and a significant enhancement in conductivity. Based on the optimized PEDOT:PSS aqueous dispersion, carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and sodium alginate (SA) were further introduced to prepare four different kinds of coaxial structure fibers: SA-CNT@SA, P-SA-CNT@SA, SA-CNT@P-SA, and P-SA-CNT@P-SA. After weaving these fibers into fabrics, their electromagnetic shielding performance was systematically evaluated. The results showed that the P-SA-CNT@P-SA fiber fabric achieved the highest shielding effectiveness of 28.6 dB in the warp direction and 10 dB in the weft direction; its absorption effectiveness (SEA) was significantly higher than its reflection effectiveness (SER), indicating that the fabric primarily employs an absorption-dominated shielding mechanism, effectively reducing secondary electromagnetic pollution. This study not only improves the conductivity and electromagnetic shielding performance of the fibers but also considers environmental friendliness, providing new technical pathways and theoretical references for the development of efficient, flexible, and low secondary pollution electromagnetic shielding materials.
The growing demand for advanced protective materials has driven extensive research into flexible composites with enhanced puncture resistance, particularly for personal protective equipment. Herein, the role of interyarn friction in improving the puncture resistance of Kevlar-based flexible composites was quantitatively analyzed for the first time. Initially, the mobility of filaments and yarns within the fabric was modulated by adjusting the weight gain percentage of hydrogel matrices, and the effect of improved interyarn friction on puncture and stab resistance was investigated experimentally. Subsequently, the universality of this effect was validated by employing other flexible matrices and assessing the correlation between interyarn friction and the composite's antistab and antipuncture properties. Finally, partial least squares regression was employed to quantify the contributions of the five influencing factors to the composite's antipuncture performance. The analysis revealed that tensile properties of the matrix predominantly influence puncture force, with a weighting value of 71.06%, whereas interyarn friction is the primary factor governing energy consumption during puncture, with a weighting value of 71.65%. This study provides a quantitative framework for understanding the effect of interyarn friction on flexible composites, offering valuable insights for the design of advanced protective equipment.
Recently, the ever-increasing demand for wearable electronics has significantly accelerated the development of flexible strain sensors. Liquid metal exhibits potential applications in smart wearable devices because of its high electrical conductivity and room temperature fluidity. However, its applications are limited by challenges in terms of issues in achieving liquid metal (LM) non-leakage, wide detection range, and high conductivity simultaneously. Herein, we developed a non-leakage and high stretchable sheath–core structure liquid metal-based strain-sensing fiber and, in particular, unique conductive pathways were constructed within core fibers featuring a microporous structure, where gallium-based liquid metals (LM) formed islands, and carboxyl carbon nanotubes (CNTs) served as bridges under large strains. This structure ensures the stable containment of liquid metal (LM) without any leakage. Through the cooperative interaction between carboxyl carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and liquid metal (LM), the composite fiber SA@LM-CNT achieves an impressive detection range of up to 190
With the increasing demand for sensing in extreme temperatures, realizing piezoelectric polymer-based wearable textiles for sensing is a significant challenge. Here, a customised solvent system (TFA: MeOH) was developed together with a conjugate spinning technique to induce the piezoelectric gamma-phase in nylon 11 nanofibers. A piezoelectric knitted fabric sensor with DNA double helix structure and whole yarn prepared by twisting, threedimensional weaving and knitting processes, achieving stable and dynamic sensing performance across temperatures ranging from -40 degrees C to 200 degrees C. The developed fabric exhibits remarkable response sensitivity (0.1186 V/N) and endurance (24,000 cycles) while preserving steady sensing performance during three heat-cold cycles, enabling it to charge and power low-power tiny light bulbs and capacitors. Moreover, it reacts instantly to human joint movements (throat, fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet) and can detect pressures between 0.098 N and 830.06 N. This all-yarn piezoelectric sensor for knitted fabrics possesses numerous advantages, including hydrophobicity, wash resistance, breathability, high mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, antimicrobial characteristics, and flame retardancy. This study broadens the temperature spectrum of pure piezoelectric polymers, potentially offering a novel approach for applying multifunctional wearable piezoelectric fabrics in extreme thermal conditions.
Magnetic–dielectric composites are an effective strategy for developing efficient microwave absorbers, owing to the synergistic effect of different attenuation mechanisms. In this work, barium ferrite (BaFe 12 O 19 ) powder is first prepared using a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, and then BaFe 12 O 19 /polypyrrole (PPy) composite powders with different contents of PPy were prepared using an in situ polymerization method. Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is selected as the film-forming agent, and BaFe 12 O 19 /PPy/PVDF film is prepared using a casting molding process; then polyvinyl alcohol is used as a binder to prepare BaFe 12 O 19 /PPy/PVDF film or fabric with a strong microwave absorption performance. The minimum reflection loss (RL min ) is as high as −36.52 dB at 16.31 GHz for a thickness of 2.5 mm. The adequate absorption bandwidth (RL ≤ −10 dB) is as wide as 7.98 GHz for the same thickness, covering almost all X and K u bands. The absorption mechanism is revealed in detail through an in-depth analysis of the electromagnetic parameters. The synergistic effect of the solid magnetic loss of BaFe 12 O 19 magnetic metal, the intense dielectric loss of PPy, and the superior impedance matching result in excellent microwave absorption capability. The results show that the BaFe 12 O 19 /PPy/PVDF film or fabric is a promising and efficient microwave-absorbing material, being thin and strongly absorbing across a wide bandwidth.
The rapid development of technology has promoted the popularization and application of electromagnetic waves in many fields such as communication, radar, medical care, and military. Electromagnetic waves are a double-edged sword, bringing convenience to people, also causing pollution. Therefore, the research and application of microwave absorption materials are particularly important. Among them, the micro-structure as one of the key factors of the absorbing materials can optimize the performance of the absorbing material, attracting the attention and in-depth discussion of the majority of scientific researchers. This article outlines the principle of absorbing materials, details the research progress of three types of micro-structured design and summarizes its impact on the absorbing performance. In addition to good absorption properties, absorbing materials still need to be further explored in other directions, such as low cost, convenient preparation and versatility.
Wool keratin (KE) exhibits intrinsic piezoelectric properties; however, its limited biocompatibility and stability hinder broader applications. In this work, an innovative approach is presented to fabricate piezoelectric materials by integrating KE extracted from waste wool via an acid-base method with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as the matrix. Three-dimensional (3D) KE/PVA nanofibrous membranes were successfully fabricated by using electrospinning, demonstrating excellent mechanical strength and favorable wettability. Under mechanical excitation at 2 Hz frequency and 10 N pressure, the membranes generated a piezoelectric output voltage of up to 2.1 V, approximately 3-fold higher than that of pure PVA membranes. This significant enhancement underscores the potential of KE/PVA composites for wearable artificial intelligence and flexible sensing applications. Furthermore, this strategy not only advances the development of high-performance piezoelectric materials but also provides a sustainable route for recycling waste wool, aligning with environmental conservation and technological innovation.
Magnetically responsive intelligent fibers represent a new class of smart materials that integrate magnetic components into flexible fiber systems, enabling remote actuation, real-time sensing, and self-powered operation under external magnetic fields. With advantages in flexibility, adaptability, and multifunctionality, they hold promise for wearable electronics, soft robotics, biomedical devices, and energy harvesting. This review highlights recent progress in their design, fabrication, and applications. We summarize magnetic materials used in fiber integration-including ferrites, metal alloys, rare-earth compounds, and 2D materials-focusing on structural and magnetic properties. Multi-physics coupling mechanisms such as magneto-mechanical, magnetoelectric, and magneto-optical effects are discussed as the basis of intelligent responses. Fabrication strategies, including extrusion-based printing, magnetic-field-assisted alignment, and surface modification, are evaluated for scalability, resolution, and material integration. Key challenges for commercialization, such as dispersion, biocompatibility, and mechanical stability under dynamic conditions, are also addressed. Finally, future directions are outlined, emphasizing multifunctional fibers with combined stimuli-responsiveness and integration into adaptive systems. This review aims to provide a framework for advancing magnetically responsive fibers and inspiring future innovations in smart fiber technologies.
Fiber electrodes, with their one-dimensional (1D) structure, bring distinct advantages to flexible electronics. Their mechanical flexibility, high conductivity, and weavability make them ideal for energy storage, sensing, and biomedical applications. Unlike rigid electrodes, fiber electrodes support lightweight, comfortable wearables with reliable electrical performance under dynamic conditions. This review explores recent progress and challenges in fiber electrodes, emphasizing material selection, fabrication methods, and applications in energy storage, sensing, and biomedicine. Key materials for fiber electrodes include carbon-based materials, metal nanomaterials, and conductive polymers, with carbon nanotubes and graphene as promising candidates due to their conductivity and mechanical strength. Performance can be further optimized through hybridization and surface modifications. Fiber electrodes show strong potential in supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, offering high surface areas and energy densities essential for flexible energy storage. In flexible sensors, fiber electrodes provide precise monitoring of human motion and environmental changes. Their biocompatibility also makes them suitable for wearable medical devices. Challenges remain in balancing conductivity with flexibility, reducing fabrication costs, and ensuring durability. Future research should focus on more efficient, scalable fabrication methods and advanced materials to enhance stability and performance, propelling wearable devices for smart health monitoring and self-powered systems.
Flexible ceramic fiber insulation material is attractive candidate for thermal protection system of hypersonic vehicles. Breaking through the performance limit of traditional single-element ceramic through synergistic effect of high-entropy multi-components is an inevitable trend. In this work, flexible ceramic thermal insulation felts constructed of high entropy beta-(Dy0.25Yb0.25Tm0.25Ho0.25)(2)Si2O7 fibers were successfully prepared by precursors electrospinning and high-temperature sintering. Influence of material forming processes (including spinning voltage and calcination temperature) on phase composition, microstructure, mechanical and thermal performance of ceramic fiber felts has been systematically studied. Results show that the ceramic fiber aggregate with main crystal phase of beta-(Dy0.25Yb0.25Tm0.25Ho0.25)(2)Si2O7 can be obtained by calcination at 1200 degrees C. Fiber felt fabricated under an optimized spinning voltage of 16 kV has better comprehensive performance. Average diameter of the internal fibers is similar to 0.65 mu m, the density is as low as 137 mg cm(-3), and the porosity is approximately 97 similar to 98 %. Ultra-high porosity endows the material with a relatively low thermal conductivity (similar to 0.048 W m(-1) K-1.), and its tensile fracture strength is similar to 1.85 MPa, demonstrating excellent comprehensive performance. This high-entropy ceramic fiber felt can maintain structural stability for a long time in thermal environment of 1200 degrees C. Results of the force/thermal coupling loading test also show its potential for application in thermal protection systems in complex environments.
Flexible pressure sensors are essential for applications in medical monitoring, e-skin, and human interactive technologies. Traditional capacitive pressure sensors are limited by a low Young's modulus that restricts detection range, while ionic capacitive pressure sensors fail to continuously maintain their high sensitivity across broad ranges, making it a challenge to achieve high sensitivity and ultra-wide linearity range simultaneously. Herein, a novel dual-mechanism "relay" sensing strategy is proposed, wherein the traditional and electric double layer (EDL) capacitive sensing principles are sequentially engaged. This strategy is implemented by employing a distinctive dielectric layer architecture engineered with a 3D periodic lattice elastomer (3DPLE) integrated with ionic gel (IG). The monofilaments within 3DPLE enabled changeable electrode spacing, and the interfacial contact between the IG and the nickel foam electrode activated the EDL response, leading to this capacitive pressure sensor with a remarkable sensitivity of 49.76 kPa(-1) at an ultra-wide linear detection range of 0-1550 kPa (R-2 = 0.99), an impressive linearity proportion of 94.84%, and >5000 cycles of stable sensing. This work has presented a pioneering strategy and structural design for capacitive pressure sensors, with tremendous potential applications in wearable medical devices and sports health systems, thereby marking a significant advancement in flexible electronics.
Ag particles enhance the photocatalytic performance of BiOBr under different LEDs via the effect of electron trapping or surface plasmon resonance.
The growing need for thermal regulation in extreme environments and personalized heat management underscores the limitations of conventional rigid heaters, whose bulky structure, limited flexibility, and sluggish thermal response impede their integration into wearable electronics, biomedical devices, and smart textiles. In contrast, electrically heated flexible heaters─lightweight, mechanically compliant, and capable of rapid, precise heating─offer a compelling solution, enhancing both device performance and user comfort. This review summarizes the recent progress and existing challenges of electrically heated flexible heaters in wearable applications with a focus on their heating mechanisms, materials, fabrication techniques, and practical implementations in wearable systems. First, it briefly introduces the heating mechanism. Second, it highlights and evaluates different conductive heating materials, including metal-based materials, carbon-based materials, conductive polymers, MXene, and composite materials. At the same time, a comparison is made of the various preparation processes for electrically heated flexible heaters. Subsequently, the applications of flexible electrothermal heaters are systematically reviewed in areas such as personal thermal management, healthcare, visual indicators, thermal camouflage, information encryption, and electromagnetic shielding. Finally, the challenges and issues faced by electrically heated flexible heaters in the wearable field are explored, and potential solutions are proposed.