| Affiliation: | 1. Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 P. R. China;2. Key Laboratory of Eco-Textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122 P. R. China
College of Textiles and Clothing, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, Jiangsu, 224051 P. R. China;3. Multiscale Materials Design Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1 Canada |
| 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. |
