Research Progress in Thermal Functional Fibers

The utilization and transformation of heat have played pivotal roles in numerous significant stages of human societal evolution and advancement. Recently, more rigorous and precise requirements have been imposed on thermal functional materials for applications including microelectronic device cooling, personal thermal regulation in extreme environments, green building initiatives, flexible wearable electronics, and solar thermal collection. Thermal functional fibers offer advantages such as lightweight construction, versatile functional design, and integrated manufacturing capabilities. By modifying the composition, structure, and fabrication techniques of fibers, control over heat transfer, storage, and conversion processes can be optimized. This review underscores the latest developments in thermal functional fibers, emphasizing high thermal conductivity fibers, thermal insulation fibers, thermal radiation regulation fibers, phase-change thermal storage fibers, thermoelectric fibers, Joule heating fibers, photothermal conversion fibers, thermally actuated fibers, and multifunctional composite fibers. It elucidates how these various fibers enhance thermal performance through innovative material selection, fabrication methods, and structural design. Finally, the review discusses prevailing developmental trends, current challenges, and future directions in the design and fabrication of thermal functional fibers.