New innovative smart fabric heats up 50°F for extreme cold protection

Scientists have developed a smart fabric that absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, raising temperatures by over 54°F (30°C) in just 10 minutes. The breakthrough material, described in Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, could revolutionize cold-weather clothing.

The fabric embeds nanoparticles of polyaniline (PANI) and polydopamine (PDA) into thermoplastic polyurethane (PTU) fibers, widely used in sportswear. These nanoparticles efficiently absorb sunlight and release heat through photothermal conversion. Additionally, thermochromic dyes woven into the fibers change color based on temperature, offering a visual heat indicator.

Unlike existing wearable heaters that rely on expensive metal nanomaterials or battery-powered elements, this fabric provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution. To demonstrate its effectiveness, researchers at the University of Waterloo, led by chemical engineer Yuning Li, knitted a tiny sweater for a teddy bear. The sweater reached 128.3°F (53.5°C) after just 10 minutes of sun exposure, turning from red to white as the temperature rose.

The material is highly durable, retaining its properties after 25 washes and stretching up to five times its original size. Researchers are now focused on reducing production costs, scaling up manufacturing, and ensuring skin safety before commercialization.