Characterization of 2D Material-Coated Fabric for Thermal Management

Abstract

Personal thermal management (PTM) technologies have emerged as a sustainable alternative to traditional climate control systems by focusing on individual thermal regulation rather than entire environments. This study presents a novel lightweight composite film for PTM, fabricated via a Pickering emulsion process, which encapsulates small-sized paraffin within a porous graphene oxide (GO) skeleton. The composite leverages the overall thermal properties, with the paraffin as a nontoxic phase change material (PCM) to provide a large latent heat for heat storage and the GO to offer a high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer. Results demonstrate that increasing the GO fraction enhances thermal conductivity and structural stability while reducing the melting point and latent heat of the composite. Infrared thermal imaging and thermal conductivity measurements confirm the material's ability to regulate body temperature under extreme conditions, offering an energy-efficient solution for wearable applications. Potential uses span smart textiles, medical devices, and aerospace, highlighting the material's versatility and sustainability.

Date of Award	25 Apr 2025
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Lianxi Zheng (Supervisor)