PolyU researchers invent intelligent soft robotic clothing for automatic thermal adaptation in extreme heat (IMAGE)
Caption
Configuration and working mechanism of the STA. a) Structure of the STA. A rectangular pouch (30 mm × 300 mm) is constructed from heat-sealing TPU fabric with an inner layer of cotton fabric, serving as a wicking material to contain a low boiling point fluid. b) The STA depicted in both fully deflated and inflated states. c) Illustration of the reversible deformation of the STA during phase changes between liquid and vapor: At ambient temperature, the contained fluid remains in a liquid state; upon heating, the fluid absorbs heat and begins to evaporate, whereas cooling induces condensation of the vapor. d) Correlation between temperature and thickness when the STA is heated. e) Cross-sectional view of the STA during the deformation process in different temperatures. With increasing temperature, the fluid transitions to a state of evaporation due to sustained heat absorption against a strong environmental cooling effect, maintaining a mixed liquid-vapor phase. As the temperature surpasses the fluid's boiling point, the STA inflates completely, filled with vapor, resembling a circular cross-section. f) Leakage assessment for the STA as submerged in hot water. g) Evaluation of the maximum pressure endurance of the STA.
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