Photothermal Janus fabrics enabling persistent directional sweat-wicking in personal wet-thermal management

Directional sweat-wicking by Janus fabrics has gained substantial attention in promoting personal wet-thermal management for optimal human comfort. During intense physical exercise, excessive sweating can cause the flooding of fabrics and weaken their wicking capabilities once the inner capillary channels are saturated. To address this issue, we develop a photothermal Janus fabric through a facile polydopamine (PDA) deposition followed by single-sided spray-coating of hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Such innovative fabrics enable directional sweat-wicking through a Janus structure and persistent removal of excessive sweat by solar-powered evaporation. Under sunlight, our photothermal Janus fabrics exhibit an enhanced evaporation rate, approximately twice compared with that of conventional Janus fabrics (similar to 1.143 +/- 0.027 kg m(-2)h(-1)), making them suitable for high sweating rates during vigorous exercise. Furthermore, these fabrics help to maintain the skin temperature within the normal range, preventing hypothermia caused by profuse sweating. In addition, our photothermal Janus fabrics exhibit excellent washing durability even after multiple washing cycles, ensuring prolonged performance and safety.

Automated summary

This study develops a photothermal Janus fabric that enables directional sweat-wicking and enhanced evaporation rate, suitable for high sweating rates during vigorous exercise. The fabric also helps maintain skin temperature within the normal range and exhibits excellent washing durability, ensuring prolonged performance and safety.