Polymer-Based Smart Coatings for Comfort in Clothing

This paper reviews the application of polymer-based smart coatings for obtaining active comfort regulation in clothing. Currently available systems for adaptive comfort regulation which involve application of phase change materials (PCMs), shape memory polymers (SMPs) and stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) have been briefly discussed. It is shown that functional activity (sense - react - adapt) of polymer-based smart textiles can provide active comfort regulation function to textile materials.