Shape memory clay flaps assisted body cooling fabrics

Abstract

Mechanical responses of inorganic clay to external stimuli have been rarely implemented into devices that interact with the human body. We demonstrate that the hygroscopic and free swelling behaviours of Na-bentonite were engineered to design wearables, which give multifunctional responsiveness to human sweat. By printing bentonite nanoclay (BNC) composite on flaps of fabrics, they can reversibly change shape within a few seconds in response to environmental humidity gradients. Body's need for cooling is facilitated through controlled ventilation by opening and closing of these clay printed flaps. This study provides a background for developing new shape memory clay composite for many applications in garment industry.