Colour-changing textiles for temperature regulation

Half black and half white T shirt

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A new smart fabric switches between reflecting and absorbing states without external energy inputs

A new colour-changing cloth combines cooling and heating without the need for an external energy supply. This adaptive material has already found different functional formats, such as fabrics for smart-clothing and tents, offering efficient temperature regulations in extreme conditions. Moreover, the manufacturing process seems scalable and, most importantly, adaptable to other materials, such as wood, metals and paper, meaning it could find many uses.