Synergistic Integration of Advanced Aerogels and Phase Change Microcapsules in Smart Thermal Management Textiles: From Mechanisms to Multifunctional Applications

Abstract

In response to the urgent need for individual protection in extreme, dynamic thermal environments, intelligent thermal management fabrics have become the cutting edge of functional textiles. This review systematically examines the progress in applications, underlying mechanisms, and performance of two core advanced materials—aerogels and phase change material (PCM) microcapsules—for smart thermal management textiles in personal protective equipment. Firstly, it elaborates in depth on the “passive” super-insulating mechanism of aerogels, based on their nanoporous structure, and the “active” temperature-regulation mechanism of PCM microcapsules through reversible phase change to absorb/release latent heat. Subsequently, it separately reviews the performance optimization strategies for flexible aerogel composite materials in terms of lightweighting, insulation, and durability, as well as the key advances in encapsulation technology, thermal properties, and fabric bonding processes for PCM microcapsules. The focus of this paper explores the synergistic effects of combining and structurally designing these two materials, including expanding the effective temperature range, prolonging the duration of temperature regulation, enhancing system reliability, and improving wearing comfort. Finally, it summarizes the main challenges currently faced. It looks ahead to the development directions for new composite systems, biomimetic structures, and sustainable materials for next-generation adaptive thermal management fabrics.