Scientists at University of Manchester have developed a new type of intelligent textile, which can be made into adaptive clothing, so that the wearer can keep the inside cool when it is hot, and vice versa.

This material is achieved by using graphene. Graphene can adjust the thermal radiation of textiles through adjustment. The research team believes that this technology can also be applied to advanced displays and even space suits.

This material can be transmitted to the graphene layer of the embedded material through tiny current. This can change the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the surface of the material. In a demonstration, the material can be used to shield the infrared camera from the thermal signal of the human hand. Now, the team is looking at the positive role of adjustable textiles.

The research team demonstrated the dynamic thermal radiation control through the production of a clothing prototype. They assume that this capability can be used for other purposes, such as interactive display or even adaptive spacesuit. In the near future, the team hopes to explore its potential to solve the extreme temperature fluctuations faced by orbiting satellites.