Research Progress and Applications of Passive and Dynamic Thermal Management Composite Fabrics

With global warming and energy consumption intensifying, developing zero-energy thermal management materials is crucial for energy conservation. Conventional single-function fabrics struggle to adapt to complex and variable ambient temperatures. This review summarizes recent advances in dual-functional active and dynamic thermal management composite fabrics that combine radiative cooling and solar heating. By regulating their spectral properties through manual flipping or stimulus-responsive mechanisms, these materials enable efficient thermal management for the human body and specialized occupational protection. They significantly widen the thermal comfort range and reduce reliance on HVAC systems. However, practical applications still face challenges such as insufficient cycling stability, a lack of standardized testing protocols, complex fabrication processes, and high costs. Future efforts should focus on developing material systems with response temperatures closer to the human comfort zone and with stable, reliable performance. Establishing low-cost, scalable manufacturing technologies compatible with existing industries is also essential to advance this field from the laboratory to real-world applications.