The clothing of the future could do much more than protect us from the cold or heat. It could intelligently regulate temperature, adapt more effectively to the environment and even store thermal energy directly within the fabric itself. This is the objective CIC energiGUNE, the Basque centre specialising in energy storage and conversion, is working towards through the development of new flexible materials with applications in sport, health, personal mobility and flexible electronics.
The key lies in transforming the fabric itself into a functional material. Unlike traditional solutions based on rigid elements or external electrical systems, these new developments make it possible to integrate thermal management capabilities directly into fibres and flexible films, while maintaining comfort, lightness and ergonomics.
“We are moving from garments that simply provide insulation to much smarter and more adaptable textiles. The idea is for technology to stop being perceived as an added element and instead become a natural part of the material itself,” explains Mikel Duran, researcher at CIC energiGUNE in the field of thermal storage.
This type of solution could be applied to technical and sportswear capable of maintaining a more stable temperature, garments for extreme conditions, or textile systems aimed at health and wellbeing. In addition, these materials make it possible to reduce dependence on active electrical systems and improve the energy efficiency of products.
