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The human body constantly produces thermal electromagnetic radiation with a maximum of about 10 μm. This thermal radiation has a number of positive effects on the human body and, in addition, allows the insulation under clothing to be improved under extreme climatic conditions, causing a significant reduction in ambient temperature. With so-called far-infrared (FIR) textiles, it is possible to ensure the reflection of thermal radiation back to the human body. In the first part of this review, the generation of heat by the human body and its propagation by radiation through the skin are comprehensively explained. The thermal characteristics of the individual skin layers as an emitter of infrared radiation are given. The second part discusses the basic preparation methods of FIR textiles. Suitable particle systems are described based on metals and their oxides, porous carbon, and special ceramics. Modification of the fiber phase (especially the fineness of the fibers and the porosity of the fabric) in combination with the surface coating of metals is also used for their health-promoting effects. The main manufacturers of FIR textiles and their typical products are mentioned.

This research provides an in-depth assessment of two paper yarn variants, examining their structural, functional, and performance characteristics. These yarns demonstrated favorable properties, including suitable linear density, twist, typical cellulosic functional groups as confirmed by Infrared spectroscopy, minimal hairiness, moisture transfer, and creditable mechanical strength. These yarns have flat layered cross-sections and grooved longitudinal surfaces. In addition, a low hairiness index (1.3-1.33) further acknowledged their smooth surface. Their remarkable evenness (15.86% and 7.08%) supported their effective wicking properties. Despite average breaking strength (0.77 cN/dTex and 1.05 cN/dTex) and moderate elongation, these yarns exhibited exceptional water-washing resistance and retained over 89% breaking strength after 15 washes. This study ranks these paper yarns as highly suitable for durable clothing fabrics, providing promising sustainable alternatives in the textile industry., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Expanded graphite (EG) has been used to store phase change materials (PCM) to enhance thermal conductivity and avoid leakage. However, systematic investigation on physical structure of various embedded PCMs in EG is not reported. Besides, the effect of environment on thermal behavior of PCM/EG composites has not been investigated yet. In this work, three common PCMs (including myristic acid (MA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and paraffin wax (PW)) were embedded in EG and three PCM/EG composites were obtained. As a result, capillary force between EG and PCMs supported encapsulation of PCMs in EG. PCM/EG composites had narrower phase change range while supercooling degree values were different when various PCMs were used. Besides, the hot and humid environment had a side effect on thermal energy storage of PCMs and PCM/EG composites. The inherent hydrophilicity of PCMs was essential for resistance against side effect of moisture on thermal energy storage., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)