SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3814-2
Micro-structured surfaces have attracted increasing attention due to their great potential applications. However, it is still a challenge to continuously fabricate micro-structured surfaces based on thermoplastics by a facile, low-cost, and environmentally-friendly method. Herein, with the help of the extrusion molding method and an elaborately designed mold, micro-grooved fiber (MGF) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is continuously prepared. Theoretically, infinitely long MGFs with feature sizes down to a few microns can be efficiently fabricated because of the continuous fabrication characteristic of the melt extrusion method. Interestingly, left- and right-handed micro-grooves with different helix angles can be produced by applying twisting at the die exit, and the macroscopically MGF springs can be further fabricated via a self-designed three-dimensional helical enwind device. By regulating wettability, MGF can achieve liquid self-transport on predefined paths. In addition, MGF fabric exhibits rapid evaporation behavior, whose evaporation rate is about 4 times higher than that of the Smooth fiber (SMF) fabric and 2 times higher than that of the most popular commercial quick-drying fabric (i.e., Cool-max fabric). This work proposes a facile and environmentally-friendly method for continuously preparing low-cost and flexible MGF, opening a new pathway to develop fiber-based microfluidic systems following the concept of "functionalized processing for thermoplastics".
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2026•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-026-4124-x
Aerogel fibers, featuring distinct porous architecture and fiber flexibility, have emerged as leading materials for personal thermal protection; however, complex drying processes and singular thermal insulation mechanisms limit their use in complex environments. Here, aramid nanofiber/carbon nanotube (ANF/CNT) aerogel fibers integrating passive thermal insulation and active solar heating were fabricated via wet-spinning and ambient-pressure drying (APD). The incorporation of CNT and Ca2+ generates abundant physical and chemical crosslinking points, strengthening the nanofiber network skeleton and reducing structural collapse during APD to only 8.9% shrinkage. The resulting ANF/CNT aerogel textiles exhibit low thermal conductivity of 33.8–40.4 mW/(m K) and thermal insulation capability from −196 to 400 °C. The photothermal effect of CNT enables active solar heating, effectively supplementing passive insulation and allowing survival in extremely cold environments. In real tests, the synergistic effect improved skin temperature by up to 5.9 °C, significantly higher than 1.6 °C from passive insulation alone. These ANF/CNT aerogel fibers combine flexibility, mechanical strength, and flame retardancy, demonstrating promising potential for smart, controllable personal thermal management applications.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3578-5
MXene-based multilayered composite films are promising for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, yet the trade-off between mechanical robustness, oxidation resistance, and shielding effectiveness remains unresolved. This study fabricates alternating multilayered MXene/carbon nanotube (CNT) films via alternating vacuum-assisted filtration, inspired by millefeuille architecture. The CNT layers serve as mechanical frame and oxidation barrier while synergistically enhancing EMI shielding through an absorption-reflection-reabsorption mechanism. The optimized 36-μm-thick film achieves an EMI shielding effectiveness (SE) of 81.4 dB across 8.2–26.5 GHz, with tensile strength of 83.4 MPa and toughness of 7.20 MJ/m³. The CNT layers isolate MXene from oxygen, imparting fire/oxidation resistance in complex environments. The film also exhibits Joule heating capability, reaching 237 °C within 10 s at 2.0 V. This alternating multilayered architecture overcomes the performance balance limit, offering a viable route for EMI shielding materials in harsh conditions.
SCIENCE CHINA Materials•2025•DOI: 10.1007/s40843-025-3496-5
Flexible wearable electronics demand multifunctional e-skins that reconcile high strain sensitivity, wide operating range, low detection limit, air permeability, and self-powered capability. Existing MXene-based sensors suffer from rapid conductive network destruction due to weak inter-sheet interactions, limiting their working range. Inspired by the brick-and-mortar microstructure of natural nacre, a multilayered Ti3C2Tx (MXene)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) fibrous mat was fabricated via electrospinning and spraying. The tunable multilayer architecture yields a gauge factor of 5.8 × 10^4, a sensing range up to 535% strain, a detection limit of 0.15% strain, an 80 ms response time, and good durability. The sensing mechanism relies on the synergistic evolution of a 2D MXene/1D CNT conductive network and synchronous microcrack expansion. The e-skin also functions as a single-electrode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with high output and stability, enabling tactile sensing and powering LEDs. Demonstrations include human physiological signal acquisition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training via smart gloves, and posture correction training for athletes. This nacre-mimetic self-powered e-skin offers a viable route for ergonomics, emergency medical services, and athlete training assessment.