Recent Advances in Reversible Thermochromic Materials for Smart Textiles: A Review.

Qiucheng Lu, Xu Wang, Xiaohui Zhao, Ziqiang Bi, Hailin Li, Yuqing Liu

Abstract readReview

In one paragraph

Review in Materials (Basel, Switzerland), 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Qiucheng LuSchool of Arts and Innovation Design, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China.

Xu WangSchool of Optical and Electronic Information, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China.

Xiaohui ZhaoSchool of Optical and Electronic Information, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China.ORCID 0000-0002-2060-6961

Ziqiang BiSchool of Optical and Electronic Information, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China.

Hailin LiSchool of Optical and Electronic Information, Suzhou City University, Suzhou 215104, China.

Yuqing LiuCollege of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China.

Funding

China National Textile and Apparel Council Science and Technology Guidance Project 2020116.Devices and Suzhou Basic Research Project SJC2023003General Education Elective Course Project of Suzhou City University. 5210305625QINGLAN Project of Jiangsu Province of China, Pre-research project of Suzhou City University 2022SGY007

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Reversible thermochromic materials change color in response to temperature variations and hold significant potential in smart textiles. Their reversible color-changing property not only offers temperature indication and enhances textile performance but also promotes smart textile development. This is achieved by improving the intelligence, multifunctionality, and environmental adaptability of textiles. This review summarizes the characteristics and recent advancements of reversible thermochromic materials, including leuco dye-based organic systems and other organic, liquid crystal (LC), inorganic, and photonic crystal (PC) types. It emphasizes recent progress in integrating these materials into textiles through techniques such as microencapsulation, printing and dyeing, and fiber fabrication. Furthermore, this review systematically examines applications of reversible thermochromic materials in smart textiles, covering areas such as anti-counterfeiting, temperature-sensitive regulation, and aesthetic enhancement. Current challenges, including limited stability, inadequate wash durability, and low color sensitivity, are also addressed, alongside potential development directions. The aim of this review is to provide a theoretical foundation and technical guidance for designing and developing reversible thermochromic smart textiles.

Indexed as

color-changing propertiesreversible thermochromic materialssmart textilestextile integration technologiesthermochromic applications

Identifiers

PMID41753461

DOI10.3390/ma19040742

PMCPMC12942208

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LicenceCC BY

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.