Biomimetic helical fiber sponges combine superelasticity, washability, and thermal efficiency for next-generation insulation
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- A superelastic and washable sponge based on biomimetic spring-like helical micro/nanofibers is directly fabricated by multiple-jet electrospinning technology.
- The resulting sponge exhibits both lightweight (low density of 7.1 mg cm–3) and robust mechanical property (large tensile strain up to 200%).
- The sponge also shows efficient thermal insulation performance with low thermal conductivity (24.85 mW m–1 K–1), and remains structural stability even after cyclic washing, making it a promising candidate for personal protection in cold environments.
Credit: Fengjin Yang, Zhifei Wang, Wei Zhang, Sai Wang, Yi-Tao Liu, Fei Wang*, Roman A. Surmenev, Jianyong Yu, Shichao Zhang, Bin Ding.
A research team led by Professor Fei Wang from Donghua University has reported a pioneering study in Nano-Micro Letters on the fabrication of superelastic and washable micro/nanofibrous sponges (MNFS) with exceptional thermal insulation. Inspired by the coiled architecture of cucumber tendrils, this work introduces a biomimetic design strategy that enables scalable production of spring-like helical fibers with hierarchical porosity and outstanding mechanical and thermal performance.
Why It Matters
Extreme cold poses serious challenges to human thermoregulation, yet existing fibrous insulating materials often suffer from poor elasticity, weak durability, and structural collapse after washing. The newly developed MNFS bridges these limitations by combining mechanical robustness, ultralight architecture, and stable heat retention, offering promising potential for wearable protection, aerospace, and building insulation.
Key Innovations
• Biomimetic Design: Natural tendril-inspired helical fibers form a 3D entangled network, providing elasticity and structural integrity.
• Direct Electrospinning Assembly: Controlled solution conductivity and solvent volatility enable multijet ejection and helical fiber formation in one step, achieving scalable fabrication.
• Lightweight and Elastic Structure: The sponge features ultralow density (7.1 mg cm-3), high porosity (99.6%), and superelasticity (200% strain) with full recovery after 1000 cycles.
• Exceptional Thermal and Washing Durability: With thermal conductivity of 24.85 mW m-1 K-1, the MNFS rivals dry air and retains performance after 60 washing cycles and exposure to −196 °C.
Mechanistic Insights
The spring-like configuration allows fibers to stretch and recoil, dissipating stress through reversible deformation and entanglement. Multiscale pores within and between fibers suppress both solid and gas-phase heat conduction, resulting in superior insulation efficiency and mechanical resilience.
Future Prospects
This study provides a scalable platform for developing multifunctional fibrous sponges that integrate elasticity, insulation, and environmental stability. Beyond personal protection, the concept holds great promise for aerospace structures, energy-efficient architecture, and adaptive wearable systems. By merging biomimetic principles with electrospinning engineering, Professor Wang’s team presents a new paradigm for lightweight, sustainable, and high-performance thermal insulation materials.
Journal
Nano-Micro Letters
Method of Research
Experimental study
Article Title
Superelastic and Washable Micro/Nanofibrous Sponges Based on Biomimetic Helical Fibers for Efficient Thermal Insulation
Flexible tactile sensing systems: challenges in theoretical research transferring to practical applications
Shanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center
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- This review presents current advances in flexible tactile sensor research from multifaceted perspectives including mechanisms, materials, structural design, and system integration.
- It establishes performance-oriented rational design principles for sensors in practical.
- It summarized the challenges and strategies in translating flexible tactile sensing systems into practical applications, and proposed a research roadmap for future investigations.
Credit: Zhiyu Yao, Wenjie Wu*, Fengxian Gao, Min Gong, Liang Zhang, Dongrui Wang, Baochun Guo, Liqun Zhang, Xiang Lin*.
As robotics, wearable tech, and human-machine interfaces evolve, the demand for high-performance tactile sensors that can feel like human skin is surging. Now, researchers from the University of Science and Technology Beijing and South China University of Technology, led by Prof. Xiang Lin and Prof. Wenjie Wu, have published a comprehensive review on flexible tactile sensing systems, charting a clear path from theoretical innovation to practical, scalable applications. This work offers a timely roadmap for translating lab-scale breakthroughs into next-generation intelligent systems.
Why Flexible Tactile Sensors Matter
- Human-Like Perception: Modern tactile sensors mimic human skin by detecting pressure, temperature, texture, and vibration—enabling robots to interact safely and intelligently with their environment.
- Multimodal Integration: Combining multiple sensing modes (e.g., piezoresistive, capacitive, triboelectric, optical) allows for richer data and more accurate decision-making in real time.
- AI-Driven Intelligence: With embedded machine learning algorithms, tactile systems can now recognize materials, predict slip, and even learn from touch—pushing robotics toward true autonomy.
- Real-World Challenges: Despite rapid progress, key hurdles remain: signal drift, environmental interference, manufacturing scalability, and the gap between lab performance and industrial reliability.
Innovative Design and Features
- Mechanism Diversity: The review covers six major transduction mechanisms—piezoresistive, capacitive, piezoelectric, triboelectric, magnetic, and optical—each optimized for specific applications like e-skin, prosthetics, or soft robotics.
- Bioinspired Structures: From fingerprint-like ridges to spider-web patterns and cilia arrays, nature-inspired microstructures enhance sensitivity, stretchability, and multimodal sensing.
- Material Innovations: Graphene, MXene, CNTs, conductive elastomers, and hybrid composites are tailored for high sensitivity, wide detection range, and mechanical durability.
- System Integration: Advanced packaging, 3D printing, textile embedding, and wireless communication modules enable seamless integration into wearable devices and robotic systems.
Applications and Future Outlook
- Robotic Manipulation: Tactile sensors empower robotic hands to grasp fragile objects, detect slip, and perform precision tasks in unstructured environments.
- Healthcare & Wearables: From smart gloves to prosthetic limbs, tactile systems enable real-time health monitoring, rehabilitation, and human-like feedback.
- Human-Machine Interaction: Touch-sensitive interfaces, VR/AR systems, and intelligent wearables are becoming more intuitive and responsive.
- Challenges & Strategies: The review outlines critical bottlenecks—such as sensor drift, crosstalk, and scalability—and proposes solutions through materials engineering, algorithm optimization, and standardized evaluation frameworks.
This comprehensive review not only synthesizes the latest advances in flexible tactile sensing but also sets a forward-looking agenda for intelligent, robust, and scalable tactile systems. With continued interdisciplinary collaboration, the next generation of robots and wearable devices will not just touch—they will understand. Stay tuned for more innovations from Prof. Lin and Prof. Wu’s teams as they push the boundaries of tactile intelligence!
Journal
Nano-Micro Letters
Method of Research
Experimental study
Article Title
Flexible Tactile Sensing Systems: Challenges in Theoretical Research Transferring to Practical Applications
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