Researchers from Zhejiang University have unveiled a breakthrough in textile science: airgel fabrics that outperform cotton, wool, and down at keeping warmth. The findings appeared in a leading scientific journal, Science, highlighting a new class of insulating textiles built on airgel technology.
The inspiration came from the way polar bear fur retains heat. Its structure features a porous core surrounded by a protective shell, creating an efficient barrier against cold air while allowing moisture to move away from the skin. This natural design guided engineers to mimic the layered architecture in synthetic fibers, aiming to combine lightness with high thermal performance.
To recreate the effect, researchers produced airgel fibers that were freeze-dried and coated with a sturdy, flexible layer. The resulting fibers form fine round cross sections that trap air effectively, forming tiny insulating pockets along the length of the textile. The process yields a material with remarkable heat-retention properties and a simple production workflow that avoids the need for post-processing steps commonly used in traditional textile manufacturing.
When woven into fabric and fashioned into a sweater, the airgel textile demonstrated superior thermal insulation even at subzero conditions reaching temperatures as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. In controlled tests, the garment consistently retained body heat more efficiently than many widely used natural materials, offering a practical advantage for cold-weather wear in Canada and the United States.
The durability of the airgel fabric was also highlighted. In repeated stretch tests, a single sweater maintained its integrity after more than 10 000 cycles, showing only minimal signs of wear. This resilience suggests that airgel textiles could endure the everyday stresses of movement and laundering while preserving softness, stretch, and warmth. In addition to mechanical durability, the team reported that the material could be dyed and processed further without losing its insulating performance, enabling a broad palette of fashion options and industrial applications without compromising core function.
Beyond garments, the researchers point to a wider potential for airgel textiles in safety gear and outdoor equipment where lightweight warmth and rugged performance are crucial. The combination of light weight, strong insulation, and processability could drive new designs for winter apparel, expedition gear, and workwear that need reliable thermal protection in demanding environments.
Looking ahead, the study outlines several avenues for optimization. These include refining the porous structure to tune breathability, testing different shell coatings to balance flexibility with durability, and exploring scalable manufacturing methods that translate the lab-scale success into mass production. The work also opens doors to integrating sensing elements or responsive finishes that could adapt warmth levels to changing outdoor conditions without sacrificing comfort or energy efficiency.
Overall, the innovation marks a notable advance in textile engineering, merging biomimicry with advanced materials science to deliver a warm, light, and versatile fabric. The progress showcased by Zhejiang University researchers underscores a growing trend toward sustainable, high-performance textiles that perform well in real-world conditions while enabling broader access to affordable warmth in diverse climates. This aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance winter comfort for outdoor workers, travelers, and everyday users across North America. [Science] [Cited: Science Magazine]