Advances in materials for cryogenic conditions: the role of textiles
摘要
Cryogenic environments pose significant challenges to materials due to their extremely cold temperatures, impacting various applications such as space exploration, medical devices, energy, etc. In spite of developing various materials to withstand these cryogenic conditions, there are still several challenges and areas for further improvement. This paper reviews the design and manufacturing of a multilayer low-temperature protective composite fabric (MPF) that can be used in cryogenic conditions. It also systematically outlines the use of various natural and synthetic fibres, along with advanced materials like carbon nanotubes, phase change materials (PCM), and SiO2 aerogel, discussing their properties and construction techniques for withstanding cryogenic situations. The paper highlights the various applications of these textiles in cryogenic conditions, including aerospace insulation, medical cryotherapy, and scientific research. Finally, the paper identifies the current challenges of using textile-based materials in cryogenic environments, which further lead the potential research directions to enhance the multifunctionality of such materials.