Graphene-Enhanced Thermal Management Textile

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNP, 1–10 nm thick, 1–25 µm lateral, thermal conductivity 2,000–5,000 W/m·K in-plane) are incorporated into polyamide or polyester fiber at 2–8 wt% via melt compounding (twin-screw extruder, 260–280°C), increasing fiber axial thermal conductivity from 0.2 W/m·K to 1.5–4.0 W/m·K. Fabric-level thermal effusivity increases 30–60% (ISO 8302), improving body heat dissipation in activewear by 15–25% versus conventional polyester. Alternatively, graphene ink (5–10 mg/mL in ethanol) printed onto fabric via screen printing at 20–50 µm thickness creates localized heating elements with 5–15 W heating power at 3–5V for heated jacket and therapeutic textile applications. Joule heating response time of 5–15 seconds to reach 40–50°C body temperature range.