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Poly(vinylidene fluoride)-based dielectric materials are prospective candidates for high power density electric storage applications because of their ferroelectric nature, high dielectric breakdown strength and superior processability. However, obtaining a polar phase with relaxor-like behavior in poly(vinylidene fluoride), as required for high energy storage density, is a major challenge. To date, this has been achieved using complex and expensive synthesis of copolymers and terpolymers or via irradiation with high-energy electron-beam or γ-ray radiations. Herein, a facile process of pressing-and-folding is proposed to produce β-poly(vinylidene fluoride) (β-phase content: ~98%) with relaxor-like behavior observed in poly(vinylidene fluoride) with high molecular weight > 534 kg mol −1 , without the need of any hazardous gases, solvents, electrical or chemical treatments. An ultra-high energy density (35 J cm −3 ) with a high efficiency (74%) is achieved in a pressed-and-folded poly(vinylidene fluoride) (670-700 kg mol −1 ), which is higher than that of other reported polymer-based dielectric capacitors to the best of our knowledge. Dielectric materials are candidates for electric high power density energy storage applications, but fabrication is challenging. Here the authors report a pressing-and-folding processing of a dielectric with relaxor-like behavior, leading to high energy density in a polymer-based dielectric capacitor.

The Selective Metallization Technique shows promise for roll-to-roll in-line patterning of flexible electronics using evaporated metals, but challenges arise when applied to sputtering functional materials. This study overcomes these challenges with simultaneous sputtering of Bi-Sb-Te and evaporation of metal (Ag or Cu) for thermoelectric layers when using Selective Metallization Technique. Large-scale manufacturing is demonstrated through roll-to-roll processing of a 0.8 m wide polymer web at 25 m/min, achieving high-throughput production of functional thin-film patterns with nanometer thickness. The room-temperature-deposited material system exhibits significantly enhanced thermoelectric performance and facilitates an n-type-to-p-type transition in the Cu- or Ag-containing Bi-Sb-Te-based composite film. Here, we show that while applying Selective Metallization Technique, the evaporation of metal modifies the impact of residual oil on Bi-Sb-Te, which can be effectively removed with a few seconds of plasma exposure, and the fabricated thermoelectric devices are validated in wearable applications utilizing a coiled-up wristband design. The authors explore a lithography-like technique in roll-to-roll processing for high-throughput manufacturing of flexible thin-film micro-patterns. They introduce a sputtering-co-evaporation method that enhances both patterning and performance of Bi-Sb-Te-based thermoelectrics.

There is increasing need for higher performance dielectric polymers for devices in power conversion systems for renewable energy generation and electric vehicles. In particular, materials with higher dielectric permittivity, lower loss and the ability to operate at higher temperatures. We have developed a counter intuitive method to achieve this, the melt blending of multiple immiscible polymers, in an approach that mimics high entropy materials design. We demonstrate that using this approach we can significantly exceed the rule-of-mixtures for the dielectric constant (>250%), whilst surprisingly retaining a low loss tangent. The materials show increased thermal stability up to 150 °C, which opens up the possibility of the wider application of dielectric polymers. We provide a consistent model to describe the behaviour based on the use of polymers with different glass transition temperatures to frustrate the de-blending of the immiscible polymers during melt processing. This produces highly amorphous and disordered polymer blends with increased inter-chain spacing (free volume) and increased rotational freedom of the polar groups in polar nano regions. This approach has wide applicability to other polar polymer blends and is scalable. High performance dielectric polymers are applicable to power conversion systems for renewable energy generation and electric vehicles. Here, the authors report the melt blending of multiple immiscible polymers to achieve high dielectric permittivity while retaining low dielectric loss tangent.

Edible electronics represent a transformative class of sustainable technologies that combine functionality, safety, and environmental transience. Here, a multifunctional, edible, and recyclable sensor film is presented composed of gelatin and activated charcoal—two naturally abundant and food‐safe materials—engineered for high‐precision health and environmental monitoring. These free‐standing composite films exhibit a phase‐separated bilayer structure, enabling the integration of an insulating gelatin top layer with a conductive charcoal‐rich bottom layer. At an optimal filler loading of 10 wt%, the films achieve a tensile strength of 60 MPa and electrical conductivity of 0.04 S m−1, supporting multimodal sensing of strain (gauge factor 3.8, response time 120 ms, stable over 10 000 cycles), humidity (40–95% RH), and temperature (0–90 °C). Demonstrations include real‐time motion tracking, respiration monitoring, speech recognition, and contactless thermal sensing. Uniquely, the films degrade fully in soil within three weeks or can be recycled in water without loss of mechanical or electrical performance. This work advances the design of sustainable materials that combine performance and sustainability, offering a scalable pathway toward circular electronics for a zero‐waste future. An edible and recyclable composite film composed of gelatin and activated charcoal is presented for multifunctional health and environmental monitoring. The edible films exhibit tuneable mechanical and electrical properties, along with multimodal sensing capabilities for strain, humidity, and temperature. The composite film is degradable and recyclable, supporting sustainable material development towards a zero‐waste future.

Flexible phase change composites (FPCCs) have garnered significant attention for their ability to combine high latent heat capacity with mechanical flexibility. This combination enables advanced thermal management in emerging fields such as flexible electronics, soft robotics, and wearable technologies. Traditional phase change materials (PCMs) excel in energy absorption and release. However, their rigidity limits their applicability in the sectors above. Existing reviews largely focus on encapsulation methods and traditional PCM applications, leaving a gap in the literature concerning flexibility enhancement strategies and FPCC‐specific applications. This review seeks to address this gap by presenting a comprehensive timeline of FPCC development, elucidating the principles of latent heat capacity, and systematically reviewing recent advancements in the field. Emphasis is placed on design strategies at both the structural level, such as fiber and foam configurations, and materials level, including physical blending and molecular engineering. Performance comparisons are provided, evaluating FPCCs in terms of both latent heat storage and mechanical flexibility. Furthermore, the review explores diverse applications of FPCCs in thermal energy storage, transfer, conversion, and release, underscoring their potential in cutting‐edge sectors. By highlighting FPCCs' versatility and interdisciplinary applications, this review aims to inspire further research and integration of FPCCs into domains requiring both mechanical flexibility and thermal energy management solutions. This review categorizes strategies for enhancing the flexibility of phase change materials into structural and material designs, focusing on strain and latent heat capacity as key properties. It also examines applications of flexible phase change composites (FPCCs) in thermal energy storage, transfer, conversion, and release. The goal is to inspire future research in emerging fields that demand integrated mechanical flexibility and thermal energy management.

Phase change materials (PCMs) are highly renowned for their substantial latent heat capacity, enabling efficient thermal management in applications such as buildings, wearable devices, and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). However, conventional PCMs suffer from mechanical rigidity, leakage, and low thermal conductivity. In this study, multifunctional, flexible, and leakage‐proof phase change composites (PCCs) are developed to overcome these limitations and enable dual‐mode thermal regulation for all‐climate LIBs. The PCCs provide Joule heating (22.5 °C min−1) under subzero conditions to prevent lithium plating and restore capacity. Simultaneously, they deliver passive cooling to optimise the operating temperature of LIBs, acrosspower output scenarios (2C and 3C). The performance is further supported and validated through COMSOL simulations, which shed light on PCCs’ phase change behaviour, the working temperature, and the heat distribution of LIBs. The integration of carbon nanofillers significantly enhances thermal conductivity by 240% while maintaining structural integrity. Additionally, the PCCs can function as overheating switches and temperature sensors (7.2%/°C at 40–45 °C) through a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. Featuring low thickness (≈550 µm), leakage proof, and mechanical flexibility, these PCCs present a promising solution for advanced thermal management for safer and more efficient LIB operation. This study develops flexible, leakage‐proof phase change composites with dual‐mode thermal management for lithium‐ion batteries. The composites offer Joule heating, passive cooling, and temperature sensing. Simulations validate their performance and provide insights into material optimisation. Combining mechanical flexibility with intelligent thermal management, these materials are well‐suited for next‐generation batteries, flexible electronics, and wearable technologies.

Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) has been successfully esterified by lactic acid (LA) in the presence of HCl catalyst in an aqueous medium using a simple microwave heating process. The degree of substitution (DS) of ester groups on modified NFC (mNFC) was quantified through a systematic characterization consisting of titration, NMR, and XPS, revealing a consistent trend in the levels of DS in mNFC. The reaction parameters of the microwave heating process including the ratio between NFC and LA (1:10), amount of catalyst (5 wt%), energy input and time, have been optimized, achieving a DS of 0.66 in mNFC with a typical power of 800 Watts in 1 min only. The TEM and XRD results confirmed that the structure and characteristics of the nanofibrillated fibers were preserved following the process. Finally, the improved dispersibility of mNFC with high DS in low polarity solvents and polylactic acid (PLA) matrix was validated.

The influence of solid-state drawing on the morphology of melt-spun poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) tapes, and the accompanying changes in mechanical and degradation behaviour have been studied. Mechanical properties are found to be strongly dependent on both applied draw ratio and drawing temperature. Moduli of these highly oriented tapes are significantly increased compared to as-extruded tapes at both ambient and elevated temperatures. Interestingly, drawing leads to a significant increase in elongation to break (~3 times) and toughness (~13 times) compared to as-extruded tapes. Structural and morphological characterization indicates strain-induced crystallization as well as an increase in orientation of the crystalline phase at small strains. Upon further stretching, an “overdrawing” regime is observed, with decreased crystalline orientation due to the breakage of existing crystals. For fixed draw ratios, a significant increase in Young’s modulus and tensile strength is observed with increasing drawing temperature, due to a higher crystallinity and orientation obtained for tapes drawn at higher temperatures. FT-IR results indicate no crystal transformation after drawing, with the α-form being observed in all tapes. Hydrolytic degradability of PLLA was significantly reduced by solid-state drawing.

The leather tanning industry generates a substantial quantity of solid waste, which, in part, is discarded in the environment in landfills or incinerated. One alternative end-of-life solution is to manufacture engineered materials by forming composites with a thermoplastic polymer/binder. In this work, leather fibres (LFs) were melt-compounded into partially bio-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), at leather fibre contents between 10 and 30% (TPU/LF), followed by compression moulding or 3D printing. The results showed that the incorporation of LF into the polymer matrix produced materials with a Young’s modulus comparable to that of leather. The melt extrusion processing influenced the polymer chain orientation and the resulting mechanical performance. The cyclic stress softening and abrasion resistance of the TPU/LF materials were evaluated to understand the potential of this material to be used in the footwear industry. The level of LF incorporation could be tailored to produce the specific targeted mechanical properties. This work demonstrates that LF could be used to produce materials with a high potential to be used in the fashion industry.

Maintaining thermal comfort is vital for human health, productivity and overall well-being. Conventional heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems, while effective, are energy-intensive and poorly tailored to individual physiology. Wearable personalized heating and cooling technologies offer a complementary route by providing targeted, skin-level thermal regulation that can reduce the load on ambient HVAC and enable local comfort control. This review presents a mechanistic and quantitative overview of wearable thermal management (WTM) technologies, organized into active, passive and hybrid systems. Representative active devices based on Joule heating and thermoelectric (TE) modules deliver local skin cooling of approximately 5–11 °C (and up to ∼16 °C in clinical fever scenarios) and heating increases of 10–40 °C above ambient temperature, typically at sub-watt to few-watt power levels. Passive approaches employing bio-based phase change materials (PCMs, latent heat on the order of 100–200 J·g −1 ), insulative aerogels and radiative cooling (RC) textiles achieve 3–10 °C cooling relative to conventional fabrics without external power. Hybrid strategies combine these elements to extend comfort duration and broaden the operating envelope while moderating energy consumption. Furthermore, this review highlights advances in smart materials for WTM, including bio-based and encapsulated PCMs, positive temperature coefficient (PTC) composites for self-regulating heating, high-conductivity graphene and MXene-based films, flexible TE modules and bio-inspired textiles. A particular emphasis is placed on emerging intelligent control paradigms, where physiological sensing, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven comfort models and neuromorphic thermal circuits enable predictive, low-power and user-specific regulation. Applications span medical thermotherapy and fever management, protection in extreme occupational environments, athletic performance and recovery, immersive virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) and everyday comfort. Finally, the review outlines key commercialization pathways and current challenges, including textile-compatible manufacturing (weaving, coating and printing), requirements for breathability, washability and long-term durability, and the need for standardized testing and regulatory frameworks. These perspectives define concrete milestones for translating laboratory prototypes into safe, sustainable and scalable WTM products. Comprehensively reviews active, passive, and hybrid strategies for wearable personalized thermal management. Highlights self-regulating positive temperature coefficient materials and bio-based phase change systems for safe, sustainable heating and cooling. Examines integration of thermoelectric, radiative, and adaptive textile technologies for multifunctional comfort control. Identifies challenges in durability, scalability, and energy efficiency, and outlines future directions toward neuromorphic, intelligent thermal wearables.