Intrinsic photothermal performance and flexibility of polyurethane phase change materials via π-π conjugation for personal thermal management in outdoor cold environments

Key Points

• Photothermal performance improves with π-π conjugation, enhancing material functionality in cold environments.
• A significant increase in thermal management efficiency is observed, reaching a notable performance enhancement.
• Analysis employs experimental characterization of polyurethane phase change materials across various temperatures and conditions.
• The findings highlight the potential for these materials in personal thermal management applications, particularly in outdoor settings.