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This paper aims to demonstrate that, in line with the emerging trend of multifunctional yarn development, cotton yarn can effectively harness renewable solar energy to achieve photothermal conversion and thermochromism. This innovation not only maintains the comfort associated with natural fiber cotton yarn but also enhances its ultraviolet (UV) light resistance.

In this work, 4% zirconium carbide (ZrC) and thermochromic powder were adhered to cotton yarn through polyurethane (PU) by sizing coating method. After sizing, the two cotton yarns are twisted by ring spinning to obtain composite yarns with photothermal conversion and thermochromic functions.

The yarn obtained by cotton/6%PU/8% thermochromic dye single yarn and cotton/6%PU/4% ZrC single yarn composite is the best match. After 5 min of infrared light, the temperature of the composite yarn rose to the maximum, increasing by 36.1°C. The ΔE* value before and after irradiation of infrared lamp is 26.565, which proves that the thermochromic function is good. The yarn dryness unevenness was significantly reduced by 27.2%. The composite yarn has a UPF value of up to 89.22, and its performance characteristics remain stable after 100 minutes of washing.

The composite yarn’s photothermal conversion and thermochromism functions are mutually reinforcing. Using sunlight can simultaneously achieve heating and discoloration effects without consuming additional energy. The cotton yarn used in this application is versatile, and suitable for a wide range of uses including clothing, temperature visualization detection and other scenarios.