Influence of smart textiles on the thermal protection performance of firefighters' clothing: a review

Innovation in firefighters' clothing relies on the development of new materials. Smart textiles amend personal thermal management functions by sensing and responding to external stimuli. To clarify the effects of smart textiles on the thermal protection performance of firefighters' clothing, we investigated their application in the firefighting field. Here, the preparation and integration of smart textiles with firefighters' clothing are introduced. Active cooling and thermal-responsive textiles are the primary types of smart textiles applied in firefighting. The combination of these textiles with firefighters' clothing is influenced by their material characteristics, and the textile position can determine their effect on thermal protection performance (i.e., by regulating fabric temperature and air gaps). Furthermore, our analysis determined that existing methods for evaluating the performance of thermal protective fabrics and clothing with smart textiles should be reconsidered. This review suggests future directions for enhancing the comfort and safety of smart textiles in firefighters' clothing.