Design and Performance Evaluation of a Tricolor Thermochromic Fabric for Automotive Steering Wheel Covers 


Vol. 26,  No. 11, pp. 4879-4891, Nov.  2025
10.1007/s12221-025-01142-5


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  Abstract

This study developed a kind of thermochromic fabric cover for automotive steering with better functionality and aesthetic appeal. The fabric was prepared using 100% polyester chenille yarns (29 tex) with the function of reversible tricolor transitions, and knitted on a double-sided jacquard circular weft knitting machine. The fabric pattern was designed using the iTDS3.0 textile AI design system from Jiangnan University, in which a maple leaf was created using the chenille yarn while the rest areas were incorporated with 33 tex polyester yarns. Various texture designs were employed to achieve unique textures and structures. Microscopic analysis revealed that the thermochromic powder adheres irregularly among the fibers of the chenille yarn, forming a strong bond. The mechanical properties of the yarn and fabric remained stable before and after the color change, with tensile and elongation characteristics suitable for everyday use. Fabric contact angle results showed differences in wettability between thermochromic and non-thermochromic yarns. The testing of color fastness to rubbing showed good performance in both color-changing and non-color-changing areas. Air permeability tests highlighted that the air layer structure in color-changing regions enhances breathability. Spectrophotometer results and visual demonstrations clearly illustrated the fabric’s color transition behavior in response to temperature variations. The final product exhibits smooth and natural color shifts across different temperatures, effectively demonstrating the application potential of thermochromic yarn in automotive interiors. This research provides innovative insights and practical examples for the intelligent and personalized development of automotive textiles, highlighting significant potential for future applications in this field.

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  Cite this article

[IEEE Style]

L. Guo, A. Zamir, H. Zhuang, L. Zhang, R. Zhao, X. Xiao, "Design and Performance Evaluation of a Tricolor Thermochromic Fabric for Automotive Steering Wheel Covers," Fibers and Polymers, vol. 26, no. 11, pp. 4879-4891, 2025. DOI: 10.1007/s12221-025-01142-5.

[ACM Style]

Lichang Guo, Ahmed Zamir, Huangming Zhuang, Lichao Zhang, Rongxuan Zhao, and Xueliang Xiao. 2025. Design and Performance Evaluation of a Tricolor Thermochromic Fabric for Automotive Steering Wheel Covers. Fibers and Polymers, 26, 11, (2025), 4879-4891. DOI: 10.1007/s12221-025-01142-5.

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