Lab Electrospinning System| Electrostatic Flocking: Reborn to Embrace MultifunctionalApplications

Article Introduction

As a traditional textile technology, electrostatic flocking has gained increasing attention for diverse functional applications in recent years due to its unique capability to easily construct vertical array structures, including flexible sensing, solar desalination, tissue engineering, radiative cooling, 3D electrodes, and thermal management materials. However, comprehensive reviews systematically summarizing this technology remain scarce. This article first elaborates on its fundamental principles, then summarizes its advantages and applications, and finally provides in-depth discussions on current challenges and future prospects. The review, titled "Electrostatic Flocking: Reborn to Embrace Multi-functional Applications," was published in *Small Structures*, with Shen Meng (Soochow University) as the first author, and Professor Cheng Si, Associate Professor Qin Chuanxiang (Soochow University), and Researcher Zhang Hang (Aalto University) as corresponding authors. 

Graphical Guide  

The review comprises five chapters:  

1. Background  

2. Principles of electrostatic flocking  

3. Advantages  

4. Applications  

5. Conclusions and outlook  

Chapter 1 introduces the background. Originating in China around 1000 BC, early flocking techniques attached short fibers to substrates manually or via gravity, resulting in disordered fiber alignment. Modern methods employ electric fields for precise control. Widely used in automotive interiors and textile decoration, post-2010 research shifted from decorative to functional innovations, warranting further exploration.  

Chapter 2 elucidates the principles through composition and mechanism:  

- Components: Flocking fibers, adhesive, and substrate.  

- Mechanism: Fibers charged at the anode move vertically along electric field lines to the adhesive-coated substrate, forming aligned arrays. Three methods exist: rising (Fig. 1a), falling (Fig. 1b), and lateral (Fig. 1c), with the first two being common and the latter used for models.  

Fig. 1: Principles  

Chapter 3 details six advantages (Fig. 2):  

1. Enhanced micro-force sensitivity: Fibers deflect significantly under minimal force, akin to spider sensory hairs.  

2. Porous structure and large surface area: Vertical fibers overcome 2D material limitations.  

3. Improved light absorption: Vertical alignment promotes internal reflection.  

4. Increased surface roughness: Fibers create textured, velvet-like surfaces.  

5. Anisotropic properties: Enables tailored electrical/thermal/wetting behaviors.  

6. Mechanical reinforcement: Direct flocking or composite integration enhances strength.  

Fig. 2: Advantages  

Chapter 4 explores applications (Figs. 3–7):  

1. Sensors: For airflow, pressure, and self-powered detection.  

2. Tissue scaffolds: Balances porosity and mechanical strength.  

3. Drag reduction: Superhydrophobic surfaces for shipping.  

4. Solar evaporators: Photothermal conversion boosts efficiency.  

5. 3D electrodes: Leverages porosity and conductivity.  

6. Thermal interfaces: High conductivity with low filler content.  

7. Others: Biofouling prevention, biomimetics, oil cleanup, radiative cooling.  

Fig. 3: Sensors  

Fig. 4: Tissue scaffolds  

Fig. 5: Drag reduction & solar evaporators 

Fig. 6: 3D electrodes  

Fig. 7: Thermal interfaces & other applications 

Chapter 5 addresses challenges and future directions:  

- Challenges: Adhesion dependency on binders; alignment precision inferior to 3D printing.  

- Future:  

  1. New materials: Light/heat-responsive fibers or metal nanorods.  

  2. New structures: Curved, patterned, or conjugate designs.  

  3. New applications: Biomimetics (e.g., dandelion microfliers, butterfly structural colors, intestinal villi sensors).  

Fig. 8: Future prospects

Paper link: [https://doi.org/10.1002/sstr.202500143](https://doi.org/10.1002/sstr.202500143)