Multicomponent fiber comprising a phase change material

Abstract

The present invention is a multicomponent fiber comprising a temperature-regulating inner fiber component encapsulated by an outer fiber component. The invention further provides methods of preparing the inventive multicomponent fiber and methods of preparing a temperature-regulating fiber component incorporating at least one phase change material.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 717,225, filed Sep. 15, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention is related to multicomponent fibers. In particular, the invention is related to multicomponent fibers comprising at least one temperature-regulating inner fiber component and an outer fiber component encapsulating the temperature-regulating inner fiber component. BACKGROUND [0003] Fibers formed of synthetic polymers have long been recognized as useful in the production of textile articles. Such fibers can be used in diverse applications, such as apparel, disposable personal care products, filtration media, and carpet. Compositions useful in forming fibers with improved thermal capacity have also been sought. [0004] Phase change materials have been used in a variety of applications. They have been included in wall and floor bo...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] According to another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of preparing a multicomponent fiber. In one embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: providing at least one temperature-regulating inner fiber component; providing an outer fiber component; introducing the fiber components to a fiber extrusion apparatus including a spinneret; and extruding the fiber components so as to form a multicomponent fiber wherein the outer fiber component is encapsulating the inner fiber component. Preferentially, the outer fiber component is introduced to the spinneret prior to introducing the inner fiber component to the spinneret such that that the inner fiber component is prevented from contacting an ambient atmosphere.

Problems solved by technology

Such pouches are bulky and only provide a benefit to those areas of the article of clothing in which the pouch is used.

The shape of such pouches also makes it difficult to secure them throughout a garment.

It is more problematic, though, to incorporate phase change materials into meltspun synthetic fibers, since high levels of volatile material typically are not present or desired in the melt spinning process.

Furthermore, as phase change materials often exhibit a phase change at around ambient temperature, fibers directly incorporating such phase change materials have a tendency to ooze (i.e., leach out of the fibers), thereby making the fibers undesirable to the touch.

Such attempts generally led to inadequate dispersion of the microcapsules within the fibers, poor fiber properties, and poor processability unless low concentrations of the microcapsules were used.

However, with low concentrations of the microcapsules, the desired enhanced reversible thermal properties normally associated with the use of phase change materials are difficult to realize.

Furthermore, microcapsules do not have the structural integrity to withstand the force exerted on the microcapsule when the encapsulated phase change material is extruded to form fibers.

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