A 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric and its production process

Abstract

The present invention discloses a 3D printing aerogel three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric and its production process. The fabric includes: a first support layer, a second support layer, a third support layer, and a raw material layer. The raw material layer is in a sheet structure. The first support layer, the second support layer, and the third support layer are made of polyester material. The raw material layer covers the surfaces of the first support layer and the second support layer. The inner layers of the first support layer and the second support layer are respectively bonded and connected to each other. The third support layer is stretched and arranged in the gap between the first support layer and the second support layer. The connecting parts of the first support layer, the second support layer, and the raw material layer are in an arc shape. Compared with the prior art, the present invention solves the problem that the fabric can still achieve an expansion effect after destructive water washing by adding a new structure in the middle of the support layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fabrics, and specifically to a 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermo-expansion and contraction fabric and its production process. Background Art

[0002] Currently, there is a fabric on the market that can achieve thermo-expansion and contraction. At room temperature, it can ensure flatness, just like an ordinary piece of clothing. However, when it is cooled, it will shrink, and the fabric will arch after shrinking, making the clothing fluffy, thus forming a large amount of space inside the fabric to play a role in keeping warm. However, its production process is made by hand through yarns, which results in its inability to be mass-produced.

[0003] The current solution is to use 3D printed fabric technology. Referring to the invention patent CN202210189747.0, aerogel is made into aerogel mixed capsules, and through the characteristics of aerogel, the fabric forms a thermo-expansion and contraction phenomenon to achieve intelligent heat preservation.

[0004] However, in the case of destructive washing, obvious adhesion can be found inside the fabric, resulting in difficulty in drying the moisture. And if ironing is not carried out under low temperature and light pressure, it is very difficult to restore the expansion elasticity.

[0005] Therefore, a series of improvements have been made to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermo-expansion and contraction fabric and its production process to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks and deficiencies existing in the prior art.

[0007] A 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermo-expansion and contraction fabric includes: a first support layer, a second support layer, a third support layer, and a raw material layer. The raw material layer is in a sheet structure. The first support layer, the second support layer, and the third support layer are made of polyester material. The raw material layer covers the surfaces of the first support layer and the second support layer. The inner layers of the first support layer and the second support layer are respectively bonded and connected to each other. The third support layer is stretched and arranged in the gap between the first support layer and the second support layer. The connection parts of the first support layer, the second support layer, and the raw material layer are in an arc shape;

[0008] The raw material layer includes: a surface fabric layer, a TPU layer, aerogel mixed capsules, and a TPU film layer. The TPU layer is provided on the surface fabric layer. The aerogel mixed capsules are provided on the TPU layer. The TPU film layer is provided on the aerogel mixed capsules. The TPU film layer is sequentially arranged on the TPU layer and the surface fabric layer;

[0009] Among them, the aerogel mixed capsules include: a foaming layer and an aerogel layer. The foaming layer is in a capsule structure, and the aerogel layer is provided inside the foaming layer.

[0010] Furthermore, the foaming layer is foamed polyurethane, the weight ratio of the aerogel layer in the aerogel mixed capsule is 7%, the heat shrinkage ratio of the aerogel mixed capsule is 15%, the thicknesses of the first support layer, the second support layer and the third support layer are 0.2 - 0.3 mm, and there is no radial shrinkage force in the third support layer.

[0011] A production process of a 3D printed aerogel three - layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric includes:

[0012] Step 1: Print a TPU layer on the surface fabric layer, and the TPU layer is a hot - melt material;

[0013] Step 2: On the material of Step 1, 3D print and stack a foaming layer above the TPU layer;

[0014] Step 3: On the material of Step 2, 3D print an aerogel layer above the foaming layer;

[0015] Step 4: Feed the material of Step 3 into a high - temperature heating box, heat it up to 180 °C, foam the foaming layer to form a capsule structure, and the foaming layer wraps the aerogel layer to form an aerogel mixed capsule;

[0016] Step 5: On the material of Step 4, attach a TPU film layer above the aerogel mixed capsule;

[0017] Step 6: On the material of Step 5, print a TPU layer on the TPU film layer;

[0018] Step 7: On the material of Step 6, print the surface fabric layer on the TPU layer;

[0019] Step 8: Transport the material of Step 7 to a high - temperature oven and perform upper and lower pressing. The oven temperature is set at 200 °C to generate a sheet - shaped raw material layer;

[0020] Step 9: Lay the raw material layer of Step 8 flat on the surfaces of the first support layer and the second support layer in sequence;

[0021] Step 10: Horizontally stretch the third support layer at a high temperature of 180 °C;

[0022] Step 11: Insert the third support layer into the gap between the first support layer and the second support layer, the inner layers of the first support layer and the second support layer are adhered, and then sew the first support layer, the second support layer and the third support layer along the gaps between the raw material layers;

[0023] Step 12: Put the fabric of Step 11 into water and then heat it at a high temperature of 180 °C to make the third support layer shrink thermally.

[0024] Further, in step 2, the printing stack of the foaming layer is placed using a dot printing technique, which drops the liquefied foaming layer onto the material in step 1 to form a dot matrix structure.

[0025] Advantages of the present invention:

[0026] Compared with the prior art, by adding a new structure in the middle of the support layer, the present invention solves the problem that the fabric can still achieve the expansion effect after destructive water washing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the raw material layer of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 3 It is an exploded structural diagram of the raw material layer of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals:

[0031] The first support layer 1, the second support layer 2, the third support layer 3 and the raw material layer 4.

[0032] The surface fabric layer 100, the TPU layer 200, the aerogel hybrid capsule 300, the foaming layer 310, the aerogel layer 320 and the TPU film layer 400. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The following further describes the present invention with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and not to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0034] Embodiment 1

[0035] Figure 1 It is a structural diagram of the present invention. Figure 2 It is a structural diagram of the raw material layer of the present invention. Figure 3 It is an exploded structural diagram of the raw material layer of the present invention.

[0036] As Figure 1 shown, a 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermo-expansion and cold-contraction fabric includes: a first support layer 1, a second support layer 2, a third support layer 3 and a raw material layer 4. The raw material layer 4 is a sheet structure. The first support layer 1, the second support layer 2, and the third support layer 3 are made of polyester material. The raw material layer 4 covers the surfaces of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2. The inner layers of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 are respectively connected to each other. The third support layer 3 is stretched and arranged in the gap between the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2. The connection parts of the first support layer 1, the second support layer 2 and the raw material layer 4 are in an arc shape;

[0037] As Figure 2As shown in the figure, the raw material layer 4 includes: a surface fabric layer 100, a TPU layer 200, an aerogel mixed capsule 300, and a TPU film layer 400. The TPU layer 200 is provided on the surface fabric layer 100, the aerogel mixed capsule 300 is provided on the TPU layer 200, the TPU film layer 400 is provided on the aerogel mixed capsule 300, and the TPU layer 200 and the surface fabric layer 100 are successively provided on the TPU film layer 400;

[0038] As Figure 3 shown in the figure, among them, the aerogel mixed capsule 300 includes: a foaming layer 310 and an aerogel layer 320. The foaming layer 310 is a capsule structure, and the aerogel layer 320 is provided inside the foaming layer 310.

[0039] The foaming layer 310 is made of foamed polyurethane. The weight ratio of the aerogel layer 320 in the aerogel mixed capsule 300 is 7%, the heat shrinkage ratio of the aerogel mixed capsule 300 is 15%, and the thicknesses of the first support layer 1, the second support layer 2, and the third support layer 3 are 0.2 - 0.3 mm, and the third support layer 3 has no radial shrinkage force.

[0040] A production process of a 3D printed aerogel three - layer thermally expanding and contracting fabric includes:

[0041] Step 1: Print the TPU layer 200 on the surface fabric layer 100. The TPU layer 200 is a hot - melt material;

[0042] Step 2: On the material of Step 1, 3D print and stack the foaming layer 310 above the TPU layer 200;

[0043] Step 3: On the material of Step 2, 3D print the aerogel layer 320 above the foaming layer 310;

[0044] Step 4: Send the material of Step 3 into a high - temperature heating box, raise the temperature to 180 °C, and foam the foaming layer 310 to form a capsule structure. The foaming layer 310 wraps the aerogel layer 320 to form the aerogel mixed capsule 300;

[0045] Step 5: On the material of Step 4, attach a TPU film layer 400 above the aerogel mixed capsule 300;

[0046] Step 6: On the material of Step 5, print the TPU layer 200 on the TPU film layer 400;

[0047] Step 7: On the material of Step 6, print the surface fabric layer 100 on the TPU layer 200;

[0048] Step 8: Transport the material of Step 7 to a high - temperature oven and perform upper and lower pressing. The oven temperature is set at 200 °C to generate the sheet - shaped raw material layer 4;

[0049] Step 9: Lay the raw material layer 4 obtained in Step 8 flat on the surfaces of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 in sequence;

[0050] Step 10: Horizontally stretch the third support layer 3 at a high temperature of 180°C;

[0051] Step 11: Insert the third support layer 3 into the gap between the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2. The inner layers of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 are adhered, and then sew the first support layer 1, the second support layer 2 and the third support layer 3 along the gaps between the raw material layers 4;

[0052] Step 12: Put the fabric obtained in Step 11 into water and then heat it at a high temperature of 180°C to cause heat shrinkage of the third support layer 3.

[0053] In Step 2, the printed stack of the foaming layer 310 is placed using a dot printing technique. The dot printing technique is to drop the liquefied foaming layer 310 on the material in Step 1 to form a dot matrix structure.

[0054] Compared with the traditional technology, the present invention uses a new 3D printing additive manufacturing technology to make the aerogel into an aerogel hybrid capsule. Through the characteristics of the aerogel, the fabric forms a phenomenon of thermal expansion and contraction. At normal temperature, it is in a flat state, but once the temperature drops, the fabric will bulge as a whole after being subjected to the contraction force and become fluffy to resist the cold, realizing intelligent heat preservation. For the specific principle, when the fabric of the present invention encounters cold air outside, at the bottom of the fabric complex, that is, the aerogel layer 320 part, since the foaming layer 310 is a capsule structure, the inside is a 90% hollow structure filled with air. When the gas is cooled, its volume shrinks sharply, causing the contraction of the aerogel layer 320, resulting in the phenomenon that the fabric complex curls when encountering cold and forming an arched posture. This is the principle of the raw material layer 4. Utilize this phenomenon of the raw material layer 4 to realize the subsequent intelligent change of the fabric. After the raw material layer 4 is completed, the raw material layer 4 cannot become a fabric independently because without support, the aerogel hybrid capsule 300 will curl infinitely and form a semi-circular structure. Therefore, the present invention also designs a support fabric.

[0055] In the present invention, the raw material layer 4 is laid flat on the surfaces of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 in sequence. The inner layers of the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 are bonded together, and then the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2 are stitched along the gaps between the raw material layers 4. During use, when the raw material layer 4 arches, it will only lift the support layers that are stitched and bonded to it, and the support points are at the two ends of the raw material layer 4 that are not bonded to the support layer. Therefore, the force is more evenly distributed, and the raw material layer 4 is laid flat more continuously. As a result, a support layer with a thickness of only 0.2 mm can meet the requirements. Both the hardness and the weight are significantly reduced compared with the original technology. At the same time, because it is continuously laid flat, patterns can be printed, so that the fabric can be used on the surface of clothing.

[0056] The above structures are all based on the ability of the aerogel hybrid capsule 300 to achieve a contraction force and form an expansion. The reasons for this include the following: First, the material of the aerogel layer 320 is aerogel, which is a composition of silica and air. Its characteristic is that it contains 99.8% air, so it is very light. In the aerogel hybrid capsule 300, we have added aerogel with a weight ratio of 7%. The coefficient ratio of the weight and volume of aerogel is 1:13, so the volume ratio of aerogel is 91%. Therefore, it can be concluded that the aerogel hybrid capsule 300 contains at least 90% air. As is well known, air is the most sensitive to temperature. Because of such a composition, the thermal shrinkage ratio of the present invention reaches 15%. Only by achieving such a thermal shrinkage ratio can there be sufficient sensitivity in a real environment to release the contraction force after the temperature changes.

[0057] During the production process, to achieve the above structure, it is necessary to fabricate the aerogel hybrid capsule 300. Since aerogel is almost all air, it is very easy to escape, so it needs to be fixed. In the present invention, the aerogel is fixed in the aerogel hybrid capsule 300 by the foaming layer 310. First, it is necessary to use 3D printing lamination technology to drop the liquid foaming layer 310 on the fabric like a dot matrix, and then place the aerogel layer 320 on the foaming layer 310. Then it is sent into a high-temperature heating box and heated to 180 °C to foam the foaming layer 310 to form a capsule structure. The foaming layer 310 wraps the aerogel layer 320 to form the aerogel hybrid capsule 300. In this process, the foaming layer 310 will pierce through the aerogel layer 320 to form a capsule structure. At the same time, after piercing through, the aerogel layer 320 will spread into the capsule structure to form the aerogel hybrid capsule 300.

[0058] The above are the basic properties of the present invention, which belong to the publicly disclosed technology. As mentioned in the background art, after the thermal expansion and contraction material based on the above technology undergoes destructive water washing, there is obvious adhesion inside, resulting in difficulty in drying the moisture. The so-called destructive water washing means at least a full immersion method. If not kneaded, due to the strong external force acting on the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2, the two will adhere to each other, and since the seals at both ends are also bonded, ordinary drying cannot effectively remove the water vapor. It will only recover to its original 100% performance after low-temperature light-pressure ironing.

[0059] The present invention adds a third support layer 3. First of all, the function of the third support layer 3 is to make the structure composed of the first support layer 1, the second support layer 2, and the raw material layer 4 thereon form a slight arch after being squeezed. In this way, even during water washing, this physical effect can still maintain sufficient air circulation, ensuring that the moisture can be evaporated, thereby avoiding the problem of adhesion.

[0060] The principle is that when the third support layer 3 is sewn between the first support layer 1 and the second support layer 2, it is pre-treated. In step 10, the third support layer 3 is transversely stretched at a high temperature of 180°C and then shaped to form a pseudo-stretch. And since there is no radial contraction force in the third support layer 3, only the transverse part realizes the pseudo-stretch. After the sewing is completed, the fabric as a whole is finished. The final process is step 12, where the fabric is put into water and then heated at a high temperature of 180°C to make the third support layer 3 shrink thermally. Since it is a pseudo-stretch, only a combination of water vapor and high temperature is required for the third support layer 3 to return to its initial state. And because it is sewn in a pseudo-stretched environment, it will provide a certain force during contraction, making the connection part of the first support layer 1, the second support layer 2, and the raw material layer 4 form an arched circular shape.

[0061] Compared with the prior art, the present invention solves the problem that the fabric can still achieve an expansion effect after destructive water washing by adding a new structure in the middle of the support layer.

[0062] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As long as it does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention, the present invention can have various changes.

Claims

1. A 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric, characterized in that, Comprising: A first support layer (1), a second support layer (2), a third support layer (3), and a raw material layer (4). The raw material layer (4) is in a sheet structure. The first support layer (1), the second support layer (2), and the third support layer (3) are made of polyester material. The raw material layer (4) covers the surfaces of the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2). The inner layers of the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2) are respectively bonded and connected to each other. The third support layer (3) is stretched and arranged in the gap between the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2). The connecting parts of the first support layer (1), the second support layer (2), and the raw material layer (4) are in an arc shape; The raw material layer (4) comprises: a surface fabric layer (100), a TPU layer (200), an aerogel mixed capsule (300), and a TPU film layer (400). The TPU layer (200) is provided on the surface fabric layer (100). The aerogel mixed capsule (300) is provided on the TPU layer (200). The TPU film layer (400) is provided on the aerogel mixed capsule (300). The TPU layer (200) and the surface fabric layer (100) are sequentially provided on the TPU film layer (400); Among them, the aerogel mixed capsule (300) comprises: a foaming layer (310) and an aerogel layer (320). The foaming layer (310) is in a capsule structure, and the aerogel layer (320) is provided inside the foaming layer (310).

2. The three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric made of 3D printed aerogel according to claim 1, wherein The foaming layer (310) is made of foamed polyurethane. The weight ratio of the aerogel layer (320) in the aerogel mixed capsule (300) is 7%. The heat shrinkage ratio of the aerogel mixed capsule (300) is 15%. The thickness of the first support layer (1), the second support layer (2), and the third support layer (3) is 0.2 - 0.3 mm, and the third support layer (3) has no radial shrinkage force.

3. A production process of a 3D printed aerogel three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric, characterized in that, Comprising: Step 1: Print the TPU layer (200) on the surface fabric layer (100). The TPU layer (200) is a hot-melt material; Step 2: On the material of Step 1, 3D print and stack the foaming layer (310) above the TPU layer (200); Step 3: On the material of Step 2, 3D print the aerogel layer (320) above the foaming layer (310); Step 4: Send the material of Step 3 into a high-temperature heating box, raise the temperature to 180 °C, and foam the foaming layer (310) to form a capsule structure. The foaming layer (310) wraps the aerogel layer (320) to form an aerogel mixed capsule (300); Step 5: On the material of Step 4, bond a TPU film layer (400) above the aerogel mixed capsule (300); Step 6: On the material of Step 5, print the TPU layer (200) on the TPU film layer (400); Step 7: On the material of Step 6, print the surface fabric layer (100) on the TPU layer (200); Step 8: Transport the material of Step 7 to a high-temperature oven and perform upper and lower pressing. The oven temperature is set at 200 °C to generate a sheet-shaped raw material layer (4); Step 9: Lay the raw material layer (4) from Step 8 flat on the surfaces of the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2) in sequence; Step 10: Horizontally stretch the third support layer (3) at a high temperature of 180°C; Step 11: Insert the third support layer (3) into the gap between the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2). The inner layers of the first support layer (1) and the second support layer (2) are adhered together, and then sew the first support layer (1), the second support layer (2), and the third support layer (3) along the gaps between the raw material layers (4); Step 12: Put the fabric from Step 11 into water and then heat it at a high temperature of 180°C to cause heat shrinkage of the third support layer (3).

4. The production process of a 3D printing aerogel three-layer thermally expandable and contractible fabric according to claim 3, characterized in that, In Step 2, the printing stack of the foaming layer (310) is placed using a dot printing technique. The dot printing technique is to drop the liquefied foaming layer (310) onto the material in Step 1 to form a dot matrix structure.

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