Intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber and method for producing the same
By using a composite structure design of the inner core layer and the temperature-regulating layer, the problem of poor compatibility between phase change materials and polymers is solved, realizing an intelligent temperature-regulating fiber that balances efficient temperature control and mechanical strength, and possesses antibacterial and UV-resistant properties.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QINGDAO HUILICHENG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, problems such as poor compatibility between phase change materials and polymers, melt viscosity imbalance, and interface slippage make spinning difficult. Furthermore, high content of phase change materials leads to a decrease in fiber mechanical strength, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-performance thermal management.
The fiber adopts a composite structure of inner core layer, temperature regulation layer and outer skin layer. The inner core layer bears the main mechanical load, the temperature regulation layer is distributed with PCM phase change nanocapsules, and the fiber is formed by a three-layer or five-layer composite structure through a coaxial spinneret. The distribution density of PCM phase change nanocapsules is gradually reduced in the temperature regulation layer, and zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and barium sulfate are added to enhance antibacterial and anti-ultraviolet properties.
While ensuring the mechanical strength of the fiber, it significantly improves the heat storage/heat release enthalpy, prevents fiber breakage, achieves more efficient temperature control and antibacterial function, and adapts to solar radiation environment.
Smart Images
Figure CN122105675A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of textile fibers, and in particular to intelligent temperature-regulating composite fibers. Background Technology
[0002] Thermochromic materials are a class of functional materials that can reversibly change their color, transparency, or optical properties with temperature changes. Common examples include thermochromic pigments, liquid crystals, phase change thermochromic materials, and fluorescent thermochromic materials. They can respond through molecular structure phase changes, electronic energy level changes, or phase change media encapsulated in microcapsules. They are characterized by fast response, good reversibility, and adjustable temperature range. They are widely used in anti-counterfeiting labels, smart clothing, temperature indicators, safety warnings, textile fabrics, and daily consumer goods. They are an important basic material for realizing visualized temperature sensing and intelligent functionality.
[0003] The core of smart temperature-regulating fibers is to encapsulate paraffin-based PCM in polymer microcapsules of 1–10 micrometers, and then embed them into fibers or fabrics through spinning or finishing processes to achieve bidirectional temperature regulation. This technology has been widely used in outdoor clothing, underwear, bedding and other fields to help maintain the thermal comfort of the human body's microenvironment.
[0004] Patent document CN103451756A discloses a method for preparing phase change fibers. This patent obtains phase change fibers by spinning energy storage phase change materials and polymer solutions together. The amount of microcapsule phase change materials added to the phase change fibers is 5-10%, which limits the heat storage capacity. When traditional processes attempt to increase the content of phase change materials, problems such as poor compatibility between phase change materials and polymers, melt viscosity imbalance, and interface slippage often lead to fiber breakage, fuzzy fibers, or uneven distribution, making spinning difficult.
[0005] Patent document CN117604678A discloses a core-sheath composite phase change fiber, its preparation method, and its application. This patent adopts a core-sheath structure design, with phase change material as the main component of the core layer. Although it effectively increases the loading content of PCM phase change nanocapsules, the mechanical strength of the fiber is significantly reduced due to the core layer material being mainly phase change material, resulting in a significant decrease in the overall mechanical strength of the fiber. Therefore, the amount of PCM phase change nanocapsules added is still limited, and the trade-off between mechanical properties and heat storage capacity has not been effectively resolved, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high-performance thermal management. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems in the prior art by proposing an intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber and its preparation method, which can solve the above problems.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber, comprising an inner core layer, a temperature-regulating layer on the outside of the inner core layer, an outer skin layer on the outside of the temperature-regulating layer, and PCM phase change nanocapsules distributed in the temperature-regulating layer.
[0008] Preferably, the inner core layer has a mass content of 25%-45%; the temperature regulating layer has a mass content of 35%-50%; the outer skin layer has a mass content of 10%-20%; and the temperature regulating layer contains 20wt% to 45wt% of PCM phase change nanocapsules.
[0009] Preferably, the temperature-regulating layer contains 0.5 wt% zinc oxide, 3 wt% titanium dioxide, and 1.5 wt% barium sulfate. The zinc oxide has a particle size of 100 nanometers, the titanium dioxide has a particle size of 200 nanometers, and the barium sulfate has a particle size of 1 micrometer.
[0010] Preferably, the distribution density of the PCM phase change nanocapsules in the temperature-regulating layer gradually decreases along the direction away from the inner core layer.
[0011] Preferably, the temperature-regulating layer includes a first temperature-changing layer, a second temperature-changing layer, and a third temperature-changing layer arranged from the inside out.
[0012] Preferably, the temperature-regulating layer includes a first temperature-changing layer and a second temperature-changing layer arranged from the inside out, with a middle insulating layer between the first temperature-changing layer and the second temperature-changing layer.
[0013] Preferably, the temperature-regulating layer is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA, EVA and PET, the inner core layer is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA and PET, and the outer skin layer is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA and PET.
[0014] This invention proposes a method for preparing high-strength and tough phase change nanocapsule temperature-regulating fibers, comprising the following steps: S1. Raw material preparation: PCM phase change nanocapsules are dry-mixed with polymers according to a certain ratio, and then melt-blended and granulated using a twin-screw extruder to obtain a thermochromic layer material with a specified content. S2, Melt Plasticization: The coaxial spinneret has a central flow channel, an intermediate flow channel, and an outer flow channel from the inside out. The material of the inner core layer is melted and injected into the central flow channel, the material of the thermochromic layer is melted and injected into the intermediate flow channel, and the material of the outer skin layer is melted and injected into the outer flow channel. S3, spinning and forming: The melt in the central flow channel, intermediate flow channel and outer flow channel is co-extruded simultaneously by a coaxial spinneret to form a nascent fiber with a three-layer composite structure. S4. Cooling and solidification: The nascent fibers are rapidly cooled in a gradient, causing them to solidify radially from the outside to the inside. This freezes and fixes the axially dynamically controlled compositional changes radially, forming a continuous and gradual PCM concentration gradient from the inside to the outside in the intermediate layer. S5, winding and collecting: The cooled and shaped composite fibers are drawn, wound, and collected to obtain intelligent temperature-regulating composite fibers.
[0015] Preferably, in step S2, the PCM phase change nanocapsules contain 0-25 wt% thermochromic layer material as component A, and 40 wt%-70 wt% PCM phase change nanocapsules thermochromic layer material as component B. Components A and B are injected into a two-component screw conveyor as raw materials. The control system continuously adjusts the output flow ratio of the two-component screw conveyor in real time, so that the mixing ratio of component A and component B changes dynamically over time. The melts of component A and component B are output independently from the screw conveyor, and the two melts are conveyed to the static mixing chamber. The outlet of the mixing chamber is equipped with a gradient distribution channel to guide the melt to the symmetrical lateral inlet of the intermediate layer flow channel according to a predetermined ratio. The joint and the spinneret are connected by a flange-type threaded connection, and an annular slit flow channel is built in. Component B is injected from the near-core side inlet, and component A is injected from the near-outer side inlet, forming a concentration gradient.
[0016] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This invention adds an inner core layer to the center of the temperature-regulating layer. The inner core layer bears the main mechanical load of the fiber. While ensuring that the fiber meets the mechanical properties required for textile processing and wear, the content of the outer skin layer can be reduced and the content of the temperature-regulating layer can be significantly increased. This effectively improves the heat storage / heat release enthalpy of the fiber. Under the same mass or volume, the temperature regulation capacity of the fabric is significantly improved, and more efficient temperature buffering and regulation can be achieved. This invention enhances fiber strength through an inner core layer and an outer skin layer. Even if there are microcapsule aggregations or micropore defects in the thermochromic layer, the inner core can still maintain structural continuity, thereby effectively preventing fiber breakage and instability. This invention adds zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and barium sulfate to the thermochromic layer, giving the fiber antibacterial properties, enhancing the fiber's UV resistance in a solar-exposed environment, and minimizing the temperature generated by solar radiation to improve the fiber's temperature-regulating function.
[0017] The features and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail through embodiments and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 These are schematic diagrams of embodiments 1 to 3 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 4 of the present invention; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 5 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 6 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the three-channel coaxial spinneret of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the five-channel coaxial spinneret of the present invention; Figure 7 This is the DSC thermal analysis curve of Example 1; Figure 8 This is a data analysis chart of the fabric cooling in Example 1; Figure 9 This is a data analysis chart of the fabric temperature rise in Example 1; Figure 10 This is a graph showing the DSC test results of Example 2; Figure 11 This is a graph showing the DSC test results of Example 3; Figure 12 This is a graph showing the results of a comparative DSC test.
[0019] In the diagram: 1. Inner core layer; 2. Temperature regulating layer; 3. Outer skin layer; 21. First thermochromic layer; 22. Second thermochromic layer; 23. Third thermochromic layer; 24. Middle isolation layer; 31. Central flow channel; 32. Middle layer flow channel; 33. Outer layer flow channel; 51. Inner middle layer flow channel; 52. Middle middle layer flow channel; 53. Outer middle layer flow channel. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Example 1 See Figure 1 A smart temperature-regulating composite fiber includes an inner core layer 1, a temperature-regulating layer 2 on the outside of the inner core layer 1, and an outer skin layer 3 on the outside of the temperature-regulating layer 2. PCM phase change nanocapsules are distributed in the temperature-regulating layer 2. The materials of the inner core layer 1 and the outer skin layer 3 are PA, and the base material of the temperature-regulating layer 2 is PE.
[0021] The inner core layer has a mass content of 25%-45%; the temperature regulating layer has a mass content of 35%-50%; the outer skin layer has a mass content of 10%-20%; and the temperature regulating layer contains 20wt% to 45wt% of PCM phase change nanocapsules.
[0022] The inner core layer 1 has a mass content of 30%; the temperature regulating layer 2 has a mass content of 50%; the outer skin layer 3 has a mass content of 20%; and the PCM phase change nanocapsules have a content of 20.1 wt%.
[0023] The enthalpy of PCM phase change nanocapsules is 190 J / g.
[0024] The three-channel coaxial spinneret used in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, from the inside out, there are a central flow channel 31, an intermediate flow channel 32, and an outer flow channel 33. During preparation, PE material containing PCM phase change nanocapsules is injected into the intermediate flow channel 32, and PA material is injected into the central flow channel 31 and the outer flow channel 33 respectively. The temperature of the spinning nozzle is controlled at 230-250 degrees Celsius.
[0025] The fibers of this embodiment are woven into a fabric to obtain an intelligent temperature-regulating composite textile fabric, and the fabric is subjected to performance testing.
[0026] The performance test results of this embodiment are as follows: Figures 7 to 9 As shown.
[0027] Example 2 The inner core layer 1 and outer skin layer 3 are made of PET, and the rest is the same as in Example 1.
[0028] The performance test results of this embodiment are as follows: Figure 10 As shown.
[0029] Example 3 The inner core layer 1 and the outer skin layer 3 are made of PP, and the other materials are the same as in Example 1.
[0030] The performance test results of this embodiment are as follows: Figure 11 As shown.
[0031] Example 4 See Figure 2 The distribution density of the PCM phase change nanocapsules in the temperature-regulating layer 2 gradually decreases in the direction away from the inner core layer 1.
[0032] The preparation method is as follows: S1. Raw material preparation: PCM phase change nanocapsules are dry-mixed with polymer according to the formula, and then melt-blended and granulated by twin-screw extruder to obtain the thermochromic layer material with the specified content. S2, Melting and Plasticizing: The material of the inner core layer 1 is melted and injected into the central flow channel, the material of the thermochromic layer is melted and injected into the middle layer flow channel, and the material of the outer skin layer 3 is melted and injected into the outer layer flow channel; The PCM phase change nanocapsules contain 0–25 wt% thermochromic layer material as component A and 40 wt%–70 wt% PCM phase change nanocapsules thermochromic layer material as component B. Components A and B are injected into a two-component screw conveyor as raw materials. The control system continuously adjusts the output flow ratio of the two-component screw conveyor in real time, so that the mixing ratio of components A and B changes dynamically over time. The melts of components A and B are output independently from the screw conveyor and transported to the static mixing chamber. The outlet of the mixing chamber is equipped with a gradient distribution channel to guide the melt to the symmetrical lateral inlet of the intermediate layer flow channel according to a predetermined ratio. The connector and spinneret are connected by a flange-type threaded connection and have an internal annular flow channel. Component B is injected from the near-core side inlet and component A is injected from the near-outer side inlet, forming a concentration gradient. S3, Spinning and forming: The melt in the central flow channel, the intermediate flow channel and the outer flow channel are simultaneously co-extruded through a coaxial spinneret to form a nascent fiber with a three-layer composite structure. S4. Cooling and curing: Rapid gradient cooling of nascent fibers; S5. Winding and collecting: The cooled and shaped composite fibers are drawn, wound and collected to obtain intelligent temperature-regulating composite fibers.
[0033] Example 5 See Figure 3 The temperature-regulating layer 2 includes a first temperature-changing layer 21, a second temperature-changing layer 22, and a third temperature-changing layer 23 arranged from the inside out.
[0034] In this embodiment, three temperature-regulating layer materials with different contents are prepared in S1: Component 1, with a PCM phase change nanocapsule content of 40wt% to 70wt%; Component 2, with a PCM phase change nanocapsule content of 25wt% to 40wt%; and Component 3, with a PCM phase change nanocapsule content of 5% to 25% in the third temperature-changing layer 23.
[0035] In S2, the five-channel coaxial spinneret used in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, from the inside out, there are a central flow channel 31, an inner intermediate layer flow channel 51, a middle intermediate layer flow channel 52, an outer intermediate layer flow channel 53, and an outer layer flow channel 33. Component 3 flows into the outer intermediate layer flow channel 53; component 2 flows into the middle intermediate layer flow channel 52; and component 1 flows into the inner intermediate layer flow channel 51.
[0036] Everything else is the same as in Example 1.
[0037] Example 6 See Figure 4 The temperature-regulating layer 2 includes a first temperature-changing layer 21 and a second temperature-changing layer 22 arranged from the inside to the outside, and a middle isolation layer 24 is provided between the first temperature-changing layer 21 and the second temperature-changing layer 22.
[0038] In this embodiment, a five-channel coaxial spinneret is used. The material of the first thermochromic layer flows into the inner intermediate layer channel 51; the material of the middle isolation layer 24 flows into the middle intermediate layer channel 52; and the material of the second thermochromic layer 22 flows into the outer intermediate layer channel 53.
[0039] Everything else is the same as in Example 1.
[0040] This embodiment introduces an isolation layer in a pure substrate without added phase change material as a stress buffer layer between two temperature-changing layers. The pure substrate and the substrate layer with added phase change material are made of the same material to ensure good fusion. This solves the structural problems such as cracking and delamination caused by volume changes and thermal stress concentration during the cyclic phase change process of phase change material.
[0041] Example 7 The temperature-regulating layer contains 0.5 wt% zinc oxide, 3 wt% titanium dioxide, and 1.5 wt% barium sulfate. The particle size of zinc oxide is 100 nanometers, the particle size of titanium dioxide is 200 nanometers, and the particle size of barium sulfate is 1 micrometer. Other properties are the same as in Example 1.
[0042] Comparative Example 1 A smart temperature-regulating composite fiber includes a core layer, an outer skin layer on the outside of the inner core layer, and PCM phase change nanocapsules distributed in the core layer; the mass content of the core layer is 30%; the mass content of the outer skin layer is 70%; and the content of PCM phase change nanocapsules is 20.1 wt%.
[0043] The preparation method is the same as in Example 1, using a core-sheath type composite spinning plate.
[0044] Comparative Example 2 This comparative example refers to Example 2 of patent CN117604678A, in which phase change fibers are prepared by a core-sheath composite spinning method, with a sheath to core mass ratio of 30:70.
[0045] The performance test results of the comparative scale are as follows Figure 12 As shown.
[0046] The mechanical property tests of Examples 1, 2, 3 and Comparative Examples 1-2 are compared as follows.
[0047] The thermal properties of Examples 1, 2, and 3 are compared with those of Comparative Examples 1-2 as follows:
[0048] The above comparison shows that the fiber structure described in this invention can achieve better enthalpy performance while meeting the required breaking strength.
[0049] The above embodiments are illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any simple modifications to the present invention are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
Claims
1. A smart temperature-regulating composite fiber, characterized in that: It includes an inner core layer (1), a temperature regulating layer (2) is provided on the outside of the inner core layer (1), an outer skin layer (3) is provided on the outside of the temperature regulating layer (2), and PCM phase change nanocapsules are distributed in the temperature regulating layer (2).
2. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner core layer (1) has a mass content of 25%-45%; the temperature regulating layer (2) has a mass content of 35%-50%; the outer skin layer (3) has a mass content of 10%-20%; and the temperature regulating layer (2) contains 20wt% to 45wt% of PCM phase change nanocapsules.
3. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature-regulating layer (2) contains 0.5 wt% zinc oxide, 3 wt% titanium dioxide and 1.5 wt% barium sulfate. The particle size of zinc oxide is 100 nanometers, the particle size of titanium dioxide is 200 nanometers and the particle size of barium sulfate is 1 micrometer.
4. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The distribution density of the PCM phase change nanocapsules in the temperature-regulating layer (2) gradually decreases in the direction away from the inner core layer (1).
5. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature-regulating layer (2) includes a first temperature-changing layer (21), a second temperature-changing layer (22), and a third temperature-changing layer (23) arranged from the inside out.
6. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The temperature-regulating layer (2) includes a first temperature-changing layer (21) and a second temperature-changing layer (22) arranged from the inside to the outside, with a middle isolation layer (24) between the first temperature-changing layer (21) and the second temperature-changing layer (22).
7. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: The content of PCM phase change nanocapsules in the first thermochromic layer (21) is 40wt% to 70wt%; the content of PCM phase change nanocapsules in the second thermochromic layer (22) is 25wt% to 40wt%; and the content of PCM phase change nanocapsules in the third thermochromic layer (23) is 5% to 25%.
8. The intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature regulating layer (2) is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA, EVA and PET, the inner core layer (1) is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA and PET, the outer skin layer (3) is selected from one or more of PE, PP, PA and PET, and the materials of the inner core layer (1) and the outer skin layer (3) are consistent.
9. A smart temperature-regulating composite textile fabric, characterized in that: The fabric is made from the intelligent temperature-regulating composite fiber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the fiber has a breaking strength of 2.1 to 4.0 cN / dtex and the fabric has an enthalpy value of 30 to 100 J / g.
10. A method for preparing high-strength and tough phase change nanocapsule temperature-regulating fibers, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Raw material preparation: PCM phase change nanocapsules are dry-mixed with core layer polymer according to a certain ratio, and then melt-blended and granulated by twin-screw extruder to obtain a thermochromic layer material with a specified content. S2, Melt Plasticization: The coaxial spinneret is provided with a central flow channel (31), an intermediate flow channel (32) and an outer flow channel (33) from the inside to the outside. The material of the inner core layer (1) is melted and injected into the central flow channel (31), the material of the thermochromic layer is melted and injected into the intermediate flow channel (32), and the material of the outer skin layer (3) is melted and injected into the outer flow channel (33). S3, spinning and forming: The melt in the central flow channel (31), the intermediate flow channel (32), and the outer flow channel (33) are co-extruded simultaneously by a coaxial spinneret to form a nascent fiber with a three-layer composite structure. S4. Cooling and solidification: Rapid gradient cooling of nascent fibers; S5, winding and collecting: The cooled and shaped composite fibers are drawn, wound, and collected to obtain intelligent temperature-regulating composite fibers.