Multifunctional moisture-regulating and cool composite fabric

Abstract

To provide a multifunctional, moisture-regulating, cool composite fabric. [Solution] The inner layer 3 is a moisture-wicking layer used to draw moisture away from the skin; the outer layer 1 is an evaporation layer used to promote moisture evaporation; the middle layer 2 is located between the inner and outer layers and contains a moisture-retaining medium that forms moisture-retaining areas and ventilation channels in the middle layer, and the inner, middle and outer layers are fixed in a laminated structure, so that the fabric has directional heat and moisture transfer function from the inner layer to the outer layer, achieving constant humidity regulation and active cooling. This utility model relates to the field of fabric technology and is provided for the purpose of overcoming problems of existing functional fabrics, such as weakened moisture-wicking ability, short-lived cooling effect, low stability of hydrogels, and lack of durable antibacterial properties.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fabric technology, specifically to a multi-functional, moisture-regulating, cool composite fabric. [Background technology]

[0002] With the spread of healthy consumption concepts and the increasing demand for comfort due to climate changes, textile products are shifting from their traditional warmth and aesthetic functions to "dynamic heat and moisture regulation" and "health protection." Existing technologies have made some progress in areas such as one-way moisture absorption and dissipation, cooling treatment, and antibacterial treatment, but there are still issues such as insufficient overall performance and low durability.

[0003] In the field of moisture absorption and dissipation, technologies such as CN118024705A utilize the difference in hydrophilicity and water repellency of the fiber layer to achieve one-way sweat conduction, but the hydrophilic fiber in the outer layer is prone to attracting dust and dirt, resulting in a decrease in contamination resistance. Furthermore, in high humidity or saturated conditions, the moisture absorption and dissipation effect due to capillary action is significantly reduced, making it impossible to continuously release large amounts of sweat.

[0004] In the field of cooling sensation, conventional methods mainly rely on the addition of thermally conductive mineral powders (mica, jade powder, etc.) or instant cooling agents (menthol, etc.). However, the cooling sensation is only derived from physical heat conduction or instant skin stimulation, and the cooling effect rapidly decreases with increasing wearing time and number of washings, making it difficult to provide sustained and effective active cooling.

[0005] Hydrogel materials are considered ideal cooling carriers due to their high water absorption and evaporative latent heat cooling properties. However, their application in textiles is limited. First, their interfacial adhesion with fibers is weak, and conventional physical application is prone to powdering and peeling due to washing and friction. Second, hydrogels rapidly expand in volume after absorbing water, which can lead to fabric stiffening, deformation, and blockage of ventilation channels, affecting comfort.

[0006] Furthermore, chemicals such as silver ions and quaternary ammonium salts are used for antibacterial processing, and antibacterial properties are imparted through surface adsorption or mixing, but due to insufficient bonding strength, the antibacterial effect decreases significantly after repeated washing.

[0007] In summary, current technology lacks a comprehensive functional fabric solution that achieves synergistic effects in both structural design and material properties, and simultaneously combines moisture absorption, heat generation, cooling effect, stability, and antibacterial durability. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The main purpose of this utility model is to solve the problems of existing functional fabrics, such as low moisture absorption capacity, short duration of cooling effect, low stability of hydrogel, and insufficient durability of antibacterial properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] To solve the above technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solutions:

[0010] The multifunctional moisture-constant cool composite fabric proposed in this utility model includes:

[0011] an inner layer, the inner layer being a moisture-conducting layer used to conduct moisture away from the skin;

[0012] an outer layer, the outer layer being an evaporation layer used to promote evaporation of water;

[0013] Intermediate layer: The intermediate layer is located between the inner layer and the outer layer, and the intermediate layer contains a moisture-retaining medium, which forms moisture-retaining areas and ventilation channels in the intermediate layer, and the inner layer, intermediate layer and outer layer are fixed by a laminated structure, so that the fabric has the function of directional heat and moisture transfer from the inner layer to the outer layer, and realizes constant humidity regulation and active cooling.

[0014] Preferably, the intermediate layer is a three-dimensional mesh support structure, and the three-dimensional mesh support structure is formed by braiding or joining single yarns or multi-forked yarns to form a stable three-dimensional spatial lattice, and the three-dimensional spatial lattice separates the inner layer and the outer layer in the vertical direction by a distance, forming a continuous and penetrating three-dimensional ventilation passage.

[0015] Preferably, the pores of the three-dimensional mesh support structure are filled with a moisture-retaining material, which is a synthetic hydrogel, and the synthetic hydrogel exists in a form that fills the pores and is bonded to the fibers to form a moisture-retaining reinforced composite intermediate layer.

[0016] Preferably, the synthetic hydrogel is prepared by introducing a prepolymer by vacuum impregnation or doctor blade application, followed by in-situ crosslinking and solidification; the prepolymer may include a sodium acrylate-acrylamide copolymer system, a sodium alginate-calcium chloride crosslinked system, or a PVA-borax crosslinked system.

[0017] Preferably, the inner layer, intermediate layer and outer layer are combined together by hot melt web heat pressing, bonding with an environmentally friendly water-based adhesive, or machine integrated weaving.

[0018] Preferably, the water-retaining medium is a plurality of viscous water-retaining units spaced apart from one another, and the viscous water-retaining units are arranged on the inner layer in a dot matrix or grid pattern by a dot coating or printing process and are bonded to the outer layer, thereby realizing the fixation of the three-layer structure without additional adhesive; the spaced areas between the viscous water-retaining units constitute ventilation channels and provide buffer space for volume expansion after water absorption.

[0019] Preferably, the viscous water-retaining unit is made of synthetic hydrogel particles, and the synthetic hydrogel particles are highly cross-linked by a cross-linking agent, and the cross-linking agent includes glutaraldehyde, genipin, or dopamine.

[0020] Preferably, the fabric further comprises a first sealing membrane and a second sealing membrane, the first sealing membrane being located between the inner layer and the middle layer, the second sealing membrane being located between the middle layer and the outer layer, the edge regions of the first sealing membrane and the second sealing membrane being fused to each other by heat pressing to form a sealed cavity containing the middle layer, the sealed cavity being provided with a water injection channel communicating with the outside, and the first sealing membrane and the second sealing membrane being microporous membranes that allow water vapor to pass through but block the passage of liquid water.

[0021] Preferably, the middle layer is a moisture-wicking fiber or a moisture-retaining material, the moisture-wicking fiber comprises a lyocell fiber nonwoven fabric, and the moisture-retaining material comprises a synthetic hydrogel; the inner and outer layer fabrics are durable woven fabrics. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] The multifunctional moisture-regulating and cool composite fabric of the present invention has the following beneficial effects due to its structure:

[0023] 1. The modular multi-layer design achieves the synergistic effects of moisture transfer, water retention, cooling and antibacterial properties, and the functional layers can be flexibly configured according to usage requirements.

[0024] 2. The introduction of synthetic hydrogel and the evaporation phase transition effect realizes active and sustainable cooling sensation, and the cooling duration is improved compared to conventional mineral cooling fabrics.

[0025] 3. The innovative self-adhesive particle gap structure effectively solves the problems of adhesive instability and swelling deformation that conventional hydrogels have in textile applications.

[0026] 4. In addition to sweat absorption and evaporative cooling, socks, underwear and other undergarments containing synthetic hydrogel ingredients also have the effect of maintaining a constant humidity level on the skin.

[0027] 5. The TPU sealing layer design ensures both leak-proofness and controllable evaporation, ensuring that the moisture-retaining structure maintains functional stability even under long-term use and high-pressure conditions.

[0028] 6. The composite structure has excellent mechanical strength and washability, making it suitable for high-frequency scenarios such as machine washability and repeated use, thereby extending the product lifespan.

[0029] 7. The technology solution is highly compatible and can be applied across multiple markets, including sports, household goods, medical care, and pet supplies, with significant market potential. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] The drawings provide a further understanding of the present invention and constitute part of the specification. They are used to explain the present invention together with examples of the present invention and do not constitute limitations of the present invention. In the drawings: [Figure 1] is the sandwich structure of Example 1; [Figure 2] Fig. 2 shows the self-adhesive structure of the synthesized hydrogel particles in Example 2; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a three-layer structure containing the synthesized hydrogel particles of Example 2; [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of the five-layer water-retaining structure after coating in Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely explained with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of this utility model, not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments that a person skilled in the art can obtain without any creative work fall within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0032] As used in the following description, the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" refer to directions in the drawings, and the terms "inside" and "outside" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a particular component, respectively.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] As shown in Figure 1, the technical solutions adopted by this utility model are as follows:

[0035] This example discloses a multifunctional, moisture-regulating, cooling composite fabric. It features a sandwich mesh structure with enhanced moisture-retaining channels for basic sweat absorption and evacuation. This design employs a typical "sandwich" three-layer woven structure. The inner layer is a unidirectional moisture-wicking structure, such as a pique mesh structure with a textured knitted or woven fabric. Its core functionality is a capillary gradient structure that makes the skin-contacting surface hydrophobic and the outer surface hydrophilic, enabling directional sweat pumping. The middle layer is a three-dimensional mesh support structure, which is knitted or bonded using single or multi-forked yarns to form a stable three-dimensional spatial grid. This three-dimensional mesh support structure vertically spaces the inner and outer layers, forming continuous, penetrating three-dimensional ventilation channels within it, providing space for temporary moisture storage and lateral diffusion. The outer layer is a quick-drying layer, composed of a loose, porous fabric woven with irregular cross-section polyester or nylon fibers, increasing the evaporation area and drying speed.

[0036] After the three-layer structure is combined, continuous, penetrating air-permeable water-retaining channels are formed within it. Furthermore, the pores of the middle layer fiber stack can be filled with a water-retaining substance such as a synthetic hydrogel that has water absorption and storage capabilities. This water-retaining substance exists in a form that fills the pores and combines with the fibers to form a composite middle layer with enhanced water-retaining capabilities.

[0037] The three-layer structure can be thermally bonded with a hot-melt adhesive film, bonded with an environmentally friendly water-based adhesive, or machine-woven to achieve a stable composite. To further enhance moisture absorption and cooling performance, synthetic hydrogel prepolymers can be introduced into the composite structure via vacuum impregnation or scraping coating, followed by in-situ crosslinking to improve water retention and evaporation duration.

[0038] Here is an example of fabric manufacturing for high-strength sports socks. The requirements are quick-drying, breathability, refreshing feeling, stable maintenance of dry and wet skin conditions, washing durability, and abrasion resistance:

[0039] Structure: The inner layer is a double-sided knit made of 70D / 48F Coolmax moisture-wicking fiber and 20D spandex-wrapped yarn; the middle layer is a 50g / m3 Lyocell spun-less nonwoven fabric; and the outer layer is a 75D / 72F modified cross-section polyester pique mesh fabric.

[0040] For the laminated structure, a 15g / m3 copolymer polyamide hot melt adhesive film was used, and the laminate was thermocompressed at 125°C and 0.15MPa for 25 seconds. After the lamination, the laminate was immersed in a solution containing 3% sodium alginate and 1% calcium chloride, followed by a nip-dry crosslinking process to form a crosslinked hydrogel layer, resulting in a weight gain of approximately 8%.

[0041] Performance: Moisture extraction speed >= 15cm / min, evaporation rate >= 0.35g / h, water absorption capacity retention after 20 washes >= 85%, overall soft feel with excellent resilience.

[0042] Example 2

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, this example discloses a multifunctional, moisture-regulating, and cool composite fabric, bonded using a hydrogel to form a self-adhesive sandwich structure. The fabric includes an inner layer, an outer layer, and a dotted middle layer between the two. Synthetic hydrogel particles with adhesive and water-retentive properties are used as both the adhesive medium and the moisture-retaining material. The middle layer is composed of modified hydrogel particles, which are crosslinked with a biomimetic crosslinking agent such as glutaraldehyde, genipin, or dopamine to achieve high crosslinking strength, resulting in high water absorption and good viscoelasticity.

[0044] The middle layer is composed of a plurality of spaced adhesive water-retaining units, which are fixed to the inner layer in a dot matrix or grid pattern by a dot coating or printing process. After solidification, each water-retaining unit simultaneously adheres to the inner and outer layers, achieving a three-layer structure without additional adhesive, although additional adhesive can be used to enhance the fixation effect. The spaced regions between the adhesive water-retaining units form ventilation channels for the entire fabric and provide a buffer space for the volume expansion that occurs after the water-retaining units absorb water.

[0045] This paper provides an example of a casual T-shirt fabric for everyday wear, which provides sustained coolness and breathability while maintaining a constant skin moisture level.

[0046] Construction: Inner layer is 40S combed cotton / modal (50 / 50) blend jersey knit; middle layer is PVA-borax cross-linked hydrogel; outer layer is 40S pure cotton double-sided mercerized jersey.

[0047] Laminated structure: Using an 80 mesh screen, synthetic hydrogel paste was printed in a dot matrix pattern with 4 mm spacing, compressed at 0.2 MPa, and dried and solidified at 50°C for 5 minutes.

[0048] Performance: Adhesive strength >= 2.5N / cm; Under conditions of 31℃ and 50%RH, the cooling temperature is 2-3℃ lower than that of pure cotton fabric of the same gram, and the cooling duration is more than three times longer.

[0049] Example 3

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, this embodiment discloses a multifunctional constant-humidity cooling composite fabric that meets the needs of sealed moisture retention and provides a five-layer controllable evaporation structure. This embodiment is designed for situations where there is a high demand for sustained cooling and moisture sealing, and adds a double moisture-proof membrane to Example 1 or Example 2 to achieve a water-injected cooling structure. Specifically, the fabric has a five-layer structure, including an inner fabric, a first sealing membrane, a functional middle layer, a second sealing membrane, and an outer fabric, which are layered in order from the inside to the outside.

[0051] The edge regions of the first and second sealing membranes are fused together by heat and pressure to form a sealed cavity that completely encloses the functional intermediate layer. The functional intermediate layer, which is a moisture-absorbing fiber or water-retaining material, is disposed within the sealed cavity. The sealed cavity also has a water-injection channel that communicates with the outside. The first and second sealing membranes are microporous membranes that allow water vapor to pass through but not liquid water. When the outside temperature rises or the human body comes into contact with them, the water in the water-retaining layer gradually evaporates and diffuses through the membrane to the outside, continuously absorbing heat and achieving long-term temperature control. This solution can be applied to non-wearable products such as cooling cushions, backrest cushions, protectors, and pet cooling mats. It can be repeatedly filled with water, ensuring both cleanliness and safety.

[0052] This is an example of how to manufacture a portable cooling cushion that can be filled with water, has a long-lasting cooling effect, and is leak-proof.

[0053] Structure: The three-layer fabric produced in Example 1 is used as the core material, and 100D polyester oxford fabric is used for the inner and outer layers, sandwiching a microporous TPU film with a thickness of 0.012 mm and a moisture permeability of 10,000 g / m³ / 24 h.

[0054] Combining method: Heat-compressed at 150°C and 0.4 MPa to form a 10 mm wide seal edge and provide a water inlet with a waterproof zipper.

[0055] Performance: After pouring 500mL of pure water, the surface temperature is 4~5℃ lower than the ambient temperature, and cooling can be maintained for more than 2 hours. No leakage was observed even after 5000 compression cycle tests.

[0056] It is to be understood that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another and do not require or imply any actual relationship or order between those entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprise," "comprises," or any other variations thereof are intended to imply a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, material, or apparatus that includes a set of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent in the process, method, material, or apparatus.

[0057] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "install," "mount," "connect," and "couple" shall be interpreted broadly, for example, to mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection, a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, a direct connection, an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or communication between two components. Those skilled in the art will be able to understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is limited by the appended claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1. Outer quick-drying layer, 2. Water-conducting fiber layer, 3. Inner unidirectional moisture-conducting layer, 4. Synthetic hydrogel particles after cross-linking treatment, 5. First sealing membrane, 6. Second sealing membrane

Claims

1. The multifunctional moisture-constant and cool composite fabric is characterized by including: Inner layer: the inner layer is a moisture-conducting layer used to conduct moisture away from the skin; outer layer: the outer layer is an evaporation layer used to promote evaporation of moisture; a middle layer, the middle layer being located between the inner layer and the outer layer, the middle layer containing a water-retaining medium; the water-retaining medium forming a water-retaining region and a ventilation channel in the middle layer, the inner layer, the middle layer and the outer layer being fixed in a laminated structure, the fabric having a directional heat and moisture transfer function from the inner layer to the outer layer, realizing constant humidity regulation and active cooling;

2. The multifunctional, moisture-constant, and cool composite fabric of claim 1, characterized in that the middle layer is a three-dimensional mesh support structure, which is knitted or bonded by a single yarn or a multi-forked yarn to form a stable three-dimensional spatial grid, which separates the inner layer and the outer layer in the vertical direction and forms continuous, penetrating three-dimensional ventilation channels.

3. The multifunctional, moisture-retaining, and cool composite fabric according to claim 2, characterized in that the pores of the three-dimensional mesh support structure are filled with a moisture-retaining material, which is a synthetic hydrogel, and the synthetic hydrogel exists in a form that fills the pores and is combined with fibers to form a composite intermediate layer with enhanced moisture retention.

4. The multifunctional, moisture-regulating, and cool composite fabric according to claim 3, characterized in that the synthetic hydrogel is prepared by introducing a prepolymer by vacuum impregnation or scraping coating, followed by in-situ cross-linking and solidification.

5. The multifunctional, moisture-regulating, and cooling composite fabric according to claim 1, wherein the inner layer, the middle layer, and the outer layer are combined by heat pressing with a hot melt adhesive web, bonding with an environmentally friendly water-based adhesive, or machine-integrated weaving.

6. The multifunctional, constant-humidity, cool composite fabric according to claim 1, characterized in that the water-retaining medium is a plurality of adhesive water-retaining units spaced apart from each other, and the adhesive water-retaining units are installed on the inner layer in a dot matrix or grid pattern by spot coating or printing process and are bonded to the outer layer; the spaced areas between the adhesive water-retaining units form ventilation channels and provide buffer spaces for volume expansion after water absorption.

7. The multifunctional, constant-humidity, and cool composite fabric described in claim 6, characterized in that in the above-mentioned multifunctional, constant-humidity and cool composite fabric, the adhesive water-retaining unit is made of synthetic hydrogel particles, and the synthetic hydrogel particles are highly cross-linked by a cross-linking agent, and the cross-linking agent includes glutaraldehyde, genipin, or dopamine.

8. The multifunctional constant-humidity, cool composite fabric of claim 1, further comprising a first sealing membrane and a second sealing membrane, the first sealing membrane being located between the inner layer and the middle layer, and the second sealing membrane being located between the middle layer and the outer layer, the edge regions of the first sealing membrane and the second sealing membrane being fused to each other by heat pressing to form a sealed cavity containing the middle layer, the sealed cavity being provided with a water injection channel communicating with the outside, and the first sealing membrane and the second sealing membrane being microporous membranes that allow water vapor to pass through but block the passage of liquid water.

9. The multifunctional, moisture-constant, and cool composite fabric described in claim 8 is characterized in that the middle layer is a moisture-absorbing fiber or a water-retaining material, the moisture-absorbing fiber includes a lysate fiber nonwoven fabric, and the water-retaining material includes a synthetic hydrogel; and the inner and outer layer fabrics are durable woven fabrics.

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