Compositions and methods for thermal management of textiles and foams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal management solutions for textiles and foams, such as phase change materials (PCMs) and thermally conductive particles, are limited in their ability to absorb and dissipate heat effectively over an extended period, often resulting in a short-lived cool-to-the-touch feel due to mass constraints and super-cooling effects from microencapsulation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of microencapsulated phase change materials (mPCMs) with thermal conductivity additives (TCAs) in a coating formulation, which includes high thermal conductivity inorganic materials like graphite or aluminum oxide, enhances thermal cycling and recrystallization temperatures, improving heat absorption and dissipation properties without damaging the PCM's heat-absorbing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If microencapsulated phase change materials are used to provide thermal management properties, then heat absorption capability is improved, but the duration of cool-to-the-touch feel is limited due to mass constraints and super-cooling effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microencapsulated phase change materials with thermally conductive particles to create a composite thermal management composition. The phase change material provides heat absorption through phase transition, while the thermally conductive particles (such as aluminum oxide, boron nitride, or graphite) enhance heat transfer throughout the substrate, extending the duration and effectiveness of the cooling effect beyond what either component could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the thermal management composition selectively to specific regions of the substrate where thermal management is needed. The composition can be applied as a coating, laminate, or integrated layer at strategic locations such as contact surfaces, allowing optimized thermal performance in critical areas without requiring uniform treatment of the entire substrate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If more phase change material is added to increase heat absorption, then thermal management performance is improved, but the material's feel and physical properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating thermally conductive particles into the phase change material matrix, the composite maintains the heat absorption capability of the PCM while the particles provide structural integrity and thermal distribution. This allows effective thermal management without requiring excessive PCM content that would compromise the substrate's physical properties or tactile feel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the thermal management composition, including particle size distribution, concentration ratios of PCM to conductive particles, and cross-linking density, to optimize both thermal performance and tactile properties. These parameter adjustments enable the material to provide effective cooling while maintaining desirable softness, flexibility, and comfort.
3Temperature
If thermally conductive particles are infused into a low conductivity medium, then thermal conductivity is improved, but the particulate nature and medium limitations restrict further conductivity enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite system where thermally conductive particles are dispersed within a phase change material matrix that itself has thermal management capabilities. This composite structure overcomes the limitations of simple particle infusion by having the PCM matrix actively participate in heat management through phase change, while the conductive particles provide thermal pathways, achieving synergistic thermal conductivity enhancement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This combination significantly improves thermal management properties, allowing substrates to maintain a cool-to-the-touch feel for an extended period by mitigating super-cooling effects and increasing thermal conductivity, thereby enhancing comfort in clothing and bedding.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material ('PCM'), which has a high heat of fusion and is capable of storing and releasing energy at known, consistent temperatures
Implementation Method 2
which has a high heat of fusion and is capable of storing and releasing energy
Implementation Method 3
Another method of managing thermal properties is integration of highly thermally conductive particles into a medium with low thermal conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are compositions that include microencapsulated phase change materials and thermal conductivity additives and methods for applying the compositions to substrates, including fibers, textile, and foams, to impart beneficial thermal management properties to the substrates. The treated substrates feel cool to the touch for an extended period of time.