Elastomer Fiber Cooling via Low Tg Polyurethane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fibers used in clothing and underwear often fail to provide a comfortable, cooling sensation, especially during prolonged use and in adverse conditions, and lack sufficient elasticity and resistance to sticky or unpleasant skin contact when wet.
Innovation Solution
Development of an elastic cooling fiber with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of no more than 22 degrees C, made from a composition comprising a hydroxyl-terminated intermediate such as polyester, polyether, or polycarbonate, reacted with a diisocyanate and a linear alkylene glycol chain extender, which is then melt-spun into a monofilament or multifilament fiber, providing excellent elasticity and a cool contact feeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional fibers are used in clothing, then they provide basic functionality, but they fail to provide a cooling sensation and become uncomfortable during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the elastomer to be no more than 22°C, which is a specific parameter adjustment that enables the fiber to provide cooling sensation while maintaining comfort during prolonged use. This Tg parameter is critical for achieving both the cooling effect and sustained comfort reliability.
2Temperature
If fibers are designed for cooling effect, then they provide refreshing sensation, but they often lack sufficient elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining specific elastomers with glass transition temperatures of no more than 22°C with other fibers to create a composite fiber structure. This composite approach allows the elastomer component to provide cooling effect while the overall fiber structure maintains sufficient elasticity and mechanical properties.
3Reliability
If fibers retain moisture, then they provide comfort in wet state, but they create unpleasant sticky feeling on skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting and controlling the glass transition temperature parameter of the elastomer (no more than 22°C), which influences the fiber's moisture management properties. This parameter control enables the fiber to handle moisture effectively - providing comfort in wet states while preventing the formation of unpleasant sticky feelings on the skin.
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
The fibers offer a significant cooling effect, maintaining comfort and preventing unpleasant skin contact even when wet, with enhanced elasticity and improved moldability, suitable for use in clothing and underwear.
Implementation Method 1
reacting: (i) a hydroxyl terminated intermediate, comprising a polyester, a polyether, a polycarbonate or a combination thereof, wherein the intermediate has a Tg of no more than 22 degrees C; (ii) a diisocyanate; and (iii) a chain extender comprising a linear alkylene glycol
Implementation Method 2
melt-spinning said elastomer resin into a monofilament or multifilament fiber
Implementation Method 3
The fibers offer a significant cooling effect, maintaining comfort and preventing unpleasant skin contact even when wet
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fiber excellent in cool contact feeling which is excellent in hand and skin touch and capable of preventing unpleasant feeling in the wet state while also having excellent elasticity. The invention also relates to fabric, clothing, and underwear excellent in cool contact feeling and obtainable by using said fiber as well as the methods of making the fibers and articles thereof.