PCM Microcapsule Agglomerates for Wash-Resistant Textile Thermal Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile and footwear materials incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) face challenges with durability under washing and friction due to insufficient microcapsule retention, as they often require binders that can lead to insulation issues and rigidity, and existing binding methods do not effectively lock microcapsules together or within fibrous/porous structures.
Innovation Solution
Formation of microcapsule agglomerates through chemical bonding between PCM microcapsules with functional groups, allowing them to bind directly to fibers or within pores without a binder, creating a stable network that enhances mechanical resistance to washing and friction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microcapsules are mixed with polymeric binder to make coating on textile material, then durability to friction and washing is improved, but the binder causes insulation of material to body respiration, harsh handle and rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the polymeric binder from the system by using reactive microcapsules that directly bond to textile fibers through chemical reactions. The microcapsules themselves carry the binding functionality via reactive groups on their surface, removing the need for separate binder materials that cause harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsules serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide the phase change material functionality, act as the binding agent through their reactive surface groups, and maintain flexibility and breathability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate binder materials.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If reactive microcapsules are used to bind directly to fibres without binder, then harmful effects of binder are avoided, but the number of microcapsules might not be enough for sufficient retention
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple microcapsules into agglomerates through chemical bonding between their reactive surface groups. This creates larger clustered structures that have improved retention characteristics while maintaining the benefits of binder-free application.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcapsules are nested together in agglomerate structures where multiple individual microcapsules are chemically bonded and clustered within larger aggregate formations, improving retention through the collective structure rather than relying on individual capsule attachment.
3Ease of manufacture
If microcapsules form small groups, then they can be applied to fibres, but they are easily removed by friction and washing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges individual microcapsules into larger agglomerates through chemical bonding, creating clustered structures that are mechanically stronger and more resistant to removal by friction and washing while maintaining ease of application.
Solution Approach 2:
The agglomerates represent a composite structure where multiple microcapsules are chemically bonded together to form a new hierarchical material level, combining the advantages of small capsule size with the retention benefits of larger aggregate structures.
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 solution provides improved mechanical resistance to washing and friction by forming larger microcapsule groups that are securely locked within or between fibers/pores, maintaining thermal regulation effectiveness while avoiding the drawbacks of binder use.
Implementation Method 1
PCM Microcapsules are connected to each other by chemical bonds forming agglomerates, which bind directly to the fibres or in the pores without the need for the addition of a binder
Implementation Method 2
these materials heat up the body too much becoming uncomfortable. On the other hand, a sudden lowering of the temperature may occur due to perspiration or to a sudden lowering of the external temperature. In these cases the use of temperature regulating products in the textile material is very useful, being referred to as phase change materials, PCM
Data Source
AI summary
This invention refers to agglomerates of microcapsules obtained from microcapsules of phase change materials (PCM) and their application in fibrous or porous polymeric materials, par¬ ticularly articles with the capacity for temperature regulation. PCM Microcapsules are connected to each other by chemical bonds that form agglomerates, which link directly to the fibres without the need for the addition of a binder, when applied to the materials herein referred to. The application in the fibrous or porous polymeric materials can be done by means of melting the outer thermoplastic wall (in the case of self-adhesive microcapsules) or reacting the micro¬ capsules and functional groups (in the case of individual insertion or agglomerates). The articles that contain these agglomerates have better mechanical resistance to washing since this procedure allows the intake of a suitable microcapsule quantity, which form a larger group than the spaces between the fibres or the pores. On the other hand, the microcapsules linked to fibres or other materials will be better protected because they comprise cohesive assemblies that will better resist against friction forces.