Polymer-Ceramic Textile Coating for Breathable Far-Infrared Fabrics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current textile materials do not effectively combine high emissivity for far infrared radiation with properties like impermeability to liquid water, permeability to water vapor, and breathability, which are essential for comfort and thermal protection in clothing and textiles.

Innovation Solution

A composite textile material is developed, comprising ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer matrix, specifically polyurethane, with ceramic oxides like MnO2 and Co2O3, which emits far infrared radiation and provides improved comfort and thermal protection by promoting blood circulation and temperature regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ceramic coating layer is applied to a textile fabric to improve far infrared emission, then the emissivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision and quality control become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar infrared emissivityVSAvoidcoating thickness control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the ceramic content parameter within specific ranges (1-60% by mass) to optimize emissivity while maintaining manufacturability. It also specifies ceramic particle size parameters (0.1-10 μm) to ensure proper dispersion and coating quality, resolving the contradiction between high emissivity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite material system combining polymer matrix with ceramic particles, where the polymer provides structural integrity and the ceramic provides emissivity. This composite approach allows simultaneous achievement of high emissivity and controlled coating properties through material composition optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If a thick ceramic coating is applied to maximize far infrared emission, then the emissivity is improved, but the textile material loses breathability and water vapor permeability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar infrared emissivityVSAvoidbreathability and water vapor permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the ceramic content parameter to specific ranges (1-60% by mass) rather than using maximum possible amounts. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient emissivity while maintaining adequate porosity and breathability of the textile material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies ceramic particle size parameters (0.1-10 μm) to create appropriate local structure in the coating. The controlled particle size ensures proper dispersion and maintains孔隙 structure that allows water vapor transmission while providing effective infrared emission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If ceramic particles are dispersed in polymer matrix to create composite material, then the far infrared emission is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefar infrared emissivityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material approach combining polymer and ceramic, where the polymer matrix simplifies handling and processing while the ceramic particles provide the desired emissivity function. This composite structure allows conventional textile manufacturing processes to be used with minimal modification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies ceramic content parameters (1-60% by mass) that can be easily controlled during standard coating and drying processes, avoiding the need for complex specialized manufacturing equipment or processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 material achieves high emissivity, impermeability, and breathability, enhancing user comfort by maintaining warmth and dryness, making it suitable for clothing and textiles used in various applications, including outdoor and sports wear.

Implementation Method 1

certain ceramics can emit infrared radiation when they receive energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFar infrared radiation emission: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

when irradiated with infrared radiation, water and organic and/or high molecular weight materials can partially absorb infrared radiation, particularly far infrared radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared absorption by water molecules: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP1816254B1Textile material comprising a polymer-ceramic composite and manufacturing method
Publication Date: 2012.07.11 CASPER JACQUES
  • EP1816254B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1816254B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP1816254B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a textile material comprising a fabric and characterized in that at least one of the two sides of the fabric is associated with a layer of a composite material comprising ceramic particles dispersed in a polymer-based matrix, the ceramic representing from 1 to 60% by mass of the composite material and being capable of emitting far-infrared radiation. The invention also relates to a method for preparing such a textile material.