Coated articles with microcapsules and other containment structures incorporating functional polymeric phase change materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textiles and fiber treatments for temperature regulation lack effective use of hydrophobic polymeric phase change materials, leading to issues such as excessive moisture absorption and poor durability, particularly when incorporating natural fibers like cotton and wool, and do not utilize acrylic or methacrylic polymers with long chain alkyl or ether side chains for enhanced latent heat storage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating functional polymeric phase change materials (FP-PCMs) with crystallizable side chains into microcapsules or as coatings on textiles, allowing for chemical bonding with substrates like cotton, wool, and polyester, utilizing reactive functional groups to form covalent or electrovalent bonds, and combining with binders to enhance durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microcapsules are used for temperature regulation, then temperature control is improved, but fabric flexibility and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microencapsulated PCMs with polymeric PCMs in a single textile treatment system. The microcapsules provide temperature regulation while the polymeric PCM forms a flexible coating that bonds to fabric fibers, merging the benefits of both approaches and eliminating the flexibility issues associated with microcapsule-only treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite material structures where hydrophobic polymeric PCMs with long chain alkyl or ether side chains are integrated into textile coatings. This composite approach provides both the phase change temperature regulation and the mechanical flexibility needed for durable fabric treatment.
2Temperature
If conventional PCMs are used in textiles, then temperature regulation is achieved, but moisture absorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the PCM by using hydrophobic polymeric materials with long chain alkyl or ether side chains. This parameter change fundamentally alters the moisture interaction properties, making the PCM water-repellent while maintaining its temperature regulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating hydrophobic regions around the PCM molecules through the long chain alkyl or ether side chains. These local hydrophobic zones prevent moisture absorption while the bulk material maintains its phase change temperature regulation properties.
3Temperature
If PCMs are incorporated into textiles, then temperature regulation is improved, but durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric PCMs serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide temperature regulation, act as binding agents that adhere to fabric fibers, and form a durable coating structure. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate binders and enhances overall treatment durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of polymeric PCMs with long chain side chains provides integrated functionality where the material itself contributes to both temperature regulation and durable attachment to textile substrates through its inherent adhesive properties.
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 temperature regulation, reduced moisture absorption, and increased durability by chemically bonding FP-PCMs with textile substrates, enabling effective latent heat storage and release while maintaining fabric flexibility and breathability.
Implementation Method 1
functional polymeric phase change materials (FP-PCMs) with crystallizable side chains into microcapsules or as coatings on textiles
Implementation Method 2
enabling effective latent heat storage and release
Implementation Method 3
utilizing reactive functional groups to form covalent or electrovalent bonds
Implementation Method 4
utilizing reactive functional groups to form covalent or electrovalent bonds
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprises a substrate, a first functional polymeric phase change material, and a plurality of containment structures that contain the first functional polymeric phase change material. The article may further comprise a second phase change material chemically bound to at least one of the plurality of containment structures or the substrate. In certain embodiments, the article further comprises a second phase change material and a binder that contains at least one of the first polymeric phase change material and the second phase change material. The containment structure may be a microcapsule or a particulate confinement material