Polymeric Phase Change Textiles Without Microcapsule Rupture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textiles and fibers lack effective temperature regulation and comfort due to the limitations of microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs), which are expensive, prone to rupture, and cause poor fabric flexibility, and current methods do not utilize the unique properties of polymeric materials for phase change applications, especially with natural fibers like cotton, wool, and silk.
Innovation Solution
Development of functional polymeric phase change materials (FP-PCMs) with crystallizable side chains that form covalent or electrovalent interactions with substrates, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fibers, providing improved thermal regulation and comfort by integrating these materials directly into the fabric or as coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microencapsulated phase change materials are used in textiles, then temperature regulation properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and reliability decreases due to rupture risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the phase change material from encapsulated form and integrates it directly into the polymer fiber structure during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate microcapsules while retaining the temperature regulation function through crystallizable side chains embedded in the fiber matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite polymeric structure where the fiber matrix and phase change material are chemically bonded together. The FP-PCM forms covalent or electrovalent interactions with the substrate, creating an integrated composite that maintains structural integrity while providing thermal regulation.
2Temperature
If microencapsulated phase change materials are used in textiles, then temperature regulation properties are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fiber manufacturing process with the phase change material integration into a single step. The FP-PCM is synthesized directly within the fiber structure during polymerization, eliminating separate coating or encapsulation steps and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the expensive microencapsulation step from the manufacturing process. By integrating the PCM directly into the fiber during synthesis, the patent eliminates the need for separate microcapsule production and application steps, significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
3Temperature
If conventional phase change materials are integrated into fibers, then temperature regulation is achieved, but fabric flexibility and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing the phase change functionality specifically in the side chains of the polymer fiber rather than throughout the entire fiber structure. This localized integration maintains the bulk fiber flexibility while providing temperature regulation at the molecular level where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the molecular parameters of the fiber by incorporating crystallizable side chains with specific chain lengths and structures. These parameter changes enable phase change functionality while maintaining the overall fiber flexibility through appropriate molecular weight and side chain spacing control.
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
FP-PCMs enhance the thermal properties of textiles by allowing for temperature regulation and improved comfort through direct integration with fibers, providing efficient latent heat storage and release, while maintaining fabric flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
functional polymeric phase change materials (FP-PCMs) with crystallizable side chains that form covalent or electrovalent interactions with substrates
Implementation Method 2
providing efficient latent heat storage and release
Implementation Method 3
form covalent or an electrovalent interaction with another material
Implementation Method 4
form covalent or an electrovalent interaction with another material
Data Source
AI summary
An article comprises a substrate and a functional polymeric phase change material bound to the substrate. In some aspects the functional polymeric phase change material is chemically bound to the substrate and can be accomplished by at least one of covalent bonding or electrovalent bonding. The functional polymeric phase change material can comprise a reactive function selected from the group consisting of an acid anhydride group, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, an alkyl group, an aldehyde group, an amide group, an amino group and their salts, a N-substituted amino group, an aziridine, an aryl group, a carbonyl group, a carboxy group and their salts, an epoxy group, an ester group, an ether group, a glycidyl group, a halo group, a hydride group, a hydroxy group, an isocyanate group, a thiol group, a disulfide group, a silyl or silane group, an urea group, and an urethane group, and wherein the substrate comprises at least one of cellulose, wool, fur, leather, polyester and nylon. Methods of producing the articles are also disclosed.