Textile temperature regulating agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-regulating textiles using phase change materials (PCMs) face issues such as migration, poor wash durability, and compromised moisture management due to direct application or encapsulation methods, leading to undesirable performance and durability.
Innovation Solution
Modified polyetheramines with PCM properties are covalently bonded to textiles, providing enhanced temperature regulation by avoiding migration and improving wash durability while maintaining superior moisture management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PCMs are directly applied to textile surfaces, then the temperature regulating effect is achieved and the application process is simple and cheap, but the PCMs migrate and flow on the textile surface and have poor wash durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silane coupling agent as an intermediary substance between the PCM and textile fiber. The silane coupling agent contains both hydrolyzable alkoxy groups that bond to textile fibers and reactive groups that bond to PCMs, creating a stable intermediate layer that prevents PCM migration while maintaining temperature regulation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the chemical parameters of the PCM surface by introducing silane coupling agents with specific functional groups. This chemical modification enables covalent bonding between PCM and textile, transforming the physical state from loose particles to chemically bonded structures, thereby improving wash durability without compromising the simple application process
2Ease of manufacture
If PCMs are directly applied to textile surfaces, then the application is easy and cost-effective, but the PCMs are prone to picking up dirt, staining, and yellowing in sunlight
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent serves as a protective intermediary layer between the PCM and the external environment. This intermediate layer prevents direct contact between PCMs and contaminants such as dirt and sunlight, thereby preventing staining and yellowing while maintaining the ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The silane coupling agent forms a thin film coating around the PCM particles that acts as a protective shell. This flexible thin film prevents harmful factors like UV radiation and dirt from reaching the PCM, preventing degradation and discoloration while allowing the PCM to maintain its temperature regulation function
3Reliability
If encapsulated PCMs are used, then flow and migration are prevented and protection from environmental factors is provided, but moisture management properties are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The silane coupling agent creates a porous intermediate layer that allows moisture vapor to pass through while preventing liquid PCM from migrating. This porous structure maintains the textile's moisture management properties by allowing sweat vapor to escape while still providing protection against PCM flow and environmental factors
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 modified PCM-based textiles exhibit improved temperature regulation, wash durability, and moisture management, offering a more effective and durable solution compared to traditional PCM applications.
Implementation Method 1
Phase change materials (PCMs) are widely used in a range of applications... The ability of PCMs to absorb, store and release heat in response to a change in the temperature of their surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
The ability of PCMs to absorb, store and release heat in response to a change in the temperature of their surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
Modified polyetheramines with PCM properties are covalently bonded to textiles... By directly bonding to the surface of the textile, the modified PCMs of the present invention avoid flow and migration
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the use of compounds for imparting a temperature regulating effect to a textile and methods of manufacturing a temperature regulating textile. The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a temperature regulating textile, wherein the textile forms part of a non-apparel article. Compounds for imparting a temperature regulating effect on a textile are also described.