Flexible Phase Change Material Fiber: A Simple Route to Thermal Energy Control Textiles

Abstract

A flexible hollow polypropylene (PP) fiber was filled with the phase change material (PCM) polyethylene glycol 1000 (PEG1000), using a micro-fluidic filling technology. The fiber’s latent heat storage and release, thermal reversibility, mechanical properties, and phase change behavior as a function of fiber drawing, were characterized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that both enthalpies of melting and solidification of the PCM encased within the PP fiber were scarcely influenced by the constraint, compared to unconfined PEG1000. The maximum filling ratio of PEG1000 within the tubular PP filament was ~83 wt.%, and the encapsulation efficiencies and heat loss percentages were 96.7% and 7.65% for as-spun fibers and 93.7% and 1.53% for post-drawn fibers, respectively. Weak adherence of PEG on the inner surface of the PP fibers favored bubble formation and aggregating at the core–sheath interface, which led to different crystallization behavior of PEG1000 at the interface and in the PCM matrix. The thermal stability of PEG was unaffected by the PP encasing; only the decomposition temperature, corresponding to 50% weight loss of PEG1000 inside the PP fiber, was a little higher compared to that of pure PEG1000. Cycling heating and cooling tests proved the reversibility of latent heat release and storage properties, and the reliability of the PCM fiber.

Phase-Changing Glauber Salt Solution for Medical Applications in the 28–32 °C Interval

“…The material knowledge can also be used to keep patients of different ages within a normal temperature interval in areas with high outside temperatures, highly variable temperatures, or during transport, as well as together with textiles with encapsulated PCM [ 48 , 49 , 50 ]. These textiles can then be used in blankets or for the staff to maintain normothermia during transport in warm countries.…”

Exploring Next‐Generation Functional Organic Phase Change Composites

“…The common route for producing phase change fibers is to engineer core-shell structures with phase change function cores and polymer-supporting shells by incorporating PCMs into polymer hollow fibers [142,143] or coaxial electrospinning. [144,145] Electrospinning, a popular and versatile approach for fabricating functional fibers, has two fatal drawbacks: a low pro-duction rate and high voltage, significantly limiting the mass production of fibrous products and increasing potential safety hazards.…”

Cooling Effect of Phase Change Materials Applied in Undergarments of Mine Rescuers in Simulated Utility Conditions on Thermal Manikin

“…Fifteen years ago, only 20% by weight of PCM could be incorporated into fibers, flat textiles, or foams, which unfortunately ensured a short cooling or heating period [ 6 ]. The current state of the art indicates that ~83 wt.% of PCM can be incorporated into the tubular polypropylene filament [ 8 ]. Teunissen et al [ 9 ] analyzed the influence of the kind of PCM as well as its packaging material and segmentation on cooling capacity, duration, and power in terms of ensuring cooling to the human body in heat-stress conditions.…”