The application of microcapsules of PCM in flame resistant non‐woven materials

Abstract

Purpose -The use of organic phase change materials microcapsules (mPCM) has been gaining ground in technical textiles and clothing as a temperature regulating medium and hence a means of keeping the body at a comfortable temperature when wearing impermeable protective clothes. However, for such applications as fire fighter's protective clothes, the standards require that all the material composing the material be fire resistant. The purpose of this paper is to produce a lining containing fire resistant microcapsules of PCM without using flammable binders. Design/methodology/approach -This work tests other ways of fixing mPCM to the fibres with a lot less binder present. Washfastness is evaluated in SEM photographs and by weight. The thermal effect is evaluated in a prototype plate calorimeter. Findings -This method is first tested for fixing mPCM but the non-woven still does not pass the test according to the standard EN532. Microcapsules are alternatively fixed with MF resin, non-flammable, and by applying flame retardant recipes it is possible for the samples to pass the test. Research limitations/implications -Since the amount of flame retardant necessary for the mPCM to stand the test, and the resin to thermo fix it is very high, the material becomes unacceptably stiff.Originality/value -Based on a new approach where reactive microcapsules without any binder are used, it is possible to use a lot less flame retardant and resin, and the material is resistant to the standard EN532. In this standard the material has to resist washing and still be flame retardant.

Transport Properties of Electro-Sprayed Polytetrafluoroethylene Fibrous Layer Filled with Aerogels/Phase Change Materials

“…Organic PCMs with wide range phase transition from 18 till 65 °C are suitable for thermal applications as they show consistency in repeated phase changes [ 13 ] and offer a small temporary heating or cooling effect. The temporary enhancement of thermal protection by using PCMs in firefighter’s garment was extensively proved by many researchers [ 14 , 15 , 16 ]. The simultaneous use of aerogels and PCMs coated on a multilayer fabric structure in firefighter’s protective garment provided superior thermal protection and comfort while the final performance of the proposed combination depends on the amount of PCM and its melting enthalpy [ 13 ].…”

Functionalization and characterization of cotton with phase change materials and thyme oil encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrins

“…The use of phase change materials (PCMs) in textiles provides a thermoregulation system, developed to regulate the variations of temperature of the human body. Hence, by ensuring to the body a comfortable temperature through the wearing of these textiles, they promote comfort to the user, especially in the unfavorable environments [6][7][8].…”

"Chemical Characterization and Thermal Comfort Properties of Cotton Finished With Phase Change Materials and Antimicrobial Agents"

“…3,[10][11][12] The effect of the incorporation of phase change materials to improve the thermal comfort of textiles has been extensively studied. 11,[13][14][15][16] However, the effect of other finishing agents is rarely considered in this evaluation, especially of antimicrobial agents.…”