Abstract:
Polymeric composites and methods of manufacturing polymeric composites are described. In one embodiment, a set of microcapsules containing a phase change material are mixed with a dispersing polymeric material to form a first blend. The dispersing polymeric material has a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0°C to 50°C. The first blend is processed to form a polymeric composite. The polymeric composite can be formed in a variety of shapes, such as pellets, fibers, flakes, sheets, films, rods, and so forth. The polymeric composite can be used as is or incorporated in various articles where a thermal regulating property is desired.
Abstract:
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.
Abstract:
An article having reversible thermal regulation properties comprises a substrate and a functional polymeric phase change material having a heat carrying capacity. The article is further characterized by a chemical function having moisture adsorbing properties that increase the heat carrying capacity.
Abstract:
Articles and products for preventing or minimizing temperature increases of a person or object (see the figure). The articles include a base material, and at least one temperature-stabilizing material integral with and dispersed throughout the base material. The temperature-stabilizing materials can be phase change materials and have phase change temperatures. Products can contain a plurality of articles and each article can have a phase change temperature the same as or different than those of other articles in the product. Products include footwear, protective apparel and the like.
Abstract:
A fiber is provided having enhanced thermal storage and release characteristics. The fiber includes a mixture of a first polymer and a thermal stabilizing material surrounded by a second polymer which forms a sheath for the fiber. The thermal stabilizing material may be at least one phase change and/or plastic crystalline material. The first polymer acts as a carrier for the thermal stabilizing material during formation of the fiber, and both the first and second polymers effectively enclose the thermal stabilizing material within the fiber thereby preventing its leakage. The fiber may be of the sheath-core or 'island-in-the-sea' type, and fabrics manufactured from such fibers exhibit enhanced insulating properties at desired temperature ranges. Methods for manufacturing the fiber as well as fabrics formed from various types of fibers are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The technique of the present invention for minimizing the floor-to-ceiling temperature gradient of a room containing a ceiling, a floor, walls and at least one door and one window, includes the utilization of a phase change material adjacent the ceiling surface and a phase change material adjacent the floor surface. In order to effectively minimize the floor-to-ceiling temperature gradient of the room, first and second phase change materials may be either the same or different, or may be blends of phase change materials. Most preferably, the melting temperature of the first phase change material adjacent the ceiling is greater than the crystallization temperature of the second phase change material adjacent the floor. Preferably, the melting temperature of the first phase change material is 25 °C plus or minus 1 °C and the crystallization temperature of the second phase change material is 22 °C plus or minus 1 °C.
Abstract:
A composition comprising a functional polymeric_phase change material, the functional polymeric phase change material carrying at least one reactive function, wherein the reactive function is capable of forming at least a first electrovalent bond. In certain embodiments, the reactive function is capable of forming at least a first electrovalent bond with a second material. In other embodiments, the functional polymeric phase change material comprises at least one crystallizable section and may also comprise a backbone chain and a plurality of side chains, wherein the plurality of side chains form the crystallizable section.
Abstract:
A food container includes an upper wall, a lower wall, and a side wall extending between the upper wall and the lower wall. At least one of the upper wall, the lower wall, and the side wall includes a plurality of microcapsules containing a phase change material. The phase change material has a latent heat in the range of 40 J/g to 400 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0° C. to 100° C. The phase change material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature.
Abstract:
Polymeric composites and methods of manufacturing polymeric composites are described. In one embodiment, a set of microcapsules containing a phase change material are mixed with a dispersing polymeric material to form a first blend. The dispersing polymeric material has a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 0°C to 50°C. The first blend is processed to form a polymeric composite. The polymeric composite can be formed in a variety of shapes, such as pellets, fibers, flakes, sheets, films, rods, and so forth. The polymeric composite can be used as is or incorporated in various articles where a thermal regulating property is desired.