Abstract:
A polymeric composite having enhanced reversible thermal properties is manufactured. A temperature regulating material is mixed with a dispersing polymeric material to form a first blend. The first blend is processed to form granules, and the granules are mixed with a matrix polymeric material to form a second blend. The second blend is processed to form the polymeric composite. The polymeric comosite may be formed in a variety of shapes, such as, for example, pellets, fibers, flakes, sheets, films, rods, and so forth. The polymeric composite may be used as is or incorporated in various articles and applications where a thermal regulating property is desired. The polymeric composite may be further processed to form a variety of articles having enhanced reversible thermal properties, such as, for example, melt spun synthetic fibers.
Abstract:
Multi-component fibers having enhanced reversible thermal properties and methods of manufacturing thereof are described. In one embodiment, a multi-component fiber includes a fiber body formed from a set of elongated members, and at least one of the set of elongated members includes a temperature regulating material having a latent heat of at least 40 J/g and a transition temperature in the range of 22 °C to 40 °C. The temperature regulating material provides thermal regulation based on at least one of absorption and release of the latent heat at the transition temperature. The multi-component fiber can be formed via a melt spinning process or a solution spinning process and can be used or incorporated in various products where a thermal regulating property is desired. For example, the multi-component fiber can be used in textiles, apparel, footwear, medical products, containers and packagings, buildings, appliances, and other products.
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.