Investigation of Thermoregulation Properties of Cotton Fabrics Treated With Different Phase Change Materials

Abstract

Microencapsulated phase change materials (m-PCMs) are intelligent materials that can store and release latent heat during phase change. These materials are used to improve the thermal comfort of fabrics and to produce heat regulated textiles. Microcapsules are applied to textile surfaces by different application methods (i.e,impregnation, exhausting, coating etc.). The m-PCMs applied to the fabric actively balance the heat energy released or absorbed from the body to create an insulation layer between the external environment and the human body, contributing to the comfort of the garment. In this study, cotton woven fabrics were coated with two different microcapsules in a sample pad batch machine. In addition to heat regulation and morphological properties of fabrics, the effect of microcapsule type on strength, rubbing and sweat fastness of fabrics was investigated.