New Approach of Phase Change Material Encapsulation through in situ Polymerization to Improve Thermo-Regulating Property of Cellulose

摘要

To incorporate thermal comfort in fabric by the use of latent heat storage, micro-encapsulated phase change material is the most efficient way of storing thermal energy. This paper reports a study on the new approach of encapsulation by using three concentrations of 2.5, 5 and 7.5 wt % of polyethylene glycol-1000 used as a phase change material through in situ polymerization. PEG-1000 microcapsules were characterized by the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and differential scanning calorimeter studies. By measuring differential scanning calorimeter results, the highest thermal energy storage attributed for 5 % PEG coated fabric than binder coated fabric that is 3.96 kJ g~(-1) and it plays a vital role to enhance the thermo-regulating property of cotton fabric. Samples were tested for thermo-regulating properties i.e. air permeability, thermal resistance, thermal energy storage, tensile and tearing strength testing by independent measurement way. Phase change material treated fabric shows good thermo regulating property, when applied on textile materials.