Not too hot, not too cold^®... just right

Smart textiles are part of daily life. The same textiles that help astronauts in space and researchers in the Antarctica are also used by consumers in their everyday tasks.

Textiles with phase change materials (PCMs) are used in numerous products and applications from apparel, underwear, socks, accessories and shoes to bedding and sleeping bags. PCMs can even be found in specialty items, such as antiballistic vests, automotive, medical or special industrial applications, where warmth and energy play a role. But how do PCMs work; what is behind the technology?

How it works

Outlast^® technology’s phase change materials (PCMs), incorporated into clothing, interact with the skin’s temperature to provide a buffer against temperature swings.
PCMs are materials that can absorb, store and release heat while the material changes from solid to liquid and back to solid. This is known as a phase change. Water changing from solid (ice) to liquid is an example of this phenomenon. During these phase changes large amounts of heat are absorbed or released.

Microencapsulation of phase change materials

Microencapsulation is the process of capturing small amounts of phase change materials in a shell material so that the phase change materials are permanently enclosed and protected.
The protective polymer shell is very durable and designed to withstand textile production methods used in fiber, yarn spinning, weaving, knitting, and coating applications.
Outlast Technologies microencapsulated PCMs (mPCMs) are called Thermocules™. Thermocules™ can then be applied as a finishing on fabrics or infused into fibers during the manufacturing process.