Physical mechanisms and characterization of smart thermal clothing

Abstract

The aim of this research is to develop smart thermal functional textiles and clothing that can reduce the heat loss problems of infants and provide a personal thermal comfort environment under changing temperature conditions. To achieve this, micro-encapsulated phase change materials (PCM) were incorporated into textiles. Such textile, which we call PCM textiles, can absorb heat energy when phase change materials change from solid to liquid and release heat when they change from liquid to solid. By using experimental investigations and numerical simulations, the physical mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer through PCM textiles and clothing made of PCM textiles and the thermal physiological response of infants clothed by smart thermal clothing were investigated. The investigations of this research work begins with a literature review of four relevant major areas, namely physiological thermoregulation mechanisms of infants, the physical mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer in clothing materials, phase change materials and textiles treated with phase change materials, and the physical mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer in PCM textiles. After that, the thermoregulatory effects and mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer behavior of single-layer PCM textiles are investigated. Following this, the thermoregulatory effects and mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer behavior of multi-layer PCM textiles assemblies are investigated. Then, the thermal physiological responses of clothed infants are studied. Finally, based on the theoretical analysis and experimental investigation, one example of smart thermal clothing, an infant's wrapper, is designed and developed.