Assessing the performance of textiles incorporating phase change materials

By analyzing the physical mechanisms of heat and moisture transfer through textiles incorporating phase change materials, three indices and related test methods are proposed to characterize the thermal functional performance of such textiles. The indices of thermal regulating capability (I-d and Deltat(d)) are used to describe the thermal regulating performance of textiles incorporating phase change materials, and were found to be strongly dependent on the amount of phase change material. From the aspect of thermal comfort of textiles and clothing, the index TPI is used to represent the thermal psychosensory intensity perceived by the body, and it is shown that the TPI value increased with increase of phase change material level. The index I-g is used to describe the static thermal insulation effects of the textiles. All indices can be measured and calculated by using the testing methods of the Fabric Intelligent Hand Tester. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.