Application and properties of kulkote temperature regulating phase change material on different textile substrates like non-woven, woven and knitted fabric

Phase change materials (PCMs) are characterized with unique properties of absorbing or releasing heat often referred to as latent heat when the material undergoes phase transition. However, phase change materials are available depending on the temperature ranges and applications. In this research work we have chosen kulkote phase change material which can be applied on textile and fibrous surfaces. Application of phase change material is carried by coating method using screen printing method. The coating thickness and percentage add-on on the material was controlled using screen printing technique so that uniformity in coating over the fabric surface can be maintained without variation in their density and distribution. The test samples included woven, knitted and non-woven fabric ones. After the application of kulkote phase change material, the test samples were cured and dried in an oven at 80 °C. The surface morphology of the test samples was studied using scanning electron images (Figure 1). The presence of chemical functional group was analyzed using FTIR spectra data obtained for coated and uncoated samples. Thermal behavior was analyzed using DSC test data and graphs of these samples. The results showed the test samples were stable and occurrence of an initial endothermic peak at 50 °C. The polyester coated non-woven fabric showed a peak at 2957 cm-1 wavelength confirming the presence of C-H stretching functional group. The developed samples and method prove to be robust and can lead to development and design of many phase change apparels based on end use © 2021 Author(s).