Hybridizing rationally designed hydrophobic PEG-based derivatives into nanoporous F–SiO2 as form-stable phase change materials for melt-spun PA6 phase change fibers with a superior washing durability

Abstract Melt-spinning of novel phase change fibers (PCFs) capable of management of thermal energy is an ideal solution to smartly regulate the human body's microenvironment temperature. The development of these fibers as well as fabrics is however limited by the number of available phase change materials (PCMs) given their currently facing low heat resistance and poor washing durability. We present here a hybridized form-stable phase change material (FSPCM) with rationally designed polyethylene glycol (PEG) derivatives as functional material and nano-porous fumed silica (F–SiO2) as a supporter; featuring a high heat resistance of 303.5 °C and enhanced hydrophobicity. Such FSPCMs can be successfully incorporated into melt-spun polyamide 6 (PA6) fibers for the fabrication of PCF with smart thermal management performance, delivering not only a high enthalpy of 11.1 J/g but also superior washing durability (e.g. 90 °C for 1 h). The excellent energy storage thermostat and service performances of these fibers demonstrate their promising application in intelligent thermal management clothing.