Effectiveness of heat protection of fabrics loaded with phase change materials

Abstract

Among different natural and non-corrosive products paraffin wax and camel fat are selected as phase change materials (PCM). These PCMs are applied to glass, polyester/viscose and wool/polyester woven fabrics. To examine their efficacy, their thermal behavior in a condition similar to the actual end uses is measured. Chemical nature and thermal properties of the PCMs are measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscope and differential scanning calorimeter. A relation based on the principle of heat transfer is used to determine the temperature of a thermometer covered by fabrics loaded with PCMs. A simple exponential relation explains the experimental results. For glass and polyester/viscose fabrics use of these PCMs leads to substantial delays in the temperature changes. The important parameters for the evaluation of the products are discussed.