Analysis of the influence of microencapsulated phase change materials on the behavior of a new generation of thermo-regulating shape memory polyurethane fibers

The present work is a first approach in order to achieve thermo-sensitive and waterproof polyurethane fibers useful in the textile industry. For this, two polyurethane formulations with glass transition temperatures (Tg) close to the body temperature have been synthetized and characterized by several techniques such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dynamic-Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and Thermo-mechanical analysis (TMA). In this manner their thermal and shape memory behavior were determined. It was also estimated the water vapor transmission rate of both polyurethane films. Then, integration of two different microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs), one with organic shell and another one, with an inorganic shell, was carried out by extrusion in order to achieve materials with thermo-regulating properties. Fibers for both polyurethanes, pristine or loaded with microencapsulated PCMs, were again characterized to check that the thermal and shape memory properties are maintained, and to study their capability to storage and release energy. The promising results pave the way for a new generation of thermo-regulating materials useful in numerous applications such as the textile sector.