Preparation and characterization of polyurethane foam treated with phase change material microcapsules as potential thermo-regulating textiles

Polyurethane (PU) foam is a very attractive material for applications involving industries ranging from that of technical clothes to fashion. Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials (mPCMs) can be used onto foam using a polymer binder and extender or in-situ foam manufacturing by mixing diols and isocynates to add the thermoregulating properties demanded by modern consumers. The use of microcapsules enhances the thermal response of the foam during heating or cooling and the degree of thermal sensitivity depends on the percentage of microcapsules added in the foam. In this study two type of PU foam are prepared using dip coating and in-situ foam manufacturing method to evaluate thermal performance of them. In the dipcoating method micrcapsules is treated on the surface of foam whereas in case of in-situ foam manufaturing microcapsules are evenly inserted inside the foam. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) used to observe the dispersion of the microcapsules and surface morphology in foam structure. The results revealed that dip coated foam had a higher thermoregulating properties but in-situ manufactured one had higher durability and an adequate stability after washing, rub fastness and ironing treatments. The dip-coated layer was applied for tailoring clothes and tested by using temperature and humidity sensors. The results showed that cloth sample with mPCMs have great ifluence on reduce humidity and Temperature