Phase Change Materials are Shaping the Smart Clothing of Tomorrow

Clothing has been a crucial part of human civilization. Humans have invented how to use yarns to make clothes that can trap heat in winter and vice versa, but we need to switch to climate-suitable clothing whenever climate changes. It is an expensive as well as cumbersome process. Researchers have devised a way to create a single piece of clothing that can adapt to different climates. Let's delve into what phase change material is and how it changes a cloth's functional properties.

Phase change materials(PCM)

A phase change material is a special type of compound, either organic or inorganic, that can store and release thermal energy in a latent form when it changes from one physical state to another at a nearly constant temperature. It functions like a rechargeable thermal battery. This unique property is due to large latent heat capacities. Some examples of phase change materials are - paraffin, salt hydrates, etc.

1. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, the Australian Institute of Sport introduced a precool vest made from textile fabrics and garments incorporating phase change material, offering a groundbreaking solution to enhance athletes' performance and comfort.

2. In 1987 NASA developed space suit with phase change material technology. Johnson Space Center collaborated with Triangle Research and Development Corporation to create special space suit with fabric containing PCM technology.

3. In the 1990s, a private company secured exclusive rights to adapt NASA-proven technology for use in fabrics on Earth. Today, Outlast Technologies Inc., based in Boulder, Colorado, refers to the phase change materials (PCMs) as "Thermocules" and likens them to ice cubes in a drink. Similar to how ice cubes absorb heat and cool a drink as they melt, Thermocules function in the same way but remain permanently enclosed.

In India textile ministry is developing fabric based on PCM technology and is hopeful to bring a huge change in Indian economy. It is specially important in countries like India where Climate changes in every 3-4 months.