The smart thermo-regulate fabrics program jointly conducted by Tianjin Polytechnic University, Quanzhou Textile and Apparel Vocational School and Hualian Knitting Co., Ltd recently passed the program appraisal. Smart textiles are part of our daily life. The same textiles that help astronauts in space and researchers in the Antarctica can also be used by consumers in their everyday tasks.

Technology behind the smart textiles is the phase change material (PCMs). The PCMs, incorporated into clothing throughout special finishing processes, interact with the skin´s temperature to provide a buffer against temperature swings. PCMs are materials that can absorb, store and release heat while the material changes from solid to liquid and back to solid. This is known as a phase change. Water changing from solid (ice) to liquid is an example of this phenomenon. During these phase changes large amounts of heat are absorbed or released. Microencapsulation is the process of capturing small amounts of PCMs in a shell material so that the PCMs are permanently enclosed and protected.

The protective polymer shell is very durable and designed to withstand textile production methods used in fiber, yarn spinning, weaving, knitting, and coating applications.

Textiles with PCMs are used in numerous products and applications from apparel, underwear, socks, accessories and shoes to bedding and sleeping bags. PCMs can even be found in specialty items, such as antiballistic vests, automotive, medical or special industrial applications, where warmth and energy play a role.