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A review on phase change materials in thermoregulatory textiles
Sana Bangash
Saxion University of Applied Sciences, Enschede, The Netherlands
Date of submission: 4 February 2024
Abstract
Thermoregulatory textiles are specially designed fabrics that help regulate the body’s temperature
by effectively managing heat and moisture. These fabrics are engineered by using different
technologies to provide comfort in various environmental conditions. It provides long-lasting
comfort and protection in cold and hot weather. This study along with other methods and
technologies, highlights phase change materials used for thermoregulation in textiles. Its
integration into textiles is discussed through coating, impregnation, and electrospinning methods.
Moreover, the study highlights the demands of phase change materials, their energy efficiency, and
versatility. A thorough search of academic databases was conducted using specific keywords to
find literature on phase change materials in textiles. The information gathered was organised
through a literature matrix. The gathered study was used to find important patterns and
information. Furthermore, it was found that the integration of phase change materials with other
technologies, such as electrospinning and passive radiative cooling can improve its functionality.
Moreover, these textiles reduce the reliance on energy resources for regulating room temperature,
such as air conditioners and heating appliances which ultimately results in energy savings and
leaves a positive impact on the environment. Hence, they offer improved thermal responses in
textiles, contributing to comfort and energy efficiency, and their incorporation alongside advanced
technologies is promising for effective thermal regulation. Furthermore, effective encapsulation
methods and environmentally friendly formulations are needed to address leakage and
sustainability factors. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of phase change materials can make
them widespread in different industries.
Keywords: Thermoregulatory textiles, Phase change materials, Smart textiles, Thermoregulatory clothing,
Radiative Cooling.
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Introduction
Clothing serves as a source of comfort and protection, and over time, it has evolved to meet
growing needs and demands. Among other functionalities of clothing, thermal protection holds
significant importance.
Given that humans are sensitive to temperature variations, sudden changes can lead to
discomfort and health issues such as heat stroke and hypothermia. Traditional textiles may not
consistently achieve a thermal equilibrium. Therefore, thermoregulatory textiles are introduced
with the capacity to uphold a consistent temperature, irrespective of the impact of environmental
conditions on the individual (Tyurin et al., 2018). Furthermore, thermal comfort is achieved when
there is an equilibrium between total heat gain and loss in the surroundings of the wearer’s body
skin, facilitated by textiles. Thermoregulation involves various heat exchange mechanisms,
including conduction, convection, radiation, and moisture evaporation (Pakdel & Wang, 2023).
Thermoregulatory textiles can be categorised into active and passive types. Active types
offer dynamic control over thermal regulation but require external energy inputs. On the other
hand, passive types, often preferred, require no external power to adapt to different ambient
temperatures (Chai et al., 2022). Current approaches for incorporating thermoregulatory attributes
into textiles and garments include moisture management functionality for evaporating cooling,
coating with highly reflective nanoparticles for reducing heat absorption, using thermally
conductive materials to coating solutions, and passive thermoregulation which is achieved through
loss and gain of heat through radiation. The radiative cooling textiles provide a natural cooling
effect through the emission of thermal radiation. These textiles are responsible to enhance heat
dissipation, through the process of radiative cooling (Pakdel & Wang, 2023). Furthermore, one of
the methods of active thermoregulation utilise a metal layer as an actuator on the clothing. This
facilitates multimodal thermal regulation of the body through radiation, convection, and sweat
evaporation. The metal layer facilitates temperature-responsive movements as well as induces
radiative heating of the clothing (Chai et al., 2022).
Besides all these effective methods, phase change materials (PCMs) are valued in the
textile industry for their ability to effectively manage temperature fluctuations, providing both
cooling and heating effects when needed (Tyurin et al., 2018). This article aims to present an
overview of the progress made in innovative textile technologies for thermoregulation focusing on
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phase change materials. Researchers are more interested in PCMs because of their ability to absorb,
store, and release heat energy. The effectiveness of PCMs is evaluated based on the quantities of
heat energy absorbed or released (Larciprete et al., 2020). Textiles incorporated with phase change
materials reduce the reliance on energy resources for regulating room temperature, such as air
conditioners and heating appliances which ultimately results in energy savings and leaves a
positive impact on the environment. Therefore, phase change materials promote sustainable
industrialisation by contributing to advancements in industry and infrastructure, hence, aligning
with SDG 9 which is Industry, innovation, and infrastructure (United Nations, n.d.). Moreover, it
promotes more sustainable production practices such as energy efficiency and chemical
management by using environment-friendly chemicals and by avoiding the leakage of chemicals
through encapsulation in phase change materials, which aligns with SDG 12 which refers to
responsible consumption and production (United Nations, n.d.).
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Methodology
This section outlines the systematic methods used to conduct the literature review. The
literature related to the new innovative technologies on the topic of thermoregulatory
advancements in textiles is carefully identified, selected, and analysed. The literature included in
this review was limited to articles published in the last ten years to focus on recent advancements
and developments and to focus on the scope of the review.
The databases used for this purpose were Science Direct and Springer Link. Qualitative
research was conducted in journals of Cell Report, Physical Science, Chemical Engineering,
Energy and Buildings, Heliyon, Chemistry and Technology of Chemical Fibres, Thermochimica
Acta, Materials and Design, and Applied Thermal Engineering.
The main keywords used to find articles were “Thermoregulatory Textiles”, AND “Smart
Textiles”, AND/OR “Thermal adaptive clothing”, AND/OR “Thermoregulation in textiles”
AND/OR “Phase change materials” AND “Thermoregulation”. These keywords were used in
different combinations using Boolean Operators to find the relevant materials and articles. In each
article, the main focus was on the technological innovations in thermoregulation, key
methodologies involving PCMs, key outcomes, environmental impact, and prospects for future
applications.
To assess the quality of the articles, only peer-assessed articles were considered for the
review. The literature reliability was ensured by verifying that each article was authored by
different individuals, and the credibility of the authors was validated through citation metrics and
publication records. As mentioned above, different journals were selected to ensure a
comprehensive research review. Moreover, careful measures were taken to prevent plagiarism by
following proper citation practices.
Research articles were analysed by carefully understanding the research question and by
reading the abstract and conclusion sections of the paper. Relevant articles were selected for further
analysis. Patterns and gaps in the literature were identified by comparing the methodology and
results sections. Furthermore, a data matrix was used to organise all the information collected,
which helped in understanding the similarities, differences, and gaps in the literature.
Besides, it is important to notice that literature review can be subject to certain limitations
such as availability of literature, scope and depth, bias, and detailed quality assessment.
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Subsequently, while concluding the methodology, the following sections will explore the results,
conclusions, and recommendations. It will help to understand the performance of thermoregulatory
textiles incorporated with PCMs through different methods. Technologies other than PCMs are
also analysed in the result section.
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Results
This section presents the overview of the relevant key findings from different sources on
thermoregulatory textiles using PCMs and other technologies.
Production methods of PCMs
PCMs can be used in various forms such as microencapsulated, infiltrated, or pure PCM at
different production levels of textiles (Mondal et al., 2023). They are encapsulated due for several
reasons such as prevention of leakage, enhanced durability, reuse, and stabilisation of PCM.
Leakage is an unintended release or escape of the PCM from the textile, which can result in reduced
effectiveness, damage to the textile structure, and environmental and safety concerns. This presents
a challenge during the manufacturing and incorporating the PCMs into the textile (Zhang et al.,
2022). There are different types of encapsulations such as nanoencapsulation, microencapsulation,
and microencapsulation. One of the methods of encapsulation is the spray dyeing method. This
method involves mixing the core material with a coating material in a liquid solution, forming tiny
droplets, which are sprayed into a drying chamber where hot air is used to remove the solvent,
creating microcapsules (Tyurin et al., 2018).
In another method, a melt infiltration process was used where eicosane was infiltered into
aerogel particles resulting in the stabilised form of PCM-aerogel particles. Eicosane permeated the
nanopores of the aerogel particles and adhered to the surface (Shaid et al., 2016). Furthermore,
Mondal et al. (2023) have used the same combination of eicosane and aerogel to make
microparticles through the infiltration method. However, the researchers did not encapsulate the
particles. On the other hand, in the research of thermal characteristics of bio-based textiles, PCMs
used were made from vegetable wax, encapsulated in a polymer microcapsule (El Majd et al.,
2023). In another study conducted by Kazemi and Mortazavi (2014), Glauber’s salt was utilised
as an inorganic PCM. The incorporation of thickening agent and nucleating agents in to Glauber’s
salt results in thermodynamic stability in PCMs without the need for microencapsulation.
Incorporation of PCMs into the textiles
The incorporation of PCMs into the fabric depends on the specific requirements of the
application. There are different techniques through which it can be achieved. These techniques
include coating, impregnation, weaving or knitting, spraying, and electrospinning (Tyurin et al.,
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2018). In the research of aerogel-eicosane microparticles, Shaid et al. (2016) coated PCM
microparticles on a fabric by using an SV-MATIS laboratory coating machine with a coat-dry-cure
method. Similarly, PCMs were introduced into the polyester knitted fabric using the coating
method by Mondal et al. (2023). Additionally, the exhaustion dyeing method was also used in their
research to transmit thermoregulation characteristics. Contrary to this, in the experimental study
of thermal characteristics of bio-based textiles using microencapsulated PCMs, an anionic
acrylamide copolymer emulsion has been utilised as a binder between the textile matrix and the
microencapsulated PCM (El Majd et al., 2023). Furthermore, in the study conducted by Kazemi
and Mortazavi (2014), the prepared coating formulation was applied to the textile using a coating
technique. Moreover, in the research based on textiles with electromagnetic interference shielding
and thermal response, PCM-coated textile is prepared by activation of the textile surface,
decorating and encapsulating the textile with AgNWs. The dip-coating approach was used to create
a multifunctional textile with electromagnetic interference shielding and thermoregulation (Liang
et al., 2023).
Thermal Response of fabrics with PCMs
The thermal response of the fabrics with PCMs gives the understanding to design
innovative textiles that can provide comfort and energy-efficient solutions (Tyurin et al., 2018).
The authors of the research paper based on the preparation of aerogel-eicosane microparticles
mentioned that in addition to the thermal insulation capabilities of the fabric coated with these
microparticles, no melt dripping was detected from either the microparticles or the fabric itself
(Shaid et al., 2016). In the other study of both dyed and coated application of PCM on the fabric,
it is observed that both the dyed and coated fabrics exhibited resistance to temperature elevation,
due to the presence of PCM microparticles as compared to the untreated fabric (Mondal et al.,
2023).
Similarly, El Majd et al. (2023) also mentioned an increase in the conductivity for the
recycled and natural textile materials, in their study based on bio-based insulation materials. These
textiles can be used to improve insulation within the building, resulting in the building’s energy
efficiency. Moreover, the results from Kazemi and Mortazav(2014) showed that with the use of
silicone rubber polymer to hold PCM on the fabric’s coating, the thermal insulation of the treated
fabric can be improved significantly without encapsulating the PCMs.
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Thermal Response of fabrics enhanced with other Technologies
The smart textiles show promising results towards thermoregulation after proper treatments.
Electrospinning, a technique for electrostatic fibre fabrication, has gathered increased interest and
attention from researchers in recent years (Bhardwaj & Kundu, 2010). In the research based on
coaxial electrospinning technology, the polymer solutions are spun into core-sheath fibres with
nano size. These fibres possess a comfortable phase change point and exhibit a peak latent heat
value. Furthermore, the prepared textile exhibits a room temperature phase change point, unique
shape stability at different temperatures, and water stability (Zhang et al.,2022).
In passive radiative cooling technology, the regulation of emissivity level on the outer
surface of an infrared (IR) is crucial for heat dissipation rate and cooling effect. This effect can be
achieved through coating method, electrospinning, spun fibres, and nonwovens (Pakdel & Wang,
2023). Whereas, Hazarika et al. (2023) have used 3D printing to fabricate the IR emissive fabric
samples. A variety of emitters such as metal oxides and polymers-based structures have been used
to achieve a radiative cooling effect. The fabric produced has shown an outstanding mechanical
strength that can efficiently control the transportation and evaporation of sweat.
Contrary to above-mentioned techniques, there is another research based on temperature
adaptive multimodal body heat regulation textile, which is capable of swift adjustment to
temperature variations. The textile is integrated with metallised polyethylene actuators, customised
for both mechanical and infrared optical responses. Furthermore, the smart textile significantly
enhances wearer comfort and performance in fluctuating environment conditions (Chai et al.,2022)
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Conclusion
Different literature indicates that among other technologies, PCMs are in high demand due
to their thermal regulation, ease of use, manufacturing, and durability. They show good thermal
equilibrium, since, a large amount of thermal energy is released or absorbed in the form of latent
heat during transitions in the material’s state within a thermodynamic system. Upon heating, these
materials take in thermal energy, and upon cooling, they release it (Tyurin et al., 2018).
The findings indicate different production methods and performance of textiles
incorporated with PCMs. These methods allow PCMs to be adjusted in specific textile
applications. Furthermore, PCMs are found in both organic (paraffin, bio-based materials) and
inorganic (salts, metallic) forms. Eicosane is one of the most commonly used PCMs in textiles.
Various application methods, including the use of microencapsulated PCMs, infiltered PCMs, or
pure PCMs, have been used at different production stages of textile materials, ranging from the
fibre stage to the completion of garments (Mondal et al., 2023).
Textiles incorporated with PCMs exhibit improved thermal responses, providing comfort
and energy-efficient solutions. This development has significantly contributed to the ease and
comfort. The incorporation of PCMs into textiles, with other advanced technologies, can create
promising innovative textiles with effective thermal regulation.
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Recommendation and Limitations
Despite the numerous advantages of PCMs, there are a few drawbacks, with leakage significant
a one. An effective technology is needed to encapsulate PCMs in a manner that allows them to
withstand high temperatures and phase transitions without experiencing leakage or damage (Yang
et al., 2022). Furthermore, to promote environmental sustainability, it is recommended to explore
the use of more environmentally friendly chemicals in PCM formulations (El Majd et al., 2023).
Moreover, for widespread adoption, it is important to develop cost-effective methods for PCM
production, making them accessible and affordable. The gap between laboratory trials and
commercialisation should be reduced to avoid inappropriate practical applications. Since achieving
both breathability and effective moisture-wicking performance is rare, as higher breathability often
leads to poorer moisture-wicking performance, therefore, textiles must address the challenge of
balancing thermoregulation and comfortable wearability (Lei et al., 2023). Moreover,
incorporation of PCMs often makes the fabric heavier, certain technologies are required to make
the fabrics lighter.
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