SBIR Phase I: Spinning Performance of Melt-Spun Fibers Containing Microencapsulated Phase Change Material

这个小企业创新研究第一阶段项目将研究含有微胶囊相变材料（microPCMs）的熔纺纤维的纺丝性能。 微相变材料已成功地被引入到溶液纺丝腈纶中，显著提高了其热能储存能力。 然而，在全世界生产的数十亿磅非纤维素纤维中，熔纺纤维的产量远远超过丙烯酸酯的产量。 由于预计丙烯酸树脂的需求将长期持续下降，合成纤维技术创新的机会显然在于熔纺纤维。 第一阶段的总体目标是对纺丝工艺、含有microPCM的聚合物基体和所得产品之间的关系有一个基本的了解。 为了实现这一点，将确定微PCM填充的聚酯和/或聚丙烯的可纺性的极限。 这包括确定在2000 m/min及更高速度下纺丝连续性的最大微PCM浓度。 预计对国家的好处包括：（1）熔纺纤维和由此产生的具有增强的热能储存能力的织物的商业潜力，以及（2）通过使用这种技术来提高在极端环境中工作的军事服务人员的耐力和生存能力，从而增强国家安全。具有增强的热能储存能力的纺成纤维和织物对于服装来说是巨大的（例如，关键词相变材料，微相变材料，熔纺纤维，纤维纺丝

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I Project will investigate the spinning performance of melt spun fibers containing microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs). MicroPCMs have been successfully incorporated into solution-spun acrylic fibers, significantly increasing their thermal energy storage capability. However, of the billions of pounds of non-cellulosic fibers produced worldwide, melt-spun fiber production far exceeds the amount produced of acrylics. With demand for acrylics expected to continue to decline over the long term, the opportunity for technological innovation in synthetic fibers clearly lies with melt-spun fibers. The overall objective of Phase I is to acquire a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the spinning process, the polymer matrix containing microPCM, and the resulting product. To achieve this the limits of spinnability of microPCM filled polyester and/or polypropylene will be determined. This includes determining the maximum concentration of microPCMs for spinning continuity at 2000 m/min. and higher. Anticipated benefits to the nation include (1) the commercial potential of melt-spun fibers and resulting fabrics with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities, and (2) an enhancement to national security offered by the use of this technology to extend the endurance and survivability of members of the military services who operate in extreme environments.Commercial potentialThe commercial potential of melt-spun fibers and fabrics with enhanced thermal energy storage capabilities is enormous for the apparel (e.g., socks, gloves, jackets) and industrial insulation markets, where hot or cold thermal control is required.Key wordsPhase change material, microPCM, melt-spun fiber, fiber spinning