Materials for Extending Endurance and Productivity of Underwater Divers in Cold Waters

小行星9461179 这项小型企业创新研究第一阶段将研究在织物层中使用微胶囊相变材料（microPCMs）作为热障，以延长水下潜水员在冷水中的耐力和生产力。 MicroPCM增强织物可以单独使用（被动）或与辅助加热装置结合使用（主动）。 对于第一阶段的研究目的，研究的重点将是研究的有效性，微PCM织物作为一个热屏障的潜水员的干式西装。 然而，这里提出的概念也适用于潜水衣。 第一阶段的目标将是：选择，封装和评估适当的PCMS的热性能;获取涂层microPCM织物样品和控制，并评估其热性能;设计实验室测试，以评估测试织物的热性能;并评估测试织物的热性能与辅助加热和不加热。 微PCM材料的潜在用途，以保持潜水员的舒适和延长他们的工作时间将进行彻底的审查和建议，为后续的第二阶段的努力，美国国家科学基金会。

9461179 Bryant This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I will investigate using microencapsulated phase change materials (microPCMs) in a fabric layer as a thermal barrier to extend the endurance and productivity of underwater divers in cold water. MicroPCM-enhanced fabrics could be used alone (passively) or in conjunction with an auxiliary heating device (actively). For Phase I research purposed, the research emphasis will be on studying the effectiveness of a microPCM fabric as a thermal barrier in a diver's dry suit. However the concepts developed here will also apply to wet suits. Phase I objectives will be to: select, encapsulate and evaluate thermal properties of appropriate PCMS; acquire coated microPCM fabric samples and controls and evaluate their thermal properties; design laboratory tests to evaluate thermal performance of test fabrics; and evaluate thermal performance of test fabrics with and without auxiliary heating. The potential use of microPCM material to keep diver's comfortable and extend their work period will be thoroughly examined and recommendations made to the NSF for a follow-on Phase II effort.