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

这个小型企业创新研究第一阶段项目将研究含有微胶囊相变材料(微PCM)的熔融纺丝纤维的纺丝性能。微细相变材料已成功应用于溶液纺丝的聚丙烯腈纤维中，显著提高了纤维的储热能力。然而，在全球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。随着对丙烯酸酯的需求预计将在长期内继续下降，合成纤维的技术创新机会显然在于熔纺纤维。第一阶段的总体目标是从根本上了解纺丝过程、含有微相变材料的聚合物基质和最终产品之间的关系。为了实现这一点，将确定填充微细相变材料的聚酯和/或丙纶的可纺性极限。这包括确定纺丝连续性所需的微细相变材料的最大浓度为2000米/分钟。而且更高。对国家的预期好处包括：(1)具有增强的热能存储能力的熔纺纤维和由此产生的织物的商业潜力，以及(2)通过使用这项技术来延长在极端环境中工作的军事人员的耐力和生存能力，从而增强国家安全。商业潜力具有增强的热能存储能力的熔纺纤维和织物的商业潜力对于服装(例如，袜子、手套、夹克)和需要热或冷控制的工业绝缘市场来说是巨大的。关键字相变材料、微型PCM、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