Effects of the number and position of phase-change material-treated fabrics on the thermo-regulating properties of phase-change material garments

Abstract

In this study, the effects of the number and position of fabrics treated with phase-change materials (PCMs) on thermo-regulating properties in four-layer garments were investigated. Nanosilver-coated nonadecane was employed as a PCM and coated onto cotton fabrics for the study. The heating and cooling effects of this PCM were evaluated by measuring temperature changes in the air layers of the microclimate within clothing using a Human–Clothing–Environment simulator. Results showed that increased incorporation of PCM-treated fabrics in a garment led to increased heating and cooling effects. In cases in which the number of PCM-treated fabrics incorporated into a garment was the same, the effects of the PCM differed according to the PCM-treated fabrics’ positions in the garment. It was found that the outer layer of a garment ensemble is the more appropriate position for the effects of the PCM.