Thermoregulation properties of composite phase change materials in high temperature environmental conditions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate thermoregulation properties of different composite phase change materials (PCMs), which could be used in the high temperature environmental conditions to protect human body against the extra heat flow.

Design/methodology/approach

Three kinds of composite PCM samples were prepared using the selected pure PCMs, including n-hexadecane, n-octadecane and n-eicosane. The DSC experiment was performed to get the samples’ phase change temperature range and enthalpy. The simulated high temperature experiments were performed using human arms in three different high temperature conditions (40°C, 45°C, 50°C), and the skin temperature variation curves varying with time were obtained. Then a comprehensive index TGP was introduced from the curves and calculated to evaluate the thermoregulation properties of different composite PCM samples comprehensively.

Findings

Results show that the composite PCM samples could provide much help to the high temperature human body. It could decrease the skin temperature quickly in a short time and it will not cause the over-cooling phenomenon. Comparing with other two composite PCM samples, the thermoregulation properties of the n-hexadecane and n-eicosane composite PCM is the best.

Originality/value

Using the n-hexadecane and n-eicosane composite PCM may provide people with better protection against the high temperature conditions, which is significative for the manufacture of functional thermoregulating textiles, garments or equipments.

Citation

Yang, K., Jiao, M., Wang, S., Yu, Y., Diao, Q. and Cao, J. (2018), "Thermoregulation properties of composite phase change materials in high temperature environmental conditions", International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, Vol. 30 No. 4, pp. 507-516. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCST-11-2017-0173