Development of a Phase Change Material (PCM) Measurement Methodology for Fabric Surface Quantification

Authors

  • Reannan Riedy Florida State University Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
  • Meredith McQuerry FSU Jim Moran College of Entreprenuership

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are chemical compounds encapsulated in a polymer shell that have unique properties, allowing them to change phases from solid to liquid when a specific temperature is reached. As skin temperature rises, heat is absorbed and as the skin cools, heat is released. PCMs can be found in a wide range of consumer apparel and are often applied as a finish to the fabric. The durability of PCM finishes over the material or product’s useful life is not well known, nor is there a standardized procedure for quantifying the presence of PCMs on the fabric’s surface. The purpose of this research was to develop and analyze the efficacy of a microscopic evaluation methodology for fabric surface quantification of PCM finishes. A pilot study was conducted on 100% polyester athletic t-shirts with a proprietary printed PCM finish. Microscopic images were taken in three locations from sample shirts using a Nikon inspection microscope at new and after 1, 5, 10, 20, 25, 35, 40, 45, and 50 consumer launderings. Images were then analyzed using Adobe® Photoshop® tools. Two methods of identifying and quantifying PCMs within the images were explored, both ultimately finding the percentage of pixels containing PCMs within each image. Overall, the presence of the PCM on the fabric’s surface diminished over the course of the garment’s wash life. Results indicate that the methodologies developed within this study were effective for fabric surface quantification.

Author Biographies

  • Reannan Riedy, Florida State University Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship
    Undergraduate Student/Research Assistant
  • Meredith McQuerry, FSU Jim Moran College of Entreprenuership
    Assistant Professor

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Published

2020-12-03

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 4 (2020)

Section

Peer Reviewed Article

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