Abstract
An organic Phase Change Material (PCM) possesses the ability to absorb and release large quantity of latent heat during a phase change process over a certain temperature range. This paper presents results related to thermo-physiological efficiency of special underwear with organic PCM integrated in textile through microencapsulation process. The efficiency of PCM underwear was tested through physiological examinations in simulated high-temperature conditions, where test-subjects were voluntarily exposed to heat stress tests wearing NBC protective suit with PCM underwear (option "THERM") and without it (option "NoTHERM"). It can be concluded that wearing a PCM textile clothes under NBC protective suit, during physical activity in high-tempearture conditions, reduces sweating and alleviates heat stress manifested by increased core and skin temperature and heart rate values.
Highlights
Phase change materials possess the ability to change their state with a certain temperature range
In NoTHERM group changes in temperature values over time are characterized by similar dynamics: rapid growth in the first 15 and last 10 min, a little slower in the middle part of the exertional heat stress tests (EHST)
The total temperature increase of 1.67±0.15 °C was recorded in NoTHERM group, while in THERM group the increase was much lower (0.84±0.05 °C) [3]
Summary
Phase change materials possess the ability to change their state with a certain temperature range These materials absorb energy during the heating process as phase change takes place, otherwise this energy can be transferred to the environment in the phase change range during a reverse cooling process [1]. When the melting temperature of a PCM is reached during heating process, the phase change from the solid to the liquid occurs. During this phase change, the PCM absorbs large quantities of latent heat from the surrounding area. Phase change materials are able theoretically to change state at nearly constant temperature and to store large quantity of energy [5]. Using the thermal energy storage (TES) of phase change material (PCM) which has a melting point from 15 to 35 °C is one of the most effective ideas for effective utilization of this kind of materials in the field of personal body cooling
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