Development of thermo-regulating textiles using paraffin wax microcapsules

Polystyrene microcapsules containing paraffin wax were synthesized by suspension like polymerization process, and their suitability for textile applications was studied. Fixation of microcapsules into textile substrate by means coating technique was tested. Different coating products and the mass ratio of microcapsules to coating binder were studied in order to get thermal comfort in fabrics. PCM microcapsules were successfully incorporated into the textiles by using TEXPRINT ECOSOFT N10® and WST SUPERMOR® as polymeric binders without modifying the original properties of textile. The coating fabric with 35 wt.% of microcapsules added related to coating binder (WST SUPERMOR®) showed a energy storage capacity of 7.6 J g−1, a high durability and an adequate stability after washing, rub fastness and ironing treatments. A difference of 8.8 °C for 6 s was observed for thermo-regulating textiles obtained as compared with a coated one without microcapsules.