Experimental Study of the Thermo-Regulating Property of Clothing Systems Contained Different Melting Point Microencapsulated PCMs

This study has been carried out in order to investigate the effects of type of phase change materials on the thermo-regulating performance of clothing. Three systems of clothing with the same construction are chosen and their effects on the temperature response of the body (skin temperature changes) during the activity under a defined scenario are investigated. One of the clothing systems is normal (without PCM, i.e. phase change material), the other one is incorporated with PCM with a melting point of 18°C and the third one is incorporated with PCM with a melting point of 28°C. The skin temperature which is mainly affected by the physiological response of the human body is recorded by an on-line measuring system in the field room. Experimental results showed that PCM can affect the thermo-regulating performance of clothing. Furthermore, PCM with a melting point of 28°C shows a more significant effect than PCM with a melting point of 18°C. On the other hand, under cold environmental conditions (-5°C) and during activity of body, PCM with a melting point of 28°C decreases the fluctuations of temperature more than PCM with a melting point of 18°C. Finally, results of this research show that the type of PCM affects the skin temperature of the body. By this method, it is possible to design smart protective clothes with desired level of comfort.