The application of microcapsules of PCM in flame resistant non-woven materials

Purpose The use of organic phase change materials microcapsules (mPCM) has been gaining ground in technical textiles and clothing as a temperature regulating medium and hence a means of keeping the body at a comfortable temperature when wearing impermeable protective clothes. However, for such applications as fire fighter's protective clothes, the standards require that all the material composing the material be fire resistant. The purpose of this paper is to produce a lining containing fire resistant microcapsules of PCM without using flammable binders. Design/methodology/approach This work tests other ways of fixing mPCM to the fibres with a lot less binder present. Washfastness is evaluated in SEM photographs and by weight. The thermal effect is evaluated in a prototype plate calorimeter. Findings This method is first tested for fixing mPCM but the non-woven still does not pass the test according to the standard EN532. Microcapsules are alternatively fixed with MF resin, non-flammable, and by applying flame retardant recipes it is possible for the samples to pass the test. Research limitations/implications Since the amount of flame retardant necessary for the mPCM to stand the test, and the resin to thermo fix it is very high, the material becomes unacceptably stiff. Originality/value Based on a new approach where reactive microcapsules without any binder are used, it is possible to use a lot less flame retardant and resin, and the material is resistant to the standard EN532. In this standard the material has to resist washing and still be flame retardant.