Another feature of nanotech clothing?

In the course of this CAJ it has already been shown that nanotech clothing can be bullet-proof, waterproof, but nevertheless breathable. What has not been revealed, however, is the fact that nanotech clothing is also able to regulate the body temperature. How does this work?

The concept of clothes regulating body temperature is closely linked to the waterproof and breathable characteristics of high-tech clothing. Instead of just preventing moisture from penetrating the fabric and evaporating the sweat, this kind of technology absorbs the excess heat created by the body, stores it and releases it later, as the body cools down. This smart technology has been certified by the NASA for the use in outer space.

One of the more popular brands of this kind of clothing is Outlast®. This clothing system recycles the body’s heat, captures it, stores it and when needed releases it. This can be achieved by the Thermocules® (microcapsules) on the inside layer of the piece of clothing. These Thermocules absorb, store and release excess body heat. In this vein Outlast® products seek to reduce overheating and shivering and regularly distribute the warmth.  

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How do Thermocules store heat? What do PCM-materials have to do with it?

The answer to this question are the PCM-materials. These are phase-change materials, used to cool medicine, for example. PCM is a substance that melts or solidifies at a certain temperature. These materials use phase changes (solidifying/liquefying) to absorb or release relatively large amounts of latent heat. Latent heat is the energy released or absorbed by a body during a constant temperature process. This means that only the substance’s physical state changes, which causes energy to be absorbed or released, but not its temperature.

The temperature of PCMs rises as they absorb heat. They continue to absorb heat until all the material is transformed to the liquid phase. When the ambient temperature around the liquid material falls, it solidifies and releases the stored heat.

Ice cubes are an illustrative example of how phase change materials work: as they melt in a drink, they absorb heat from their environment; as they solidify in the freezer compartment, they release heat into it.

When an ice cube forms, the particles of the freezing water move together, releasing the stored energy, as there is no room left for it;  when he melts, the particles move apart, making space for energy to be absorbed.

Why is temperature regulating clothing needed?

In the first place it has long only been used by athletes, as it keeps them comfortable while they exercise. In the last couple of years, however, this type of clothing has also become popular for everyday use. Waking up in the middle of the night sweating, for example, means a sleepless night for many people. Temperature regulating clothing can give them a better night’s sleep.