Analysis of the influence of graphene and phase change microcapsules on thermal behavior of cellulosic fabrics

Abstract

Thermal management is a critical factor in several areas, such as architecture, computing, and transportation. Improving thermal regulation effectiveness is a challenging materials engineers. New materials can be used as thermoregulators sucha as graphene or Phase Change Materials (PCM). Textile engineering is also concerned and researchers are developing numerous advances for effective thermal control. In this investigation, we focus on finding new approaches for thermal regulation of cellulosic fabrics combining both technologies, phase change materials and graphene. For this purpose, we compare the thermal behavior of a cellulosic fabric when applying a coating paste containing graphene or phase change materials individually, finding that their performances are similar during heating. Likewise, the synergy produced by using both materials in the same coating paste is studied, proving that the action of graphene and PCM simultaneously allows the dissipation of more heat energy than when acting individually. These results open new paths of research on thermoregulation that may be useful in numerous applications beyond textiles.