A review on unleashing the potential solution of thermal comfort: Exploring the cutting-edge progress of advanced engineering application of phase change materials integrated textiles

Abstract

Conventional fabrics often fail to regulate temperature effectively, leading to discomfort for the wearer. Under fluctuating environmental conditions, the discomfort in textiles may pose a challenge, specially, in outdoor apparel; sportswear and healthcare. Phase Change Materials (PCMs), have emerged as a game-changer in textile engineering due to the pursuit of novel solutions in the realm of thermal comfort. Owing to their abilities of absorbing, storing, and releasing heat during phase transitions, PCMs provide a more controlled thermal environment. PCMs, considered as excellent contenders for thermal energy storage as they can store and release latent heat energy over a narrow temperature range and are available at various phase change transition temperatures. This review explores the integration of PCMs into textiles, known as PCMs incorporated textiles (PCMTs), which are designed to enhance thermal regulation in fabrics. The study reports a detailed classification of PCMs and textiles structures, along with an evaluation of incorporation techniques such as lamination, coating, and spinning. Analytical techniques like Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and mechanical property assessments are thoroughly reviewed to measure the effectiveness of PCMT. Additionally, a detailed analytical study has been conducted on the categorisation of PCMT according to PCM type, textile structure, and their potential to transform thermal comfort solutions across a range of applications. Furthermore, critical research gaps and future directions for optimising PCMT for enhanced durability, breathability, and thermal regulation across a wide range of applications have also been discussed.