Thermally Active Fabrics Containing Polyethylene Glycols

Abstract

Polyethylene glycols (PEG) of low molecular weight (300-1,000) can be durably bound to cotton, cotton-polyester blends, and most commercially available fabrics (such as wool, acrylic and nylon) by a pad-dry-cure method utilizing a polyfunc tional crosslinking agent. The extent to which the PEGs react with and are bonded to the fabrics is dependent on the molecular weight of the polymer, the type and con centration of the crosslinking agent and the catalyst. The resultant fabrics release heat when the temperature drops and absorb heat when the temperature rises. The ther mal activity and the temperature at which the modified fabrics are thermally active are dependent on the molecular weight of the polyol and on the type and concentra tion of crosslinking agent and catalyst, but appear to be relatively independent of fiber type. Thermal storage and release properties were calculated and evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, and were reproducible after ten heating and cooling cycles and after five machine launderings. Other textile properties such as soil release, antistatic behavior and water absorbancy appear to be beneficially affected.