Development of thermo-regulating mattress fabrics by application microcapsules containing n-hexadecane/n-octadecane coated with gum arabic/gelatin

Microcapsules containing n-hexadecane/n-octadecane phase change materials, coated with a gum arabic/gelatin layer, were synthesized to impart thermal regulation efficiency to knitted mattress fabrics. The microcapsules were compared with a commercially available microcapsule (Micrathermic P). Furthermore, both types of microcapsules were assessed by blending them in a 1:1 ratio. The results revealed that the majority of the laboratory-produced microcapsules exhibited a spherical morphology and were smaller than 10 mu m in diameter. The encapsulation rate of these microcapsules was determined to be 37.8%, and the encapsulation efficiency was found to be 22.8%. These microcapsules exhibited a higher endothermic heat storage capacity compared to the commercial version; however, their thermal storage effectiveness was decreased when integrated into fabrics. The highest maximum heat flow rate and thermal absorptivity were detected in fabrics to which a combination of laboratory-produced and commercial microcapsules was applied. Mechanical tests revealed an increase in the bursting strength of fabrics treated with microcapsules.