Collaboration needed to boost phase change materials, says analyst
12/12/2014
Raghu Tantry, from research firm Frost & Sullivan Chemicals, says the market is not coherent enough and that commercialisation of some textiles is being delayed.
"Collaboration and co-branding among textile manufacturers and PCM providers will be necessary for this market to flourish," he said.
New PCM microcapsules that are flame-resistant or non-flammable are being developed, he said. Bio-based PCMs are also becoming important, especially in North America, due to reduced risk of flammability and better biodegradability than paraffin-based PCM.
“The pace of market growth will primarily depend on the suitability of these technologies for commercialisation. For example, encapsulation in polymeric shells is a superior method for incorporating PCMs in garments, but adds weight and affects the hand.”
A PCM is a substance which is capable of storing and releasing heat, and is offered for the sportswear market by companies such as Outlast.
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