Abstract:

In order to solve the problem that the spinnerets are often clogged during the spinning of temperature-adaptable fibers, phase-change microcapsules loaded with polyurethane as the shell and compound paraffin as the core were prepared. The microcapsules were synthesized by the interfacial polymerization of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene and hexamethylene diisocyanate. The microcapsules were experimentally examined in their size and distribution, microscopic morphology, molecular structure, shell cover ratio, thermal stability and phase-changing behaviors by laser particle sizer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared tests, differential scanning calorimetry tests (DSC) and thermogravimetric tests. The results show that the microcapsules distribute within the range of 1 - 15 μm. SEM micrographs demonstrate that the deformable microcapsules have a regular spherical shape woth good dispersion and no adhesion. DSC results indicate that the cover ratio of the microcapsules is 46.45% and the phase change enthallpy is 121.13J/g. Additionally, the microcapsules exhibit good anti-permeability and excellent thermal stability under 30 heating and cooling cycles and can withstand heat up to 182°C. 

Key words: phase-change material, microcapsule, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene, interfacial polymerization, deformation performance