Abstract: Bicomponent thermo-regulated fiber was fabricated by melt-spinning. n-Alkanes and polymeric phase change materials were used as core and polypropylene was used as shell. The surface morphologies, thermal behaviors and mechanical properties were measured by using scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and tensile strength tester. The results show that the cross sections of the fibers are compact and the core shell boundary is obviously. The melting and crystal enthalpy is about 36~40J/g when the mass percent of phase change materials is 28 %. The strength and elongation at break of the fiber is 2.3cN/dtex and 29%, respectively, as the drawn ratio is up to 2.75. The mechanical properties can meet the needs of weaving and clothing.

Key words: bicomponent, thermo-regulated fiber, melt-spinning, polymer phase change material