Phase Change Materials

What is it and how does it work?
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) really are space age technology, having been originally developed to insulate delicate electronic components in satellites from the extreme variations of temperature experienced in space. When encapsulated in microscopic spheres, these materials can be utilized in clothing in the form of special fleece, pile and foam.

What are it's benefits?

Absorbs excess heat when you are hot and thus cools you down.
Releases heat when you are cold and therefore warms you up.
Greatly reduces the need for adding and removing layers as activity levels change (i.e ideal for on piste skiing, when you are hot one minute when skiing, but cold the next when sitting on the chair lift).

What are it's drawbacks?

It's expensive.
It only has a limited heat storage capacity - garments using PCMs will not carry on absorbing or releasing heat beyond a certain period of time, and it is very difficult to say how long they will absorb or release heat for.
From a retail point of view, it can be very difficult to sell if the retailer does not fully understand the product!

What does it cost?
Outlast, by far the best known Phase Change Material, is still used in very few garments. It is still mostly found in products like gloves and footwear in the UK.

How do I find out more?

[ www.outlast.com ]

Or escape2 on Freefone 0800 0286 836

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