Physiological tests demonstrate that Outlast® materials outperform traditional materials. Further technical evidence that the dynamic thermal properties of Outlast® products are grounded in solid science can be found in a new test procedure. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) approved a new standard test procedure to measure the amount of heat retained in textile materials. Based on years of research and testing textiles containing “phase change materials” (PCMs) by Outlast Technologies, Inc., and Prof. Dr. Douglas Hittle, Director Solar Energy Applications at Colorado State University (http://welcome.colostate.edu/), the first “Test Method for Steady State and Dynamic Thermal Performance in Textile Materials” (ASTM D7024) was established by the ASTM in June 2004. Now it is possible for the first time to measure the amount of heat retained in textiles. Founded in 1898, ASTM International (www.astm.com), is one of the largest standards development organizations in the world – a trusted source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
“Phase-change technology in temperature regulating textiles with increased latent energy represents an entirely new approach to providing increased comfort and performance. Standard testing procedures used for determining the insulating value of traditional fabrics do not measure the effects of this stored energy in these new, innovative smart fabrics,” explains Volker Schuster, technical director at Outlast Europe. Therefore a new test method and apparatus was required as ASTM D1518 “Standard Test Method for Thermal Transmittance of Textile Materials” only determined the R-value (or CLO value as used in the garment industry) in a steady state. Schuster continues: “This new test method measures dynamic temperature changes and differentiates and quantifies the temperature buffering properties of a material in a dynamic environment. It measures the effects of changing temperature and the fabric’s ability to absorb, store and release energy. This test provides the measurement to separate PCM technology from unsubstantiated claims of temperature regulation through moisture management, wicking or straight thermal insulation properties of a fabric.”
From an industry perspective, this new ASTM standard clearly demonstrates and displays the benefits of incorporating thermal dynamic properties into fibers and fabrics, which is also important regarding the specifications at tenders.
