U.S. patent application number 17/191877 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-28 for fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions, and fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions.
The applicant listed for this patent is NAN YA PLASTICS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to CHUN-HAO FANG, SEN-HUANG HSU, TE-CHAO LIAO.
Application Number | 20210332505 17/191877 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005503414 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210332505 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIAO; TE-CHAO ; et
al. |
October 28, 2021 |
FIBER HAVING BOTH THERMAL-INSULATING AND COOL-FEELING FUNCTIONS,
AND FABRIC HAVING BOTH THERMAL-INSULATING AND COOL-FEELING
FUNCTIONS
Abstract
A fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions and a fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions are provided. The fiber includes a
thermal-insulating part and a cool-feeling part encapsulating the
thermal-insulating part. A material of the thermal-insulating part
includes a first base material and a near infrared reflective
material dispersed in the first base material. The near infrared
reflective material is selected from the group consisting of iron,
cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy thereof. A
material of the cool-feeling part includes a second base material
and a cool feeling material dispersed in the second base material.
The cool feeling material is a silicate containing at least one
metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium,
sodium, and aluminum. The fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions is woven from the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions.
Inventors: |
LIAO; TE-CHAO; (TAIPEI,
TW) ; HSU; SEN-HUANG; (TAIPEI, TW) ; FANG;
CHUN-HAO; (TAIPEI, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NAN YA PLASTICS CORPORATION |
TAIPEI |
|
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005503414 |
Appl. No.: |
17/191877 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D03D 15/292 20210101;
D01F 8/14 20130101; D01F 1/10 20130101; D01F 11/08 20130101; D03D
15/52 20210101 |
International
Class: |
D01F 8/14 20060101
D01F008/14; D01F 1/10 20060101 D01F001/10; D03D 15/52 20060101
D03D015/52; D03D 15/292 20060101 D03D015/292; D01F 11/08 20060101
D01F011/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 24, 2020 |
TW |
109113725 |
Claims
1. A fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions, comprising: a thermal-insulating part whose material
includes a first base material and a near infrared reflective
material dispersed in the first base material, the near infrared
reflective material being selected from the group consisting of
iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy
thereof; and a cool-feeling part encapsulating the
thermal-insulating part, a material of the cool-feeling part
including a second base material and a cool-feeling material
dispersed in the second base material, and the cool-feeling
material being a silicate containing at least one metal selected
from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium, sodium, and
aluminum.
2. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the thermal-insulating
part is in a form of a core, and the cool-feeling part is in a form
of a sheath.
3. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein a weight ratio of the
thermal-insulating part to the cool-feeling part ranges from 3:7 to
7:3.
4. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein based on a total weight
of the thermal-insulating part being 100 wt %, the near infrared
reflective material is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt %
to 5 wt %.
5. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein based on a total weight
of the cool-feeling part being 100 wt %, the cool-feeling material
is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt %.
6. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the near infrared
reflective material is dispersed in the first base material in a
form of nanoparticles, and an average diameter of the near infrared
reflective material ranges from 100 nm to 1500 nm.
7. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the cool-feeling
material is dispersed in the second base material in a form of
particles, and an average diameter of the cool-feeling material
ranges from 100 nm to 1500 nm.
8. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein the first base material
is polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or a
combination thereof, the second base material is polyethylene
terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination
thereof, and the first base material and the second base material
are the same or different.
9. The fiber according to claim 1, wherein a quantity of the
thermal-insulating part is plural, and the thermal-insulating parts
are encapsulated by the cool-feeling part.
10. A fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions, which is woven from a fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions, the fiber having
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions comprising: a
thermal-insulating part whose material includes a first base
material and a near infrared reflective material dispersed in the
first base material, the near infrared reflective material being
selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, chromium,
copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy thereof; and a cool-feeling
part encapsulating the thermal-insulating part, a material of the
cool-feeling part including a second base material and a
cool-feeling material dispersed in the second base material, and
the cool-feeling material being a silicate containing at least one
metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium,
sodium, and aluminum; wherein a heat flux of the fabric having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is higher than or
equal to 0.145 W/cm.sup.2, and a near infrared reflectivity of the
fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is
higher than or equal to 58%.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Taiwan
Patent Application No. 109113725, filed on Apr. 24, 2020. The
entire content of the above identified application is incorporated
herein by reference.
[0002] Some references, which may include patents, patent
applications and various publications, may be cited and discussed
in the description of this disclosure. The citation and/or
discussion of such references is provided merely to clarify the
description of the present disclosure and is not an admission that
any such reference is "prior art" to the disclosure described
herein. All references cited and discussed in this specification
are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the
same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a fiber and a fabric, and
more particularly to a fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions and a fabric having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] Due to the greenhouse effect, the worldwide average
temperature is rising annually. In response to such climate
changes, people have increased requirements for functional cloth in
their pursuit of better comfort. For the functional cloth, a fabric
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions has
attracted the most attention.
[0005] To meet the public demand for thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions, a thermal-insulating fiber has been
developed. A thermal-insulating material is added during a
manufacturing process of the thermal-insulating fiber. The
thermal-insulating material can reflect partial infrared ray
radiated by heat sources. Therefore, the thermal-insulating fiber
can prevent partial heat energy of the sunlight from transferring
to the skin, so that discomfort caused by high temperature can be
reduced. In addition, a cool-feeling fiber has also been developed.
A cool-feeling material is added during a manufacturing process of
the cool-feeling fiber. When a temperature of the external
environment is lower than a temperature of the skin, a heat energy
transfer driven by a temperature difference will occur in the
cool-feeling material, so that a heat energy generated from the
skin is dissipated toward the external environment. Therefore, a
cool touch sensation can be felt when the skin is in contact with
the cool-feeling fiber.
[0006] As mentioned above, through different mechanisms, the
thermal-insulating fiber and the cool-feeling fiber enhance the
comfort of the functional cloth in use. Accordingly, a single fiber
(i.e., the thermal-insulating fiber or the cool-feeling fiber)
cannot easily meet the demand in the market for the functional
cloth. To uphold both the thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions, a fabric woven by blending the thermal-insulating fiber
and the cool-feeling fiber is conventionally provided. However,
simultaneous use of two kinds of fibers (i.e., the
thermal-insulating fiber and the cool-feeling fiber) is required in
the blended fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
effects, which has the disadvantage of involving a complicated
manufacturing process.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] In response to the above-referenced technical inadequacies,
the present disclosure provides a fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions and a fabric having
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions.
[0008] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions. The
fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions
includes a thermal-insulating part and a cool-feeling part
encapsulating the thermal-insulating part. A material of the
thermal-insulating part includes a first base material and a near
infrared reflective material dispersed in the first base material.
The near infrared reflective material is selected from the group
consisting of iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and
an alloy thereof. A material of the cool-feeling part includes a
second base material and a cool-feeling material dispersed in the
second base material. The cool-feeling material is a silicate
containing at least one metal selected from the group consisting of
calcium, magnesium, sodium, and aluminum.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the thermal-insulating part is in a
form of a core and the cool-feeling part is in a form of a
sheath.
[0010] In certain embodiments, a weight ratio of the
thermal-insulating part to the cool-feeling part ranges from 3:7 to
7:3.
[0011] In certain embodiments, based on a total weight of the
thermal-insulating part being 100 wt %, the near infrared
reflective material is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt %
to 5 wt %.
[0012] In certain embodiments, based on a total weight of the
cool-feeling part being 100 wt %, the cool-feeling material is
present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt %.
[0013] In certain embodiments, the near infrared reflective
material is dispersed in the first base material in a form of
nanoparticles. An average diameter of the near infrared reflective
material ranges from 100 nm to 1500 nm.
[0014] In certain embodiments, the cool-feeling material is
dispersed in the second base material in a form of particles. An
average diameter of the cool-feeling material ranges from 100 nm to
1500 nm.
[0015] In certain embodiments, the first base material is
polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or a
combination thereof. The second base material is polyethylene
terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, or a combination
thereof. The first base material and the second base material are
the same or different.
[0016] In certain embodiments, a quantity of the thermal-insulating
part is plural, and the thermal-insulating parts are encapsulated
by the cool-feeling part.
[0017] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a fabric
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions. The
fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is
woven from the above-mentioned fiber having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions, and the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions includes a
thermal-insulating part and a cool-feeling part encapsulating the
thermal-insulating part. A material of the thermal-insulating part
includes a first base material and a near infrared reflective
material dispersed in the first base material. The near infrared
reflective material is selected from the group consisting of iron,
cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy thereof. A
material of the cool-feeling part includes a second base material
and a cool-feeling material dispersed in the second base material.
The cool-feeling material is a silicate containing at least one
metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium,
sodium, and aluminum. A heat flux of the fabric having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is higher than or
equal to 0.145 W/cm.sup.2. A near infrared reflectivity of the
fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is
higher than or equal to 58%.
[0018] Therefore, by virtue of "the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions including a
thermal-insulating part and a cool-feeling part" and "the
cool-feeling part encapsulating the thermal-insulating part", the
fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions is
capable of providing comfort in use.
[0019] These and other aspects of the present disclosure will
become apparent from the following description of the embodiment
taken in conjunction with the following drawings and their
captions, although variations and modifications therein may be
affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The described embodiments may be better understood by
reference to the following description and the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic view of a fiber having
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions according to a
first embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions according
to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions according
to a third embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional schematic view of the fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions according
to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0025] The present disclosure is more particularly described in the
following examples that are intended as illustrative only since
numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Like numbers in the drawings indicate
like components throughout the views. As used in the description
herein and throughout the claims that follow, unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise, the meaning of "a", "an", and "the"
includes plural reference, and the meaning of "in" includes "in"
and "on". Titles or subtitles can be used herein for the
convenience of a reader, which shall have no influence on the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0026] The terms used herein generally have their ordinary meanings
in the art. In the case of conflict, the present document,
including any definitions given herein, will prevail. The same
thing can be expressed in more than one way. Alternative language
and synonyms can be used for any term(s) discussed herein, and no
special significance is to be placed upon whether a term is
elaborated or discussed herein. A recital of one or more synonyms
does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples
anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms is
illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of
the present disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the
present disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given
herein. Numbering terms such as "first", "second" or "third" can be
used to describe various components, signals or the like, which are
for distinguishing one component/signal from another one only, and
are not intended to, nor should be construed to impose any
substantive limitations on the components, signals or the like.
[0027] Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages mentioned in the
present disclosure are weight percentages. When a range of upper
and lower limits is provided, all combinations in the mentioned
range are covered as if the combinations are explicitly listed.
[0028] To solve the problem that a conventional manufacturing
process for blending thermal-insulating fibers and cool-feeling
fibers is complicated, the present disclosure provides a fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions and a
fabric manufactured therefrom. The fiber and the fabric provide
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling effects.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the present
disclosure provides a fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1. The fiber having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions 1 of the present disclosure includes a
thermal-insulating part 10 and a cool-feeling part 20. The
thermal-insulating part 10 is completely encapsulated by the
cool-feeling part 20, so that the thermal-insulating part 10 is not
exposed from the cool-feeling part 20. Therefore, there is a larger
contact area between the skin and the cool-feeling part 20.
[0030] In the present embodiment, the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 has a core-sheath
structure. The thermal-insulating part 10 is in a form of a core.
The cool-feeling part 20 is in a form of a sheath. Specifically, in
a cross-sectional view of the fiber having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions 1, a sectional shape of the
thermal-insulating part 10 is circular, and the thermal-insulating
part 10 is located at a center of the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1. The sectional
shape of the thermal-insulating part 10 and a sectional shape of
the cool-feeling part 20 are coaxial. The sectional shape of the
cool-feeling part 20 is annular, and an outer surface of the
thermal-insulating part 10 is covered by the cool-feeling part 20.
However, structures of the fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1 of the present disclosure are not limited
thereto.
[0031] In addition, a weight ratio of the thermal-insulating part
10 to the cool-feeling part 20 can be adjusted according to
requirements. In the present embodiment, the weight ratio of the
thermal-insulating part 10 to the cool-feeling part 20 ranges from
3:7 to 7:3. A density of the thermal-insulating part 10 is close to
a density of the cool-feeling part 20, so that a volume ratio of
the thermal-insulating part 10 to the cool-feeling part 20 is close
to the weight ratio of the thermal-insulating part 10 to the
cool-feeling part 20. In other words, the volume ratio of the
thermal-insulating part 10 to the cool-feeling part 20 ranges from
3:7 to 7:3.
[0032] For example, when the thermal-insulating effect of the fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 is to
be emphasized, a content ratio of the thermal-insulating part 10
can be adjusted to be higher than a content ratio of the
cool-feeling part 20. When the cool-feeling effect of the fiber
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 is to
be emphasized, the content ratio of the cool-feeling part 20 can be
adjusted to be higher than the content ratio of the
thermal-insulating part 10.
[0033] Preferably, the weight ratio of the thermal-insulating part
10 to the cool-feeling part 20 ranges from 3:7 to 5:5. Referring to
FIG. 2, in a second embodiment of the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1, the content ratio
of the cool-feeling part 20 is higher than the content ratio of the
thermal-insulating part 10.
[0034] In other embodiments, a quantity of the thermal-insulating
part 10 is not limited to one. According to requirements or a
structural design of a spinneret, the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 can have one or
more thermal insulating parts 10. Referring to FIG. 3, in a third
embodiment, the quantity of the thermal-insulating part 10 is
plural, and the thermal-insulating parts 10 are completely
encapsulated by the cool-feeling part 20. In FIG. 3, the
thermal-insulating parts 10 are independent from and do not contact
with each other. However, according to practical requirements, the
thermal-insulating parts 10 can contact with each other or
partially contact with each other.
[0035] In other embodiments, a sectional shape of the fiber having
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 is not limited
to being circular. The fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1 can be a profiled fiber. For example, the
sectional shape of the fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1 can be triangular, pentagonal, Y-shaped,
X-shaped, W-shaped, U-shaped, or cruciform. Referring to FIG. 4,
the sectional shape of a fourth embodiment of the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 is cruciform.
Porosity of the fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1 can be adjusted by changing the sectional
shape of the fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions 1, so as to achieve effects of ventilation and
perspiration. For example, a fiber with circular sectional shape
usually has the porosity of 15%, and a fiber with triangle
sectional shape usually has the porosity of 20%.
[0036] A material to form the thermal-insulating part 10 includes a
first base material, a near infrared reflective material 11, and an
additive. The near infrared reflective material 11 and the additive
are dispersed in the first base material.
[0037] The near infrared reflective material 11 is an inorganic
material which can reflect a near infrared (NIR) light (having a
wavelength ranging from 780 nm to 1500 nm) in an external
environment, so as to block partial heat energy. The near infrared
reflective material 11 is selected from the group consisting of
iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy
thereof. Preferably, the near infrared reflective material 11 is
selected from the group consisting of iron-chromium alloy,
iron-nickel alloy, copper-bismuth alloy, iron-chromium-bismuth
alloy and iron-nickel-bismuth alloy. An average diameter of the
near infrared reflective material 11 ranges from 100 nm to 1500 nm.
Preferably, the average diameter of the near infrared reflective
material 11 ranges from 200 nm to 1000 nm. However, the present
disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0038] Based on a total weight of the thermal-insulating part 10
being 100 wt %, the near infrared reflective material 11 is present
in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt %. Preferably, based on
the total weight of the thermal-insulating part 10 being 100 wt %,
the near infrared reflective material 11 is present in an amount
ranging from 3 wt % to 5 wt %. When the near infrared reflective
material 11 is present in an excessive amount, a viscosity of the
material forming the thermal-insulating part 10 will increase,
which is unfavorable for manufacturing the fiber. When the existing
amount of the near infrared reflective material 11 is insufficient,
a reflection effect of the near infrared light is ineffective.
[0039] The first base material is a main material of the
thermal-insulating part 10. The first base material can disperse
the near infrared reflective material 11, and adjust the intrinsic
viscosity of the material forming the thermal-insulating part 10.
The first base material can be polyester, polyolefin, polyamide, or
polyurethane. The polyester can be, but not limited to,
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),
poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN),
or any combination thereof. Preferably, the polyester is
polybutylene terephthalate or polyethylene terephthalate. The
polyolefin can be, but not limited to, polyethylene (PE),
polypropylene (PP), or any combination thereof. The polyamide can
be, but not limited to, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 12, nylon 46, or
any combination thereof. The polyurethane can be, but not limited
to, thermoplastic urethane (TPU).
[0040] In the present embodiment, the first base material is
polyester, and can include more than one kind of polyester, so that
the fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions
1 can meet application requirements. Moreover, the viscosity of the
material forming the thermal-insulating part 10 can be suitable for
operation of a spinning device. For example, the first base
material is polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,
or a combination of polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0041] The additive is an optional component. The additive is
optionally added into the material forming the thermal-insulating
part 10 so as to achieve a specific function. For example, the
additive can be an antioxidant, a dispersant, an ultraviolet
absorber, or an ultraviolet reflective agent.
[0042] The antioxidant can prevent the near infrared reflective
material 11 from oxidation. The dispersant can help the near
infrared reflective material 11 be uniformly dispersed in the first
base material. The antioxidant can be a hindered phenol type
antioxidant, an amine type antioxidant, a triazine type
antioxidant, an organophosphate type antioxidant, or a thioester
type antioxidant.
[0043] An addition of the ultraviolet absorber or the ultraviolet
reflective agent can provide the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 with a UV-cut
function. The ultraviolet absorber can be a nickel quencher type
ultraviolet absorber, an oxanilide type ultraviolet absorber, a
benzotriazole type ultraviolet absorber, a benzoate type
ultraviolet absorber, or a benzophenone type ultraviolet absorber.
On the other hand, the ultraviolet reflective agent can be talc,
kaolin, zinc oxide, iron oxide, or titanium dioxide.
[0044] A material to form the cool-feeling part 20 includes a
second base material, a cool-feeling material 21, and an additive.
The cool-feeling material 21 and the additive are dispersed in the
second base material.
[0045] The cool-feeling material 21 is an inorganic material. The
cool-feeling material 21 helps dissipate heat energy from the skin
of a human body through a temperature difference between the human
body and the external environment, so as to provide a cool touch.
The cool-feeling material 21 is a silicate containing at least one
metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium,
sodium, and aluminum. For example, the cool-feeling material 21 can
be a nephrite material or a jadeite material. Specifically, the
nephrite material is a calcium magnesium silicate containing
calcium, magnesium, and silicon elements (such as
Ca.sub.2Mg.sub.5(OH).sub.2(Si.sub.4O.sub.11).sub.2). The jadeite
material is sodium aluminum silicate containing aluminum, sodium,
and silicon elements (such as NaAlSi.sub.2O.sub.6). An average
diameter of the cool-feeling material 21 ranges from 100 nm to 1500
nm. Preferably, the average diameter of the cool-feeling material
21 ranges from 500 nm to 1500 nm. However, the present disclosure
is not limited thereto.
[0046] Based on a total weight of the cool-feeling part 20 being
100 wt %, the cool-feeling material 21 is present in an amount
ranging from 0.5 wt % to 5 wt %. Preferably, based on the total
weight of the cool-feeling part 20 being 100 wt %, the cool-feeling
material 21 is present in an amount ranging from 0.5 wt % to 1.5 wt
%. When the cool-feeling material 21 is present in an excessive
amount, a viscosity of the material forming the cool-feeling part
20 will increase, which is unfavorable for manufacturing the fiber.
When the existing amount of the cool-feeling material 21 is
insufficient, a heat dissipation effect of the cool-feeling part 20
is ineffective.
[0047] The second base material is a main material of the
cool-feeling part 20. The second base material can disperse the
cool-feeling material 21 and adjust the intrinsic viscosity of the
material forming the cool-feeling part 20. The second base material
can be polyester, polyolefin, polyamide, or polyurethane. The
polyester can be, but not limited to, polybutylene terephthalate,
polyethylene terephthalate, poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene
naphthalate, or any combination thereof. The polyolefin can be, but
not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination
thereof. The polyamide can be, but not limited to, nylon 6, nylon
66, nylon 12, nylon 46, or any combination thereof. The
polyurethane can be, but not limited to, thermoplastic
urethane.
[0048] In the present embodiment, the second base material is
polyester, and can include more than one kind of polyester, so that
the fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions
1 can meet application requirements. Moreover, the viscosity of the
material forming the cool-feeling part 20 can be suitable for
operation of a spinning device. For example, the second base
material is polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate,
or a combination of polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene
terephthalate.
[0049] It is worth mentioning that the first base material and the
second base material can be the same or different. In the present
embodiment, the first base material and the second base material
are the same, so that compatibility between the first base material
and the second base material can be enhanced.
[0050] The additive is an optional component. The additive is
optionally added into the material forming the cool-feeling part 20
so as to achieve a specific function. For example, the additive can
be an antioxidant, a dispersant, an ultraviolet absorber, or an
ultraviolet reflective agent. The specific antioxidant, dispersant,
ultraviolet absorber, and ultraviolet reflective agent are similar
to those mentioned previously and are not repeated herein.
[0051] [Preparation of the Fiber Having Both Thermal-Insulating and
Cool-Feeling Functions]
[0052] A method for manufacturing the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 includes the
following steps. Thermal-insulating masterbatches and cool-feeling
masterbatches are prepared (step S100). The thermal-insulating
masterbatches are used to form the thermal-insulating part 10 of
the fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions
1. The cool-feeling masterbatches are used to form the cool-feeling
part 20 of the fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1.
[0053] The near infrared reflective material 11, the first base
material, and the antioxidant are mixed, melted, and granulated to
obtain the thermal-insulating masterbatches. Specifically, based on
a total weight of the thermal-insulating masterbatches being 100
phr, an amount of the near infrared reflective material 11 ranges
from 35 phr to 45 phr, an amount of the antioxidant is 0.5 phr, and
an amount of the first base material ranges from 54.5 phr to 64.5
phr. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the
present embodiment, a filter pressure value (FPV) of the
thermal-insulating masterbatches is lower than 0.5 barg (gauge
pressure). An intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the thermal-insulating
masterbatches ranges from 0.4 dl/g to 0.8 dl/g.
[0054] The cool-feeling material 21, the second base material, and
the antioxidant are mixed, melted, and granulated to obtain the
cool-feeling masterbatches. Specifically, based on a total weight
of the cool-feeling masterbatches being 100 phr, an amount of the
cool-feeling material 21 ranges from 10 to 20 phr, an amount of the
antioxidant is 0.5 phr, and an amount of the second base material
ranges from 79.5 to 89.5 phr. However, the present disclosure is
not limited thereto. In the present embodiment, a filter pressure
value (FPV) of the cool-feeling masterbatches is lower than 0.5
barg (gauge pressure). An intrinsic viscosity (IV) of the
cool-feeling masterbatches ranges from 0.4 dl/g to 0.8 dl/g. The
method for manufacturing the fiber having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions 1 includes the following steps. 5 wt %
to 15 wt % of the thermal-insulating masterbatches and 85 wt % to
95 wt % of PET semi-dull masterbatches are mixed so as to form the
material forming the thermal-insulating part 10. In addition, 5 wt
% to 15 wt % of the cool-feeling masterbatches and 85 wt % to 95 wt
% of the PET semi-dull masterbatches are mixed to form the material
forming the cool-feeling part 20 (step S200).
[0055] The method for manufacturing the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 includes the
following steps. The material forming the thermal-insulating part
10 and the material forming the cool-feeling part 20 are fed into
an inlet of a spinning device with a core-sheath spinneret. A
spinning speed of the spinning device is set to be 3000 m/min to
4000 m/min. Yarns produced by the spinning device are taken up as
partially oriented yarns (POY) and processed by false twisting to
become draw textured yarns (DTY), so that the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 of the present
disclosure is obtained (step S300).
[0056] When the fiber having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions 1 of the present disclosure is woven into a
fabric, the fabric can also uphold the thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions. The thermal-insulating part 10 can reflect
the near infrared light in sunlight and reduce the storage of heat
energy in the fabric. The cool-feeling part 20 can dissipate heat
energy generated from the skin toward the external environment, so
that the skin can feel a cool touch.
[0057] The fiber having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions 1 of the present disclosure possesses the
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling effects, and can be directly
provided to downstream manufacturers. The downstream manufacturers
can manufacture the fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions from the fiber by various weaving techniques
(such as knitting or weaving). Therefore, compared with a fabric
manufactured by blending the thermal-insulating fibers and
cool-feeling fibers, the method for manufacturing the fabric having
both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions of the present
disclosure is more convenient.
[0058] [Evaluation of the Fabric Having Both Thermal-Insulating and
Cool-Feeling Functions]
[0059] The fabrics having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions of Examples 1 to 3 are manufactured by the
above-mentioned method. In Examples 1 to 3, the material forming
the thermal-insulating part 10 and the material forming the
cool-feeling part 20 are the same. The specific material forming
the thermal-insulating part 10 and the specific material forming
the cool-feeling part 20 are listed in Table 1. A PET fabric woven
only from PET semi-dull yarns is used as Comparative Example 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 compositions of the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions of Examples 1 to 3
Thermal- 10 wt % of thermal- 40 phr of iron-chromium alloy
insulating insulating masterbatches (diameter of 1 .mu.m) part 59.5
phr of PBT 0.5 phr of antioxidant 90 wt % of PET semi- -- dull
masterbatches Cool- 9 wt % of cool-feeling 12 phr of
Ca.sub.2Mg.sub.5(OH).sub.2(Si.sub.4O.sub.11).sub.2 feeling
masterbatches (diameter of 500 nm) part 87.5 phr of PBT 0.5 phr of
antioxidant 91 wt % of PET semi- -- dull masterbatches
[0060] The difference between Examples 1 to 3 lies in the content
ratio of the thermal-insulating part 10 to the cool-feeling part
20. In step S300, feeding speeds of the material forming the
thermal-insulating part 10 and the material forming the
cool-feeling part 20 can be controlled by adjusting rotating speeds
of screws, so that the content ratio of the thermal-insulating part
10 to the cool-feeling part 20 can also be controlled.
Specifically, the content ratios of the thermal-insulating part 10
to the cool-feeling part 20 of Examples 1 to 3 are, sequentially
and respectively, 5:5 (Example 1), 4:6 (Example 2), and 3:7
(Example 3).
[0061] The fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions of the present disclosure in Examples 1 to 3 and the PET
fabric of Comparative Example 1 are cut into samples with a size of
3.times.4.5 cm.sup.2, so as to evaluate their near infrared
reflective capacity and the instant cool-feeling capacity. An
absorbance at a wavelength range between 200 nm to 2500 nm and an
absorbance at a wavelength range between 780 nm to 1500 nm of the
samples are measured by a spectrophotometer (model: X-rite
Color-Eye 70000A). A near infrared reflectivity of the fabrics is
obtained by dividing the absorbance at a wavelength range between
780 nm to 1500 nm by the absorbance at a wavelength range between
200 nm to 2500 nm. In addition, a heat flux of the fabric is
measured by a contact temperature tester (company: KATO TECH,
model: KES-F7 Thermo Labo II). The near infrared reflectivity and
the heat flux of the fabric are listed in Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 properties of the fabric in Examples 1 to 3
and Comparative Example 1 Example Comparative 1 2 3 Example 1 Near
infrared reflectivity (%) 64.18 63.39 64.23 56.69 Heat
flux(W/cm.sup.2) 0.156 0.161 0.159 0.141
[0062] According to results of Table 2, the fabric having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions of the present
disclosure has a near infrared reflectivity higher than 58%.
Preferably, the fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions of the present disclosure has a near
infrared reflectivity higher than 60%. More preferably, the fabric
having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions of the
present disclosure has a near infrared reflectivity higher than
63%. Therefore, the fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions of the present disclosure can reflect at
least 58% of near infrared light at outdoors, decrease the heat
energy stored in the fabric, and alleviate the discomfort of the
human body caused by high temperature.
[0063] According to results of Table 2, the fabric having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions of the present
disclosure can transfer heat energy with a heat flux of 0.145
W/cm.sup.2. Preferably, the fabric having both thermal-insulating
and cool-feeling functions of the present disclosure can transfer
heat energy with a heat flux of 0.155 W/cm.sup.2. In other words,
when there is a temperature difference between the skin and the
external environment, the fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions of the present disclosure can transfer heat
energy rapidly. Therefore, when the heat energy generated from the
skin is dissipated to the outside, a cool touch of the fabric can
be felt upon the skin.
[0064] Compared to the conventional PET fabric (Comparative Example
1), the fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions (Examples 1 to 3) of the present disclosure has a higher
near infrared reflectivity and a higher instant heat flux.
Therefore, the fabric having both thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling functions of the present disclosure has better
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling capacities.
Beneficial Effects of the Embodiments
[0065] In conclusion, by virtue of "the fiber having both
thermal-insulating and cool-feeling functions 1 including a
thermal-insulating part 10 and a cool-feeling part 20" and "the
cool-feeling part 20 encapsulating the thermal-insulating part 10",
the fabric having both thermal-insulating and cool-feeling
functions is capable of providing both the thermal-insulating and
cool-feeling effects.
[0066] Further, by virtue of "the near infrared reflective material
11 being selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt,
chromium, copper, nickel, bismuth, and an alloy thereof" and "the
cool-feeling material 21 being a silicate containing at least one
metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium,
sodium, and aluminum", the near infrared reflective material 11 can
reflect partial heat energy, and the cool-feeling material 21 can
help the skin to dissipate heat energy toward the external
environment through a temperature difference.
[0067] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the disclosure has been presented only for the purposes of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching.
[0068] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical
application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the disclosure and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in
the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing
from its spirit and scope.
* * * * *