Exploring the fabrication of temperature-regulated spray-bonded cotton using eutectic dual-network phase transition microspheres

To achieve effective temperature-regulated modification of spray-bonded cotton for superior thermal management capabilities, a dual-network phase transition microspheres (PCP) was developed through a one-step process using emulsion polymerization. This innovative approach incorporated eutectic polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the phase change component, chemically cross-linked polyacrylamide (PAM) as the first network, and ionically cross-linked calcium alginate (CA) as the second network. The PCP, which contains PEG solid-loaded in the dual network, was utilized as a modifier for the post-treatment of spray-bonded cotton using a coating technique. Key findings reveal that the effectively immobilization of PEG has been, without any abserved chemical reactions between PEG and PAM/CA. Additionally, PEG maintained its crystalline properties when combined with PAM/CA. The PCP exhibited a distinct morphology with smooth, spherical particles averaging round 5 μm in diameter. The optimized PCP sample exhibits a melting onset temperature of 37.20 °C, a melting enthalpy of 92.59 J·g⁻¹, and impressive heat resistance. The resulting temperature-regulated spray-bonded cotton (TRSBC) displayed intelligent temperature control characteristics with a melting onset at 37.65 °C and a latent heat of 32.08 J·g⁻¹. Compared to untreated spray-bonded cotton (USBC), TRSBC exhibited a notable delay effect in both heating and cooling processes, resulting in a temperature differential of 23.5 °C during heating and 16.3 °C during cooling, underscoring its superior temperature control capabilities. Research indicates that TRSBC possesses significant potential in thermal management applications, encompassing clothing, high-tech textiles, and temperature-regulating sandwich panels, thereby presenting considerable opportunities for commercial ventures.