Outlast Technologies LLC, a market leader in phase change materials (PCM), and the renowned fibre manufacturer Thai Acrylic Fibre, have succeeded in developing a new generation of a PCM acrylic fibre with Outlast technology.

This new fibre is said to provide four times the performance and offer perfect climate comfort for apparel and home textiles.

New production process

A new production process has allowed the Outlast acrylic fibre to perform four times better than the existing version, according to the company. “We are using now a non-encapsulated pPCM system and we no longer work with encapsulated mPCMs here,” explained Martin Bentz, President of Outlast Technologies LLC, Golden/USA.

“This change allowed us to improve the performance of the new Outlast acrylic fibres enormously. With that, the spinning and dyeing properties are enhanced.” This especially plays a positive role for dark colours – darker tones are easier to achieve now through a better colour absorbance.

Moisture management

The new Outlast acrylic fibre blends very well with wool and is well suited for use in socks, knitwear (e.g. pullovers) and home textiles (blankets), offering the significant added value of a dynamic heat and moisture management, the manufacturer reports. The new Outlast acrylic fibres absorb excess body heat, store and release it.

The performance fibres regulate the climate proactively – in contrast with other technologies that only wick away humidity. This Outlast difference is also said to result in more comfort, as well as improved hygiene, which is important especially when it comes to socks.

Outlast technology

Outlast technology was originally developed for NASA to protect astronauts from temperature fluctuations in space. It proactively manages heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins.

Outlast technology utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. The PCMs have the capacity to absorb, store and release excess heat. This gives any product containing Outlast technology the ability to continually regulate the skin’s microclimate. As the skin gets hot, the heat is absorbed, and as it cools, that heat is released.

Thai Acrylic Fibre

Thai Acrylic Fibre belongs to the Aditya Birla Group, a US 40 billion corporation. Incorporated in 1987, Thai Acrylic Fibre (TAF) ranks among the top three quality acrylic fibre producers globally, the company reports.

It is one of the top two service providers of acrylic application development. Advanced technology automation, computerized process control systems and captive power are said to make the operations of Thai Acrylic extremely efficient and reliable.

www.outlast.com