Temperature adaptable textile fibers and method of preparing same

摘要

A fiber is provided having enhanced thermal storage and release characteristics. The fiber includes a mixture of a first polymer and a thermal stabilizing material surrounded by a second polymer which forms a sheath for the fiber. The thermal stabilizing material may be at least one phase change and/or plastic crystalline material. The first polymer acts as a carrier for the thermal stabilizing material during formation of the fiber, and both the first and second polymers effectively enclose the thermal stabilizing material within the fiber thereby preventing its leakage. The fiber may be of the sheath-core or "island-in-the-sea" type, and fabrics manufactured from such fibers exhibit enhanced insulating properties at desired temperature ranges. Methods for manufacturing the fiber as well as fabrics formed from various types of fibers are also disclosed.