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The authors would like to thank the Microscopy Services at UPV for their support and assessment on the sample preparation and image recording during SEM analysis.

Analysis of institutional authors

Mínguez-García, DavidAuthorBou-Belda, EvaAuthorGisbert-Paya, JaimeAuthorBonet-Aracil, MarilésCorresponding Author

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October 10, 2024
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Article

Thermo-Regulated Cotton: Enhanced Insulation through PVA Nanofiber-Coated PCM Microcapsules

Publicated to:Applied Sciences-Basel. 14 (11): 4725- - 2024-06-01 14(11), DOI: 10.3390/app14114725

Authors: Dirlik-Uysal, Dilara; Minguez-Garcia, David; Bou-Belda, Eva; Gisbert-Paya, Jaime; Bonet-Aracil, Mariles

Affiliations

Univ Politecn Valencia, Dept Ingn Text & Papelera, Alcoy 03801, Spain - Author

Abstract

The innovative integration of phase change materials (PCMs) into textiles through microencapsulation presents a transformative approach to developing thermally regulated fabrics. This study explores the synthesis and characterization of microcapsules containing a coconut oil core and an ethylcellulose shell, and their application on cotton fabrics coated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers. The dual-layer system involving microcapsules and nanofibers is designed to enhance the thermal insulation properties of textiles by regulating heat through the absorption and release of thermal energy. The microencapsulation of PCMs allows for the effective incorporation of these materials into textiles without altering the fabric's inherent properties. In this study, the coconut oil serves as the PCM, known for its suitable phase change temperature range, while ethylcellulose provides a robust shell, enhancing the microcapsules' structural integrity. The application of a PVA nanofibers layer not only strengthens the thermal regulation properties but also protects the microcapsules from release while the fabric is manipulated, thereby prolonging the functional life of the fabric. Comprehensive testing, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), confirms the successful application and durability of the microcapsules on the textiles. Thermal imaging studies demonstrate the fabric's enhanced capability to maintain a consistent temperature, highlighting the potential of this technology in applications ranging from smart clothing to energy-efficient building materials or automotive isolation. The integration of PCMs in textiles via microencapsulation and nanofiber technology marks a significant advancement in textile engineering, offering new opportunities for the development of smart and sustainable materials. The study demonstrates the promising potential of integrating PCMs into textiles using microencapsulation and nanofiber technologies. Despite the initially modest insulation improvements, the methodology provides a robust foundation for further research and development.

Keywords

Coconut oilCoreEthylcelluloseEthylcellulose microcapsulesFtiFtirImpactPhase-change materialsSeSemShellSustainabilityTextileTextiles

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Applied Sciences-Basel due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2024 there are still no calculated indicators, but in 2023, it was in position 258/439, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Materials Science, Multidisciplinary.

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2025-07-06:

  • WoS: 2
  • Scopus: 1

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-07-06:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 26 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • The work has been submitted to a journal whose editorial policy allows open Open Access publication.

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (Dirlik-Uysal, Dilara) and Last Author (Bonet Aracil, María Angeles).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been Bonet Aracil, María Angeles.