#Yarn & Fiber

2015-05-08

Outlast launches new PCM acrylic fiber

The new generation of PCM acrylic fibers: Outlast and TAF succeeded in producing a heat managing Outlast® acrylic fiber with a four times higher performance (c) 2015 Outlast Technologies LLC

Outlast Technologies, Inc., a market leader in phase change materials (PCM), and the renowned fiber manufacturer Thai Acrylic Fibre Co. Ltd., Bangkok/Thailand, announce they have succeeded in developing a new generation of a PCM acrylic fiber with Outlast® technology. This new fiber provides four times the performance and offers perfect climate comfort for apparel and home textiles.

Second generation with four times higher performance

A new production process has allowed the Outlast® acrylic fiber to perform four times better than the existing version. “We are using now a non-encapsulated pPCM system and we no longer work with encapsulated mPCMs here,” says Martin Bentz, President of Outlast Technologies LLC, Golden/USA.“This change allowed us to improve the performance of the new Outlast® acrylic fibers enormously. With that, the spinning and dyeing properties are enhanced."

This especially plays a positive role for dark colors - darker tones are easier to achieve now through a better color absorbance.

The new Outlast® acrylic fiber blends very well with wool. It 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 new Outlast® acrylic fibers absorb excess body heat, store and release it.

Pic: "We are proud of our new PCM acrylic fiber with a four times higher performance," says Martin Bentz, President of Outlast Technologies, Golden/USA.

The performance fibers regulate the climate proactively – in contrast with other technologies that only wick away humidity. Outlast® technology proactively manages heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins, so less humidity is produced inside the apparel. This Outlast® difference also results 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. Outlast® technology utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that absorb, store and release heat for optimal thermal comfort. Outlast® technology is comparable to ice in a drink; as it changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and cools the drink, keeping that drink at the desired temperature for a longer period of time. Outlast® phase change materials work in the same way.

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.

Outlast® technology is not wicking technology, which manages moisture by reacting to your sweat and pulling it away from the skin. Outlast® technology will proactively manage heat while controlling the production of moisture before it begins. That’s the Outlast® difference. The benefits of Outlast® products at a glance: