Temperature responsive fibers for variable loft insulation

Current clothing systems work on the principle of layering and are very effective. They do have the disadvantage, however, of being bulky and complex because they are usually made up of many parts. These problems are serious enough for the soldier thatmust carry them that there is a constant effort made in the development of fabrics to design smart systems that are able to cover a wide range of temperatures with a single, or at most a couple of garments. Leveraging its experience in the development ofSmartSkinT, a self-regulating fabric for wetsuit manufacture, Mid¿ Technology Corporation proposes to investigate a method of fibre construction; choice of materials; and system design that enable the manufacture of a self-regulating fabric that is able tochange its thermal resistance in response to environmental conditions. This system requires no external power nor does it require input from the user or specialized training in its use. Lightweight clothing for extended temperature range.Requires no userinput or training for use because it is self-regulating.Provides added safety because users would always have clothes that are warm enough for the conditions.Safety or rescue personnel require less gear and could carry less rescue equipment.Commercialapplications: Outdoor gear and clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, covering for thermally sensistive goods/equipment.Application sectors: Sporting goods, rescue equipment, casualty care/hospitals, shipping, clothing.