Outlast® fibers, fabrics and foams work as "thermal shock absorbers" by slowing the rate of temperature change within your personal microclimate. They help you maintain your thermal equilibrium with specially selected phase change materials (PCMs) that provide thermal regulation rather than thermal insulation. The PCMs are held in billions of micro-capsules that can be incorporated into variety of materials.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs)

Phase change simply refers to the process of going from one physical state to another - i.e. from a solid to a liquid. Outlast PCMs are substances that are calibrated to stabilize in a "slush" state (half liquid, half solid) within a specified performance range that is a few degrees below your normal, comfortable skin temperature.

As your activity level increases, the solid component of the Outlast "slush" absorbs excess heat generated by your body. This keeps you cooler and extends the period of time before your body's own cooling system (sweating) starts in.

When you begin to cool down, Outlast PCMs begin to change back from a liquid to a solid. In this phase change, the energy that was absorbed by the PCMs while you were active is returned to you.

Through this process, Outlast helps your body maintain a thermal equilibrium in situations where other fabrics cause you to overheat, or let you lose your heat too quickly.

By adjusting the melting range of the PCMs used in Outlast products, specialty products can be produced for a variety of protective apparel applications such as fire fighting, commercial fishing and military use.

PCMs in Fiber, Fabric and Foam

Outlast fibers contain micro-capsules filled with PCMs right inside individual synthetic fiber strands. These fibers can be woven and knit into fabrics for use in base layers such as thermal underwear, socks and gloveliners, and insulating items such as knit shirts, hats and blankets.

Outlast coated fabrics are made by applying Outlast PCMs topically to knit, woven, or non-woven fabrics. These provide superior thermal control with minimal effect on the hand, drape and texture of the host fabric material. Outlast fabrics are often used in jackets, gloves, hats, boots and shoes.

Outlast foams are effective when the physical attributes of foam, on its own or with a fabric, are a priority, and temperature regulation is desired. Manufacturers are using Outlast foams in ski helmets, ski boots, footwear and furniture upholstery.