Moisture-Wicking and Phase-Change Functional Polyester
topic
Moisture-wicking polyester: cross-shaped (+ or X cross-section) spinneret creates grooves (4 longitudinal channels per filament) for capillary-driven sweat transport by Laplace pressure gradient (ΔP = 2γcosθ/r); combined with fast-drying low-denier fabric. Phase-change material (PCM) polyester: microencapsulated paraffin wax (Tm 28–32°C, latent heat ~200 J/g) incorporated in hollow fibre core or applied in finish — absorbs/releases thermal energy at body temperature, buffering microclimate temperature. Commercial: Outlast® technology.
Role
Functional polyester development through cross-section engineering and smart material integration represents the application of physical chemistry (capillary action, latent heat) and materials science (microcapsule design) to textile performance.