Effect of Microencapsulated Phase Change Materials on Poly (vinyl alcohol) Foam Properties

This work is focused on the realization of biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVOH) based foams through an eco-friendly methodology for applications into the footwear market. Considering that good thermo-regulating performance in terms of heat transfer and perspiration are required for good quality shoes, microencapsulated phase change materials (MPCMs) were incorporated into PVOH foams. Microstructure, thermal and mechanical properties as well as the effect of temperature and relative humidity on mechanical properties were analyzed . The thermo-regulating properties of samples were studied using a self-designed prototype equipment composed of a Peltier-effect device coupled with an infrared thermo-camera.