Thesis title: Thermophysical management of Smart textiles and Thin Films with Phase Change Materials
Smart textiles incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) are promising candidates for thermal management applications, offering adaptive temperature regulation based on latent heat storage and release. This research investigates the thermal and optical properties of PCMs applied to various substrates, including textile-replicating MEMS structures, sapphire, cotton fabrics, and Kevlar. By employing infrared (IR) thermography and IR thermo-spectroscopy (transmission mode), the study examines the influence of material thickness, substrate type, and deposition method on emissivity modulation and phase transition behavior. Specially designed MEMS structures were fabricated to simulate textile geometry and enhance the understanding of heat transfer dynamics in PCM-loaded textiles. The study highlights the unique properties of vanadium dioxide (VO₂), a prominent PCM, as well as alkane-based PCMs, examining their thermal modulation, emissivity control, and structural changes. The study integrates infrared thermography to quantify temperature-dependent emissivity variations in VO₂-coated smart textiles and IR thermo-spectroscopy in transmission mode to investigate PCM phase transitions within MEMS structures. Results demonstrate the strong correlation between material morphology, emissivity modulation, and phase transition dynamics, offering insights into thermal regulation, adaptive IR control, and energy-efficient material design. This research contributes to the fundamental understanding of PCM-integrated smart textiles and microstructured materials. The findings have implications for the development of next-generation smart textiles, energy-efficient coatings, and adaptive thermal management systems, advancing the field of infrared-controlling materials and wearable thermoregulation technologies.