Outlast Technologies, commonly referred to as Outlast, develops and sells
phase change materials (PCMs) in the United States and internationally. Outlast offers Thermocules, a
microencapsulated phase change materials, which are incorporated into fabrics and fibers for absorbing, storing, and releasing excess heat. The company’s products comprise temperature regulating textiles, fabrics, fibers, and knits. Its products are used in outdoor sports, bedding, apparel, and footwear applications, as well as home furnishings, packaging, military, and medical markets. Outlast Technologies was inducted into the
Space Technology Hall of Fame
Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. In classical physics, physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually conside ...
in 2005 and became a Certified Space Technology in 2003. The company was formerly known as Gateway Technologies, Inc. and changed its name to Outlast Technologies, Inc. in 1997. Outlast Technologies, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, US with operations in Heidenheim, Germany; and Tokyo, Japan.
Outlast Technologies, Inc.: Private Company Information - Businessweek
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Application methods
There are three main application methods of phase change material incorporation: matrix infusion coating, in-fiber, and coating.
Matrix infusion coating
PCM Thermocules are finely printed onto flat fabric for next to skin products. Matrix infusion coating allows for an unchanged hand, drape, and wick.
In-fiber
Acrylic
Acrylic may refer to:
Chemicals and materials
* Acrylic acid, the simplest acrylic compound
* Acrylate polymer, a group of polymers (plastics) noted for transparency and elasticity
* Acrylic resin, a group of related thermoplastic or thermosett ...
, viscose
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber, made from natural sources of regenerated cellulose, such as wood and related agricultural products. It has the same molecular structure as cellulose. It is also called viscose. Many types and grades of viscose ...
, or polyester
Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in every repeat unit of their main chain. As a specific material, it most commonly refers to a type called polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Polyesters include natural ...
fibers are melt-spun with Thermocule PCM to achieve fiber embedded with PCM. This fiber is then spun into yarns then into fabrics or finished products. In-fiber is used for next to skin products.
Coating
Coated materials offer the highest loading capacity of PCM and thus the largest heat storage capacity of any application technique. Coated materials are not intended for next to skin products.
End-uses
The majority of Outlast end-products fall in the categories of bedding, apparel, and footwear. The following table gives a non-exhaustive list of Outlast end-products.
References
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Companies based in Boulder, Colorado
Manufacturing companies of the United States