The American Society of Testing and Materials has approved a new standard test procedure to measure the amount of latent energy in textile materials. Based on years of research and testing textiles containing “phase change materials” by Outlast and Dr. Hittle of Colorado State University, the first “Test Method for Steady State and Dynamic Thermal Performance in Textile Materials” – ASTM D7024 – has been established.

“Phase-change technology in temperature regulating textiles with increased latent energy represents an entirely new approach to providing increased comfort and performance. Standard testing procedures used for determining the insulating value of traditional fabrics do not measure the stored energy in these new, innovative Smart fabrics,” explains Mark Hartmann, technical director at Outlast. Therefore a new test method and apparatus was required as ASTM D1518 “Standard Test Method for Thermal Transmittance of Textile Materials” only determined the R-value (or CLO value as used in the garment industry) in a steady state. Hartmann continues, “This new test method measures dynamic temperature changes and differentiates and quantifies the temperature buffering properties of a material in a dynamic environment. It measures the effects of changing temperature and a fabric’s ability to absorb, store and release energy. This test provides the measurement to separate PCM technology from unsubstantiated claims of temperature regulation through moisture management, wicking or straight thermal insulation properties of a fabric. ”

“From an industry perspective, this new ASTM standard clearly demonstrates and displays the benefits of incorporating thermal dynamic properties (DTP) into fibers, fabrics and foams,” said Outlast Global VP, Brad Poorman. “The consumer now has further technical evidence that the dynamic thermal properties of our products are grounded in solid science. Outlast is committed to continue innovating and introducing new technologies and applications to provide unique benefits of ‘Smart Fabric Technology™’ to our global customers.”