Thermal storage gelatinous triblock copolymer elastomer particles in polyurethane flexible foams

Abstract

Combinations of gelatinous elastomer containing one or more phase change materials, known as 'phase change gel', and polyurethane foam may be made by introducing at least partially cured phase change gel particles comprising plasticized triblock copolymer resin and/or diblock copolymer resin and one or more phase change materials, into a mixture of polyurethane foam-forming components including a polyol and an isocyanate. The phase change gel can be crosslinked to form a cured gelatinous gel, which is then reduced in size before introduction. After the foam-forming components polymerize to make polyurethane foam, the phase change gel particles are discrete visible particles dispersed throughout the foam. The polyurethane reaction is exothermic and can generate sufficient temperature to at least partially melt the styrene-portion of the triblock copolymer resin thereby extending the crosslinking. The combination of phase change gel and polyurethane foam increases the heat storage capacity and thermal conductivity of the foam.