Tests are being conducted in Mars-like terrains here on Earth in Flagstaff, Arizona, to evaluate the flexibility, mobility, and durability of the suits and the different types of suit materials and components.

August 25, 2004 -- SEATTLE, Wash., USA -- Jobwerx News -- Microencapsulation process technology plays an innovative role in the development of temperature regulating clothing and construction materials.

Synopsis: Microencapsulation process technologies plays a key role in the products in which it is used. The ability to isolate tiny amounts of a substance within a protective wall or matrix has played a crucial role in the development of some ground breaking products, such the temperature regulating clothing and construction material.

Microencapsulation is a growing field that is finding application in many technological disciplines. A wide range of core materials in addition to those listed above have been encapsulated. These include adhesives, agrochemicals, catalysts, living cells, flavor oils, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and water. There are many advantages to microencapsulation. Liquids can be handled as solids, odor or taste can be effectively masked in a food product, core substances can be protected from the deleterious effects of the surrounding environment, toxic materials can be safely handled, and drug delivery can be controlled and targeted. In most microcapsules, the shell materials are usually organic polymers; however, waxes and fats have also been used.

INSIGHT: Some of the Players

One encapsulation technology used at (SwRI), Southwest Research Institute, for a number of commercial applications, is the co-extrusion process. Liquid core and shell materials are pumped through concentric orifices, with the core material flowing in the central orifice, and the shell material flowing through the outer annulus. A compound drop composed of a droplet of core fluid encased by a layer of shell fluid forms. The shell is then hardened by appropriate means; for example, by chemical crosslinking in the case of polymers, cooling in the case of fats or waxes, or solvent evaporation.

Outlast global umbrella of Smart Fabric Technology

Outlast Technologies, Inc. has consolidated it's position as the world leader in Phase Change Materials (PCM's) through the acquisition of substantially all of the remaining assets of Frisby Technologies, Inc.

Plastic-Encapsulated Microelectronics - Materials, Processes, Quality, Reliability, and Applications

Outlast Technologies, Inc., a privately held U.S. corporation, is the worldwide pioneer in developing unique phase change materials and applications. As an innovative technology company Outlast has launched 'Smart Fabric Technology' in outerwear, footwear, street wear and bedding. Automotive, industrial, medical and energy applications are the next frontier as well as electronic displays. Originally developed for NASA, Outlast fibers, fabrics and foams contain patented micro encapsulated phase change materials called Thermocules®, which store, absorb and release heat, providing increased comfort to consumers.

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