Comfort Phase Change Materials

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are fabrics that were originally developed to protect astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations in space. They can absorb, store, and dispel heat radiation to regulate body temperature for maximum comfort and safety. PCMs were invented in 1988 by Triangle Research and Development for use in the gloves worn by astronauts during extravehicular activity. Two years later, Ed Payne and Bernard Perry created Outlast Technologies Inc. in Golden, Colorado. Today, the company has over 150 patents, and a successful line of comfort phase change material products ranging from footwear and clothing to bedding and blankets. More than 200 premium brands utilize Outlast tech in their products, including Timberland and Sealy. This state-of-the-art product has not only improved the lives of astronauts in space, but it is now also a widely used consumer product.
More information is available at http://www.outlast.com/en/