Outlast Technologies

Outlast Technologies, commonly referred to as Outlast, develops and sells phase change materials (PCMs) in the United States and internationally. Outlast offers Thermocules, microencapsulated phase change materials incorporated into fabrics and fibers to absorb, store, and release heat. The company’s products comprise temperature regulating textiles, fabrics, fibers, and knits 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 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.

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 printed onto flat fabric for next-to-skin products, a process intended to retain fabric hand, drape, and wicking characteristics.

In-fiber

Acrylic, viscose, or polyester fibers can be melt-spun with Thermocule PCM to produce fibers with embedded PCM. This fiber is then spun into yarns and made into fabrics or finished products; in-fiber applications are used for next-to-skin products.

Coating

Coated materials offer high PCM loading capacity and thus high heat storage capacity; 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.