Hydrogel-web composites for thermal energy transfer applications and methods of making the same
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsAli Yahiaoui, Anthony Stephen Spencer, Charles Edward Bolian, II
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Abstract
The present disclosure is generally directed to hydrogel-fibrous web composites that can be used various heat transfer applications. For instance, the thermally conductive hydrogel-fibrous web composite can be used as a skin-contacting layer in a thermal energy transfer pad used to control patient body temperature. The hydrogel polymer is integral to the fibers of the web. Thus, the hydrogel-fibrous web composite provides good thermal conductivity and skin adhesion properties. The present disclosure is also generally directed to methods of preparing the hydrogel-fibrous web composites.
Claims11
A thermally conductive fibrous material comprising
- a web of fibers;
- and
- a hydrogel integrated within said fibers of said web, wherein the hydrogel has a three-dimensional crosslinked structure that is intertwined with the fibers of the web, the hydrogel comprising a monomer, an initiator, a cross-linking agent, and a solubilizer selected from the group consisting of cyclo-dextrin, cyclodextrin derivatives, and hydrotropes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.