SIST EN 16806-1:2016

{ "metaTitle": "EN 16806-1:2016 - PCM Heat Storage & Release Test", "metaDescription": "EN 16806-1:2016 defines a DSC test to determine heat storage/release capacity and phase‑change temperatures of textiles containing PCM - for R&D and QC.", "contentMarkdown": "## Overview\n\nEN 16806-1:2016 (CEN) specifies a standardized test method to determine the heat storage and heat release capacity and the phase change temperatures of textile fibres, yarns and fabrics that contain phase change materials (PCM). The method is applicable to free (pure) PCM, micro-encapsulated PCM and PCM incorporated in textiles (woven, knitted or nonwovens). The procedure is based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and delivers enthalpy (J/g or J/m2) and phase change temperature data useful for product development and quality control.\n\n## Key Topics\n\n- Test principle: Measurement of heat flow difference between specimen and reference during a controlled thermal cycle using DSC.

• Specimen types: Pure PCM, micro-encapsulated PCM, fibres, yarns and fabrics (including multi-layer constructions when relevant).
• DSC parameters specified in the standard:
  • Heating/cooling rate: 5 °C/min.
  • Thermal cycle: heating from Tlow = 20 °C to Thigh = 60 °C, with isotherms (2 min) at the temperature extremes.
  • Specimen mass for DSC: 10–40 mg (10 mg recommended).
  • Use of open aluminium crucibles (lid advised but not hermetically sealed) to ensure isobaric conditions.
• Measured outputs: Enthalpy of fusion and crystallization (J/g), extrapolated onset and peak melting/crystallization temperatures, and calculated heat storage/release per unit area (J/m2) for fabrics.
• Quality criteria: Repeatability on three specimens (with two extras if coefficient of variation > 20 %). Calibration and instrument type (heat flux or power compensated) must be reported.\n\n## Applications\n\nThis part of EN 16806 is primarily used for:\n\n- Research & development of PCM-enhanced textiles and technical fabrics.
• Quality control and batch verification of PCM content and performance (pure or micro-encapsulated).
• Comparative testing for material selection in apparel, bedding, mattress covers and technical textile applications (note: this part does NOT address heat transfer performance between user and product).\n\nPractical benefits include reliable enthalpy values for thermal buffering design, objective phase-change temperature data close to skin temperature, and standardized reporting for suppliers and regulators.\n\n## Related Standards\n\n- EN 16806-2: Determination of heat transfer using a dynamic method (covers fabric heat transfer properties).
• EN 16806-3: Determination of heat transfer between the user and the product (covers garment/mattress level performance).
• Normative references used in EN 16806-1: EN ISO 11357-1, EN ISO 11357-3 (DSC methods), EN ISO 139 (conditioning), EN 12127 (mass per unit area).\n\nNote: EN 16806-1:2016 does not apply to measuring fabric-level heat transfer (see Part 2) or user-product heat exchange (see Part 3). For test reporting, include instrument type, calibration details, specimen preparation, and full DSC curves with onset and peak values as specified in the standard." }