Comparative Studies on Thermal Comfort Properties of Eri Silk, Mulberry Silk, Wool and Linen Fibres

Abstract

Thermal comfort properties of eri silk, mulberry silk, wool and linen fibres have been studied in this article. Four types of fabrics were made by using spun yarns of eri silk, mulberry silk, wool and linen fibres in weft direction and polyester multifilament yarn in warp direction. Thermal comfort properties of these fabrics have been studied by measuring the air permeability, moisture absorption, thermal and moisture transmission through the fabrics. The thermal properties were measured with Alambeta instrument and wicking of the fabrics was measured by using a vertical wicking tester. Among the four samples, wool fabrics exhibit highest thermal resistance and lowest thermal absorption value; whereas eri silk, mulberry silk and linen fabrics displayed lower thermal resistance values and also higher thermal absorption values, without much significant difference among them. It is observed that the linen fabrics have highest air permeability, followed by wool and then silk fabrics. Lowest air permeability properties of eri and mulberry silk are found to significantly influence the thermal behaviour of silk samples. Highest water vapour permeability was observed in case of wool fabric. Highest wicking and absorbency has been observed in case of mulberry and eri silk, respectively. The results emphasize that the eri silk and mulberry silk samples with high thermal absorbency, wickability, moisture absorbency and very good water vapour permeability coupled with low thermal resistance are suitable for summer wear clothing and at the same time these samples also possess very low air permeability and very good water vapour permeability signifying their appropriateness as thermal wear for windy conditions.