Evaluation of the Moisture Transfer Property of Waterproof Breathable Fabric Under Low-Temperature Conditions Depending on the Pore Size and Distribution

Abstract

The moisture transfer properties of four types of waterproof breathable fabrics with different pore sizes and distributions under low temperatures were examined. The structure, thickness, and pore shape of the fabric by scanning electron microscopy and capillary flow porometer compared depending on the manufacturing method. The effects of these parameters on the wearing comfort as determined by water vapor transmission rate and analyzing the temperature/humidity changes in the microclimate using the human–clothing–environment simulator. The coating type membrane was the thickest, whereas the nano web specimen was the thinnest. The results showed that at subzero temperatures, there was little difference in the vapor pressure change of the microclimate depending on the pore size. In the case of the waterproof breathable fabric produced in various forms depending on the function, however, the evaluation should performed based on the actual clothing wearing conditions, rather than in the standard state, is needed.