Abstract

The purpose of this study was: (a) to examine the thermal resistance (Rct) and water vapor resistance (Ret) of cotton denim fabric and hemp fabric in developing a new, two-layered material configuration for denim footwear, and(b) obtain a foot thermal sensation model for the denim footwear. Therefore, an empirical prediction model of footwear and material properties can serve as a useful research tool contributing to the improvement of materials and application of functional design processes for footwear. Five different thicknesses of 100% cotton denim fabrics (twill weave, outer layer) and one 100% hemp fabric (plain weave, inner layer) were examined. Measurements of thickness, thermal insulation (Rct), and evaporative resistance (Ret) of the fabrics were conducted using a sweating guarded hot plate according to ASTM-F1868. The findings allow footwear designers and researchers to not only comprehensively utilize the principles of human thermoregulation and footwear material properties, but also consider the development of thermal comfort features in denim shoes. This foot comfort model predicts the key parameters of footwear materials and provide a scientific basis for developing footwear material and design.

Highlights

  • According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 16 million tons of textiles in 2015 and more than one million pieces of denim clothing are thrown away in landfills every year (EPA, 2018; Recyclebank, 2018)

  • The human body was divided into 20 segments and each segment was comprised of four layers including core, muscle, fat, and skin layers

  • Based on the predicted physiological responses, foot thermal sensation was simulated by the thermal sensation model proposed by Zhang et al (2010)

Read more

Summary

Introduction

According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), more than 16 million tons of textiles in 2015 and more than one million pieces of denim clothing are thrown away in landfills every year (EPA, 2018; Recyclebank, 2018). Repurposing waste, such as worn or old jeans made from denim fabrics is a viable material for sustainable shoe design. Rarely do footwear designers and researchers investigate foot thermal sensations based on the material properties of denim fabric, environmental conditions, and human thermoregulation, despite understanding the importance of thermal sensation

Objectives
Methods
Results

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.