Study of Adsorption Materials for their Application as Perspiration-absorbing Textiles

Abstract

Research work was undertaken with the aim of developing a garment containing adsorbent materials, which are characterized by their high adsorption capacity, that could be applied in a textile to absorb a user’s sweat, in order to eliminate possible external sweat spots as well as improving user thermal comfort. The research covered the characterization of the employed adsorbent materials, the development of adequate prototype garments and their testing on a subject. Two prototypes (in the form of a vest) were made containing different adsorbent materials. Several types of adsorbent materials were evaluated. SG B 127 and Rhapid Sheet Silica Gel were selected as the best options to apply in the sweat-absorbing textile of the vest. The user, a director of an orchestra, wearing the prototype under his suit was exposed to 30°C/80% RH ambient in a climatic chamber and performed for 35 min, simulating real working conditions. Microclimate temperatures and humidity at the most interesting points under the suit were recorded. Simultaneously, heart rate and thermal sensation votes were also recorded. The experimental results showed that the prototypes had the capacity to absorb the exuded water vapor and fully eliminate sweat spots. However, the prototype turned out to generate a considerable warming effect on the covered body areas. This effect, mainly due to the reaction heat released during the adsorption process, was expected but it turned out to be more intensive than thought.