Study of Water Vapor Resistance of Co/PES Fabrics Properties During Maintenance

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the interlinkages of physical, mechanical and thermophysiological properties of fabrics. Changes of a thermophysiological property – water vapor resistance (Ret) during washing of six fabrics used for making clothing assemblies (for particular conditions of application) were also examined. Human thermal comfort depends on the combination of clothes, climate conditions and physical activity. Clothing maintenance by washing affects its diffusion and thermal properties. Water vapor permeability and thermal resistance of clothing are key parameter for wearing comfort. Standard methods were applied for examining physical and mechanical properties of fabrics, whereas hot plate measurements were used for testing water vapor resistance (Ret). The obtained results indicated that certain yarns properties used in the production of fabrics and constructional characteristics of fabrics significantly affect the water vapor resistance and its changes during washing. The results were used in order to establish a mathematical model for predicting the behavior of the fabrics during washing that are used for a particular clothing assembly in the phase of exploitation – wearing.