Abstract
In our previous laboratory study a ‘destructive’ gravimetric method was developed to quantify local garment sweat absorption. While this currently is the only methodology that permits direct and analytical measurements of garment regional sweat absorption, the latter approach is time-consuming and expensive, therefore, of limited applicability. As such, in this study, we wanted to assess whether infrared thermography could be used as an indirect method to estimate garment regional sweat absorption, right after exercise, in a ‘non-destructive’ fashion. Spatial and temporal sweat absorption data, obtained in our previous study, were correlated with spatial and temporal temperature data obtained in the same experiment with an infrared thermal camera. The data suggest that infrared thermography is a good tool to qualitatively predict regional sweat absorption in garments at separate individual time points; however, temporal changes are not predicted well, due to a moisture content threshold above which variations in sweat content cannot be discriminated by further temperature changes.
Highlights
Temperature and moisture management in clothing is a main focus of the clothing industry with regard to garment performance optimisation and wear discomfort reduction
Liquid moisture content and transfer properties of fabrics can be assessed with a range of material test methods
The main focus of this investigation was to determine whether infrared thermography can be used to quantify moisture in Predicted variable Independent variable R2
Summary
Temperature and moisture management in clothing is a main focus of the clothing industry with regard to garment performance optimisation and wear discomfort reduction. Liquid moisture content and transfer properties of fabrics can be assessed with a range of material test methods. In these tests, physical wetness of fabrics is induced by the investigator and/ or specific apparatus, by adding water or special solutions. Moisture properties of fabrics are measured via the application of different technologies, e.g. gravimetric, observation, optical, electrical and temperature-based methods (Tang et al 2014b). These tests are quick, easy and relatively cost-effective, they do not fully simulate the conditions in which liquid moisture absorption and transfer occur, such as in the clothed human body during physical work. In real-life use, immediately after physical exercise, a gravimetric
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