Comfort Of Fabrics Research Articles

Climate comfort of surface materials for automotive seats

Climate comfort of surface materials for automotive seats

Practical Considerations of the FTT Device for Fabric Comfort Evaluation

The Fabric Touch Tester (FTT) is a device used to measure fabric handle properties. Since the device is considerably new in the market, no standard is available for now and the only reference for users is the brief guidelines by the manufacturer. Having done the experiments for more than 100 types of samples on FTT, the gathered experiences are reported in this paper including the handling of the device, possible analysis to be performed with the FTT data and other possible tests on fabric comfort related matters. We found that extensive care is needed to verify the accuracy of the device sensors, reference samples must be acquired, and a different test setup is required. The default comfort models also must be controlled using panel testing when testing new types of fabrics, and replaced with own models if needed. Apart from these, the FTT is a very useful addition towards fast and reliable comfort testing.

Comparative performance of flame retardancy, physiological comfort, and durability of cotton textiles treated with alkaline and acidic casein suspension

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of coating of different concentrations and pH of aqueous casein suspension on thermo-oxidative properties, flame retardant behavior as well as physiological comfort of cotton fabrics. The flame retardant behavior was found to increase with increase in concentration of casein suspension in both alkaline and acidic pH conditions. The burning rate of 2.1 mm/s and 2.4 mm/s was measured for the samples of 150 g/L casein suspensions in acidic and alkaline pH, respectively. Moreover, better thermo-oxidative properties were obtained for the samples of casein suspension prepared in acidic pH than alkaline pH. The 150 g/L casein produced 19% and 28% residue, respectively for alkaline and acidic suspensions at 600℃. Furthermore, the phenomenon of intumescence was largely observed in case of samples coated with acidic casein suspension due to easier release of ammonia from protonated casein. These samples further exhibited relatively better durability against water washing and UV ageing as compared to those treated with alkaline casein suspension, however delivered poor physiological comfort properties due to blockage of fabric porosity by higher viscosity of casein in acidic pH.

Thermal insulation and thermal contact properties of wool and wool/PES fabrics in wet state

ABSTRACTThe most important parameters characterizing thermal comfort of special garments are thermal resistance and water vapor permeability. Contrary to common textiles, protective garments are often used in wet state, which affects their comfort properties. However, current measuring instruments mostly do not enable reliable measurement of wet fabrics. In the article, Alambeta instrument was used, which provides reliable measurement of thermal comfort of dry and wet fabrics. Research program included evaluation and discussion of the thermal properties: conductivity, resistance, and absorbtivity of wool and wool/partial use of hydrophobic fibers woven fabrics in dry, standard, and wet states. The effect of composition on the above-mentioned properties of these fabrics has also been investigated.

The Role of Yarn Counts and Polyester/Cotton Blends in Comfort of Knitted Fabric

There have been three major concerns regarding the clothing comfort, psychological, sensorialand thermo-physiological comfort. However, there is lack of work on thermo-physiological comfort ofknitted fabric. Hence the present study is conducted to fulfill this gap by analyzing physiological comfortin sense of air permeability, absorbency, vertical wicking and drying time of plain knitted fabric. Clothingcomfort is mainly affected by type of fibres, yarn properties, structure of fabric, finishing treatments, andclothing conditions. In this study the effect of various yarn counts and polyester/cotton blend ratios on thecomfort of knitted fabric has been analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Itis depicted from the results that the selected variables put direct influences on the thermo-physiologicalcomfort of the knitted fabric. The increasing share of polyester in the blend and the fine count for yarnput negative impact on the comfort of the knitted fabric.

تأثير المتغيرات البنائية على الخواص الفيزيقية وخواص الراحة لأقمشة خلايا النحل ثلاثية الأبعاد = Effect of Constructional Parameters of Three-Dimensional Honeycomb Fabric on Their Physical and Comfort Properties

أنسجة خلايا النحل | الأقمشة المنسوجة | الراحة الملبسية | الخواص الفيزيقية | نفاذية الهواء | العزل الحراري | Honeycomb Weaves | Woven Fabrics | Fabric Comfort | Physical Properties | Air Permeability | Thermal Resistance

From Awareness to Action: Teacher Attitude and Implementation of LGBT-Inclusive Curriculum in the English Language Arts Classroom

This survey research describes English language arts teachers’ comfort levels in integrating literature with lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) themes or characters into their curricula and classroom practices. Significant relationships were found between teachers’ age, comfort, awareness of resources, and implementation levels. Although younger teachers had higher comfort levels with LGBT texts, they displayed lower resource awareness levels and static implementation rates. In addition, comfort, awareness, and implementation of LGBT curriculum materials were also correlated with teacher location and with strength of religious belief, with rural teachers and strongly religious teachers displaying lower comfort and implementation levels. Availability of supportive resources such as gay–straight alliances (GSAs) and library holdings, as well as teachers’ awareness of these resources, is also examined. Specific barriers rural teachers encounter when implementing LGBT-inclusive literature/curriculum are identified. A call for future research and professional development is extended.

Study on textile comfort properties of polypropylene blended stainless steel woven fabric for the application of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness

In this study, the different proportion of conductive component blended with polypropylene yarn were taken for making conductive textile samples for analysis of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, fabric bending moment and air permeability. The ASTM D4935 coaxial transmission line method was used to study the electromagnetic shielding. Electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of textile structures containing different percentage of metal content ranges from 1 to 50 dB at high frequency range. Breathability of structures, more precisely air permeability was considered as one of important parameters for designing of electromagnetic radiation protective fabrics for certain applications. The bending moment of samples is decreases with increasing metal component percent.

Thermophysiological comfort and performance properties of knitted fabrics produced from different spinning technologies

In this study, it was intended to investigate the effects of yarn spinning technology on knitted fabric thermophysiological comfort and performance properties. For this aim, three different 100% cotton Ne 16/1 yarn samples were produced with different spinning technologies namely, combed ring, compact and sirospun. Then six knitted fabric samples were produced with two different loop lengths. In the context of this study, air permeability and water vapour permeability tests were done as thermophysiological comfort tests, pilling resistance and abrasion resistance tests were performed as performance tests. In order to understand the statistical importance of spinning technology and loop length on knitted fabric properties, ANOVA was performed. According to the results, it is seen that spinning technology and loop length have important effects on observed properties.

Experimental Researches on the Durability Indicators and the Physiological Comfort of Fabrics using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) Method

The work pursued the distribution of combed wool fabrics destined to manufacturing of external articles of clothing in terms of the values of durability and physiological comfort indices, using the mathematical model of Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Principal Components Analysis (PCA) applied in this study is a descriptive method of the multivariate analysis/multi-dimensional data, and aims to reduce, under control, the number of variables (columns) of the matrix data as much as possible to two or three. Therefore, based on the information about each group/assortment of fabrics, it is desired that, instead of nine inter-correlated variables, to have only two or three new variables called components. The PCA target is to extract the smallest number of components which recover the most of the total information contained in the initial data.

The effect of pavement characteristics on pedestrians' thermal comfort in Toronto

Urban heat island (UHI) has proved to have an important effect in urban microclimate of large cities. In particular, the materials used for the pavements of urban spaces and sidewalks affect pedestrians' comfort significantly. Dark materials store solar radiation during the day and re-radiate it overnight. Reversely, cool materials, given their high albedo, are often proposed for mitigating UHI issues. This paper focuses on the effect on the outdoor thermal comfort of different materials in a main urban square in Toronto. The study is performed at the neighborhood scale, using the high resolution software ENVI-met. Simulations done for a summer heat wave in 2015 allowed predicting the maximum effect of pavements with surfaces having different albedo. The physiological equivalent temperature (PET) is used to assess the pedestrians' thermal comfort. The results show the relative effectiveness of different pavement materials. In particular, thermal comfort evaluations are reported to assess the microclimate benefits of bright marbles over black granites.

Textile Comfort and Nano Fibers

Textile Comfort and Nano Fibers

The research and development of seamless knitted shapewears made of PTT filament

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the comfort and shaping function of seamless shapewear on the material and structure and develop new seamless shapewear products. The shaping figure effect will be verified as well.Design/methodology/approachThe performance of the knitted fabrics made of Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT) filament was analyzed by orthogonal experiment and fuzzy mathematical methods analysis, in order to get the optimal conditions for the best performance. The new products were designed and made based on the results of the material research with the consideration of the aesthetic requirements. The shaping effect of seamless shapewears on local and global figure was tested by the methods of the combination of subjective and objective evaluation.FindingsThe sample which renders the optimal performance for shapewear is the one with PTT filament as face yarn, nylon core-spun yarn as ground yarn and 3+1 simulate rib knit structure. The material of face yarn, mixed proportion and structure can influence the shape retention, appearance and comfort of PTT fabric in various degrees. Three shapewears which were developed according to the results of material research have different shaping effect. And women with different figures put different satisfaction degrees on each shapewear’s shaping effect.Practical implicationsThis paper provides scientific basis and reference for enterprise to design good tight seamless shapewear as well as for consumer to buy suitable products.Originality/valueIn the view of the problems of present shapewears, this paper completed the development of the shapewears and verified the shaping effect of them on women with different figures. The shapewears can be put into production directly.

Fabrication and characterization of Nylon 6/cellulose nanofibrils melt-spun nanocomposite filaments

Nylon 6/cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) melt-spun nanocomposite filaments were melt spun using a capillary rheometer to explore their capacity as textile materials with potentially improved fabric comfort. The effects of CNF loading level (0–10wt%) on the morphological structures, mechanical and physical properties of the nanocomposite filaments were evaluated. The nanocomposite filaments have much rougher surfaces and non-uniform diameters compared to neat Nylon 6 filaments. Nanoindentation test on the cross-section of the filaments revealed that there was no significant agglomeration of CNFs. As the CNF loading level was increased, the complex viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposite filaments were increased, whereas thermal stability was retained. Tenacity and initial modulus of the nanocomposite filaments were improved due to excellent mechanical properties of CNFs. The incorporation of CNFs also increased the hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite filaments, which could have positive implications for textiles as it could potentially improve the perceived comfort.

A pilot intervention with chitosan/cotton knitted jersey fabric to provide comfort for epidermolysis bullosa patients

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a rare hereditary skin disease that causes skin fragility and blistering. Since the wounds of EB do not fully heal, and there is currently no available medical technology that can cure this skin disease, patients suffer from the related physical and psychological pain during their lifetime. Therefore, it is important that skin-protective apparel with protective functions be specifically developed for EB patients to improve their wear comfort and reduce their chances of further skin injuries through the interaction of clothing as a “second skin” and the human skin. This study investigated the fabric comfort properties of chitosan/cotton blend knitted jersey fabric in order to provide comprehensive knowledge to facilitate further medical textile development for EB patients. A proposed model determines the role of chitosan-based yarn in providing comfort to EB patients to determine scientifically the association between textile comfort and medical treatment, and establishes the relationship between percentage composition and comfort to facilitate further examination of medical textiles in both theoretical and practical aspects. The results show that increases in the concentration of chitosan (50% or above) in the blend ratio reduce the rigidity of the fabric and provide a softer handle for the inner surface of the fabric. The surface friction coefficient is reduced which means a smoother surface and the thermal maximum flux is also reduced, that intends a fabric with a cooler handle. It is concluded that fabric with a composition that incorporates chitosan fibers can provide better comfort, which in turn, facilitated the development of a skin-protective textile for EB patients, by the application of chitosan/cotton blend knitted jersey fabric.

Imparting Flame-Retardant and Antistatic Properties to Two- Layer Knitted Fabrics

Imparting Flame-Retardant and Antistatic Properties to Two-Layer Knitted Fabrics A technology of multi-functional two-layer knitted fabrics with barrier properties was developed on the basis of design works within the scope of both material-structural and technical-technological parameters. The barrier properties of knitted fabrics were imparted to them by using the following yarns to make their top layers: • Yarns of 100% metaaramide fibers and blended (metaaramide + viscose FR) fibers imparting protective properties against hot thermal conditions, • Yarns of blended metaaramide and antistatic fibers imparting to the knitted fabrics protective properties against hot thermal factors and static electricity, while for the bottom layers the following were used: Blended cotton and wool yarns with the addition of viscose FR fibers or modacryl Protex fibers, imparting to the knitted fabrics protective properties against hot thermal conditions and beneficial physiological properties. The comprehensive tests carried out to determine structural, physico-mechanical, chemical and functional barrier properties as well as physiological comfort of the knitted fabrics allowed us: • To design fabric structures in two-layer and plating system, • To choose optimal knitted fabrics for the technology development of multi-functional protective fabrics on the basis of knitting and finishing processes, • To work out design and structural assumptions and to make protective fabrics on the basis of the analysis and properties of the fabrics. The knitted fabrics designed can find their use as individual protective measures for workers exposed to work conditions such as: hot thermal conditions and static electricity.

Optimization of Knitted Fabric Comfort and UV Protection using Desirability Function

The present study deals with the optimization of multiple quality parameters of single jersey and 1×1 rib knitted fabrics using the desirability function approach. Comfort properties such as air permeability, thermal conductivity and safety properties such as UV protection are combined to yield an ‘overall desirability’ varying from zero to one. The overall desirability has been maximized versus target values for air permeability, thermal conductivity and UV resistance. Experimental validation confirms that the proposed method can be used to design a knitted fabric with desired comfort and UV resistance characteristics.

Assessment of thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated functional sportswear fabrics using a dynamic thermal model with human/clothing/environmental factors

The development of nanotechnology has made it possible to add desirable functions to fabrics. Nanosilver has been used to provide antibacterial and odor control functions for sportswear over decades. However, few studies have explored the thermal comfort and ultraviolet (UV) protection properties of nanosilver-treated sportswear fabrics. In this study, a dynamic thermal model was introduced to predict the thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated fabrics for wearers in different environmental conditions. Nanosilver was applied to cotton and polyester knit fabrics and their antibacterial and UV protection properties were evaluated as well. The results indicated that substantial antibacterial and UV protection properties were achieved from nanosilver-treated fabrics. The dynamic thermal model predicted the thermal comfort of the treated fabrics for various human, clothing, and environmental factors. Although there was between two and four times difference in the thermal and evaporative resistance between the two tested fabrics, the predicted thermal comfort sensations were not significantly different in the same human and environmental conditions. From these results, it can be concluded that nanosilver-treated fabrics may provide desirable functionality, while not detracting from thermal comfort. This is one of the first trials in which a dynamic numerical thermal model was used to predict the thermal comfort of nanosilver-treated fabrics for sportswear, taking human, clothing, and environmental conditions into consideration.

Printed Stretchable Interconnects for Smart Garments: Design, Fabrication, and Characterization

This paper explores stretchability and fatigue life of inexpensive printed stretchable interconnects for smart garments. Multilayer stretchable interconnects are created on a knit fabric by screen printing of Ag/AgCl conductive inks on thermoplastic polyurethane film (TPU). Heat lamination of this layer onto a knit fabric and its protective encapsulation with a second TPU layer yields a multilayer stretchable interconnect structure. Design and optimization of the printed meandering interconnects are performed experimentally. The effect of processing steps, area of substrate, and encapsulation layers on the electro-mechanical properties of the stretchable interconnects are investigated. Washing endurance of the printed lines is also explored. The meandering stretchable printed line demonstrates stretchability of over 100% strain and fatigue life of 1000 cycles at 20% strain. Washing endurance of 100 cycles is reported. This paper presents an inexpensive method of realization of electronics integration on textiles by maintaining textile comfort and wearability.

Modelling the Effect of Weave Structure and Fabric Thread Density on Mechanical and Comfort Properties of Woven Fabrics

Abstract The paper investigates the effects of weave structure and fabric thread density on the comfort and mechanical properties of various test fabrics woven from polyester/cotton yarns. Three different weave structures, that is, 1/1 plain, 2/1 twill and 3/1 twill, and three different fabric densities were taken as input variables whereas air permeability, overall moisture management capacity, tensile strength and tear strength of fabrics were taken as response variables and a comparison is made of the effect of weave structure and fabric density on the response variables. The results of fabric samples were analysed in Minitab statistical software. The coefficients of determinations (R-sq values) of the regression equations show a good predictive ability of the developed statistical models. The findings of the study may be helpful in deciding appropriate manufacturing specifications of woven fabrics to attain specific comfort and mechanical properties.