Thermo-physiological Comfort Properties Research Articles

Statistical study and investigation of the cut-resistant and thermo-physiological performance of protective gloves: a new prospective

Objectives. This research investigated the performance properties of protective gloves alongside improvement in thermo-physiological comfort properties. Methods. Knitted gloves prepared from filament stainless steel, filament Kevlar, staple spun Kevlar and filament glass were used in the core, while 100% viscose rayon and 50/50% polyester/viscose rayon were used in the sheath. Gloves were tested for cut resistance, tear resistance, puncture resistance and abrasion resistance as the prime focus, and thermo-physiological comfort properties were also tested. In this research, a multi-response optimization technique, i.e., principal component analysis, was applied to identify the best yarn combination for gloves based on the aforementioned properties. Thermal images were also taken in constant ambient conditions for temperature distribution maps across the hand’s surface. Results. All of the results were evaluated statistically with analysis of variance, and concluded that the effects of the core yarn on thermo-physiological properties were less significant. Conclusion. The results revealed that samples having dual-core yarn exhibited better in terms of overall properties. The sample having dual-core filament Kevlar and staple spun Kevlar ranked the best. In addition, developed samples exhibited better comfort properties than the control sample.

Thermo-Physiological Comfort Property of Military Combat Boot Material for Hot and Cold Climatic Conditions

Military combat boots require materials that balance thermo-physiological comfort in hot and cold climates. The aim of this research was to analyze the thermo-physiological comfort properties of military combat boot materials in extreme hot and cold conditions to maintain optimal functionality. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s pairwise comparison statistical tests were conducted, resulting in a p value less than 0.05, indicating statistically significant differences between the materials’ air permeability, water vapor permeability, and thermal resistance. For hot climates, plain nylon canvas four-thread upper and warp-knitted lining fabrics had thermo-physiological indexes of 8.15 and 119.5, respectively. The high airflow and moisture wicking of these materials kept feet cool and dry. For cold climates, chrome-tanned waterproof upper leather and sheepskin lining leather had thermo-physiological indexes of 33.33 and 24.18, respectively. Their waterproofing and insulation maintained warmth and dryness. The thermal properties of the sample uppers were determined to evaluate breathability and insulating ability for hot and cold climatic conditions. The selection of proper materials for military combat boots in different climates is the main approach to reducing foot heat, foot pain, and foot injuries under any condition, providing comfort for wearers, and protecting feet against harsh conditions.

Taguchi-TOPSIS based optimization of comfort in compression stockings for vascular disorders

Compression stockings/socks are one of the most essential materials to treat vascular disorders in veins. However, the comfort of wearing such stockings over prolonged period of time is a major problem. There is limited research in the area of comfort optimization while retaining the compressional performance. The current work is carried out with an aim to determine the optimum level of the input factors e.g., knitting structure, plaiting yarn linear density and main yarn linear density for achieving desired stretch recovery percentage and thermo-physiological comfort properties of compression socks used in treatment of vascular disorders. Their optimum combination was determined by using Taguchi based techniques for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution i.e., TOPIS. In this study, thickness, areal density, air permeability, thermal resistance, over all moisture management capacity (OMMC), stretch and recovery % were optimized simultaneously by using Taguchi-TOPSIS method. The results showed that linear density of plaiting and main yarn has significant influence on all the comfort related properties for compression stockings/socks. The optimum sample had linear density 20 denier for Lycra covered by 70 denier of nylon 66 in the plaiting yarn. It also suggested 120 denier nylon 66 in the main yarn knitted into a plain single jersey structure. The percentage contribution of the factors i.e., structure, plaiting yarn linear density and main yarn linear density was obtained by using ANOVA which are 7%, 31% and 42% respectively. It is worth mentioning that in case of compression stockings, the main yarn linear density has more significant effect on comfort properties as compared to other independent parameters. The results were verified by experiment, and the accuracy was relatively high (maximum error 8.533%). This study helped to select suitable knit structure with the change of linear densities of plaiting yarn and main yarn for comfortable compression stocking/sock and will fulfill the potential requirement for treatment of venous/vascular disorders. The novel methodology involving TOPSIS method helped in analyzing the cumulative contribution of the input parameters to achieve optimum compression as well as comfort performance. This modern approach is based on contemporary scientific principles and statistical approximations. This study may provide benchmark solutions to complex problems involving multiple interdependent criteria.

New Dimensions of Various Interlock Knitted Derivatives

ABSTRACT This study investigated the derivatives of interlock knitted structures by changing stitch type, location, and their percentage (%) on different performance properties. In the current study, 11 different interlock knit structures were developed by using multiple combinations of knit, tuck, and miss stitches and different types of testing, i.e., physical, mechanical, thermo-physiological comfort, tactile comfort, and dimensional properties, were performed and investigated. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine the statistical significance of structure on the properties. Based on the results, it was concluded that stitch type, percentage, and location have a prominent influence on the abovementioned properties of knit fabrics, which is also elaborated by interaction plots. The present research used a multi-response optimization technique, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), to identify the best structure for industrial applications like uniforms, based on the optimization of abovementioned properties. Based on the results, it was suggested that a sample with an interlock cross relief structure was found to be the best in all aspects among all samples, followed by interlock pique and double tuck, which were ranked as 2nd and 3rd, respectively. This paper highlights the possible application of different interlock knitted structures according to end use for manufacturers.

Thermophysiological comfort and objective hand properties of modal, Naia™, cashmere and cotton included denim fabrics

In this study, the thermophysiological comfort and objective hand properties of modal, Naia™, cashmere, and cotton containing denim fabrics were investigated. Therefore, the air permeability, thermal conductivity, thermal absorptivity, thermal resistance, water vapor permeability, overall flexural rigidity, and compressibility of the fabrics were examined. It was concluded that using Naia™ sustainable fiber improved the thermal comfort and objective hand properties of denim fabrics. The elastane containing fabrics (T5 and T6) were uncomfortable because of their lower air permeability, lower water vapor permeability and higher overall flexural rigidity properties. Sulfur dyeing only affects the thermal resistance of fabrics, and the thermal resistance of sulfur dyed fabrics is higher than that of indigo dyed fabrics with the same compositions.

A study on the effect of material type, structure tightness and finishing process on the physical and thermo-physiological properties of sandwich terry socks for winter wear

Compared to other textiles, socks are made at the lowest cost and have the highest consumption rate, making them one of the least-lasting fabric goods in the clothing industry. Socks are available in a wide range of fibers blends, that is, cotton, wool, nylon, acrylic, polyester, olefin, spandex, etc. As an element of footwear, socks act in tandem with the foot and shoe, influencing the temperature and moisture levels of the feet. The comfort of clothing next to the skin in terms of temperature and moisture is gaining more and more attention. Pilling is a serious issue with wool items, and less pilling is required since it negatively impacts the esthetic, comfort, and longevity of the fabric. This research has investigated socks pilling tendency and thermo-physiological comfort properties, that is, air permeability and thermal resistance made by wool/polypropylene blend yarn. Three different combinations of wool/polypropylene yarns on the main and platting side of the socks were used at two different tightness levels. Polyurethane finish has been applied to check the socks’ behavior after the finish application. Statistical analysis showed that finished samples knitted with wool/polypropylene as a main yarn offer the best results against the pilling test while sample code ANL, an unfinished sample, offers the best results regarding air permeability, thermal resistance, and overall moisture management capacity.

Effect of Yarn Count, Weave Structure, Construction on Thermal Properties and Air Permeability of Fabrics

This Clothing is placed not exclusively to protect the human body from harm, but also because it assists in achieving a state of comfort during strenuous activities or when the environment around the wearer is unfavorable. Clothing comfort is determined by the thermo-physiological comfort properties of the woven fabric, which include air permeability, thermal properties, moisture management, and handling properties. Different high-tech fibers, yarns, woven fabric construction and structure have radically altered people's fundamental need to be clothed as time has progressed. In this study, the thermo-physiological comfort properties of woven fabrics with differing construction and structure are investigated. Then comparisons are made keeping all parameters constant except one. It has been demonstrated that a higher thermal conductivity can be achieved by using coarser yarn in higher interlacing fabrics, such as plain fabric. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of a fabric with low interlace density, such as 3/1 twill, is reduced when a coarser yarn is used. The thermal conductivity of fabric can be reduced to an acceptable level by using coarser yarn and less interlacing. Fabrics with heavier constructions are less air permeable than those with lighter constructions.

Investigating the Thermo-Physiological Comfort Properties of Weft-Knitted Smart Structures Having a Negative Poisson’s Ratio

Smart auxetic structures are gaining attention in various areas such as architecture, clothing (sports and protective), civil, and medical applications owing to their negative Poisson’s ratio. Compared to ordinary structures, these structures have better properties (shear resistance, formability, energy absorbance, and robust fracture strength). Auxetic structures show the exceptional property of becoming wider in one direction when stretched from another direction. In this research, three different auxetic weft-knitted structures were fabricated using nylon, polyester, acrylic, and cotton yarns on a Shima Seiki flat-knitting machine. The physical properties, negative Poisson’s ratio, and thermo-physiological comfort properties of these fabrics were checked. Negative Poisson’s ratio strain curves of the developed fabrics were plotted; all fabrics, except for nylon, show the negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR). The NPR decreases with increased strain in the longitudinal direction, and polyester exhibits a maximum value of NPR −0.4 in line structure at 30 mm extension. Results also revealed that structures made with nylon and polyester yarns exhibit a better value of air permeability than acrylic and cotton, while acrylic provides the best thermal resistance values than other materials in line structure and polyester yarn shows better overall moisture management capacity (OMMC) performance in zigzag structures.

Modeling and Prediction of Thermophysiological Comfort Properties of a Single Layer Fabric System Using Single Sector Sweating Torso.

Thermophysiological comfort is known to play a primary role in maintaining thermal balance, which corresponds to a person’s satisfaction with their immediate thermal environment. Among the existing test methods, sweating torsos are one of the best tools to provide a combined measurement of heat and moisture transfer using non-isothermal conditions. This study presents a preliminary numerical model of a single sector sweating torso to predict the thermophysiological comfort properties of fabric systems. The model has been developed using COMSOL Multiphysics, based on the ISO 18640-1 standard test method and a single layer fabric system used in sportswear. A good agreement was observed between the experimental and numeral results over different exposure phases simulated by the torso test (R2 = 0.72 to 0.99). The model enables a systematic investigation of the effect of fabric properties (thickness, porosity, thermal resistance, and evaporative resistance), environmental conditions (relative humidity, air and radiant temperature, and wind speed), and physiological parameters (sweating rate) to gain an enhanced understanding of the thermophysiological comfort properties of the fabric system.

Application of a comfort index for evaluating tactile and thermo-physiological comfort properties of surgical gowns

The primary objective of this study is to develop a mathematical tool to calculate a global desirability index value (comfort index) for disposable surgical gowns which will enhance the market value for the product. The mathematical tool is based on the desirability function approach, by using its different modules such as maximization, minimization, and target as per the objectives chosen. Three different disposable nonwoven surgical gowns, such as Fabrics C (44.35 g/m 2 , 0.32 mm thickness & 11 micron pore size), A (46.31 g/m 2 , 0.29 mm thickness & 10 micron pore size) & S (44.71 g/m 2 , 0.36 mm thickness & 8.9 micron pore size), intended for hospital application have been used. The developed model focuses on predicting tactile and thermophysiological comfort, by considering the importance of certain physical properties, leading to the comfort of the wearer. Results reveal that out of the three gowns, Fabric C gown fetches the best comfort index value of 0.5689 followed by the Fabric S and A gowns with the values of 0.3009 and 0.1969 respectively.

Development of wearable system for carpal tunnel syndrome

PurposeCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a hand disease caused by the pressing of the median nerve present in the palmar side of the wrist. It causes severe pain in the wrist, triggering disturbance during sleep. Different products like splints, braces and gloves are available in the market to alleviate this disease but there was still a need to improve the wearability, comfort and cost of the product. This study was about designing a comfortable and cost-effective wearable system for mild-to-moderate CTS. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy has been used to reduce the pain in the wrist.Design/methodology/approachAfter simulation by using Proteus software (which allowed the researchers to draw and simulate electrical circuits using ISIS, ARES and PCB design tools virtually), the circuit with optimum frequency, i.e. 33 Hz was selected, and the circuit was developed on a printed circuit board (PCB). The developed circuit was integrated successfully into the half glove structure.FindingsThe developed product had good thermophysiological comfort and hand properties as compared to the commercially available product of the same kind. In vivo testing (It involves the testing with living subjects like animals, plants or human beings) was performed which resulted in 85% confirmed viability of the product against CTS. A glove with an integrated circuit was developed successfully to accommodate various sizes without any sex specifications in a cost-effective way to mitigate the issue of CTS.Research limitations/implicationsIndustrial workers, individuals frequently using their hands or those diagnosed with CTS may wish to use this product as therapy. The attention could not be paid to the aesthetic or visual appeal of the developed product.Originality/valueA very comfortable glove with integrated TENS electrodes was developed successfully to accommodate various sizes without any sex specifications in a cost-effective way to mitigate the issues of CTS.

Exploration of Effects of Graduated Compression Stocking Structures on Performance Properties Using Principal Component Analysis: A Promising Method for Simultaneous Optimization of Properties.

This paper focuses on the comfort properties of graduated and preventive compression stockings for people who work long hours in standing postures and for athletes for proper blood circulation. The present study was conducted in order to investigate the effects of the yarn insertion density and inlaid stitches on the performance of the compression stockings. The effects of these parameters on the thermo-physiological comfort properties were tested with standard and developed methods of testing. All compression stockings were maintained with class 1 pressure as per German standards. The structural parameters of the knitted fabric structures were investigated. The stretching and recovery properties were also investigated to determine the performance properties. The theoretical pressure was predicated using the Laplace’s law by testing the stockings’ tensile properties. The compression interface pressures of all stockings were also investigated using a medical stocking tester (MST) from Salzmann AG, St. Gallen, Switzerland. Correlation between the theoretical pressures and pressures measured using the MST system were also assessed. The current research used a multi-response optimization technique, i.e., principal component analysis (PCA), to identify the best structure based on the optimalization of the above-mentioned properties. The results also revealed that samples with higher insertion density levels exhibit better comfort properties. The results showed that sample R1 was the best sample, followed by R2 and P. In addition, all developed stocking samples exhibited better comfort properties than the control sample from the market.

Synergistic effect of screen-printed Al(OH)3 nanoparticles and phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils on the thermophysiological comfort and high-intensive heat protection properties of flame-retardant fabric

Al(OH)3 nanoparticles (ATH NPs) and phosphorylated cellulose nanofibrils (PCNFs) were used as user-friendly and comfortable coating components on flame-retardant fabric to improve its thermophysiological comfort and high-intensive heat protection properties. The effect of the PCNF imprinting and its attachment after the post-printing of a hydrophobic polyacrylate (AP) on the same (back side) or the other (front) side of the fabric, with and without the addition of ATH NPs, was considered, to maintain the front side (facing the wearer) as hydrophilic while keeping the back side (facing the outside) hydrophobic. The amount of coatings applied and their patterning were studied, varied with the ATH NPs’ concentration (1.7, 3.3 and 6.7 wt%) and screen mesh size used (60 and 135), based on the coating’ mass, fabric’s air permeability, thickness and microstructure. The reduced moisture build-up (55%), increased the water vapour (13%) and heat (12%) transfer from the skin, were assessed by applying PCNF under the AP, being more pronounced in the case of using a 135 mesh-sized screen, given the smaller, more densely distributed, thinner and imprinted pattern coatings. These effects were further improved by the addition of nanoporous ATH NPs, which allowed more homogeneous spreading of the moisture and its faster transport. Such a treatment also shifted the fabric’s degradation temperature towards higher values (up to 15°C), retained up to 30% of high-heat flux (21 kW/m2), prolonged the time to ignition by 11 s and reduced the total heat released by up to 60%, thereby providing better protection when exposed to the heat, due to the presence of the phosphorous (PCNF) promoted generation of an Al2O3 char acting as a barrier layer, while also reducing the production of heat and generation of smoke by 75%.

Effect of picking sequence on thermo-physiological comfort of bilayer woven fabrics

PurposeThis paper aims to develop bilayer woven fabrics with different picking sequences with enhanced comfort without any change in the constituent materials.Design/methodology/approachSix bilayer woven fabrics were produced on Dobby loom with 3/1 twill weave using micro-polyester yarn. Three different picking sequences, i.e. single pick insertion (SPI), double pick insertion (DPI) and three pick insertion (3PI), were used in both face and back layers. The effect of picking sequence on air permeability (AP), volume porosity, thermal resistance and overall moisture management capability (OMMC) of the samples were analyzed.FindingsThe results showed that 3PI–3PI picking sequence gives the highest OMMC, AP and thermal resistance in bilayer woven fabrics and the least results exhibited by SPI–SPI picking sequence.Research limitations/implicationsThis research uses a bilayer woven system that develops channels and trapes the air causing higher thermal resistance; therefore, applicable for winter sports clothing rather than for summer wear. Developed bilayer woven fabrics can be used in winter sportswear to improve the comfort of the wearer and reduce fatigue during activity.Originality/valueAuthors have developed bilayer fabrics by changing the picking sequences, i.e. SPI, DPI and 3PI of weft yarns in both layers and compared their thermo-physiological comfort properties.

Influence of flock coating on the thermophysiological comfort properties of woven cotton fabric

In flock coating, the fabric surface is coated with an adhesive, and flock fibers of a certain length and fineness are impinged and embedded on the adhesive. Embedded fibers form a pile structure on the surface, causing the process to find a wide range of applications. However, there has been no study on the comfort properties of the flock coated fabrics due to the inevitable decrease of the fabric permeability after adhesive coating. This study evaluates the flock fiber physical properties, adhesive coating ratio, and flocking duration on the comfort properties of flock-coated fabrics. Three different coating ratios, two different flocking durations, and four different flock fibers with different fineness and length were studied. Fabric samples were produced by electrostatic flock coating of the woven cotton base fabric. In addition to the experimental study, a mathematical model has been set up to predict the flock-coated fabric thermal resistance. Short (0.4 mm) and long (1.0 mm) flock fibers have assured 82% and 204% higher thermal resistance, respectively, compared to the base fabric thermal resistance of 7.37 (10−3 m2 K/W). The thermal resistance mathematical model results have been found to agree with the actual values with a correlation coefficient of 0.95. Compared to the base fabric, long flock fiber has provided a 249% increase in thermal resistance, with at most a 20% fabric mass increment and 24% relative water vapor permeability decrease. The findings indicate that flock coating can be utilized in cold-weather clothing.

Thermo-physiological comfort properties of different woven fabrics used in sportswear for outdoor activities

In this study, the thermo-physiological wear comfort is mainly characterized by the thermal and water vapor resistance performance of the woven fabrics used as sportswear for outdoor activities. The commonly used twill woven fabric with different thicknesses, weight, and density are selected for the experimental analysis, and it finds that fabric weight and thickness have crucial effects on the thermal resistance, and the water vapor resistance depends linearly on density and thickness. The present study gives an optimal design of sportswear for outdoor activities with low thermal and water vapor resistance.

Synergistic Effect of Screen-Printed Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Phosphorylated Cellulose Nanofibrils on Thermophysiological Comfort, Thermal/UV Resistance, Mechanical and Electroconductive Properties of Flame-Retardant Fabric.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and phosphorylated nanocellulose fibrils (PCNFs) were used as functional screen-print coatings on flame-retardant (FR) fabric, to improve its thermal resistance and thermophysiological comfort (wetting, water vapour and heat transmission) properties, while inducing it with electrical conductivity and UV protection. The effect of PCNF printing, followed by applying a hydrophobic polyacrylate (AP), on the same (back/B, turned outwards) or other (front/F, turned towards skin) side of the fabric, with and without the addition of 0.1–0.4 wt% SWCNTs, was studied by determining the amount of applied coating and its distribution (microscopic imaging), and measuring the fabric’s colour, air permeability, thickness, mechanical, flame and abrasion resistance properties. Due to the synergistic effect of PCNF and SWCNTs, both-sided printed fabric (front-side printed with PCNF and back-side with SWCNTs within AP) resulted in an increased heat transfer (25%) and an improved thermal resistance (shift of degradation temperature by up to 18 °C towards a higher value) and UV protection (UPF of 109) without changing the colour of the fabric. Such treatment also affected the moisture management properties with an increased water-vapour transfer (17%), reduced water uptake (39%) and asymmetric wettability due to the hydrophilic front (Contact Angle 46°) and hydrophobic back (129°) side. The increased tensile (16%) and tear (39%) strengths were also assessed in the warp direction, without worsening the abrasion resistance of the front-side. A pressure-sensing electrical conductivity (up to 4.9∙10−4 S/cm with an increase to 12.0∙10−4 S/cm at 2 bars) of the SWCNT-printed side ranks the fabric among the antistatic, electrostatic discharge (ESD) or electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding protectives.

Thermo physiological comfort of single jersey knitted fabric derivatives

The main aim of this study is to determine the thermo-physiological comfort properties of single knit fabrics and their derivatives. As the Single Jersey knitted fabrics are the most widely used fabrics in the apparel sector, they have been selected for the analysis purpose. Derivatives of single jersey are developed and compared in order to understand the influence of structural variations. Physical properties e.g. thickness and areal density were evaluated for all knitted fabrics with 100% cotton yarn having three different yarn linear densities and after different stages of relaxation. Various thermo-physiological properties have been studied by changing the combed cotton yarn linear density as well as the structure of single knit fabric. Air permeability, thermal insulation and relative water vapor permeability of the fabrics were observed and investigated under wet relaxed states. It is determined that fabric physical properties are affected by changing yarn linear density and by the dry or wet relaxation stages. The percentage/number of tuck stitches (NTS), location of tuck stitches (LTS) and ratio of tuck to knit stitches (RTKS) have strong influence on physical and thermo-physiological properties of single knit fabrics, even though other knitting parameters remained the same.

Thermo-Physiological Comfort Properties of Sportswear with Different Combination of Inner and Outer Layers.

Consumers expect high-performance functionality from sportswear. To meet athletic and leisure-time activity requirements, further research needs to be carried out. Sportswear layers and their specific thermal qualities, as well as the set and air layer between materials, are all important factors in sports clothing. This research aims to examine the thermal properties of sports fabrics, and how they are affected by structure parameters and maintained with different layers. Three inner and four outer layers of fabric were used to make 12 sets of sportswear in this study. Before the combination of outer and inner layers, thermal properties were measured for each individual layer. Finally, the thermal resistance, thermal conductivity, thermal absorptivity, peak heat flow density ratio, stationary heat flow density, and water vapor permeability of bi-layered sportswear were evaluated and analyzed. The findings show that sportswear made from a 60% cotton/30% polyester/10% elastane inner layer and a 100% polyester outer layer had the maximum thermal resistance of 61.16 (×103 K·m2 W−1). This performance was followed by the sample made from a 90% polyester/10% elastane inner layer and a 100% polyester outer layer, and the sample composed of a 100% elastane inner layer and a 100% polyester outer layer, which achieved a thermal resistance value of 60.41 and 59.41 (×103 K·m2 W−1), respectively. These results can be explained by the fact that thicker textiles have a higher thermal resistance. This high-thermal-resistance sportswear fabric is appropriate for the winter season. Sportswear with a 90% polyester/10% elastane inner layer had worse water vapor resistance than sportswear with a 60% cotton/30% polyester/10% elastane and a 100% elastane layer. Therefore, these sports clothes have a higher breathability and can provide the wearers with very good comfort. According to the findings, water vapor permeability of bi-layered sportswear is influenced by geometric characteristics and material properties.

Calcium Chloride Treated Highly Elastane Cotton Fabrics as Antibacterial, Comfortable and Environmentally Friendly Materials

In the paper, the results of experiments on high elastane cotton crochet warp knitting fabrics treated with different calcium chloride solutions by the pad-dry-cure method have been reported. The tests for evaluating the antibacterial activity, thermophysiological comfort properties, physical performance of the samples were performed. In addition, the characterization analyses, including SEM, EDX, FTIR-attenuated total reflectance (ATR), and XRD, afforded indications of the good crosslinking of the CaCl2 onto the cotton/elastane samples. At a higher degree of activity, the calcium-chloride-treated fabrics were rated as having good antibacterial activity, being exceptionally breathable, and being comfortable with good physical properties such as stiffness, handle, and whiteness properties.