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Superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) are a class of cross-coupled hydrophilic networks that have an extraordinary capacity to absorb and retain water. It is primarily because of the additional ionic cross-linking of SAPs, their porous wavy structure, a large number of hydrophilic functionalities, the high elasticity of the chains, and the enlarged free volumes between the polymeric chains, that all contribute to the enhancement of the swelling capability of superabsorbent hydrogels. These exceptional attributes have endowed them to be an alternative to conventional hydrogels in various applications. In view of the importance of this class of absorbent material and their diverse appliances, this review deliberates the experimental methods for characterizing superabsorbent polymers, including the officially accepted industrial measurements of their unique attributes, namely, swelling among others. In addition, the review highlights recent advances in the field of superabsorbent polymers encompassing nanofiltration, heat resistance, and absorbency, drug delivery, disposable hygiene products, nanomedicines, and the removal of heavy metals from wastewater and agriculture domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For a specific purpose involving the pH of menstrual blood and the pH of the vagina during menstruation, the current work describes the development of pH-responsive superadsorbent polymer (SAP)-coated menstrual pads. Acrylic acid (AA) and methyl methacrylate (MMA) were used to create a pH-responsive polymer, which was then applied layer by layer to sanitary napkins. Using FTIR, the chemical composition and structure were examined. By examining tests for absorbent capacity, swelling capacity, water retention, sorption under load, strike through, wicking height, and re-wetness under load, the performance studies of coated pads were contrasted with those of menstrual pads that are sold commercially. Additionally, the coated pad's pH response was examined to determine how stable the polymer was against pH variation. Results: The use of SAP in this study resulted in a higher free swelling capacity (102.22 g/g) for tap water and absorption under load in sanitary napkins. The absorption capacity of SAP ranges from 8 to 24 h, with values ranging from 14.84 to 132.41 g/g. Similarly, wet back and striking through analysis indicated superior outcomes in comparison with commercial products. The pH of the prepared SAP helps to maintain the necessary acidity level (pH 3.02) for the vagina during menstruation. Conclusions: Based on comparison results from FTIR, absorbency capacity, rewet, strike-through, and pH, the report recommends using the pH-responsive SAP to coat the top layer of feminine napkins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The technical rules for maintenance and the question of scale in the event of "damage/defects" in legacy cases Wiens/Raupach and Helm have studied the technical rules for maintenance of the German Institute for Building Technology (Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik) of 2020 with new contents and constructional framework conditions, including their application [1]. Schießl‐Pecka/Strehlein have described the repair method as specified in the technical rules for maintenance and the relevance of the W (water reduction) repair principle in particular, in combination with hydrophobic treatments, from the planner's perspective [2]. The basis for the scenarios depicted is essentially the application where repairs need to be carried out on an ageing reinforced concrete structure. In addition to this basic case, the situation also arises where there are indications that a reinforced concrete structure that has already been repaired is in need of further repairs, and consequently action is required. A special case is to be added to these legacy cases – which carry the designation "damage" in legacy cases (repair damage) – which is characterised by defects in repairs carried out on a reinforced concrete structure which come to light in an open‐ended warranty period and the customer asserts claims due to material defects (rectification of repair defects in an open‐ended warranty period, repair defects). Legal rules therefore apply in addition to the applicable technical rules. The article concerns itself with the technical and legal questions that arise in this regard, that also touch on the area of application of the technical rules for maintenance and in particular emphasise the significance of the performance description in contract specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant fibers (PFs), such as hemp, Coir, and straw, are abundant in resources, low in price, light weight, biodegradable, have good adhesion to the matrix, and have a broad prospect as reinforcements. However, the degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix is one of the main factors that affects the durability of these composites. PFs have good compatibility with cement and the geopolymer matrix. They can induce gel growth of cement-based materials and have a good toughening effect. The water absorption of the hollow structure of the PF can accelerate the degradation of the fiber on the one hand and serve as the inner curing fiber for the continuous hydration of the base material on the other. PF is easily deteriorated in the alkaline matrix, which has a negative effect on composites. The classification and properties of PFs, the bonding mechanism of the interface between PF reinforcements and the matrix, the water absorption of PF, and its compatibility with the matrix were summarized. The degradation of PFs in the alkaline matrix and solution, drying and wetting cycle conditions, and high-temperature conditions were reviewed. Finally, some paths to improve the alkaline degradation of PF reinforcement in the alkaline matrix were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, an absorbent article from raw organic cotton fibers (ROCFs) as base material was prepared for female hygiene applications. ROCFs were modified employing two different approaches: the conventional NaOH and eco-friendly ethanol/water blend. Chitosan is considered as an eco-friendly agent and hence used in the present study to impart simultaneous antimicrobial, binding, and stabilizing properties to the final product. Two different organic acids, namely acetic acid and citric acid, were used to disperse the chitosan particles in order to balance the pH range of the feminine physiology system, which is normally in the range of 3-4.5 to prevent the undesired growth of microbes. Particle size and SEM analysis confirmed the proper dispersion and attachment of chitosan particles in the modified cotton fibers, respectively. The absorbency test indicated the better holding capacity for the ethanol cotton fibers treated along with chitosan in combination citric acid. Further, this combination was also found to possess better antimicrobial activity against specific microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: Surgical sutures; herbal treatment; absorbency; antibacterial; growth inhibition %; ; ; ; ; % EN Surgical sutures herbal treatment absorbency antibacterial growth inhibition % ZH % 9531 9546 16 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction The use of sutures in the medical field is a common practice all over the world. Influence of finishing treatment on absorbency property of different sutures The absorbency of untreated, control and antibacterial finishing-treated silk and catgut sutures were measured. The finished sutures were weighed and an uptake of 5.4 ± 0.1% was found in silk sutures, while the uptake in catgut sutures was 4.3 ± 0.1%. [Extracted from the article]

The difference is significant only in the case of the untreated silk fabrics when compared with that of PAA- and CTN-treated and dyed silk fabrics; since the silk fabric is influenced by these treatments in the respective aspects. It is noticed from this table that the antiodor retention rate effect is considerably good in the treated (PAA and CTN) and dyed silk fabrics particularly on the CTN- treated fabrics compared with those of other (PAA and without treatment) silk fabrics. The PAA- and CTN-treated and dyed silk fabrics absorb the drops in lesser time compared to the without treatment silk fabric; similar to this trend the water retention behavior and the wicking height, respectively, are increased in silk fabrics. Keywords: Tensile strength; dyeability; fastness properties; absorbency; air permeability; antiodor; ; ; ; ; ; EN Tensile strength dyeability fastness properties absorbency air permeability antiodor ZH 8637 8651 15 11/21/22 20221220 NES 221220 Introduction Silk is the prominent protein fiber, which has been considered for the special characteristics of durability, softness, luster, and surface smoothness. [Extracted from the article]

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel, formed via physically electrostatic crosslinks between polyanion and polycation, is an interesting hydrogel in terms of its nontoxicity and solvent-free technique. In this work, poly (sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)/poly (diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) complex hydrogels were prepared. Firstly, the PSS/PDADMAC complex aggregates using various PSS/PDADMAC mole fractions that were prepared in the presence of NaCl solution. Then, the aggregates were resolubilized under stirring at 70 °C for 2 h to obtain a homogeneous PEC solution. Finally, the PEC solution was dialyzed using a dialysis membrane with 3500 molecular cut-off for 1 day. The dialysis bath was changed every interval period of 2 h to control the rate of reversible electrostatic interaction, resulting in the homogenous PEC hydrogel with porous morphology as revealed by SEM and BET investigations. The dimensional stability and viscoelasticity of the PEC hydrogel was studied by DMA experiment, which showed the viscoelastic behavior at a compressive force ranging from 0 to 0.1 N. Finally, PSS/PDADMAC hydrogels showed a high water absorbency property and excellent affinity to textile anionic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural sustainability is essential to enhance food and water security, particularly in the context of climate change. In the recent past, applications of hydrogels in agriculture have received substantial attention among researchers as well as among farmers. This review elaborates on various aspects of hydrogels such as classifications, ideal properties for agricultural application, and interaction mechanisms with soil and plants. The experimental methods for determining hydrogel properties were given specific attention as properties such as swelling, retention, slow release, and degradation are of vital importance to agricultural sustainability. The studies conducted over the years on the effect of hydrogel application on different crops are reviewed. Several hydrogel studies demonstrate significant improvement in water consumption, water use efficiency, crop growth and yield parameters. The review looks into hydrogel degradation mechanisms in soil and also the 'test methods' for assessment of biodegradation. The gap areas in research on hydrogels and agricultural sustainability have also been identified. The need for developing a framework for the evaluation of the suitability of hydrogel for agricultural applications has been brought out. The review would encourage further research on enhancing the ideal properties of hydrogel and synthesizing with natural polymers. The use of hydrogel in agriculture for controlled nutrient release could be an alternative to conventional release methods for fertilizers and pesticides, thereby reducing the environmental footprint. The reduction in water footprint in major crops such as paddy and wheat through hydrogel might establish a shift towards sustainable irrigation practices if adopted on a large scale. Integrating innovative solutions with environmental-friendly hydrogels in the coming decades will contribute to the pursuit of achieving sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prepared bio- and UV-degradable superabsorbent hydrogels based on a novel cross-linker. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) were employed to study the properties of the hydrogels. TG, DSC, and XRD data show that our hydrogels are amorphous polymer materials with excellent thermal stability. And they own high absorbency for water and aqueous solutions. Additionally, our superabsorbent hydrogels have good biodegradability and excellent UV degradability according to the GPC data. We suppose the superabsorbent hydrogels have potential applications in many important fields like hygienic products and agriculture due to their high absorbency for aqueous media and good bio- and UV degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to extract the starch from seeds of the Thai aromatic fruit (Artocarpus species), champedak (Artocarpus integer) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus L.) and evaluate its potential use as a raw material to develop compact powder as substitute for talcum in powder formulations. The chemical and physical characteristics as well as the physicochemical properties of the starch were also determined. Moreover, compact powder formulations using the extracted starch as an ingredient were developed and investigated. This study found that champedak (CS) and jackfruit starch (JS) provided a maximum average granule size of 10 μm. The bell or semi-oval shape and smooth surface of the starch granules was perfectly suited to compact powder development under the cosmetic powder pressing machine, which could reduce the opportunity of fracture during the process. CS and JS presented low swelling power and solubility but high water and oil absorption capacities, which could potentially increase the absorbency of the compact powder. Finally, the developed compact powder formulations provided a smooth surface with a homogeneous and intense colour. All formulations presented a highly adhesive property and were resistant to transport and normal handling by users. [Display omitted] • Thai fruit seed starch were completely extracted and provided a high percent yield. • The smooth surface of starch gives a smooth feeling when applied on the skin. • Starch possessed the ability to function as absorbents in compact powder formulation. • Starch could be a replacement for talcum in compact powder formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to identify the performance properties that drive the shelf price of kitchen paper towels and evaluate whether sustainability is an important driver for pricing. Nineteen products were compared according to their performance (softness, absorbency, and strength), technology, and fiber morphology. Metrics to rank the products in different grades (economy, premium, and ultra) according to their performance were provided. A multiple linear regression showed that absorbency and softness are the most significant properties used to predict the price. Market data indicates that there is a segment of consumers willing to pay a premium price for products marketed as "sustainable", even though their performance is comparatively inferior to the majority of the samples. Sustainable products are up to 85% more expensive than regular products. The metrics obtained in this work can contribute to improvement in market transparency, and aid companies in deciding strategies for product development and new investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A conventional hand lay-up and compression molding based surface selective dissolution technique was utilized to prepare all-cellulose composite (ACC) laminates with varying dissolution times, while lyocell fabric and ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride) were used as raw materials. The density of composites increased with increasing dissolution time due to reduction in porosity and formation of more compact composite structure. The tensile strength of the composites increased up to 2 h dissolution time and reduced slightly for higher dissolution time. However, Young's modulus of the composites increased significantly, with increasing dissolution time. Water-absorbency at the surface of ACCs also reduced significantly with increasing dissolution time during preparation of ACCs, imparting slight hydrophobicity in the ACC-laminates prepared by using 2 h or more dissolution time. The contact angle of the composites produced with 4 h dissolution time was about 76.3° and complete absorption of the water droplet took almost 24 min. Such high contact angle was obtained due to a change in chemical as well as crystallographic structure of cellulose as analyzed by ATR-FTIR and solid-state 13 C NMR, which was further supported by WAXD, TGA and DTG analysis. A different trend was observed for water and oil absorbency of ACCs based on their absorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SAP was synthesized using kaolin through inverse suspension polymerization. • New SAP reveals satisfactory physical and mechanical performances. • Use of kaolin enhanced the rigid network of new SAP while reducing its cost. • The increase in the acrylamide content led to a greater final equilibrium absorbency rate of new SAP. The water absorption of ionic SAP in cement-based materials is small. Therefore, this study synthesized a low-grade kaolin-enhanced SAP through inverse suspension polymerization, and its performances in deionized water, the saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution and the supernatant of the cement slurry were investigated. The results indicate that the synthesized SAP revealed a spherical shape with a uniform particle size, showing well dispersion after water saturation. In addition, the use of low-grade kaolin could be beneficial concerning the absorbency of SAP especially using 7.5% low-grade kaolin, as reflected by the consistency results, but its absorbency is sensitive to water temperatures and environmental relative humidity. Besides, compounding inorganic materials into SAP can reduce the cost of SAP synthesis and provide cost efficiency. Finally, the growth of the acrylamide content could deteriorate the absorbency of SAP, but their final equilibrium absorbency could increase, and the absorbency of the synthesized SAP were similar in the media of the saturated Ca(OH) 2 solution and the supernatant of cement slurry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol acrylate (GA) is synthesised by an acryloylation reaction with acryloyl chloride. An ester was used as a cross-linking agent at varying proportions in the synthesis of poly acrylic acid (PAA). The amount of cross-linking density in the product (GA-PAA) and degree of neutralisation determine the absorbency of the polymer samples. A sample of GA-PAA containing 0.8 % GA was discovered to absorb 395 and 66 g/g of water and saline solution, respectively. Different solvent uptakes were tested with the sample showing varying capacity for different solvents. The temperature of the reaction was maintained at 60 °C and a reaction time of 2½ h. FTIR, TGA, SEM and XRD analyses were used to characterise the products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of the skin to excessive moisture, such as in cases of incontinence, can damage its natural barrier function and lead to tissue damage and breakdown. Common methods for managing incontinence and preventing related skin damage include the use of incontinence pads and the application of skin barrier creams to reduce exposure to moisture and irritants. Previous reports have indicated that barrier creams can transfer onto incontinence pads from the skin and reduce their absorbency, and thus the efficacy of both products. This study, using non-patient volunteers, investigated the effect on incontinence pad absorbency of Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro; two products from the Medi Skin Protection range, in comparison with other market-leading products. Results indicated that, while there was a small degree of product transfer onto the incontinence pads, this did not have a major impact on the absorption of synthetic urine. Medi Derma-S and Medi Derma-Pro performed consistently with other similar market-leading products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is part of a project carried out by Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia, in order to create a prototype for the recovery of metals coming from small and medium-sized enterprises belonging to the galvanic sector in Bogotá. As a result, we used analytical methods that allowed us to determine the metal concentration in the water as well as its content after carrying out the electrocoagulation. Generally, these methods require using sophisticated equipment, and small and medium-sized enterprises cannot afford it. During the last century, a huge amount of polluting material coming from farming, domestic, and industry water has been generated in aquifers, which affects the soil. In order to mitigate the environmental impact, we look to quantify these remains in watery samples by controlling concentrations of wastewater discharges generated by industries. Usually, the atomic absorption technique is used when quantifying, but the high cost of the equipment does not allow non-specialized laboratories to use it. For this reason, we want to adapt an analytic technique in visible spectrophotometric that enables the determination of Zn2+. In order to do this, it is necessary to determine the length of the optimum wage the spectrophometer should use, along with the right amount of reactants to develop the right chromophore for each reading. This study also analyzes parameters regarding time, temperature, and pH in order to establish the best conditions a chromophore is produced and to obtain an adequate absorbency reading, whose value is used to elaborate the calibration curve that allows interpolating Zn2+ content values in order to quantify. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried to investigate the effect of various knitted fabric structure on its comfort related properties. It was observed that, all comfort properties of knitted fabric have direct relation to its structure. The plain knitted fabric was found best for optimum comfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unique polypyrrole (PPy) hydrogels are prepared by using orange IV as the dopant and FeCl as the oxidant. The static polymerization of pyrrole monomer in aqueous solution is accompanied with self-assembly of PPy hydrogel. PPy hydrogels not only show good electrical conductivities, but also exhibit excellent water-absorbent behaviors. The macroscopic appearance, microscopic morphology and water-absorbent behaviors of PPy hydrogels can be controlled by the choice of the reaction condition. The effects of ionic strength on the physical properties of PPy hydrogels are also studied. The results indicate that PPy hydrogels show improved water absorbencies in saline solution. Moreover, PPy hydrogel is used as an efficient adsorbent to remove Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. PPy hydrogel exhibits much better adsorption performance than common PPy nanoparticles. This kind of PPy hydrogel is expected to be a potential candidate for water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical cotton is usually used to clean skin, pack wounds and in other surgical tasks. Such important usages make imparting the antibacterial property to medical cotton is so essential research. The current research focuses on functionalization of medical cotton by direct incorporation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in two-step process namely, pre-alkalization followed by sorption. Decorative color and antibacterial action were accomplished for medical cotton after in situ incorporation of AgNPs without using any other external reducing agent. AgNPs were produced due to the reduction action of alcoholic and aldehydic groups of cotton's skeletal blocks. Cotton fibers were acquired a decorative color attributed to surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs. The treated cotton was characterized by using electron microscope. Results showed that Ag 0 with size distribution of 0–160 nm was formed in the cotton fibers and their size majority (70%) was less than 80 nm. The reduction of Ag + to Ag 0 was confirmed by measuring the carboxylic and aldehydic contents. The treated cotton exhibited excellent antibacterial action at low silver contents. The absorbency of cotton was not affected by treatment. The produced medical cotton could be used to safe cleaning of wounds without getting any microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymers were prepared by graft copolymerization using acrylic acid and acrylamide as monomer, ammonium persulphate as a free radical initiator, methylene-bis-acrylamide as a cross-linker and four kinds of starches as model materials. The macroscopic performance (water absorbency) and microcosmic characterizations (FT-IR and SEM) are observed to explore the correlation between gelatinization characteristics and the performance of starch-based super absorbents. It was proved that the optimum gelatinization temperature for corn starch and sweet potato starch was 15°C higher than that of potato starch for high-amylose starches requiring more energy to break up hydrogen bonds. When gelatinization degree reached the highest, the distilled water needed in this process was five times the weight of potato starch, while six times for corn starch and sweet potato starch, because the latter contains more carboxyl group, which require more water to gelatinise. The optimum gelatinization time was expected to be 1 hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The furnish management of tissue materials is fundamental to obtain maximum quality products with a minimum cost. The key fiber properties and fiber modification process steps have a significant influence on the structural and functional properties of tissue paper. In this work, two types of additives, a commercial biopolymer additive (CBA) that replaces the traditional cationic starch and micro/nanofibrillated cellulose (CMF), were investigated. Different formulations were prepared containing eucalyptus fibers and softwood fibers treated mechanically and enzymatically and both pulps with these two additives incorporated independently and simultaneously with drainage in the tissue process range. The use of these additives to reduce the percentage of softwood fibers on tissue furnish formulations was investigated. The results indicated that a maximum of tensile strength was obtained with a combination of both additives at the expense of softness and water absorbency. With a reduction of softwood fibers, the incorporation of additives increased the tensile strength and water absorbency with a slight decrease in HF softness compared with a typical industrial furnish. Additionally, a tissue computational simulator was also used to predict the influence of these additives on the final end-use properties. Both additives proved to be a suitable alternative to reduce softwood fibers in the production of tissue products, enhancing softness, strength and absorption properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) is attracting attention as a water-entraining admixture that reduces shrinkage or heals cracks in concrete. Cross-linked sodium polyacrylate SAPs, which are the most widely produced SAPs in the global market, are applicable as concrete admixtures. However, there have been contradictory results on the freeze–thaw resistance of concrete with SAPs. This study aims to clarify these results considering the water absorption behavior of SAPs in hardened concrete when effective water-to-cement ratios are different. Firstly, the absorbencies of one kind of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate SAP (SAP_SP) in pore solution and fresh mortar were measured by a tea bag test and flow test, respectively. Pore size distribution, capillary water absorption, and deformation during freeze–thaw cycles were analyzed for mortar samples with varying SAP_SP dosages. In the main tests, concrete samples with three different SAP_SPs/cement ratios (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) and a reference sample were prepared, and internal damage and salt scaling were measured under freeze–thaw cycles. Because SAP_SP absorbs water in fresh mixtures, additional water was added to the mixture considering the water absorbency of the SAP_SP. It was found that the used SAP_SPs prematurely release their stored water so the effective water-to-cement ratio was increased when a larger amount of SAP_SP was used. The higher effective water-to-cement ratio caused more internal damage and salt scaling due to the weaker cementitious matrix. In addition, mortar samples with a high SAP_SP content show a larger absorption of capillary water than the reference sample. The result can be interpreted by an observation that SAP_SP in air voids absorbs water and expands to relatively large capillary pores or neighbor air voids during the capillary water absorption process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor flame retardancy of polyurethane foam (PUF) limits its practical application in many fields. Here, flame‐retardant performance of PUF is improved by a simple dip‐coating method. Halloysite nanotube (HNT) coating can be uniformly bonded to PUF surfaces via hydrogen‐bonding interactions, which is confirmed by element mapping and X‐ray photoelectron spectra. Density and mechanical properties of PUF increase with the concentration of HNT suspension, while porosity of the foam decreases with HNT loading. Weight ratio of HNTs to PUF in the composite can be achieved as high as 65.2%. Surfaces of PUF transfer from hydrophobic to super‐hydrophilic after HNT coating, and the water contact angle decreases from 116° to 0° after HNT coating. As a result, methylene blue adsorption capacity of HNTs‐coated PUF increases from 0.02 to 0.15 mg g−1, and adsorption efficiency can reach 98% after 10 s. HNT coating can prevent PUF from burning and dripping, which suggests that flame‐retardant performance of PUF is significantly improved by HNTs. This work establishes a general procedure for improving flame retardancy and dye absorbency of polymer materials by simple dip‐coating of environmental‐friendly clay nanotubes, which shows great potential in high‐performance polymer and functional composite materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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