Search

This purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of fabric moisture transport properties (MTP) on physiological responses when wearing protective clothing. Ten healthy subjects wore two kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles and exercised on a treadmill, worked on a computer, and moved a mannequin in an environment that simulated where health carers work. PPE1 consisted of cotton underwear and 100% polyethylene outerwear. PPE2 consisted of cotton underwear with moisture management function and outerwear made of waterproof breathable fabric. The results showed that there were significantly higher cumulative one-way transport capacity, liquid moisture management capacity, and wetting time in PPE2 than in PPE1 underwear. There was significantly higher water vapor permeability (WVP) in PPE2 than in PPE1 outerwear. Deep ear canal temperature, mean skin temperature, and chest wall skin and clothing microclimates (temperature and humidity) were significantly lower with PPE2 than PPE1. The level of plasma oxygen saturation was significantly higher with PPE 2 than PPE1. In the present study, due to the MTP of the fabrics, liquid sweat transferred from the skin surface to the opposite surface quickly and speeded up the processes of evaporation and heat dissipation. It was concluded that the fabric's MTP, when incorporated into protective clothing, is the main physiological mechanism for reduced heat stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Clothing pressure distribution in tight-fit sportswear was simulated by using numerical computational method. Three sets of tight-fit sportswears were simulated on the basis of their mechanical properties. In addition, a 3D human body was also simulated in order to investigate its interaction with sportswear in the wearing process. Result shows that pressure increases significantly around the waist girth until it passes through body pelvis during the wearing process. Meanwhile, pressure begins to increase for other tested body locations. Based on body contour plot, we found that pressure distribution was not uniformly distributed and high-pressure zone was concentrated around the waist girth at the end of the wearing process. The simulated pressure has no significant difference (p > 0.05) with the experimental pressure measurements. Furthermore, subjective pressure comfort rating was linearly correlated with the simulation, suggesting the simulation method can provide reliable prediction in term of pressure comfort. From the tight-fit sportswear manufacturer's point of view, simulation result would help them to satisfy consumers' physiological and psychological needs in term of pressure comfort at a lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabric liquid moisture transport properties in multidimensions, called moisture management properties, significantly influence human perceptions of moisture sensations. A new method and instrument called the moisture management tester (MMT) is developed to evaluate textile moisture management properties. This new method can be used to quantitatively measure liquid moisture transfer in one step in a fabric in multidirections, where liquid moisture spreads on both surfaces of the fabric and transfers from one surface to the opposite. Ten indexes are introduced to characterize the liquid moisture management properties of fabrics. Eight sets of sportswear are tested with the MMT and the results show that liquid moisture management properties are significantly different for these fabrics. The objective measurements are compared with subjective perceptions of moisture sensations during exercise. A fabric's one-way-transport capacity and its overall moisture management capacity are significantly correlated with perceptions of clammy and damp sensations with increased exercise time indicating that subjective perceptions of moisture sensations in sweating such as clammy and damp can be predicted by the measurements of the MMT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]