Research of thermo-physiological comfort of single jersey knitted structures with method of thermo-vision analysis

The term comfort is defined as “the absence of displeasure or discom¬fort” or “a neutral state compared to the more active state of pleasure”. Cloth¬ing comfort includes three main consid-erations: psychological, sensorial and thermo-physiological comfort. The ther¬mo-physiological comfort, entails both thermoregula¬tion and moisture management. It is known that fiber type, yarn properties, fabric structure, finishing treatments and clothing conditions are the main factors affecting thermo-physiological comfort. In this paper, the influence of structural properties and characteristics of the fiber on the air and water vapor permeability, thermal properties (thermo-physiological comfort), of single jersey knitted fabrics was investigated. Thermal conductivity of knitted fabrics was determined according to new method of thermo-vision analysis developed by researchers. The main advantage of the method is the possibility of non contact determination of the temperature change rate coefficient of the knitted fabric. The results indicate more significant influence of structural characteristics on thermo-physiological comfort, compared with the characteristics of the fibers. Knitted fabric of 50/50%PAN/cotton with the highest density and mass per unit area has lower air and water vapor permeability, thermal conductivity and higher thermal resistance compared with knitted fabrics of 100% wool and 100% PAN. Key words: single jersey, thermo-physiological comfort, airpermeability, water vapor permeability,thermo-vision analysi

The influence of structural properties and characteristics of the fiber on the physical-mechanical properties and thermo-physiological comfort of single jersey knitted fabrics

The most important properties of the majority of knitted fabrics are good stretchability and elasticity, and thus the resulting freedom of movement. They are able to adopt themselves to the body shape of the wearer and have good air permeability, offering high standard of wear comfort. In this paper, the influence of structural properties and characteristics of fiber on the thermal properties, air and water vapor permeability, as well on the physical-mechanical properties of single jersey knitted fabrics were investigated. Single jersey knitted fabrics are made of 100% wool, 50/50% acryl/cotton, and 100% acryl yarn. The thermal properties of knitted fabrics were measured by method of D-r Boc. Correlation and regression analysis were used for data processing. The results indicate that characteristics of the fibres have significant influence on the the physical-mechanical and thermal properties, while structural characteristics have significant influence on the air and water vapor permeability. Knitted fabrics made of 100%wool have the highest thermal resistance and warmer feeling and touch due to the lower thermal absortivity value, while knitted fabrics of 50/50% acryl/cotton gave a séance of coolness. On the other hand, density and cover factor have most important influence on air and water vapor permeability Key words: single jersey, thermo-physiological comfort, air permeability, water vapour permeabilit