Comfort Properties of Heat Resistant Protective Workwear in Varying Conditions of Physical Activity and Environment. Part II: Perceived Comfort Response to Garments and its Relationship to Fabric Properties

Abstract

Controlled garment wear trials are used to evaluate comfort response to a well-characterized set of heat-resistant workwear materials. Multiple categories of perceived comfort reactions to garment wear in diverse conditions are explained in terms of measured fabric properties assessed in Part I. The important role of fabric surface character, especially surface roughness and predicted skin contact area, is revealed. Fabric sweat management, measurable using a modified demand wettability test, is also identified as a useful predictor of moisture-related skin contact sensations. Heat-resistant fabric designs incorporating structural features that minimize skin contact, while also providing liquid absorption capacity, are predicted to show enhanced comfort performance. Blending of hydrophilic fibers and wicking finishes, however, do not necessarily improve the comfort perceptions in the tested scenarios. Selected fabric thermophysiological and sensorial properties are closely correlated with subjective comfort responses and the relationships are dependent on the wear conditions. Surface geometric roughness (SMD), number of contact points (n _k), and bending and shear rigidities are the decisive properties related to the tactile comfort. The vapor buffering index (B _d) and liquid management properties, such as absorbent capacity (V), initial rate (Q ₁), and wet cling index (i _k) are the correlated indicators of nonabsorbency, clinginess, and sensation of clamminess. In particular, apparent water ratio (A/T), which can be assessed by a modified demand wettability test, is a good predictor of perception of clamminess in the cool-down period after exercise or a hot situation.

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