Wicking Ability, Water Absorption, and Thermal Resistance of Several Thermal Undergarment Fabrics

摘要

In response to a request from DCGEM eight different undergarment materials were evaluated to determine the properties of thermal resistance, the ability to wick, and to adsorb water. It is not possible from the tests performed to rate one undergarment sample as much better than the rest in all characteristics. One sample (a plain knit fabric of 100% polypropylene) exhibited the greatest ability to wick, and the greatest amount of water absorbed. The thermal resistance of all the undergarments is quite small as compared to an Arctic clothing assembly. Of the undergarments measured, a honeycomb knit of 100% cotton had a slightly higher thermal resistance. The relative importance of these properties depends upon the environment, the characteristics of other components of the clothing ensemble and the tasks to be performed by the person wearing the garments. (Author)