| The comfort properties of protective barrier nonwoven fabrics, including nonwovens used in surgical gowns, chemical protective clothing, and cold weather insulation are compared over a range of environmental conditions. A specially prepared group of polypropylene meltblown samples, having systematic variations in structural characteristics was included in this evaluation to study the effects of fabric structural variables on comfort properties.;A computerized thermal analyzing system was developed for measuring simultaneous heat and moisture transfer through fabrics under varying conditions of temperature and humidity. A dynamic transient heat conduction measuring system was also developed to assess the thermal sensation generated by body contact with fabric.;The model of thermal conductivity and vapor transmission advanced by this research effectively explain the relationships between fabric structural properties and the contribution of transfer mechanisms to total heat transmission. Fabric thickness, fiber volume fraction, and fiber shape are shown to be influential parameters controlling heat and moisture transfer. Interactions with environmental variables including ambient humidity, temperature, and air velocity are examined. Skin-clothing models developed by this program proved to be useful for simulating real conditions. Multiple layer models are used to study layered effects and to predict the benefits of using fabric components with different levels of hydrophilicity and porosity next to the skin.;A simple subjective test is used to verify the predictive validity of analytical models developed to predict comfort from laboratory measurements.;This research suggests the way in which fabrics and clothing systems can be designed to optimize comfort performance in clothing worn in hot and humid or extremely cold environments. |
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