A laboratory and performance evaluation of clothing assemblies which incorporate sliver-knit fabrics.

Falconer, Sheena M.

Abstract

The physiological factors relating to temperature control in man and the effect of a cold environment are reviewed and outlined. The properties of fibres and fabrics as they relate to thermal insulation within a clothing assembly are considered and moisture vapour retention and transmission within the assembly and the relationship to clothing insulation are discussed in detail. The results of laboratory tests on a number of outer fabrics and insulators are presented, analysed and discussed. On the basis of experimental work one sliver-knit pile insulator and three outer fabrics were selected to be used in wearer trials. The determination of performance in wear of anorak type jackets under cold conditions is described and the physiological trials, weighing techniques and comfort questionnaire used are discussed and the findings analysed. Some correlation was found between moisture vapour transmission experiments on fabrics and the performance during wearer trials. The comfort scores represent the subjects' feelings and correlate reasonably with the garments warmth, dryness and soft handle as identified in the laboratory trials. It appears that bench trials on fabrics followed by wearer trials accompanied by a questionnaire would give a reasonable appraisal of garment performance and acceptability in use. The physiological monitorirg which was conducted in these trials would not be absolutely necessary in evaluations of this type. The outer fabrics which had moisture vapour transmission properties performed best in the trials, but the number of subjects studied and the duration of the trials limit the conclusions which can be drawn.

Citation

FALCONER, S.M. 1984. A laboratory and performance evaluation of clothing assemblies which incorporate sliver-knit fabrics. Robert Gordon's Institute of Technology, MPhil thesis. Hosted on OpenAIR [online]. Available from: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993206

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Sep 25, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 25, 2024
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.48526/rgu-wt-1993206
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1993206
• Award Date: Nov 30, 1984