Effect of radiant heat exposure on structure and mechanical properties of thermal protective fabrics

Recent Advances in Thermoregulatory Clothing: Materials, Mechanisms, and Perspectives

Personal thermal management (PTM) is a promising approach for maintaining the thermal comfort zone of the human body while minimizing the energy consumption of indoor buildings. Recent studies have reported the development of numerous advanced textiles that enable PTM systems to regulate body temperature and are comfortable to wear. Herein, recent advancements in thermoregulatory clothing for PTM are discussed. These advances in thermoregulatory clothing have focused on enhancing the control of heat dissipation between the skin and the localized environment. We primarily summarize research on advanced clothing that controls the heat dissipation pathways of the human body, such as radiation- and conductance-controlled clothing. Furthermore, adaptive clothing such as dual-mode textiles, which can regulate the microclimate of the human body, as well as responsive textiles that address both thermal performance (warming and/or cooling) and wearability are discussed. Finally, we include a discussion on significant challenges and perspectives in this field, including large-scale production, smart textiles, bioinspired clothing, and AI-assisted clothing. This comprehensive review aims to further the development of sustainably manufactured advanced clothing with superior thermal performance and outstanding wearability for PTM in practical applications.

Multifunctionality of Thermal Protective Layer Interchanging Double Cloth Conditioned by Influential Parameters

The proportion of woven fabrics in the broad field of protective textiles is extremely high. By various procedures (surface treatments, fabric lamination, composite production), fabric properties that meet the requirements defined by standards are achieved. However, simultaneously, these procedures cause negative effects in the form of fabric thickness, stiffness, impermeability, non-breathability, and thus, discomfort. Therefore, there are valid and justified reasons to approach the design process of making such woven fabrics using more complex construction solutions-layer interchanging double cloth. In addition, by applying fibres with integrated desired properties and other structural fabric parameters, it is possible to influence the achievement of the properties of multi-purpose multilayer fabrics for protection, which is the aim of this research. The application and combination of aramid and modacrylic/cotton fibres and use of different yarn fineness resulted in different intensities of protection. The correlative values of mentioned parameters and thermal and thermo-physiological properties indicate their strong connection, and thus the effectiveness of the developed woven fabric samples.

Characterizing the Tensile Strength of the Fabrics Used in Firefighters' Bunker Gear under Radiant Heat Exposure

More than 60,000 firefighters' injuries were reported by the National Fire Protection Association in the U.S. in 2019. Inadequate protection by bunker gear could be a reason for most of the injuries. Firefighters repeatedly encounter thermal hazards due to their job responsibilities. Degradation could occur on bunker gear fabric during thermal exposure. It has been found that the presence of moisture affects performance as well, which may come from wearers' sweat. Proper evaluation of the tensile strength of the fabrics used in bunker gear could provide information essential for maintenance the overall integrity of the gear. An evaluation of the tensile strength of fabrics when exposed to 10, 15, and 20 kW/m2 radiant heat flux in the presence of moisture is reported. In each fabric system, a total of sixty-four different samples were prepared for four different types of fabric and four levels of moisture which were exposed to three different radiant heat flux for five minutes. Heat flux and moisture levels have significant impact on tensile strength. The effect of moisture on tensile strength in a three-layered fabric system is higher than that for a single layer fabric. An understanding of the impact of heat and moisture on fabric strength has been achieved.