Effect of Fiber Content, Yarn Size and Construction of Knit Fabrics on the Buffering Capacity against Water Vapor

편성물의 섬유의 종류, 실의 굵기 및 니트타입에 따른 투습완충능력

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of chacteristics of knit fabrics on the microclimate of the skin simulating system. To determine the effect of characteristics of knit fabrics, vapor state of sweat pulse was simulated in the closed system. Different contents of fibers such as cotton, wool and polyester with different yarn size and knit types were chosen for specimens. The changes of humidity and temperature of air layer in the simulated systems were measured. Buffering indices, $K_d$ and $\beta_r$, were determined by considering $\alpha_p, \DeltaP_{max}, t_{max}, and tan\beta$. Physical properties of knit fabrics such as thickness, porosity, air resistance and moisture vapor transport were measured. Results showed that vapor pressure of wool was lower than cotton or polyester This was attributed to the hydrophilicity of wool which absorbed moisture rather quickly and retained in the knit fabric. The time to decrease vapor pressure was faster for polyester than cotton or wool. As a result, $K_d$ was in the order of wool> polye, item> cotton. $\beta_r$ of wool was rower than cotton or polyester due to its lowers porosity and slower desorption rate. For the yarn size, $K_d$ was in the order of 80's> 60's> 30's; thinner and lighter yarn showed better water vapor transport property. For knit type, buffering capacity of single jersey was better than interlock knit fabric. Statistical analysis showed that the air permeability was the most influential factor far the water vapor transport properties.