• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.237-244
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• 1992

The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate thermal and water transmission properties of several vapor permeable water repellent (VPWR) fabrics and synthetic battings that became available in recent years. Five VPWR fabrics evaluated were Hipora in three coating variants, $Gore-Tex^{\circledR}$ and $Aitace^{\circledR}$. Battings evaluated were $Viwarma^{\circledR}$, $Uniwarmr^{\circledR}$, $Thinsulate^{\circledR}$, and $Airseal^{\circledR}$ Thermal resistance and water vapor transmission were measured for each fabric and batting and in all combinations. Thermal resistance at zero and 37 cm/sec air velocity was determined by the Thermo Labo II technique for simultaneously measuring conduction and radiation heat transfer. Water vapor transmission over 24 hours was measured by a modified weight-gain method in a compact humid chamber at conditions simulating the clothing climate under heavy exercise ($40{\pm}1^{\circ}C$, $90{\pm}2\%$ R.H., and 0.5 m/sec air velocity). Fabric porosity was calculated from fiber density and fabric weight, thickness, and area. Thermal resistance results for the fabrics showed the effectiveness of coatings in inhibiting heat transfer. Measurements taken in wind were: $31.1\~37.6\%$ for $Hipora^{\circledR}$ variants; $31.0\%$ for $Gore-Tex^{\circledR}$; and $18.4\%$ for $Aitaca^{\circledR}$ Measurements without wind were higher but in the same order. Water vapor transmission results were in reverse order: $Aitac^{\circledR}$, $8.8 kg/m^{2};\;Gore-Tex^{\circledR}$, 6.4 kg/$m^{2}$; and $Hipora^{\circledR},\;4.4\~6.0\;kg/m^{2}$. In general thermal resistance increased with porosity. For battings, the thermal resistance with wind results were: $Viwarmu^{\circledR}$, $65.0\%;\; Thinsulate^{\circledR}$, $62.0\%$; $Uniwarm^{\circledR}$, $61.0\%$; and $Airseala^{\circledR},\;53.1\%$. Thermal resistance was proportional to thickness. Thermal resistance of fabric-batting combinations were $20\%$ higher than those of the battings only. Water vapor transmission for combinations was mainly affected by that for the VPWR fabric used.

• Clean Technology
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.301-308
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• 2022

Since nanoporous silica aerogel was first synthesized in 1931, its potential as an ultra-lightweight superinsulation material has been steadily attracting attention. Silica aerogel is the best thermal insulation material to date. However, the potential applications of this lightweight material have so far been hindered by its inherent fragibility and brittleness arising from its ultra-porous nature. Although the monolithic form of silica aerogel has the best ultra-lightweight superinsulation properties, it cannot be used in this form. Instead it is used in the form of powders, particles, and blankets. However, these forms still have shortcomings. Silica aerogel is most widely applied in the form of a fiber-reinforced aerogel blanket, but this form is likely to generate dust when handled. Although silica aerogel particles have been proven to be non-toxic to humans, dust formation remains a major barrier to the widespread application of silica aerogel blankets. This paper will investigate the unique properties of silica aerogel and determine what fields it can be used in or potentially be used in due to its unique properties. In addition, we will review the important advances in silica aerogel synthesis technology and its commercialization so far, and then consider the problems that exist for its widespread commercialization in the future and how to overcome them.