Heat and moisture transfer properties of a firefighter clothing with a new fire-resistant underwear

Abstract

Under dynamic wear conditions, moisture management and heat transfer behaviour of clothing between the human body and its environment are very important attributes for comfort and performance. Especially considering heavy works like firefighting, it is important to analyse liquid moisture management and thermal comfort properties of fabrics that influence moisture sensation and personnel comfort feeling significantly. This study mainly investigates thermal comfort and moisture management properties of a firefighter clothing with a new fire resistant underwear. Analysing single layer fabric (underwear, outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal barrier) performance properties, together with their three-layered and four-layered combinations gives a better understanding of comfort and protective performance. For characterizing the fabric structures, weight, thickness, FTIR analysis and SEM-EDX tests were conducted. Heat and moisture transfer properties were measured with limited flame spread, thermal resistance (skin model), water vapour transmission rate (dish method), thermal conductivity, air permeability, thermal diffusion, water vapour resistance, moisture management transfer (MMT) and water vapour permeability tests.