Thermal comfort characteristics of woven materials and evaluation of their structural parameters variations using Box–Behnken method

Purpose To accomplish this goal, a total of 17 distinct woven textiles (samples) with different weft densities – plain, twill and satin weave variations – were meticulously created utilizing blends of polyester and cotton yarns. The Alambeta test device was used to evaluate the thermal comfort qualities of these fabrics. Following the experimental phase, the Box–Behnken design statistics tool was used to analyze the data. Design/methodology/approach In this study, woven fabrics with a specifically designed structure using polyester and cotton yarns were created, and their thermal comfort characteristics were examined. This research primarily aims to determine the effects of the structural features, such as the ratio of polyester to cotton, the density of the weft and the number of weft floats on the warp (kind of weave), on the thermal comfort properties of these fabrics. Findings The results show that the thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of the studied fabrics have been influenced by fiber type and the inclusion of polyester in the weft. It was observed that a high ratio of cotton yarn in experimental fabrics affected and decreased the materials’ thermal resistance properties. It was also noticed that with the increase in weft density, thermal insulation and resistance increased and reduced with the vice versa. Originality/value The exploration of cotton–polyester blends in the development of woven fabrics which are supposed to provide optimal thermal comfort was performed using Alambeta test results and statistically analyzed via the Box–Behnken method.