Investigation of thermoregulation properties of various ceramic-containing knitted fabric structures

To ensure the thermal comfort during high physical activity, clothes must have good thermoregulation properties. Textiles containing ceramic additives, which are able to absorb and emit back the thermal energy from the human body, can be used to improve the thermal properties of the fabric. The aim of the research was to investigate the thermal and moisture management properties of different, three-layer knitted fabrics containing fibers impregnated with infrared-emitting ceramic particles. The thermal efficiency of the manufactured knits was characterised by the dynamics of accumulated/released heat generated by infrared rays and expressed as achieved steady-state surface temperature while and after the heating. Thermal resistance and liquid moisture management properties were investigated during the research as well. The elemental analysis of different pure bio-ceramic additives in yarns, used for development of knitted fabrics, was determined by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis. It was determined that heat accumulation is directly related to the calculated quantity of bio-ceramic additives in the knits. The obvious correlation between accumulated/released heat, thermal resistance, and the quantity of bio-ceramic additives in all investigated knitted structures was also investigated. Taking into account all the results obtained during the study of the thermoregulation properties, the optimal knitted structure, which could be comfortable for wearing next to the skin in cold weather, was selected.