Development of tri-layer knitted fabrics for shuttle badminton players

Thermo-physiological comfort of the fabric is attained through the ability of managing heat and transmission of sensible and insensible perspiration. An investigation on influence of tri-layer knitted structure on thermal comfort characteristics of layered knitted fabrics was carried out. Three tri-layer knitted structures were developed in which inner layer was made up of micro-fibre polyester and outer layer was made up of modal yarn. The yarn used in the middle layer was changed to either micro-fibre polyester or polyester or acrylic yarn. The thermal comfort characteristics such as thermal conductivity, air permeability, water vapour permeability, wicking, moisture absorbency, drying rate and moisture management properties have been analysed. Wear trial was conducted for shuttle badminton players and they were ranked using thermal environment subjective judgement scale. Tri-layer knitted structure with micro-fibre polyester in the inner and middle layer and modal in the outer layer showed better thermal comfort characteristics both by objective evaluation and wear trial method compared to polyester or acrylic in the middle layer and is preferable for shuttle badminton sportswear.