An Apparatus Used to Investigate Condensation for Fabrics, Laminates and Films

A complete representation of the skin microclimate-fabric-environment includes the skin layer S, fabric F and outside environment E. Between the skin and fabric is the “clothing microclimate” M. Condensation occurring on the fabric's inner surface depends upon perspiration transfer from the human body through the clothing, which is determined by the properties of the fabrics. A new measuring apparatus, which conducted under computer control, described in this paper can be used to investigate whether condensation occurs on the fabrics. The measuring apparatus can be used to examine, record and display temperature and relative humidity simultaneously and permits rapid testing of small quantities of fabrics in a short amount of time. It is logical to use the apparatus described in this paper rather than the ASTM 96E-00 to investigate water vapor permeability of fabrics, especially condensation on the fabrics' inner surface.