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Textile Research Journal
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Impact of Fabric Moisture Transport Properties on Physiological Responses when Wearing Protective Clothing

Yueping Guo

Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Yi Li

Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China, tcliyi{at}polyu.edu.hk

Hiromi Tokura

Institute of Textiles & Clothing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Thomas Wong

School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Joanne Chung

School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Anthony S.W. Wong

School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Mayur Danny Indulal Gohel

Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

Polly Hang Mei Leung

Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China

This purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of fabric moisture transport properties (MTP) on physiological responses when wearing protective clothing. Ten healthy subjects wore two kinds of personal protective equipment (PPE) ensembles and exercised on a treadmill, worked on a computer, and moved a mannequin in an environment that simulated where health carers work. PPE1 consisted of cotton underwear and 100% polyethylene outerwear. PPE2 consisted of cotton underwear with moisture management function and outerwear made of waterproof breathable fabric. The results showed that there were significantly higher cumulative one-way transport capacity, liquid moisture management capacity, and wetting time in PPE2 than in PPE1 underwear. There was significantly higher water vapor permeability (WVP) in PPE2 than in PPE1 outerwear. Deep ear canal temperature, mean skin temperature, and chest wall skin and clothing microclimates (temperature and humidity) were significantly lower with PPE2 than PPE1. The level of plasma oxygen saturation was significantly higher with PPE 2 than PPE1. In the present study, due to the MTP of the fabrics, liquid sweat transferred from the skin surface to the opposite surface quickly and speeded up the processes of evaporation and heat dissipation. It was concluded that the fabric's MTP, when incorporated into protective clothing, is the main physiological mechanism for reduced heat stress.

Key Words: fabric moisture management properties • clothing microclimates • deep ear canal temperature • mean skin temperature • plasma oxygen saturation • water vapor permeability

Textile Research Journal, Vol. 78, No. 12, 1057-1069 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0040517508090496
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