Influence of loop length on thermal resistance in single jersey plated knitted fabrics

Abstract

Thermal resistance is a critical parameter in achieving thermal comfort through the prevention of heat transfer between the body and the environment. Fabric manufacturers receive requests for clothing with specific thermal resistance properties that ensure desired comfort levels. The easiest parameter that can be changed in the manufacturing stage of a knitted fabric is the knit loop length. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the influence of loop length towards the thermal resistance of single jersey fabric. The proposed approach involves varying the loop length of the fabric and analyzing its behavior in response to temperature variations. The fabric under investigation is a plated fabric consisting of a polyester face yarn with a backing of polyester-covered Lycra. The thermal behavior of these plated fabrics is tested for thermal conductivity and studied the cooling gradient of a hot body. The fabrics are knitted on a seamless knitting machine of gauge 28. The observed increase in thermal resistance with loop length can be attributed to the size of air gaps within the fabric structure. These air gaps, known for their excellent thermal insulation properties [1], acted as barriers for heat transfer, effectively trapping more heat within the fabric tube. This highlights the significant effect of loop length on thermal resistance that contributes to understanding and control of thermal resistance with loop length.