Fabrics thermal properties evaluation by IR thermometry

The present paper shows the results of an experimental investigation on the influence of textile fiber composition, covering factors and finishing on fabrics thermal properties comfort is usually defined on. Several kinds of textile fibers were considered: flax, wool, cotton, polyester and polyamide, as well as different yarn count, threads per cm and mass per square meter values. Finally, the effects of finishing process through the application of an anionic and soft polyurethane resin were assessed. To evaluate the thermal properties of textile fabrics, both treated and untreated, an in-house developed apparatus was used, allowing the measurement of fabric thermal conductivity related properties. All the acquired information, joined to the measurement of the fabric thickness, allowed to fully characterize the thermal behavior of the tested fabrics. A relevant influence of fabrics weave was found, as well as of its density. Treated high density cotton plain weave fabric thermal properties were proved to be the most influenced by finishing agent concentration.