Hohenstein tests functional sportswear samples
Researchers at the Hohenstein Institute in Germany are helping local sportswear fabrics manufacturers to improve the functional properties of their knitted fabrics by developing practical construction guidelines.
In a recently completed research project, the institute’s scientists examined the physiological comfort characteristics of various types of knitted garments. The textile industry can use the construction guidelines the research produced to continue developing and optimising functional clothing for all kinds of sports.
The research project investigated 34 different knitted fabrics in terms of their thermo-physiological characteristics and the samples varied in terms of their fibres, weight per unit area, surface finish and knit structure.
According to Hohenstein, specially selected representative samples were tested in controlled trials involving volunteers, who wore them in a climate-controlled room. The skin model was used to measure thermo-physiological properties, for example how heat and moisture are transported through the textile. When the data was combined with the results of skin sensory testing, the scientists were able to work out a comfort rating for each sample.
Chemical fibres were said to underperform when it came to transporting liquid perspiration and the way they dried, while natural fibre samples made from wool and cotton had the edge when it came to retaining perspiration, the study found.
“Comparing pairs of samples of textiles where the main fibre was polyamide, but with and without a hydrophilic finish, showed that the hydrophilic finish had a negative effect on the level of comfort, because the fabric took longer to dry.
“However, applying a hydrophilic finish to samples made of propylene or a mixture of cotton and polypropylene gave a better result for comfort because they did not stick to the skin so much,” a spokesperson said.
