High-tech textiles to combat heat stress
24/10/2012
A 2003 study of fatalities among firefighters in the US showed that half were attributable to heat stress – a fact the project wished to address. The researchers said while outer clothing has been improved over the past few decades, very little attention has been paid to the clothing worn beneath.
Project manager Dr Bianca Wölfling said they wanted support the body's cooling function through the diversion of sweat while ensuring good heat insulation. "The environmental temperature and the degree of activity of firefighters varies greatly depending on the type of deployment,” she explained.
Two variants proved to be particularly effective: double-face material with a hydrophobic (water-repellent) inside combined with a hydrophilic (water-attracting) outside; and a completely hydrophobic material. The speed that sweat was transported away from the body was significantly improved, compared with functional sports textiles.
The scientists studied the placement of clothing layers on top of each other, which enabled them to mimic the complex requirements and environment.
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