Influence of tuck stitch in wale direction on thermal comfort characteristics of layered knitted fabrics

Abstract

Thermo-physiological comfort of the clothing has been studied considering the ability to manage heat and to transfer sensible and insensible perspiration to the environment. Four bi-layer knitted fabrics are developed by changing the tuck stitch placement in four different points on wale, such as tuck on 4^th, 8^th, 12^th and 16^th wale with same course. It is observed that the bi-layer knitted fabric with tuck on 12^th wale exhibits better air, heat and moisture transfer as compared to those with tuck on 4^th, 8^th, and 16^th wales. The lower thickness and low mass per unit area exhibit better thermal conductivity, air permeability, water vapour permeability, wicking, moisture absorbency, drying rate and moisture management properties. The less number of tuck stitch shows better thermal comfort characteristics considering both objective and wear trial method. The results are discussed with 95% significant level with ANOVA analysis and Friedman one-way analysis of variance.