Thermal and electrical properties of multi-layer knitted fabric assemblies for protective clothing

Abstract

This study investigates the thermal comfort properties of knitted fabrics by analysing key parameters such as thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and surface and volume resistivity. Single- and multi-layer fabric assemblies, comprising wool/acrylic blends with varying ratios and polypropylene fabrics with different filament counts, are examined in combination with lightweight 100% cotton and breathable fabrics. The influence of these variables on the thermal and electrical properties of knitted fabrics is systematically evaluated. The aim is to establish relationships between the thermal insulation and electrical properties of single-layer and multilayer fabric assemblies. The findings reveal that the highest thermal resistance is observed in CP9B (a three-layer assembly comprising cotton fabric, polypropylene pile-knitted fabric and breathable fabric). The highest surface and volume resistivity values are recorded in sample CP1B.