Impact of raw material, yarn and fabric parameters, and finishing on water vapor resistance

The objective of this study was to explore a number of technical–technological parameters affecting the water vapor resistance of knitted fabric and clothing, as well as to develop a predictive model that describes the prominent affecting parameters. Thirty-four knitted fabrics were carefully produced and measured on a sweating guarded hotplate and thermal manikin. The study focused on the influence of the following parameters on the transfer of water vapor: type of textile fibers, yarn and knitted fabric parameters, finishing of fabrics (recipes include bleaching, dyeing, and softening), and body activity. The statistical analysis, performed to examine the relationship between observed parameters, indicated medium correlation between water vapor resistance and moisture regain (R = 0.7). Furthermore, the relationship between water vapor resistance and the following knitted fabric parameters is especially prominent: mass per unit area, knitted fabric thickness, and tightness factor (R = 0.9). When the fabrics are made into ensembles, however, effects of material differences become small and the differences between garments more difficult to discriminate; even more so when movement is present.