Thermal properties of textile fabrics made of natural and regenerated cellulose fibers

Cotton (cellulose) and viscose (regenerated cellulose) fibers are commonly applied in clothing textile fabrics. Thanks to the unique hemp (lignocellulose) fibre properties and its ecological benefits (biodegradability), nowadays hemp is reintroduced as a source of fibers for clothing textile applications. In order to understand the heat transfer phenomena through the cellulose textile fabrics, the thermal properties and the properties closely related to the thermal behavior of fabrics (porosity and air permeability) were investigated. A new test method was applied successfully for determination of the thermal properties of the fabrics. The results obtained indicate that heat transfer through the fabrics is highly related to both capillary structure and surface characteristics of yarns (a continuous package of short fibers), as well as air volume distribution within the fabrics. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.