Transient thermal response of textile fabrics made of natural and regenerated cellulose fibers

The thermal parameters that describe the transient response of cellulose textile fabrics due to the changes in physiological and environmental conditions were analyzed. Starting from the specific heat of the knitted fabrics determined by a new experimental method based on Newton's cooling rate law, and previously determined thermal conductivity of the knits, their thermal diffusivity and thermal effusivity (absorptivity) have been determined. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that the structure of the knitted fabrics is responsible for their transient thermal response through thermal conductivity, whereas the composition of the knits influences their dynamic thermal behavior through specific heat. Hemp based textile fabrics are proved to be at a comparable level to other cellulose fabrics from the viewpoint of thermal behavior during the dynamic stage of heat transport. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.