Investigations of Three‐Layer Systems Intended for Protective Clothing for Prematurely Born Babies

Abstract

One of the most significant problems occurring among premature babies is high transepidermal water loss and associated heat loss. To prevent this problem protective clothing for premature babies is developed which consists of a membrane that allows partial transmission of water vapor, combined with other textile materials. The purpose of this work is to characterize two pre‐selected three‐layer systems in terms of biophysical properties that fulfill their requirements for premature infants. Samples of materials are investigated to determine biophysical comfort (tests of thermal resistance, water vapor resistance and air permeability), mass per unit area and thickness. In order to visualize the structure and chemical composition of the tested materials, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were performed. The mechanical properties of the investigated materials and the evaluation of the total hand value were also characterized; the samples were tested on a Kawabata Evaluation System (KES) device. Protective garments designed for premature babies should be characterized by high thermal insulation and moisture barrier properties. In addition, it should have optimal air permeability properties and fairly low surface weight in order not to burden the baby's delicate skin.

Assessment of Thermal Performance of Phase-Change Material-Based Multilayer Protective Clothing Exposed to Contact and Radiant Heat

“…PCMs are also commonly and successfully used in heat-insulating clothing, designed especially for work in extreme thermal conditions. Both in very low and very high ambient temperatures, an important problem is to simultaneously ensure effective protection against the harmful effects of the cold/heat and ensure the ergonomics of clothing [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. This clothing is usually made of thick, multi-layered textile systems, which significantly reduces the user's freedom of movement and prevents him from effective and precise work [31]; in addition, during intense physical exertion, these garments often become wet due to the secretion of sweat by the wearer, which in turn reduces their thermal insulation and increases the feeling of discomfort [32][33][34][35][36][37].…”

Assessment of Insulation against Contact Heat and Radiant Heat of Composites with TiO2-ZrO2-Al and Parylene C Coatings Intended for Protective Gloves Supported by Computational Fluid Dynamics

“…The possibility of protection against hot factors in industries such as metallurgy, welding, or foundry is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach and providing the employee with appropriate personal protective equipment [2]. Gloves intended to protect hands against hot factors, like other parts of protective clothing (firefighter garments [3][4][5], sleeping bags for newborns [6,7], civilian clothing [8][9][10][11][12][13]), are usually made of various materials or multilayer material systems (Figure 1).…”

“…2023, 13, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2 of 19 employee with appropriate personal protective equipment [2]. Gloves intended to protect hands against hot factors, like other parts of protective clothing (firefighter garments [3][4][5], sleeping bags for newborns [6,7], civilian clothing [8][9][10][11][12][13]), are usually made of various materials or multilayer material systems (Figure 1). Due to their functions, the palm side and back side of the protective glove may differ in geometry and raw material composition, but both sides must be made of flame-retardant materials and meet appropriate thermal insulation standards.…”