Multilayer Nonwoven Inserts with Aerogel/PCMs for the Improvement of Thermophysiological Comfort in Protective Clothing against the Cold

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the developed nonwoven inserts with aerogel/PCM (phase change material) microcapsules for use in protective clothing against cold in terms of properties related to thermophysiological comfort. These inserts were obtained by the thermal bonding of a multilayer system consisting of needled-punched nonwovens and silica aerogel particles and/or PCM microcapsules evenly distributed between them. The influence of aerogel and PCM microcapsules on the basic physical properties of inserts, their microstructure, air permeability, and water vapor resistance was investigated and analyzed. The thermal insulation properties of inserts were assessed based on thermal conductivity results. The inserts with PCMs were also tested for their ability to regulate the temperature in the undergarment microclimate using the differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and the “skin model” device. The research showed that the use of aerogel allowed for reducing the thermal conductivity of the insert by approximately 13% compared to the insert without additives. The high values obtained of the melting and crystallization enthalpy of inserts with PCMs confirmed their high efficiency in the heat absorption and release. Thus, the use of aerogel and PCMs in protective clothing against cold seems to be an effective solution for improving its protective properties and actively adapting its thermal insulation to the changing temperature conditions and the activity level of employees.

Silica aerogels: from materials research to industrial applications

“…It is incredibly effective in the regions of the body that undergo compression, friction, and stress, including underfoot or insoles, the seat of the pants, knees, elbows, back, and chest. However, their serious disadvantage is their lack of breathability, not because of the aerogel but because of the membranes [100]. Future research will focus on the development of aerogel products with both thermal insulation properties and physiological comfort.…”

Modeling of Heat Transfer through Firefighters Multilayer Protective Clothing Using the Computational Fluid Dynamics Assisted by X-ray Microtomography and Thermography

“…The impact of the aforementioned parameters of protective clothing on the firefighter’s comfort and safety is the subject of in-depth research [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. According to [ 3 ], the biophysical comfort properties of firefighters’ protective clothing can be improved with the incorporation of superabsorbent fibers into the inner fabric layer.…”

“…Research on the critical impact of thermal liners in thermal protective performance for firefighter gear showed the positive influence of incorporating aerogel and microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) on thermal properties of protective clothing [ 5 ]. The use of aerogel and PCMs can also be an effective solution for improving the protective properties of various types of functional clothing and actively adapting its thermal insulation to the changing temperature conditions of the working environment [ 6 ]. Research [ 18 ] in which the influence of the thickness of the air gap on the thermal protection of protective clothing against hot steam and heat radiation showed that the air gap between clothing and skin is conducive and provides better thermal protection during exposure to heat radiation.…”

Fluorine-Free Hydrophobic Modification and Waterproof Breathable Properties of Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofibrous Membranes

“…With the proposal of healthy, green and environmentally friendly lifestyles, outdoor sports have been highly sought after by the general public in recent years, which stimulates the market demand for sports/outdoors textiles to grow sharply [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. In order to adapt to the complex and changeable environment of outdoor sports, scientists in academia have done tremendous work in recent years in studying the functional properties, such as waterproofness and breathability, cold resistance, heat preservation or UV protection of the sports/outdoors textiles [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Possessing the functional membranes as the core layer, waterproof and breathable fabric is the representative of the outdoor sports textile products.…”