The influence of moisture content on the thermal conductivity of a knitted structure

Abstract

A theoretical model has been created to predict the thermal conductivity of knitted structures in terms of porosity, thickness and moisture content. The validity of the model was examined by the results of experiments conducted using different knitted fabrics, in which the porosity, thickness, fibre and water content are different. The thermal conductivity of a dry plain knitted fabric decreases with the increase of porosity; however, with increased water content, the increase of porosity contributes to an increase in thermal conductivity. © 2007 IOP Publishing Ltd.