Evaluation of surface characteristics of inner layer fabrics suitable for structural firefighters’ clothing

Abstract

Effective firefighters’ clothing design requires great consideration of physiological comfort factors including sensorial or tactile comfort. The friction between the fabric surface and the skin, and the fabric surface roughness are the two important components in the evaluation of the sensorial comfort of fabrics and materials. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the material surface characteristics of fabrics suitable for the inner layer of structural clothing for firefighters. We quantitatively examine and evaluate the effects of the fabrics’ composition, construction and their physical parameters on the surface characteristics, as relevant to the practical wear and maintenance of the garments. In addition, the influence of the presence of moisture in the fabrics due to the sweat absorption during strenuous physical activity on the fabrics surface characteristics is addressed.