Effect of Electrospun Nanofiber Deposition on Thermo-physiology of Functional Clothing

The present work focuses on developing electrospun nanofibers using wire electrospinning and deposition of such nanofibrous layer on the clothing textiles. The porosity and permeability of the fabrics are substantially influenced by deposition of nanofibers on woven textiles. Cotton, Kevlar and Nomex fabrics have been selected as the substrate material. They are extensively used in the military sector for uniform of defence personnel. The emergence of nanofiber technology with the advent of needle-less electrospinning has enabled researchers to apply such materials to existing fabrics. Nylon 6 (PA6) nanofibers are spun by wire electrode spinning and deposited on selected clothing fabrics. The fabrics so developed are compared with control fabric samples for understanding the influence on thermal and physiological properties. The thermal comfort is influenced mainly by porosity and thickness of the fabric ensemble. Air permeability results are significantly influenced by nanofiber deposition. A further study on moisture management properties is also carried out. The thermal and physiological comfort is influenced mainly by porosity and thickness of the fabric ensemble. The nanofiber deposition on base fabric significantly influences water vapor and liquid water transmission related properties.