Moisture management behaviour of modified polyester wool fabrics

Abstract

To support the thermo regularity system of human body in completely changed environment and physical activity the functional clothing must create a stable microclimate next to the skin. The present study deals with the moisture transport and moisture management behaviour of polyester wool yarn and knitted fabric treated with two types of enzyme viz; alkaline protease enzyme and acidic protease enzyme. The prime object of this study was to enhance the moisture transport and moisture management properties of yarn and fabric for use in active wear. The results reveal superior wicking behaviour by alkaline protease enzyme treatment, while superior moisture vapour permeability with acidic protease enzyme treatment. Moisture management properties of alkaline protease enzyme treated fabric gives better result, ranging its grade from very good to excellent with higher absorption rate, one way transport capacity and spreading speed. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to test statistical significance level of all effects.