Effect of Moisture-wicking Materials on the Physical and Thermo-physiological Comfort Properties of Firefighters' Protective Clothing

In this study, a new inner-layer fabric was developed with the use of superabsorbent fibre (SAF) or Coolmax (R) materials for firefighters' protective clothing. These materials have high water vapour absorption and wicking capacity to assist in better moisture management in the microclimate next to the skin, providing improved comfort to the wearer. Results obtained from the water absorption tests confirmed higher absorption. These new inner-layers were tested for thermophysiological comfort properties, such as thermal resistance, water vapour resistance and air permeability. The results indicated that it is possible to improve the comfort properties of the firefighters' protective clothing with the incorporation of SAF or Coolmax (R) materials into the inner-layer. However, the mechanical properties of the fabric were significantly reduced by the incorporation of these materials into the structure. The performance of all new inner-layer combinations in regard to heat resistance satisfied the requirements for AS/NZS 4967-2009 firefighter's protective clothing, which is essential for adequate protection.