WOOL FOR COMFORT

Te Puke Times, Volume XXVIII, Issue 53, 14 July 1939, Page 6

WOOL FOR COMFORT

Attention is drawn in the “International Wool Secretariat” of a recent issue of the very important results obtained by the Wool Industries Research Association confirming the fact that under conditions of changing temperature and moisture, wool fabrics in taking up moisture generate a degree of heat which hap an appreciably greater effect in tending to maintain the temperature of the fabric than is the case with other fibres. Further interesting results have, now been obtained at Torridon in regard to the related subject of the air permeability of wool and other fabrics when exposed to moisture. / It is a well-recognised fact that many textile fibres when nearing saturation begin to feel damp, buch fibres are usually those which are readily wetted •with liquid water and their dampness is due to the affinity of their surface for water molecules. Wool, although it readily takes up much moisture, is difficult to wet and does not readily acquire a feeling of dampness, the moisture being actually absorbed into the substance of the fibre. The acknowledged property of wool underwear of absorbing perspiration without producing any feeing ol dampness or clamminess is due to the fact. Comfort in a; warm atmosphere, however, depends on the additional ability of a fabric to allow the free passage of air even under conditions when the skin perspires and, in this connection, the recent Torridon experiments are of great interest. ' Wool and other fabrics, particularly those made of ■ viscose staple fibre, were tested for air permeability before and after being, placed on a damp surface for varying periods. Many fabrics, and notably viscose staple fibre, became completely impervious to air after very brief periods in contact with damp surfaces up to the maximum air pressure which the apparatus could apply. Good air permeability is a recognised requirement for clothing comfort arid is particularly important in relation to perspiration, and these experiments show how the comparison of the relative behaviour of wool and other fabrics when ■ dvy gives no indication of their behaviour tmder actual wearing conditions. ■ :' . y These experiments, with those previously reported, support the view that wool has a unique value under changing conditions of temperature ariu moisture, not‘only in conserving warm in at low temperatures, but also in relation to tin heated arid perspiring body when, by allowing free circulation of air, it conduces to comfort and coolness in warm atmospheres.