In cold and snowy weather, moisture-absorbing and heat-generating clothing can control our heat loss and provide us heat energy to withstand the unpleasant environment. This extra warmth is crucial to our life when facing hazardous surroundings.
Moisture-absorption and heat-generating fabric wicks moisture from the body and turn its kinetic energy into heat. One of the major purposes of this special function is to protect the body from hazardous environments and keep the body temperature at its normal level. To enhance thermal insulation, the fabric can form air pockets, or mix with various types of heat storage materials. In terms of moisture-absorption and heat-generating mechanism, the chemical method in which the heat is generated through reaction with sweat vapour is also applied.
The moisture-absorption and heat-generating ability is determined by absorbing moisture from the surrounding area. Our body releases moisture, including both perspiration and water vapor. Hygroscopic fibers absorb moisture and release heat to protect us from extreme cold weather.
It can keep the body warm and dry as the air that is heated by the absorption process is trapped between the fibers/fabrics and the body. A person can avoid getting cold and causing danger when losing heat. This feature can produce heat when taken outdoors, buffering the wearer against the sudden temperature drop they experience.
In order to test moisture-absorption and heat-generating features, a test specimen is placed in a low humidity atmosphere and then exposed to a high humidity atmosphere. The temperature of the test specimen is measured over time with a temperature sensor. The applicable method is ISO 16533.
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