Fiber Hygroscopicity and Perceptions of Dampness Part Ⅱ: Physical Mechanisms

摘要

The role of fiber moisture sorption behavior in the sensory perception of dampness in fabrics has been investigated both experimentally and mechanistically. The way in which water is held in fabrics influences the thermal transients that occur during skin contact. Fabrics with water content in excess of the equilibrium regain for the ambient conditions, but below fiber saturation, depress skin temperature less during skin contact than those in which the water content is above fiber saturation. The brief temperature drop at the skin surface that occurs at the moment of contact correlates with the subjective assessment of dampness.