Thermal and Humidity Properties of Multi-component Weft-knitted Fabrics Based on Loop Structure Modulation
摘要
To achieve the large-scale preparation and broad application of efficient heat and moisture management functional fabrics through structural design, we adopt the double-sided seamless circular knitting technique to create a multilayer fabric structure: The inner layer is polyethylene yarn; the outer layer is double yarn knitted by plated-yarn technology (the ground yarn is ultrafine polyester, and the face yarn is ultrafine polyester/wool/viscose). Further adjustments to the intervals of polyethylene loops and double-yarn loops (Structure A: 1 in 1, Structure B: 2 in 2, and Structure C: 3 in 3) enabled synergistic design between the multi-component and loop structure, and nine fabrics were fabricated. The fabrics were tested for liquid moisture management properties, thermal comfort properties, and permeability. The results show that the structure and yarn combination significantly affect the fabric properties. Increasing the loop intervals (from Structure A to C) enhances the fabric’s porosity, leading to increased air permeability, moisture permeability, heat retention, and saturated water absorption. The C3 fabric exhibited the best overall performance, with an air permeability of 877.69 mm/s, a moisture permeability of 2633.58 g/m2/d, and a thermal insulation of 13.45%. The fabrics have a unidirectional transfer index of 3–5 grade (183.87–326.44%), with good moisture conductivity. Polyethylene provided the fabric with instant contact coolness (about 60 s). This study enables directional moisture transport and thermal comfort in fabrics, without relying on chemical treatments. It provides design examples for selecting multi-component moisture-conducting fabrics across various athletic scenarios, while also offering design approaches for developing high-performance sports textiles.