Measurement of clothing thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance using a novel perspiring fabric thermal manikin

Thermal manikins are necessary instruments for measuring the thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance of clothing systems; these are important parameters relevant to thermal comfort. Although many thermal manikins have been developed since the first example in the 1940s, the simulation of human perspiration remains a challenge. Reports a novel perspiring fabric thermal manikin which simulates gaseous perspiration by moisture transfer through a "skin" made of a breathable fabric. The fabric has a sandwich structure. Its face side is a PA tabby fabric, inner side a protective knitting fabric and the middle a patented microporous polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE) membrane. The manikin has been used to measure the thermal insulation and moisture vapour resistance of clothing ensembles, and demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility. (Original abstract - amended)