Microclimate Investigations on Permeable NBC Protective Garments
Abstract
According to the operational requirements of NATO, NBC Protective Clothing Systems must be suitable for extended periods of wear in all climatic environments without creating unacceptable heat stress and serious reduction of the protective capability. The demand for balancing wear comfort and protection confronts the developers with a challenging task. The physiological wearing properties of NBC Protective Garments can be improved for example, by reducing the activated carbon loaded filter layer in weight and thickness, or by increasing the air permeability. In most cases however, this results in the loss of protective capacity. By employing filter layers using activated carbon with hydrophilic properties, this disadvantage is avoided. The properties of fabrics and ensembles which are most relevant to the physiological effects on the wearer are water-vapour and thermal resistance. In addition, the microclimate plays an important role. It is influenced by the above-mentioned parameters and the trapped air between the clothing layers and underneath the clothing, which is determined by the flexibility of the fabrics as well as cut, pattern and fit of the garments. The microclimate is particularly influenced by the ability of the textile layers for short-time water-vapour uptake and their moisture-buffering capacities: a good uptake and buffering of interstationary sweat pulses in the area close to the skin has the following effects: (1) low increase in humidity immediately after the occurrence of the sweat pulses, (2) small peak value of humidity, and (3) fast decrease of humidity in the microclimate. Since temperature also decreases together with humidity, the positive effects on the subjective wearing comfort are considerable.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADP012451
Entities
People
- Ernst Hepler