ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9580-1553
Current Organisation
RMIT University
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Textile Technology | Manufacturing Engineering | Functional Materials |
Natural Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics | Synthetic Fibres, Yarns and Fabrics | Preference, Behaviour and Welfare
Publisher: IOP Publishing
Date: 04-09-2019
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 03-07-2020
DOI: 10.1108/IJCST-10-2019-0156
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the performance attributes relevant to thermal wear comfort of the commercially available hip protective pads and materials intended for impact protection that can be used for the hip protective pad. The performance attributes relevant to thermal wear comfort (i.e. dry thermal resistance and evaporative resistance) of the pads were tested using MTNW Integrated Sweating Guarded Hotplate (iSGHP). It was found that: the pad with more porous structure has more advantages in terms of evaporative resistance the permeability index will be higher on the pad with an opening such as a segmented pad the permeability index will be lower on the thicker and larger pad. The pocket fabric with open structure will have lower dry thermal resistance and evaporative resistance. The study results showed that the properties of the utilised materials influenced thermal comfort performance. These results could be useful for designing and engineering hip protective garments.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-12-2023
DOI: 10.1177/00405175221139324
Abstract: Personal protective clothing (PPC) is required in a variety of sectors and is important from both a safety and a thermal management standpoint. Materials used in PPC play a key role in protection. Extensive research has been conducted on the risk variables that lead to thermal load and the corresponding functional properties of PPC, particularly in high-risk categories. In contrast, despite the fact that employees who wear this type of PPC constitute a major fraction of the industrial workforce, relatively little study has been undertaken on PPC materials in low-risk categories and their thermal management properties. For this study, four new PPC materials were specifically engineered to have improved thermal attributes and were compared with four existing PPC materials of equivalent protection levels, as well as four summer-season civilian materials, to determine the most suitable materials for use in hot outdoor environments. We investigated and compared the thermal management properties of these novel materials, including liquid moisture transfer, thermal and water vapor resistance, and air permeability, to those of current materials used in low-risk PPC as well as civilian materials. The results demonstrated that the new PPC materials had improved thermal and vapor resistance superior liquid moisture transfer properties higher air permeability and were lower in mass and thickness than the existing PPC materials. Furthermore, the new materials compared favorably with the civilian materials in a number of these attributes. The new materials should be included in low-risk PPC designed for use in hot outdoor conditions.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-10-2017
DOI: 10.3390/S17102399
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.JENVMAN.2016.07.078
Abstract: Perchloroethylene (PERC) is a compound commonly used as a solvent in dry cleaning, despite its severe health and environmental impacts. In recent times chemicals such as hydrocarbons, GreenEarth(®), acetal and liquid carbon dioxide have emerged as less damaging substitutes for PERC, and an even more sustainable water-based wet cleaning process has been developed. We employed a systematic review approach to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research evidence in the area of sustainable and safe apparel cleaning methods and care. Our review describes traditional professional dry cleaning methods, as well as those that utilise solvents other than PERC, and their ecological attributes. In addition, the new professional wet cleaning process is discussed. Finally, we address the health hazards of the various solvents used in dry cleaning and state-of-the-art solvent residue trace analysis techniques.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 29-12-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-10-2023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-04-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-08-2017
DOI: 10.3390/S17081923
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.APERGO.2016.11.006
Abstract: The fit of a therapeutic glove directly influences the hand function of the wearer as well as wear comfort. Static and dynamic hand dimensions and characteristics must be considered when designing a glove, as significant changes in hand shape, size, and skin surface morphology result from hand movements. The aim of this study is to investigate the skin relaxed-strain ratio at the dorsal side of the hand and its relationship to skin deformation behaviour during hand movements. The point cloud raw data of the right hands of 13 female participants (40-65 years, size M) were recorded using a 3D INFOOT scanner in three different hand postures. Twenty-two measurements of skin relaxed-strain ratios in each posture were calculated, and differences between them were identified using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The results demonstrate that different hand postures cause substantial changes in hand geometry, especially in the metacarpal region. The findings of this study are valuable for the construction of functional tight-fitting therapeutic gloves with optimal fit, performance, and comfort.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 08-2022
DOI: 10.1177/15280837221141716
Abstract: Materials used in personal protective clothing (PPC) are important from both protection and thermal management perspectives, particularly as PPC frequently covers more than 90% of the wearer’s body. There is extensive literature on the risk factors that contribute to thermal load and the related functional characteristics of the PPC, especially in high-risk categories such as fire fighting and the military. In contrast, research on PPC materials in low-risk categories such as mining and construction and their thermal management attributes is scarce. Nevertheless, workers who wear this type of PPC represent a significant proportion of the industrial workforce, and are commonly required to work in hot and/or humid thermal environments. This study provides new knowledge of the thermal management attributes of materials used in low-level risk PPC by evaluating a selection of 19 workwear materials that are used in low-risk PPC worldwide. In addition, four civilian/corporate wear summer materials were tested to compare against the PPC materials. This study identifies relationships between the structure, physical parameters and functional attributes of materials, providing direction for development of new and improved PPC materials. The results show that there are opportunities to substantially reduce PPC material mass and thickness, whilst still maintaining protective compliance requirements. Further, thermal and moisture management attributes of PPC materials can also be significantly improved to reduce thermal burden.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 05-2019
Abstract: This paper describes Part II of a study of hip protective pads made from spacer fabric treated with shear thickening fluid (STF). Hip fractures are a substantial contributor to morbidity and mortality in the elderly, and incidence is rising worldwide. Hip protective pads reduce fractures, but wearing adherence is poor. Pads made from breathable and comfortable fabrics can increase adherence and prevent more hip fractures. In this research, warp-knitted spacer fabrics were treated with STF using one of two methods. Treatment I involved STF and room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone, while treatment II consisted of STF and a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and tetraisopropyl titanate. In Part I, STF-treated knitted spacer fabric was shown to have significantly greater force attenuation capacity than untreated fabric and comparable to force attenuation capacity of closed cell foam. In Part II, the effects on performance relevant to the thermal comfort of the wearer of each treatment method, the amount of STF used, and layering were assessed using a sweating guarded hot plate, and comparisons made between treated fabrics and with closed cell foam. Treatments I and II produced pads with significantly different permeability index and mass compared to closed cell foam. Treatment II produced pads with high force attenuation capacity, suitable permeability indexes, and low mass – preferred characteristics in hip protective pads. The study concluded that knitted spacer fabrics treated with STF, isopropyl alcohol, and tetraisopropyl titanate are potentially useful materials for hip protective pads.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1155/2019/2163790
Abstract: Maternity support garments (MSGs) are widely available and commonly recommended and used for alleviation of lower back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) during pregnancy however, most studies available use the garments as a conjunct intervention with other therapies, with scarce research demonstrating the effects of the garments as a sole intervention. This study aims to review the available literature on the effects of using MSGs as sole intervention for comfort improvement of women during pregnancy, as well as to discuss the attributes of the garments which may influence their performance. A systematic review was undertaken, which adheres to PRISMA guideline for systematic reviews. Multiple databases, such as ScienceDirect, CINAHL, EBSCO, Elsevier, SCOPUS, Wiley Online Library, ProQuest, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, PubMed, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were electronically searched. Six studies met the inclusion criteria and covered three trial studies, two pilot studies and one observational study. Three outcome measurements were identified from the included studies: alleviation of pain, improvement of balance, and improvement of functionality and mobility. The study concluded that wearing MSGs during pregnancy could have beneficial effects in women such as LBP and PGP alleviation, improvement of functionality and mobility, and reduction of risk of fall during pregnancy however, the mechanisms of the garments’ actions as well as the duration of the garments’ effectiveness are not elucidated through the studies. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects and effectiveness of the use of MSGs as a sole intervention for improvement of comfort during pregnancy as well as information about the different types of garments commercially available and the attributes that may influence the garment performance .
Start Date: 07-2019
End Date: 12-2020
Amount: $514,250.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity