JOURNAL OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE, cilt.112, sa.1, ss.102-108, 2021 (SCI-Expanded)
Some thermal comfort parameters of denim fabrics including chenille weft yarns that have different pile materials (polyester (PET-polyethylene terephthalate) filaments, polyester/viloft, acrylic) were investigated. Besides objective measurements, subjective forearm test was carried out on 30 subjects. Weave of the fabric was selected as not to show the pile material from outer surface of the fabric not to destroy denim look, but to enhance thermal contact and insulation characteristics. Results show that thermal feelings are not related to surface friction characteristics when materials are used in pile form, but although acrylic pile created smoother surface, it was evaluated as warmer than the other fabrics. Permeability (air and water vapor) results decreased with rougher and bulkier pile materials as expected. Thermal resistance, one of the parameters that was aimed to be enhanced in this study, was also affected from the number of filaments in cross section but not affected from other features such as non-circular cross section and crimped structure enabling more air trapped within the structure as in normal woven fabrics.