Structural effect of weft knitted pressure garments on applied pressure and thermal comfort properties

This study aims at examining the effect of structural and process variables on thermal comfort properties of the compression garments produced with single-jersey weft knitted construction. The considered variables are elastane yarn count, elastane yarn tension during yarn positive feeding, reduction factor and fabric structure. To this end, 18 samples are manufactured according to Taguchi orthogonal array on a circular knitting machine. Heat transfer per cent, moisture transfer in the liquid phase and air permeability of the knitted fabrics have been measured and reported. The compression garments are sewn in cylindrical shape and the pressure applied on a cylinder is also measured by Kikuhime pressure sensor. The results demonstrate that the samples containing knit and miss stitches apply the highest amount of pressure and the sample having more tuck stitches represents the lowest pressure. Also, increasing the linear density of the elastic yarn and using a higher reduction factor provide a higher pressure. The results indicate that fabrics exerting greater pressure on the body have a tighter structure when stretched. Therefore, they show less air permeability, heat and moisture transfer. Also, for a certain fabric structure, an increase in reduction factor leads to open structure and creating more pressure. Consequently, air permeability and the heat and moisture transfer are increased. Samples which apply less pressure, are more permeable and transfer greater amount of heat, and moisture through their structure due to creation of an open structure in extended state.