Effects of Different Water-Repellents and Sewing Thread Parameters on Comfort Properties of Fabrics Used for Outdoor Sports Activities

Abstract

Abstract In today’s market, consumers prioritize sportswear that offers both high comfort and functionality. This study aims to assess the impact of various water-repellents applied to fabrics, sewing thread types, and their water-repellent finishes on the comfort properties of outdoor sportswear. Fluorocarbons containing six and eight carbons were applied to fabrics, followed by sewing these fabrics using polyester-cotton corespun and polyamide sewing threads, with or without water-repellent finishing. Scanning electron microscopy analysis results confirmed that fluorocarbon water-repellents were successfully transferred to the fabric. Comfort properties were evaluated on both sewn and unsewn areas of the fabrics. The results of the study revealed that fluorocarbons with six carbons may be preferable considering overall bending rigidity with the value of 83.731 mg.cm. However, fluorocarbons with eight carbons generally exhibited higher water vapor (5,454.088 g/m2/day) and air permeability (58.100 mm/s on the right side and 58.760 mm/s on the back side). Moreover, the sewing process of fabrics increased the bending rigidity, thermal resistance, and thermal conductivity while decreasing in the thermal absorptivity and water vapor permeability values. The type of sewing thread was statistically significant for the comfort properties (weft, warp, and overall bending rigidity as well as water vapor permeability and right side-air permeability) except for Alambeta values. Additionally, water-repellent finishing of sewing threads showed a statistically significant effect on warp and overall bending rigidity as well as water vapor permeability values.