Smart Acclimatization Textile Systems for Defence

Abstract

The development of active and/or passive systems for acclimatization of soldiers’ uniforms is seen as an important tool to guarantee soldiers’ comfort and, consequently, to improve their performance during military missions. Accordingly, this work aimed at the development of an innovative acclimatization textile system, comprising both active and passive technologies that can act as temperature regulators in response to environmental conditions and soldiers’ body needs. This study presents the main results achieved on the performance assessment of the developed textile system, with emphasis on comfort assessment determined through characterization of the selected materials in terms of physical properties and functionalities in laboratory conditions, characterization of biophysical parameters of the clothing ensemble in a climatic chamber and preliminary field tests in non-controlled environments. This paper summarizes a part of the activities and results of EDA (European Defence Agency)’s ACCLITEXSYS project.