Thermal comfort properties of Kevlar and Kevlar/wool fabrics

Abstract

Recent research on ballistic vests has focused on comfort performance by enhancing thermal comfort and moisture management. Kevlar/wool fabric has been developed as a potential material for ballistic vests. This study investigates the thermal comfort properties of woven Kevlar/wool and woven Kevlar ballistic fabrics. In this context, the thermal resistance, water-vapor resistance, moisture management performance, air permeability and optical porosity of 100% Kevlar and Kevlar/wool ballistic fabrics were compared. The effects of fabric physical properties on laboratory-measured thermal comfort were analyzed. This study also presents the fabric bursting strength and tear strength for comparison. Experimental results showed a clear difference in thermal comfort properties of the two fabrics. It was found that Kevlar/wool possesses better moisture management properties and improved mechanical properties than Kevlar fabric.