Objective and subjective evaluation of the human thermal sensation of wet fabrics

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to investigate if human subjects can distinguish five different drying states of three different fabrics. We defined five time-points (drying states) for each fabric with an in-house developed infrared test, as well as gravimetrically. This test records the surface temperature of wetted fabrics with an infrared camera during the drying process. In addition, the weight course during drying was recorded. The subjects evaluated fabrics with different wetting and wicking behaviours in a perception questionnaire. They answered questions about thermal sensation, thermal comfort, pain sensation and wetness perception. In conclusion, the human subjects could not differentiate the drying states of the fabrics as long as they contained water. Only the last drying state (100% dry, as measured with the infrared test) was distinguishable from the other four. However, the dry time-point of a fabric measured with the gravimetric method did not coincide with the drying time measured with the infrared test or perceived by human subjects.