Investigating the Effect of Recycled Cotton Included Fabrics on the Thermal Behaviour by Using a Female Thermal Manikin

Abstract In recent years, with the increase in global awareness of environmental problems, the term “sustainability” became more important for apparel manufacturers and consumers. Therefore, recycling of wastes plays a significant role in environmental sustainability by converting the wastes into raw materials. This study focused on recycled cotton-included fabrics, to evaluate the effect of these fabrics on thermal comfort properties. In this context, first, the 45% recycled cotton/55% polyester blended yarns and 50% virgin cotton/50% blended yarns were obtained. Afterwards, single jersey and rib-structured fabrics were knitted using these yarns. The thermal comfort tests were performed on the fabrics and four long sleeve rounded neck shirts then were manufactured using these fabrics to test by the thermal manikin method. Results showed that the yarns including recycled cotton led to a decrease in the values in air permeability of the fabrics and in the effective clothing insulation of the garments. In contrast, it was observed that, including recycled cotton increased the thermal resistance values of the fabrics.