Thermal Resistance and Moisture Management Behaviour of Nettle/Polyester Nonwoven Fabrics

Thermal resistance and moisture management characteristics are important attributes of textile materials for the characterisation of their ability to provide thermal comfort. Nettle fi bre consists of a hollow core that is expected to enable good thermal and moisture regulation properties. Nonwoven fabrics of three diff erent mass per unit area values, made from nettle, polyester and blends thereof, were prepared on a needlepunching machine, maintaining the same punch density and depth of penetration. The thermal conductivity, water vapour permeability, water retention, wicking, moisture management, drying rate and air permeability of these fabrics were evaluated. Nonwoven fabric prepared with 100% nettle fi bres exhibited good thermal conductivity, while polyester fabric demonstrated good thermal insulation. The nettle fi bre fabric showed good water retention, drying rate and moisture management properties. On the other hand, polyester-enriched fabric exhibited good wicking behaviour.