Moisture-absorbing Heat Generation
Moisture-absorbing heat generation is a function that uses the heat generated when fibers or textiles absorb moisture from the air or from the skin to help maintain warmth inside clothing.
Contents5 sections
Definition and Overview
Moisture-absorbing heat generation is a function that uses the heat of adsorption generated when fibers absorb moisture such as water vapor.
It is not a function that adds heat from an external source; the sense of warmth changes depending on the humidity of the wearing environment and the amount of perspiration.
There are cases where the moisture absorption inherent in the material itself is used, and cases where the function is designed by combining different fibers. Moisture-absorbing heat generation is not the name of a textile structure, so it is used in a wide variety of knitted and woven fabrics such as jersey, circular rib, and French terry.
Features
In general, when used in a layer close to the skin, it can more easily absorb moisture and help provide warmth. However, the amount of heat generated, durability, and moisture absorption and release properties vary depending on the type of fiber, blend ratio, thread and textile structure, and finishing.
It often looks little different from ordinary textile, and it can be designed from lightweight to heavyweight. When brushed or back brushed finishes are combined, heat retention from holding air is also added, but this works differently from heat generation caused by moisture adsorption.
- Moisture-absorbing heat generation has a different purpose and evaluation method from quick-drying moisture management, which rapidly disperses and dries sweat.
- Heat retention refers to the property of storing heat and making it harder to release, and it is distinguished from moisture-absorbing heat generation, in which heat is generated when moisture is absorbed.
- Checking it together with insulation from thickness and brushing makes it easier to judge warmth during wear.
Main Applications
It is used in items worn close to the skin, such as autumn and winter innerwear, underwear, leggings, socks, loungewear, and pajamas. It is suitable for plans that want to provide warmth even in thin materials, or that want to reduce bulk from layering.
In cut-and-sew, knit, and French terry items, it is selected in combination with heat retention and stretchability. For uses with a large amount of sweat during exercise, it is necessary to check not only moisture-absorbing heat generation but also absorbency, spreadability, and quick-drying properties to prevent chill from sweat.
Selection and Handling Precautions
At the planning stage, check the composition, fabric weight, thickness, presence or absence of brushing, moisture absorption and release properties, and dimensional change after washing. Even materials with high moisture absorption may feel slow to dry when worn depending on the conditions, so balance them with quick-drying performance and breathability according to the intended use.
Washing and drying methods depend on the composition and knitted or woven structure. Textiles that contain materials that easily absorb moisture may shrink or lose shape after washing, so perform washing tests and check shrinkage in advance, and follow the product washing instructions.
In sewing, for knit or stretchy textiles, pay attention to grain distortion, seam stretching, and puckering. Sewing thread, needles, and differential feed should be matched to the textile, and it is important to check sewing samples and the appearance after washing before mass production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does moisture-absorbing heat generation keep producing heat just by wearing it?
It does not always generate heat in the same way. Heat is produced when fibers absorb moisture from the air or from the human body, so the feel changes depending on humidity, perspiration, ventilation inside the clothing, and material composition. Heat retention and the structure of layering also affect warmth.
Are moisture-absorbing heat generation and brushed back the same?
No, they are not the same. Moisture-absorbing heat generation is a function that uses heat produced when moisture is absorbed, while brushed back is a finishing or structure that raises the surface of the textile to create an air layer and improve heat retention and skin feel. There are textiles that combine both.
What points should be checked when selecting moisture-absorbing heat generation textile?
Do not judge by composition alone; check thickness, heat retention, moisture absorption and release properties, breathability, and stretchability for the intended use. In addition, shrinkage after washing, pilling, and changes in texture are also important. For underwear applications, also evaluate skin feel and how quickly it dries after sweating.
