BIOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND SKIN WETTEDNESS OF GARMENTS WITH VARIABLE MOISTURE VAPOR TRANSMISSION RATES (MVTR)

Garments with variable moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR) at 5, 360, 670 and 864 MVTR (g m(-2) 24 h(-1)) were studied. Thermal resista nces and evaporative resistances were tested using a copper manikin. S ubsequently, eight men and six women were exposed for 4 h, while resti ng in two environments: (T-0) = 29.4 degrees C, 52% r.h., (2.12 kPa)/V = 1.1 m s(-1) and 18.3 degrees C, 50% r.h., (1.05 kPa)/V = 1.1 m s(-1 ). Rectal (T-rc) and eight site skin temperatures, heart rate and skin wettedness (w) were recorded; w was elevated > 0.8 with MVTRs of 5 g m(-2) 24 h(-1); women had lowered w (P < 0.05) and men had significant body cooling in the cooler environment (P < 0.05). Published by Elsev ier Science Ltd.