Investigation of far-infrared emitting minerals for functional fabric and textiles

Abstract

The human body adapts to different climate conditions through clothing insulation and thermal comfort levels in clothing designs. Given that most of the energy during an exercise is released as heat energy, it is necessary to maintain an optimal body temperature to prevent any heat-related injuries and not decrease the performance of the wearer. This research introduces two Far-infrared (FIR) emitting minerals to develop and enhance heat regulation throughout the body. Through different analysis on various properties including FTIR spectra, FIR emissivity, UV protection, NIR shielding properties, DSC thermal properties, heat capacity, and thermal effusivity of polypropylene (PP) that has been incorporated with the FIR emitting minerals, it has shown significant potential in creating fabric and textiles that is useful in regulating the body temperature through various environmental conditions. FIR emitting minerals, red ochre (ROCH) and hematite (HEM) has displayed 50+ UPF rating that blocks 99.95% and 99.89% of UV radiation respectively. It also showed up to 96.3% and 98.2% of NIR shielding properties as compared to blank PP with only 56.1%. These minerals can thus absorb NIR radiation and re-emits out as MIR radiation, giving the apparels with these additives an advantage. These minerals also further enhanced the heat retaining capabilities of the film by up to 2 – 3 times of blank PP. The mechanical properties of yarn with the specified minerals have reduced but does not affect the knitting of fabric. Therefore, PP films with ROCH and HEM has shown promising results that can develop functional fabric and textiles.