ABSTRACT
Composite fabrics comprise two or more materials which are bonded together to produce a structure with entirely new characteristics. Composite fabrics are composed of a textile base, strengthening resin, a stabilising filler and chemical additives, which provide additional or improved functional properties (Lawler and Wilson, 2002). Materials are combined that are dissimilar and which have distinct mechanical properties, in order to produce the best possible blend of high-performance properties for a range of applications/ functions. Composites are constructed utilising methods used in the production of coated and laminated fabrics, such as surface coating, impregnation, and lamination (Fung, 2002). Composite, laminated and coated fabrics are used for a broad range of applications in functional and protective clothing, and are often referred to as ‘technical textiles’. Protective apparel, which includes military clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), personal
5.8 Composite Fabrics: Considerations for Garment Design and Development ....................................................................................... 130 5.8.1 Design Features .............................................................................. 131 5.8.2 Assembly Techniques .................................................................... 132
5.9 Case Study: Survival Clothing for Military Flight Crew ..................... 133 5.9.1 Current Clothing Analysis ........................................................... 133 5.9.2 The Design Brief ............................................................................. 134
5.10 Challenges of Designing Cold Weather Clothing Systems for Aircrew .................................................................................................. 135 5.10.1 Environmental Considerations .................................................... 135 5.10.2 Human Factors Affected by Cold Weather ................................ 137 5.10.3 Thermal Balance and Layered Clothing Systems ..................... 138
5.10.3.1 Base Layer ........................................................................ 139 5.10.3.2 Midlayer ........................................................................... 139 5.10.3.3 Outer Protective Shell ..................................................... 139
5.11 Design Process ........................................................................................... 139 5.12 Composite Materials for Cold Weather Survival Clothing .................. 141
5.12.1 Selection of Fabrics and Materials ............................................... 141 5.12.1.1 Protection Layer .............................................................. 143 5.12.1.2 Comfort Layer .................................................................. 144 5.12.1.3 Insulation and Ventilation ............................................. 144 5.12.1.4 Mobility ............................................................................ 146 5.12.1.5 Fit ....................................................................................... 146 5.12.1.6 Construction .................................................................... 146
5.13 Conclusions ................................................................................................. 147 Acknowledgements ............................................................................................ 148 References ............................................................................................................. 148
protective systems (PPS) and sportswear, represents a substantial portion of the technical textiles market (Fung, 2002).
