Effect of surface modification on the dynamic heat and mass transfer of wool fabrics

Surface functionalization of fibers is widely used to grant performance or functions to textiles. Modified textile surface, with different morphology and wettability together with different thermal conductivity, has a profound effect on the wellbeing of wearer, because the thermal and moisture transfer of the surface-modified textiles in dynamic moving conditions is totally different to unmodified ones. To benefit the design of performance/functional textiles with enhanced wellbeing of wearer, it is important to understand the dynamic thermal and mass transfer of textiles before and after surface modification. Using wool as a sample fiber, this work reveals the effect of typical surface modification on the dynamic thermal and moisture transfer of wool fabrics. It has been found that the surface characters of wool fiber change after surface modification with etched and peeled off scales, enhanced water absorbing capacity and wettability. The surface temperature of modified wool fabrics was lower than pristine wool fabrics when attaching to a rotating hotplate with a temperature of 35 °C, resulting in a lower energy consumption of the hotplate and enhanced warmth retention rate. Modified wool fabrics took longer time to accomplish the dynamic moisture transfer process with a longer stage three in the transfer cycle. This work will provide insights on how the surface of fiber affects the dynamic thermal and moisture transfer of textiles, which will further benefit the development of functional/performance clothing with its comfort well maintained.