Thermal Comfort Properties of Biodegradable Hemp and Polylactide Fiber Knitted Fabrics

According to the global strategy of Green course, the production of sustainable textiles using different biodegradable fibres has immense potential for the development of sustainable products. Using one of the most sustainable biobased pure hemp and polylactide fibers yarns, four new biodegradable three-layer weft knitted fabrics with good thermal comfort properties were developed. The inner layer (worn next to the skin) and the middle layer of the knits were formed of hydrophobic polylactide fibers, the outer layer of different amounts (36-55%) of hydrophilic natural hemp fibers. Biodegradable polylactide fiber yarns were used as a replacement for conventional petroleum-based synthetic fibers. Natural hemp fibers are one of the most sustainable fibers derived directly from Cannabis sativa L. plants. The properties of the knitted fabrics were analysed and compared under thermoregulatory-moisture management, thermal resistance, air and water vapour permeability-properties. The results showed that all newly developed knits are ascribed to 'moisture management' fabrics according to the summary grading of all indices of moisture management parameters. In addition, it was found that the highest overall moisture management capability is related to the quantity of natural hemp fiber composition in different knitting structures. Based on the overall moisture management capacity (OMMC) index and thermal resistance values of developed knitted fabrics, the performance levels for these materials contacting the skin and intended for the intermediate layer were determined.