The Effect of Thermal Storage/Release and Moisture Transport Properties of Polyethylene Glycol-Treated Acrylic Athletic Socks on the Wear Performance

Polyethylene Glycol 처리한 아크릴 운동용 양말의 축열 . 방열성과 수분전달 특성이 착용 성능에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was 1) to estimate the improvement of thermal storage/release and moisture transport properties of PEG-treated acrylic athletic socks and suggest the optimum add-on for PEG treatment, 2) to investigate wear performance of untreated cocks and two kinds of socks treated with PEG of minimum and optimum add-on respectively, and 3) to consider the effect of thermal storage/release and moisture transport properties of PEG- treated socks on the wear performance and the subjective comfort zone. Thermal activities of specimens treated by PDC were evaluated on a DSC by measuring the heat of fusion on heating and the heat of crystallization on cooling. Moisture regain, absorption speed, wickability, water retenti on value, and water-vapor permeability were measured. In the wear trials that the subjects performed a subsequent exercise protocol wearing three differently treated socks in a conditioned environment ($14\pm2^{\circ}C$, 65$\pm$2% R.H.), microclimate temperature and humidity, and subjective wear sensations including thermal sensation, wettedness, softness, fit, and overall comfort were obtained. PEC-treated specimens with more than 20% add-on showed thermal storage on heating and thermal release on cooling by a DSC and the heat contents of treated ones were generally proportional to the add-ons. Moisture transport properties were highly improved after PEG treatment and increased rapidly with increasing add-on. The tendencies were, however, relaxed above 50% add-on and the treated knits were much stiffer above that add-on. In the wear trials of untreated, PEG add-on 20%, and 50% acrylic socks, the changes of microclimate temperature of 50% socks were significantly less than that of 20% socks. PEG add-on 50% socks showed significantly less changes of microclimate humidity than other two kinds of socks. Three kinds of socks showed significant differences in overall comfort and add-on 50% socks were accepted more comfortable than other two kinds of socks. Comfort zone of foot was extended after PEG treatment on socks and it implied that the subjects wearing PEG- treated socks felt comfortable in wider ranges of microclimate temperature and humidity.