SOME EFFECTS OF ABSORBENCY OF CLOTHING MATERIALS

It is concluded that absorbed moisture can cause transient effects in heat transfer which are appreciable for an hour or more. These transient effects may be put to advantage by using absorbent materials such as wool which stabilizes heat loss from a man who is changing his environment such as going in and out of heated buildings. However, such absorbent materials would be a disadvantage to persons like the combat soldier who remains in a relatively stable outdoor environment but changes his activity. Hence, nonabsorbent materials such as some of the synthetics may be preferable.