Wicking and Moisture Transport in Thermal Liners
topic
Moisture management in thermal liner face fabrics uses hydrophilic or wicking-finished meta-aramid or FR viscose knit fabrics that transport sweat from the skin surface toward the moisture barrier to facilitate evaporative cooling, with the direction of moisture transport through the composite critical because moisture accumulated within the thermal liner reduces insulation value and increases burn injury risk from steam generation when the wet liner contacts hot surfaces.
Role
Optimises the physiological performance of firefighter clothing by facilitating sweat transport away from the skin surface while managing the location of moisture accumulation within the composite that affects both comfort and protection, with moisture management face fabric selection contributing to both reduced heat stress burden through enhanced evaporative cooling and maintained thermal protection through prevention of moisture accumulation in locations that would compromise insulation value.