Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: The study presents the thermal evaluation of soft knitted textile systems with removable gel cooling panels. Two prototype configurations with different geometries and gel panel sizes were investigated using infrared thermography under controlled laboratory conditions. The results show a moderated and gradual cooling response during contact. The strongest surface cooling occurred shortly after contact, followed by a gradual increase in the surface temperature of the textile system due to heat transfer from the skin-temperature simulator. While the temperature of the skin-temperature simulator stabilised rapidly, the textile surface maintained a perceptible cooling effect over a longer period. Surface temperatures remained within ranges associated with comfort and safety under the applied experimental conditions. The findings indicate that system geometry and gel panel size influence heat exchange, while the knitted textile structure contributes to the observed cooling behaviour of the complete system. The results support the potential of knitted textile systems with removable gel cooling panels for gentle, localised cooling applications in controlled, non-clinical settings.
Source: Applied Sciences
DOI: 10.3390/app16020857
Authors: Radostina A. Angelova, Lilia Belova, Daniela Sofronova, Elena Borisova
Institution: Technical University of Sofia
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: European Commission
Award: G7948951800
OpenAlex ID: W7124154085
FWCI:
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