Paolo Vega

Mr. Paolo Vega

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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18 April 2025 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Simona VasileSimona Vasile
Simona Vasile
PVPaolo Vega
Paolo Vega
Cosmin CopotCosmin Copot
Cosmin Copot
Ahmad OsmanAhmad Osman
Ahmad Osman
ARAlexandra De Raeve
Alexandra De Raeve
Thermal and moisture properties of the textile materials worn in close contact with the skin greatly contribute to the comfort of the workwear and of the personal protective clothing (PPC) assemblies they are part of. This study examines in depth the thermoregulatory properties of eighteen knitted fabrics used in polo shirts and T-shirts, which function as thermal underwear, standard workwear compliant with various regulations, or as base layers in PPC systems. Most of the fabrics specifically engineered for heat protection demonstrated superior air permeability (ranging from 700 to 1200 mm/s) and efficient moisture management (OMMC 0.5–0.7). Their drying time varied between 12 and 18 min, comparable to most commodity fibre blend fabrics investigated. Generally, the heat-protective fabrics were heavier and exhibited greater thermal and vapour resistance. However, despite minor variations in predicted thermal comfort, seventeen of the fabrics were classified in the same cluster. These findings offer valuable insights into the thermal and moisture management properties of knitted fabrics with various levels of protection, and the correlations found between their thermoregulatory and physical properties, such as mass and thickness, provide guidance for the development of innovative knitted materials for workwear that enhance wearer comfort.