Evaluating the Moisture Transfer Property of the Multi-layered Fabric System in Firefighter Turnout Clothing

The multi-layered fabric system used on firefighter turnout clothing consists of an outer shell, moisture barrier, thermal barrier and comfort lining. Heat and moisture transfer property requirements in firefighter turnout clothing standards are different in the US, EU and China. In this research the water vapour permeability of component fabric samples and the total water vapour permeability of a four-layered fabric assembly were measured according to GA10-2002 (Standard for Fire Fighting Protective Clothing in China). It was found that the moisture transfer property of the fabric assembly could not be exactly reflected only by the water vapour permeability of single-layered fabrics, e. g. the moisture barrier. The heat and moisture transfer property of firefighter turnout clothing should be determined by the whole heat and moisture transfer property of the fabric assembly, for example, the total heat loss (THL), water vapor resistance, etc.