Graphene-infused nylon fleece versus standard polyester fleece as a wetsuit liner: comparison of skin temperatures during a recreational surf session
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether there are differences in skin temperature under graphene-infused fleece and traditional polyester fleece materials in the interior of a wetsuit.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 48 participants surfed for a minimum of 40 min in a custom wetsuit with a torso lined with graphene-infused fleece on one half and traditional polyester fleece on the other. Eight iButton thermistors were used to record skin temperatures bilaterally at the upper back, chest, abdomen and lower back every minute for the entire surf session. After surfing, participants responded to questions associated with their perception of warmth and comfort and their knowledge of fleece materials.
Findings
Skin temperatures did not differ between the two types of fleece at the upper back, chest and abdomen locations. Skin temperatures in the lower back were significantly warmer under the traditional polyester fleece compared to graphene-infused fleece. Participant responses associated with warmth were consistent with skin temperature measurements.
Practical implications
The results of this study indicate that a graphene-infused nylon fleece interior does not clearly influence skin temperature in surfers when compared to a traditional polyester fleece interior. While skin temperatures were significantly lower under the graphene-infused nylon fleece at the low back, the other three anatomical locations did not exhibit significant differences.
Originality/value
Thermoregulation is an important consideration for the safety and performance of surfers in the ocean. Evidence suggests that the inner lining of a wetsuit may impact thermoregulation while surfing; however, no prior studies have compared interior materials.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank Dr Wallace J. Nichols for his input and assistance with interpretation of data. The authors also thank Hurley International for their generous donation of custom wetsuits for this experiment.
Funding: This study was not supported by external funding.
Citation
Denny, A., Moore, B., Newcomer, S. and Nessler, J. (2022), "Graphene-infused nylon fleece versus standard polyester fleece as a wetsuit liner: comparison of skin temperatures during a recreational surf session", Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/RJTA-07-2022-0079
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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