The experimental work presented in this study is related to the investigation of thermal protective performance of fi refi ghter clothing, which plays a pivotal role in the fi refi ghters' safety and performance. The fi refi ghter clothing usually consists of three layers, i.e. an outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal liner. Four samples were used for the purpose of this study. The samples were characterized on Alambeta for the evaluation of thermal resistance and thermal conductivity, respectively. Afterwards, the samples were evaluated on a thermal manikin "Maria" at room temperature to measure the insulation values. Moreover, air permeability was evaluated by using an air permeability tester. The samples were then analysed for their thermal protective behaviour in line with a lightly modifi ed ISO standard 12127, i.e. the samples were subjected toa150 °C heat plate at constant speed. In addition, transmitted heat fl ux density and percentage transmission factor of all samples were determined with the help of a radiant heat fl ux density machine at 10 kW/m 2 and 20 kW/m 2. It was concluded that sample 4 had higher thermal resistance and insulation values. The outer shell of sample 4 had lower air permeability values as compared to the outer shell of samples 1, 2 and 3. Similarly, the combination of the outer shell 4 and the thermal barrier 4 led to lower air permeability values as compared to the combination of the outer shell 1 and thermal barrier 1, outer shell 2 and thermal barrier 2, and outer shell 3 and thermal barrier 3. The rate of temperature rise in sample 4 occurred at a slower rate against the heated plate in comparison with samples 1, 2 and 3. Furthermore, sample 4 exhibited lower transmitted heat fl ux density and percentage transmission factor as compared to samples 1, 2 and 3.

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In the field of textile comfort of smart textiles, the breathability of the material is very important. That includes the flow of air, water and water vapours through the textile material. All these experiments are time consuming and costly; only air permeability is much faster and economical. The research is performed to find correlation between these phenomena of breathability and to predict the permeability based on only the air permeability measurement. Furthermore, it introduces a new way of expressing the Ret (water vapour resistance) unit according to SI standards as it is connected with the air permeability of garments. The need to find a correlation between air permeability and water vapour permeability is emphasised in order to facilitate the assessment of clothing comfort. The results show that there is a strong relation between air permeability and water vapour permeability for most of the textile material.

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