Through its hydrophobic properties, polypropylene (PP) offers unique potential as a functional fiber for a wide range of applications, for example, in nonwovens for hygiene applications or as a baselayer in sports textiles. Current work is focused on the modification of PP presently used in baselayers for sports textiles to increase the hydrophilicity by use of a production scale plant for low pressure plasma treatment. Attention was directed toward an increase in hydrophilicity and time stability of the achieved modification during storage. Changes in the fabric were characterized by sorption of the cationic dye (methylene blue), water retention value, water transport properties, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and color measurement. The obtained results indicate an improved wettability and wicking. The extent of modification decreased with storage time and parallel yellowing of treated samples was observed. This indicates chemical rearrangement of the products initially formed on the fiber surface.

The moisture management property of compression bandages is a critical factor influencing the state of well-being and compliance of patients with venous and lymphatic disorders. The thermal resistance and water vapor transmission rate of compression bandages were assessed using a limb model, which allows bandage application under tension and provides valuable insight on moisture distribution across the entire ensemble under simulated wear conditions. The performance of eight commercially available two- and four-layer compression bandages was evaluated based on measurement of physical parameters, such as thickness and mass per area, moisture sorption, air permeability, water vapor permeability, and moisture distribution during the simulated wear test. The gravimetrically determined water vapor transmission of the different bandages varied from 279 to 341 g m−2 h−1. Low air permeability of padding or cohesive can indicate possible moisture barrier properties, which could cause undesirable moisture accumulation inside the bandage. Robust reproducibility of the test, along with rapidity and ease of manipulation, allows comparison between the individual products and could provide the basis of dressing performance standardization.

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Despite the markedly improved comfort of ski shoes, feet remain to be the part of the body most vulnerable to cold. The major insulation of the ski boot is provided by the liner. In this study the insulation properties of the ski-boot liner materials were evaluated. Thermal resistance of the plain material was found to be in the range from 0.235 to 0.289 m 2 K/ W. While possessing good insulation properties and wind resistance in the dry state, these materials cannot maintain comfort in the presence of moisture due to insulation failure. It was shown, that no moisture evaporation occurred through the assemblies which included laminated materials. Analysis of the microclimate, established under experimental conditions, revealed rapid formation of water saturated atmosphere, which can be explained by the barrier function of the laminated materials used. This lack of evaporation through laminated material, along with a very low moisture sorption capacity of polymer padding foam, impairs drastically the moisture management properties of the liners. Besides poor moisture management during performance, overnight drying of such liners is very unlikely. This paper contains a recommendation for improvement of the moisture management of ski liners.