Knitted Spacer Structure for Inner Garment of CBRN Protective Clothing: A new concept of a three layered knitted spacer structure for enhanced moisture management

A new concept of a knitted fluid accumulator structure to be used as an inner layer for CBRN clothing is presented that would enable the wearer to remain comfortable for a longer period. The fluid accumulator is constructed as a three layered knitted spacer fabric using a monofilament yarn for the two outer layers and a highly absorbent yarn, knitted in-between these two layers as a middle absorbent layer. The inner monofilament layer is used as a wicking layer that would only transport liquid (sweat) without absorbing it into the structure, while the middle absorbent layer would absorb and hold it in its structure. The outer monofilament layer can be coated with an impermeable finish to avoid water contamination with other protective layers of the CBRN clothing. Absorbency results obtained from a Gravimetric Absorbency Testing System (GATS) demonstrate the basic principle behind the knitted spacer accumulator structure.