The science of contemporary sport materials
The science and technology of swimsuit design - The LZR racer
High-technology swimwear is scientifically advanced materials used for swimwear in competitive water sports such as swimming and triathlon. Materials of this type are normally spandex and nylon composite fabrics with features to reduce drag against the water.
The LZR Racer reduced skin friction drag 24% more than the previous Speedo swimsuit. LZR Racers allow for better oxygen flow to the muscles and hold the body in a more hydrodynamic position while repelling water and increasing flexibility.
Made from an extremely thin layer of foamlike material that enclosed tiny pockets of gas that made the swimmer wearing the suit to be far more buoyant. As a result, swimmers floated higher in the water and were subject to less drag. The suits in effect pushed water away from the swimmer’s body and were therefore dubbed hydrophobic. Tiny fibres on the surface of the suit could move to keep the shape streamlined and its texture smooth as the body shape changed through the stroke
Sport materials
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The evolution of fibre development has gone through the phases of conventional fibres, highly functional fibres and high-performance fibres. Polyester is the single most common fibre used for sportswear and activewear. Other fibres suitable for activewear are polyamide, polypropylene, acrylics and elastane.
Synthetic fibres can either be modified during manufacturing, for example, by producing hollow fibres and fibres with irregular cross-section or be optimally blended with natural fibres to improve their thermophysiological and sensory properties
The fabrics for activewear and sportswear are also specially constructed both in terms of the geometry, packing density and structure of the constituent fibres in yarns and in terms of the construction of the fabric in order to achieve the necessary dissipation of heat and moisture at high metabolic rates.
Sport fabric properties
Thermal Insulation:
- Fabric with good thermal conductivity is not a good insulator, this fabric will be cooler to wear.
- Prevent heat to move from one place to another, trapping air and heat keeping the body warm.
Wicking
- The transport of moisture through the fabric, moisture can pass between fibres, yarns and through fibre itself
- Fabric construction and the fibre type will determine the diffusion of moisture through the fabric
Water Vapour Transmission
- Prevent body overheat
- Allow water, moisture, heat to escape
- This type of fabrics known as waterproof breathable fabrics