Enhancing the Comfort Properties of Headscarf Fabrics for Chemotherapy Patients Using Phase Change Materials

Hawas, Hafez S.; Goda, Eman Zaher

doi:10.21608/idj.2025.419576

	Enhancing the Comfort Properties of Headscarf Fabrics for Chemotherapy Patients Using Phase Change Materials
International Design Journal
Article 3, Volume 15, Issue 3, May and June 2025, Page 37-47 PDF (610.34 K)
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/idj.2025.419576
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Authors
Hafez S. Hawas¹^{, 2}; Eman Zaher Goda²
¹Spinning and Weaving Dept., Faculty of Applied Arts, Helwan University, Giza, Egypt
²Faculty of Energy and Industrial Technology, October Technological University, Giza, Egypt
Abstract
Hair loss (Alopecia) caused by chemotherapy is a prevalent and distressing side effect that many cancer patients experience. It can cause psychological problems including poor self-esteem and social withdrawal. Chemotherapy can also interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate its temperature, leading to uncomfortable physical sensations of extreme heat or cold. The main objective of this research is to create head covering materials that use Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to reduce these symptoms. These PCM-based textiles are designed to improve patient comfort and well-being during chemotherapy by preserving an even and comfortable temperature around the scalp. Four samples were produced using three weft materials blended as following; (50 % Viscose PCM: 50 % Lyocell, and 50 % Viscose PCM: 50 % Bamboo), using two weave structures (Matt Rib 2/2 and Piqué), then the laboratory tests were applied to assess comfort and heat capacity properties for the produced samples. Fabric Air Permeability, Stiffness, Horizontal Wicking, Water Vapor Permeability, Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the porosity percentage of the fabrics were all assessed. Results revealed that Piqué weave enhances air permeability and reduces fabric stiffness, with Bamboo weft achieving the highest air flow and lowest stiffness. Lyocell excels in moisture vapor transport, horizontal wicking, and latent heat properties. Matt Rib weave improves horizontal wicking and latent heat, with fabric weight directly affecting heat capacity.
Keywords
Chemotherapy; Alopecia (hair loss); Medical textile; Comfort properties; phase change materials (PCMs); Latent heat
Supplementary Files 37-47-Hawas-abs.pdf

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