What is the sweating guarded hotplate, and how does it work?

The Sweating Guarded Hotplate is a testing device that measures the thermal and moisture management properties of fabrics. The device consists of a heated plate with a moisture permeable fabric sample placed over it, and a controlled environment chamber which allows for the measurement of heat and moisture transfer between the fabric and the environment.

During testing, the hotplate is set to a specific temperature and a water reservoir is placed on top of it, simulating sweat. The fabric sample is then placed on top of the water reservoir and subjected to a controlled environment of specific temperature and humidity. As heat passes through the fabric, the moisture in the reservoir evaporates, creating a "sweating" effect.

 

The amount of heat and moisture that passes through the fabric is then measured, providing valuable information about the fabric's thermal and moisture management properties. This information can be used to assess the comfort level of textile products, such as clothing and bedding, and to evaluate their suitability for specific applications or environments.