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Which Fabric Best Retains Heat?

CSEF · 2010 Materials Science (Junior Division Only)

Davis R. Reid · Moore Middle School, Redlands, San Bernardino County

Overview

Objectives/Goals To find the fabric that would retain body warmth best, over a period of time. Methods/Materials Four identical cardboard cups, each with a different fabric wrapped over the cup opening and secured with a rubber band, was filled with hot water at an approximate temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Each cup had a thermometer sticking out of it, and I recorded the temperature of each cup every 10 minutes. The control cup opening was left uncovered and it too had a thermometer. Results Wool and nylon had the highest temperatures throughout the tests while the control, cotton and silk had lower temperatures. Conclusions/Discussion It is best to wear either wool or nylon clothing during cold weather because they will retain a body's heat better than cotton or silk.

Summary statement

I conducted three independant tests, on four different types of common clothing fabric to determine which fabic would retain heat best over a 90 minute period of time.

Help received

Mom helped purchase materials needed.

Competition history

  • CSEF 2010 Materials Science (Junior Division Only) · Entry J1517

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