5 Conclusions
119
application of these equations has facilitated for the first time reliable means to
predict and to size thermal comfort textile liners for the current production standards
approved helmets. The outcomes of this research have facilitated a mean to size
thermal comfort textile liners to suit a variety of climatic conditions. This has been
achieved by the application of the improved PWAT equation in combination with
the application of PCM in hybrid liners giving a liner that can provide comfort for a
broader climatic condition.
Finally, it was concluded that for alleviating the motorcyclist’s heat stress in the
helmet, textile liner with the hood and replaceable inserts of either PWAT or PCM
materials can be manufactured and fitted to new helmets or retrofitted to old helmets
without any alterations to the helmet. The application of a PWAT or PCM inner fabric
liner can be used without compromising the legal safety compliance of the helmet.
This research provides a means to develop a product to improve rider comfort that
is compatible with all standards compliant motorcycle helmets.
5.1 Future Recommendations
Application of newly developed materials with more microcapsules per square metre
or innovative developments in nano-encapsulation of PCM materials will provide
more cooling due to the availability of larger surface area to absorb the heat, and
this might lead to reducing the amount of PCM materials. Incorporating the PCM
microcapsules within the helmet itself should be investigated. This will lead to the
elimination of additional materials being placed inside the helmet or altering the
helmet. The combination PWAT and PCM materials for the purpose of cooling should
be explored. The behaviour of which can now be predicted using the equations derived
in this research.
119
application of these equations has facilitated for the first time reliable means to
predict and to size thermal comfort textile liners for the current production standards
approved helmets. The outcomes of this research have facilitated a mean to size
thermal comfort textile liners to suit a variety of climatic conditions. This has been
achieved by the application of the improved PWAT equation in combination with
the application of PCM in hybrid liners giving a liner that can provide comfort for a
broader climatic condition.
Finally, it was concluded that for alleviating the motorcyclist’s heat stress in the
helmet, textile liner with the hood and replaceable inserts of either PWAT or PCM
materials can be manufactured and fitted to new helmets or retrofitted to old helmets
without any alterations to the helmet. The application of a PWAT or PCM inner fabric
liner can be used without compromising the legal safety compliance of the helmet.
This research provides a means to develop a product to improve rider comfort that
is compatible with all standards compliant motorcycle helmets.
5.1 Future Recommendations
Application of newly developed materials with more microcapsules per square metre
or innovative developments in nano-encapsulation of PCM materials will provide
more cooling due to the availability of larger surface area to absorb the heat, and
this might lead to reducing the amount of PCM materials. Incorporating the PCM
microcapsules within the helmet itself should be investigated. This will lead to the
elimination of additional materials being placed inside the helmet or altering the
helmet. The combination PWAT and PCM materials for the purpose of cooling should
be explored. The behaviour of which can now be predicted using the equations derived
in this research.