Merino Healing Micro-environment
Encircles bi-component fabrics are constructed from merino fibre (inside) and ThermoCool and elastane (outside), which combine together to create an effective natural next to the skin micro-environment with compressive support for regulation and healing.
Figure 9 Electron Microscope image of Merino |
Figure 10 Cross Section of Merino Fibre |
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Much of Encircle’s comfort advantage is due to the use of merino fibre next-to-the-skin. Merino is a hygroscopic fibre, capable of absorbing and desorbing moisture vapour from the external environment or body microclimate (between the body and the compression garment). Synthetic fibres are not hygroscopic, a fact illustrated by in Figure 11 which the standard regain of various fibres is charted (this is the amount of water in the fibre expressed as a percentage of its dry weight in standard conditions – 20°C, 65% relative humidity). At higher humidity merino can hold even more moisture – up to about 30% of its own weight, without feeling damp to the touch . In wear trials in which merino garments are included, they are almost always found to be more comfortable than those made from synthetic fibres .
The ability of merino to absorb large amounts of moisture allows Encircle to buffer the body microclimate against changing conditions by absorbing much of the moisture vapour near the body. Synthetic fibres, because of their low moisture absorbency in all conditions, cannot influence the body microclimate in this way. Merino is also temperature regulating and odour-inhibiting, so naturally the fibre absorbs and traps odours creating an inhospitable environment for microbial growth. This is unique because other fibres need to be modified with the addition of antimicrobial agents to be odour retardant.
EMD has utilised the properties in merino and developed a bi-component fabric structure with Thermocool. ThermoCool is a polyester multifilament yarn supplied to EMD exclusively for the use in the medical domain by Advansa. By combining merino with Thermocool which has a hydrophilic surface, Encircle creates a moisture gradient that actively absorbs moisture vapour and liquid moisture in a wearer’s skin environment, and transports it by capillary action towards the exterior of the garment where it is released. This provides an excellent environment for the skin to function.
