Performance Clothing Laboratory
In 1976, a research laboratory was established specifically to investigate problems concerning mountaineering clothing, ropes, harnesses and the application of textile and textile composites.
To date, 18 PhD's have been completed with four more in progress. Since inception,
the relevance of CTT’s work has widened as much of the fundamental understanding
that has been developed has found application in the mass market. Expertise has been
developed through numerous PhD research studies and from a large number of small
scale investigations and commissioned testing carried out on behalf of small to medium
sized enterprises who are at the forefront of new developments in survival and performance
clothing. This has enabled the laboratory to gain international recognition and enhanced
by the annual Survival conference, which has now been running since 1979. The conference
provides a unique forum to disseminate the latest research findings in addition to
attracting eminent speakers from both the UK and Europe for discussion between suppliers,
manufacturers, retailers and end-
Group Leader: Dave Brook
Current Research Areas
- Comfort levels in performance clothing systems
Moisture vapour transmission
Thermal insulation and regulation
Management of water in base, mid and shell layers
Monitored laboratory and field trials
Development of sensor systems for monitoring performance clothing systems
- Energy absorption studies in safety equipment
Protective helmets
Harness systems
Ropes
- Pilling of textile materials
