I recently had a discussion with someone in regards to the use of wool as a liner in wetsuits to keep you warmer. Im interested in the physics behind this. Im referring to specifically the Pinnacle line of wetsuits which use Merino wool. Pinnacle explains the benefits of the wool here:
http://www.digitaligual.com/pinnacleaquatics7/html5/merino.htm
Now, Ive always thought it was common knowledge that the water in your wetsuit is part of what keeps you warm, as well as the neoprene, though Ive never delved into the physics. Im told by others however that this is wrong, and wetsuit companies lie about it.
Ok, so now add wool, which absorbs water, effectively keeping more water in your wetsuit. Depending on the truth, this extra water will either make you warmer or colder. In addition, Pinnacle states that the wool is exothermic, that it generates heat when wet.
So, could someone try and explain what the truth about water and wool is, and explain the physics behind it?
http://www.digitaligual.com/pinnacleaquatics7/html5/merino.htm
Now, Ive always thought it was common knowledge that the water in your wetsuit is part of what keeps you warm, as well as the neoprene, though Ive never delved into the physics. Im told by others however that this is wrong, and wetsuit companies lie about it.
Ok, so now add wool, which absorbs water, effectively keeping more water in your wetsuit. Depending on the truth, this extra water will either make you warmer or colder. In addition, Pinnacle states that the wool is exothermic, that it generates heat when wet.
So, could someone try and explain what the truth about water and wool is, and explain the physics behind it?