A comparison of the thermal resistance of a foam neoprene wetsuit to a wetsuit fabricated from aerogel-syntactic foam hybrid insulation

The purpose of this study was to compare the thermal resistance of a wetsuit fabricated from aerogel-syntactic foam hybrid insulation developed by Bardy et al [1] to a foam neoprene wetsuit. The thermal resistance of the hybrid wetsuit and a foam neoprene wetsuit was measured on a human test subject in water at 0.25 MPa (15.25 msw) of hyperbaric pressure. Measurements showed that although certain body regions of the hybrid wetsuit had a higher thermal resistance than foam neoprene, the overall thermal resistance of the hybrid wetsuit was 41% less than a foam neoprene wetsuit, and 51-88% less than predicted values. This was postulated, based on sample testing in water, to be due, in part, to increased heat flow through the hybrid insulation from water filled surface depressions at higher pressures. Other factors may have included water flow over the skin and the presence of thermal bridges in the insulation. Due to a smooth surface and tighter fit, the measured thermal resistance of the foam neoprene wetsuit was within 2-23% of the values predicted using data from Bardy et al [2]. It was concluded that unless the surface depressions can be eliminated, and alternative methods for a tighter fit achieved, foam neoprene provides more thermal protection.