Integrating superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic nanofiber layers into astronaut spacesuit gloves for a better sweat mitigation

Throughout Extravehicular Activity (EVA), astronauts can experience increased levels of physical workload which result in sweating and increased moisture levels within the spacesuit. Despite employing systems designed to limit moisture accumulation, some accumulation may still occur, especially in areas of the astronaut's body not covered by the Liquid Cooling and Ventilation Garment (LCVG) or within areas of the spacesuit with poor ventilatory circulation such as the hands and feet. It has been reported that increased moisture within the spacesuit glove may be a significant contributing factor to hand injuries experienced by astronauts. To address this concern, we developed superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic nanofiber layers via electrospinning of different polymeric solutions, aimed at enhancing sweat absorption within spacesuit gloves and store it rapidly. Surface morphology, chemical composition, and wettability of the fiber layers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and goniometry, respectively. Treadmill experiments evaluated sweat absorption, with weight gain measurements indicating significant absorption capabilities of human sweat. For Person 1, sweat absorptions of the multifunctional nanofibers for over 80 min were recorded as 3.41 g, 3.63 g, 2.70 g, and 2.42 g for different specimens 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. For Person 2, corresponding values were 1.35 g, 1.84 g, 1.40 g, and 1.81 g. This research highlights innovative materials and methods for enhancing comfort and safety in spacesuit design, particularly in managing sweat accumulation throughout the space mission of astronauts.