Effect of a Hydrophobic Finishing on Moisture Management Performance of Cotton Fabric

Abstract

Moisture transfer properties in fabric are critical to determine the thermal and sensorial comfort. Cotton fabric possesses many desirable characteristics that contribute to clothing comfort. However, in hot and wet environment or during some activities that human perspiration occurs, high absorbency of cotton makes its use undesirable. In this study, a chemical finishing method is developed to increase liquid moisture transfer properties on cotton fabric or clothing. The moisture management properties of the finished fabric or clothing were evaluated by using moisture management tester. Further wear trials were conducted to verify the comfort feeling toward finished area and unfinished area, which showed that this technique can effectively improve the overall comfort sensation especially during prolonged perspiration.

Simple post-treatment of cotton fabric for efficient personal moisture management

“…The simplest and most feasible method was to finish the obtained cotton fabric. At present, moisture management cotton fabrics obtained by post-finishing are mainly achieved by moisture-wicking finishing agents and nano-finishing technology, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic finishing, 19 plasma modification, 20 the phase inversion method 21 and the electrospinning method. 22 Prabu et al 23 developed a moisture management cotton fabric by electrospraying a hydrophobic polymer on the inner surface (close to the skin) of the fabric.…”

“…22 Prabu et al 23 developed a moisture management cotton fabric by electrospraying a hydrophobic polymer on the inner surface (close to the skin) of the fabric. He et al 19 proposed applying hydrophobic chemical finishing agents to the inside of cotton fabric in a discontinuous pattern by using single-sided printing. In these fabrics, water can be transmitted from the inner layer to the outer layer, but there is a problem that the sorting agent falls off easily and destroys the softness and comfort of the cotton fabric.…”