Quick dry ability of various quick drying polyester and wool fabrics assessed by a novel method

Abstract

Quick-dryability is an important attribute for fabrics used in sports apparel. There is no specific standard test method available to measure the actual quick-dryability of a fabric. Some of the test methods cited in the literature use a method where a droplet of water is placed on a fabric sample and the time taken for the water to evaporate is measured. These methods are not practical as the quick dryability depends solely on the wicking property of that fabric. For example, a hydrophilic polyester fabric, when fully soaked with water, may bind more water molecules compared to the untreated polyester fabric (hydrophobic) resulting in an increase in drying time. Using current test methods, it may show better quick-dryability compared to the untreated polyester fabric, although it may actually take longer to dry than the untreated polyester. In the work presented here, we developed a new test method based on the rate of evaporation of water from a fully soaked fabric sample at body temperature (37°C) and at 50% relative humidity. In this method, a certain size of fabric sample is placed in a water solution containing 0.25 g/l wetting agent and then the sample is hydro-extracted at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes. The quick dryability measurement was repeated ten times and the standard deviation of the quick-drying results were within an acceptable range. We measured the quick dryability of several cotton, wool and nylon fabrics using this new method.Because of high moisture regain, wool fabrics usually dry quite slowly. However, it was found that some of the commercially available so-called quick-drying polyester fabrics performed quite badly compared to wool fabric.

A review of the sustainable methods in imparting shrink resistance to wool fabrics

“…Wool fiber is a luxury fiber with exceptional warmth, resilience, elasticity, fire-retardancy, quick-dryability, and antistatic properties [1], [2]. Recently wool fiber has drawn attention because of its various attributes including its natural origin.…”

“…Recently wool fiber has drawn attention because of its various attributes including its natural origin. However, wool fiber-made apparels are susceptible to felting and shrinking during washing affecting not only their aesthetic properties but also affecting their dimension to the extent that the garments can no longer be used [1], [2], [3]. The special characteristics of wool fiber surface make it susceptible to felting and shrinking.…”

Concurrent and real-time measurement of fabric liquid moisture management properties using a novel sweating simulator

“…Sheet (23) is placed in the middle, right above specimen (22), so that a portion of the specimen, about 25 mm in width, is left uncovered on the top, right and left sides. The paper tapes (24) are used to secure the sheet (23) to the specimen beneath. Sheet ( 23) is then ready to carry and transfer the specimen to the NSS for mounting.…”

“…The top end of the sheet ( 23) is aligned with the top end of the panel (2). The piece of fabric extending above the sheet ( 23) is gripped in the tope clamp 10T, and then paper tapes (24) are removed to detach the specimen from the sheet (23). Subsequently, bar clamps are open and closed to grip the specimen on its right and left sides.…”

“…Especially in moderate/profuse perspiration, the draining, evaporation, and drying properties of the fabric become more crucial in relieving the wet stress of the perspiring body. [22][23][24][25][26] This wide range of testing requirements inspired us to investigate the liquid evaporation and transport properties in a sample size approximate to a shirt panel in contact with a perspiring skin, under controlled ambient conditions. In this aspect, human-based subjective trials have been employed in previous reports.…”