Abstract

Traditional wicking tests provide information that is specific to the test fluid, apparatus, and conditions. As a result, this information cannot be used to make predictions about wicking rates beyond the respective test parameters. In contrast, a new upward–horizontal–downward (UHD) wicking test has been presented that provides intensive properties of fabrics in the form of permeability (k) and effective capillary radius (R c) as functions of saturation (S). The UHD test was developed using water as the test fluid. If the k–S–R c relationships are truly intrinsic to a given fabric, then they should not depend on the test fluid. Here, we conducted the UHD test on a knit fabric using three different test fluids characterized by different surface tensions, densities, and viscosities: dodecane, tetradecane, and hexadecane. All fluids fall on the same k vs. S and k vs. R c curves, proving that these curves are intrinsic characteristics of the fabric. We then used the k–S–R c properties to successfully predict the in-plane horizontal and downward wicking rates of two different fluids, octanol and water, in the fabric. These results validate the UHD wicking test as a method for providing intensive properties of textile fabrics which can then be used for predicting wicking rates.

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