Wear Comfort of Water Absorbent Acrylic Fibers

Abstract

The physical properties of water absorbent porous acrylic fibers relating to wear comfort, i. e., water absorbency, drying, warmth retention, air permeability and frictional property have been compared with those of cotton and other fibers.An investigation has shown that, comparing with the regular acrylic fibers, modified water absorbant acrylic fibers : (1) Are easy in water diffusion and drying.(2) Has a warmth retention intermediate between those of cotton and acrylic fibers.(3) Are difficult to lose their air permeability even under the wet condition.(4) Are difficult to stick to the human skin even under the wet condition.The above unique characteristics of water absorbent acrylic fibers are a remarkable departure from the conventional acrylic fibers as well as from other synthetic fibers. The water absorbent acrylic fibers, therefore, will result in unlimited creation of end uses where water absorbing properties are important for comfort or fiber performance.