Moisture Management Performance Research Articles

Fixed position varying pore structure of weft-knitted seamless fabric and heat/moisture transfer mechanism

In this work, two functional superfine polyester yarns were selected as face yarns, three conventional yarns were selected as ground yarns, and 18 fabrics were designed by using a combination of three different plating structures. Then, through contact angle measurements, moisture management performance, thermal management performance, and breathability tests, we evaluated the effects of raw material, structure, and pore characteristics on the fabric’s hygrothermal comfort, and furthermore assessed the prioritization of the three factors using a range analysis. The results show that fabrics with face yarn of 75 D/288 F have better hydrophilicity, and fabrics with face yarn of 50 D/216 F have a better temperature control effect. The fabric with spandex/polyester covered yarn or spandex/nylon covered yarn has the best moisture transmission, and the unidirectional transfer index can reach 300%. The microstructure has a great influence on air permeability, and the surface porosity is positively correlated with air permeability. Combined with the heat and humidity division of the sports body, the development of efficient zonal positioning of heat and moisture management sports undershirts can provide certain theoretical support for the design of weft-knitted seamless sports products.

Development of hygroscopic and exothermic woven textile with enhanced moisture management characteristics

Textiles are essential for providing thermal and wet comfort for people as well as aesthetic pleasure since they act as the interface between the human body and the environment. Maintaining thermal comfort is crucial for effective human body energy management in cold weather. It is essential to develop winter fabrics that effectively integrate hygroscopic heat generation and moisture management technologies to keep skin warm and dry for the wearer. In this study, we fabricated bilayer and trilayer woven fabrics with hygroscopic exothermic properties and moisture management performance based on the optimization design of gradient wettability and functional fiber materials. The air permeability, moisture management characteristics, thermal physiological properties, and hygroscopic heat generation performances of the developed fabric were investigated from the perspective of yarn composition and structure. These fabrics were demonstrated to achieve efficient water transport and durative and evenly distributed hygroscopic exothermic properties to avoid the cold moist feeling after sweat. We anticipate that the fabric strategy used in this work can provide valuable structural superiority and performance enhancement for smart thermal and wet comfort textiles.

Research on plated structure design in weft knitting seamless fabric and sweat management

During exercise, the degree of sweating in different parts of the body varies. The organization of different functions in different parts can be realized using weft knitting seamless technology. The advantage of this technology was that it can be one-piece woven, has high efficiency, offers environmental protection, provides superior wearing comfort, and facilitates the rapid response of sweat and sweat management in different parts. In this work, 9.33 tex/384 F yarn was selected as the face yarn, and 5.55 tex/24 F yarn was selected as the ground yarn, seven fabrics were designed using a combination of three basic plated loops. The effect of two factors, surface porosity and fabric tightness, on the sweat management performance of plated fabrics was investigated through experiments, including moisture management performance, liquid spreading performance, wicking performance, evaporation performance, air permeability and moisture permeability performance, etc. The results showed that the smaller the surface porosity of the fabric, the better the one-way transmission performance of the liquid. However, the larger the surface porosity, the easier the liquid plane diffusion was. The tightness of the yarn filling in the fabric was beneficial for the weft flow of the liquid. A certain degree of tightness was helpful for the unidirectional conduction of fluid, but both too tight and too loose fabrics were not conducive to fluid conduction. Studying the difference in performance caused by the surface porosity and the tightness of the fabric can provide some theoretical help for the design of weft-knit seamless sports products.

Evaluation of fabric liquid and moisture management properties at simulated skin and sweat temperatures using an advanced novel sweating simulator

The moisture management performance of fabrics under profuse sweating (i.e. the ability to sweat absorb, spread, evaporate, drip, and dry) is crucial to the wearer’s comfort and performance, and should therefore be accurately and realistically tested for quality evaluation and product development. However, it is challenging to measure these properties simultaneously under realistic conditions using current evaluation techniques or testing standards. In this article an advanced version of the novel sweating simulator (NSS) is presented with which the skin temperature, sweat temperature, active body posture, and varying sweating rates can be simulated and multiple fabric moisture management properties including liquid sweat accumulation rate, multi-directional spreading rates, variations in downflow rates caused by increasing liquid accumulation, discharge rate, evaporation rate, drying rate, and drying time can be measured concurrently and in real-time during the simulated sweating and drying phases. The high accuracy and excellent reproducibility of NSS measurements were demonstrated through testing eight different kinds of commercial moisture management fabrics to show the potential applications of the NSS. It is believed that the novel sweating simulator, owing to its comprehensive testing capability, will play a key role in the development of next-generation moisture management fabrics for numerous apparel and technical applications.

Influences of moisture management performance and continuous sweat rate on heat transfer through firefighting clothing under radiant exposure

Human continuous sweating can adjust the thermal protective performance (TPP) of clothing for firefighters by controlling moisture distribution and transfer, which can provide extra thermal protection or injury. To accurately evaluate the heat transfer performance, a calibrated sweat simulant sensor was applied to investigate the influence of moisture management performance (MMP) of materials on the TPP under continuous sweating at a low-level thermal radiative intensity of 8.5 kW/m2. The results revealed that the dual role of continuous sweating on the TPP depended on sweat rate, fabric layers, material properties of the inner layer, and exposure time. The MMP could reduce the heat transfer performance at a high sweat rate for prolonged work, leading to a maximum decrease of absorbed thermal energy up to 16.93% and 49.03% for single and multi-layer fabrics, respectively. The second-degree skin burn occurred in half of the exposure process, and the skin burn time was reduced by up to 5.57% for multi-layer fabrics with good MMP due to the limited increase in thermal conductivity during initial exposure. This study provides a more comprehensive understanding of accurately assessing thermal damage and offers some guidance for selecting the inner layer materials of firefighting protective clothing for various firefighting conditions.

Interrelationships between cotton fiber quality traits and fluid handling and moisture management properties of nonwoven textiles

Cotton fibers represent a sustainable and environmentally responsible raw material for the production of nonwoven textiles which are currently dominated by synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals. Natural variation in quality parameters such as fineness, length, and strength present a challenge for cotton fiber conversion to yarns and in weaving and knitting for conventional textiles. The grading process for cotton fibers addresses this issue by allowing converters to select fibers suitable for specific woven textile applications. However, there has been little attempt to correlate cotton fiber quality traits with nonwoven textiles performance. This study examined the relationship of cotton fiber quality and fluid handling and moisture management performance properties of nonwoven textiles for personal hygiene and disposable applications. This includes potential end-use in diapers and incontinence products as well as disposable textiles for use in clinical settings. Ten recombinant inbred lines of cotton with a broad distribution of fiber quality traits were selected from a multiparent advanced generation intercross population. Fibers were harvested, converted into nonwoven textiles, and subjected to a series of standardized testing protocols. The results indicated that inferior quality coarse cotton fibers subjected to discount market pricing can be selectively utilized for nonwoven applications that benefit from improved moisture management and fluid handling performance.

Research on the function of single jersey based on the 3D channel structure

The main purpose of this experimental study is to determine the thermal properties and the moisture conduction function of a single jersey with a three-dimensional channel structure. As the channel structure of single jersey is gradually applied in the functional sportswear sector, the channel structure has been knitted by single jacquard technology for research purposes. Firstly, the formation principle and the structural unit of knitted fabric with the channel structure were explained. Then, the effects of channel structure with different sizes on thermal insulation, quick-drying, wicking height, and moisture management performance of the fabrics were investigated. Finally, the performance characteristics of the channel structure fabric were analyzed through the channel structure model. The analysis obtains that the channel structure of the sample holds more stagnant air and a large evaporation area. Moreover, as the courses or wales of structural units increase, the thermal insulation rate and the evaporation rate of the fabric improve accordingly. Also, it has a superior effect on the improvement of the wicking effect and the unidirectional transmission of the fabrics. However, when the structural unit exceeds a particular value, the fabric structure begins to deform, which makes its wicking height and unidirectional transmission properties decline. It provides a reference for the design and development of the 3D channel structure of the functional knitted fabric.

Developing a test device to analyze heat transfer combined with radiant exposure and continuous liquid sweating through thermal protective clothing

Human perspiration significantly affects heat and mass transfer in clothing systems and absorbs thermal energy on the skin, especially in radiant exposure and high-intensity work. However, few testing devices simulate human sweating for assessing heat transfer under thermal radiation exposure. Thus, a test device that could realistically simulate specific sweat rates was developed to evaluate the influence of continuous sweating on thermal protective performance (TPP). The TPP of single-layer fabrics at dry (No-sweating) and three constant sweating rates was studied based on the calibrated tester. It was indicated that the new testing apparatus effectively evaluated fabrics’ dry and wet thermal protective properties. Furthermore, compared to continuous sweating, the traditional pre-wet method may overestimate the TPP of the single-layer fabric depending on sweating rates. The continuous sweat rates played a dual role in the second-degree burn time and absorbed thermal energy, which is related to the moisture management performance of fabrics. The research provides an effective method to characterize the TPP of materials under continuous sweating/wetting, which will help optimize clothing performance and update relative standards.

Modification of yarn wrapping technology for natural-based textiles with highly efficient wicking and fast-drying performances

Natural fibers exhibit good moisture absorption, antistatic properties and skin affinity. However, they are difficult to dry due to high water retention. Herein, two types of environmentally friendly yarn structures were developed, the single wrapping structure and double wrapping structure, using the physical methods of filament spinning to wrap the core yarn in order to improve the moisture transport of the fabric. Silk 30 D/10 f filaments were used to wrap 32S bleached long-staple cotton yarn. Improved water evaporation rates by 13.12% and 2.97% were achieved with the application of the single and the double wrapping twist of 700 T/m, respectively. The experiment data obtained was evaluated using analysis of variance, which indicates the wrapping structures and the twist level are significant parameters affecting the wicking performance of the yarns. Moreover, there is an optimal twist level to modify yarns with greater moisture management performance for each of the wrapping structures, which provides a reference for the yarn production and enhances the application of natural fibers.

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability for unidirectional moisture transport, efficient PM capture and bacteria inhibition

The performance of moisture management, PM capture, and bacteria inhibition are significant for air cleaning materials. Herein, a nanofiber composite PVDF/PAN-CTAB membrane with multiple functions was constructed via a facile electrospinning strategy. Incorporating cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) in the windward PAN layer simultaneously improved membrane moisture transport rate, antibacterial performance, and PM capture ability. The enhanced moisture management performance was achieved by regulating the microstructure of the nanofibers and the thickness ratio of the asymmetric wetting layers. Hydrophobic-hydrophilic interface superimposed force on water droplets was measured to thoroughly investigate directional water transport behavior. Consequently, the prepared PVDF/PAN-CTAB membrane possesses a water vapor transport rate of >13 kg m−2 d−1, PM0.3 removal efficiency of ≥99% with a low pressure drop of ∼84 Pa, and an E. coli inhibition rate of 99.99%. This work would pave the way for engineering asymmetric wettability structure to improve the moisture management performance of antibacterial air cleaning membrane, and provides a novel scientific sight on directional water transport phenomenon based on force test and analysis.

Sandwich-Structured textiles with hierarchically nanofibrous network and Janus wettability for outdoor personal thermal and moisture management

As the interlayer between the skin and the environment, textiles play a vital role in achieving personal comfort and safety by managing the localized human body thermal and moisture conditions. However, intense exercise or sunlight exposure in hot and humid outdoor environments still leads to the accumulation of heat and excessive sweat on the human body. This reduces industrial labor productivity and results in economic losses. Herein, a sandwich-structured textile with a hierarchically nanofibrous network and Janus wettability is demonstrated. This textile exhibits excellent spectral selectivity (with a solar reflectance of 93.4% and a human body infrared emittance of 96.3%), rapid sweat evaporation rate (0.26 g h−1), and directional water transport property (a one-way transport index of 1140%). In a practical scenario, a human body covered by this sandwich-structured textile achieved a temperature drop of ∼ 4.2 °C compared with a commercial cotton textile. Through the integration of decent outdoor radiative cooling and continuous sweat wicking-drying properties, this sandwich-structured textile exhibits enhanced personal thermal and moisture management performance. Consequently, this textile leads to a significant reduction in human sweat consumption and excessive heat stress in outdoor environments.

Sustainable profiled poly(lactic acid) multifilaments with high moisture management performance for textiles

Sustainable poly(lactic acid) multifilaments are a new type of biodegradable fibers that have gained increasing attention in textile product development. However, low moisture management performance has hindered their application in high added-value textile products such as functional garments and sportswear. In this work, profiled poly(lactic acid) multifilaments with “+” cross-section and “Y” cross-section were developed by the melt spinning process in order to improve their moisture management properties. The cross-sectional and longitudinal morphologies of the produced profiled poly(lactic acid) multifilaments were first examined and their non-circularity degrees were calculated. The moisture-absorbing and fast-drying properties of both the poly(lactic acid) multifilaments and knitted fabrics, including vertical wicking, in-plane wicking, water absorption and evaporation, and water vapor transmission were then evaluated, and the effects of fiber cross-section shape and yarn texturing were analyzed. The results show that the moisture management performances of the knitted fabrics made with profiled poly(lactic acid) multifilaments are significantly improved when compared with those of the fabric made with circular cross-section poly(lactic acid) multifilaments. The results also show that moisture management performances of the knitted fabrics made with profiled poly(lactic acid) multifilaments are comparable or even better than those of the fabrics made of polyester multifilaments. The study suggests that poly(lactic acid) fibers can be applied for the development of textile products with high added value and substitute the large amounts of petroleum-based PET fiber in apparel end-use.

Omniphobic polyurethane – superabsorbent polymer – fluoropolymer surface coating on cotton fabric for chemical protection and thermal comfort

This research aims to develop chemical protective clothing via a functionalised surface coating on cotton fabric for simultaneous barrier performance and thermal comfort. An omniphobic protective layer on the cotton fabric was developed through a polyurethane – superabsorbent polymer – fluoropolymer coating to protect the penetration of water, oils and liquid chemicals. It was found that the padding of coated specimens with fluoropolymer provided a substantial improvement of hydrophobicity, and therefore, exhibited a high-water contact angle (114.06°) and a maximum water repellency rating of 100. The highest aqueous liquid repellency (8.0) and satisfactory oil repellency (7.5) with resistance against liquid chemical penetration were also achieved after the treatment with fluoropolymer. Moreover, the coated fabrics integrated with superabsorbent polymer showed an improved dry heat resistance and moisture vapour transmittance, consequently a high evaporative cooling index to create a favourable thermal comfort between the skin and the apparel in hot and humid conditions. Other comfort parameters, including air permeability and moisture management performance were compromised to a certain level due to a continuous and hydrophobic barrier layer on the fabric surface that hindered the transferring of air and liquid sweat through the coating.

Bilayer Nanoporous Polyethylene Membrane with Anisotropic Wettability for Rapid Water Transportation/Evaporation and Radiative Cooling.

Both sweat drainage and evaporation play important roles in achieving personal moisture and thermal management during sweat-producing exercises. However, it remains a great challenge to simultaneously realize thermal management through radiative cooling for human body without perspiration. Herein, we report a bilayer nanoporous polyethylene membrane with anisotropic wettability, which possesses superior radiative cooling ability (∼2.6 °C lower than that of cotton) without perspiration. Meanwhile, it realizes efficient sweat drainage and good evaporation cooling property (∼1.0 °C lower than that of cotton) in perspiration to avoid sticky and hot sensation. In addition, it can also block water and fine particulate matter owing to the hydrophobic nanoporous structure. By virtue of the outstanding personal thermal and moisture management performance, it is expected that this study provides inspiration for designing new clothing and medical protective suits with more comfortable microclimates and reducing energy consumption for global sustainability.

Approach to Performance Rating of Retroreflective Textile Material Considering Production Technology and Reflector Size

Abstract The study investigates retroreflective fabrics’ efficiency from the point of view of the interaction of their visibility, thermo-physiological comfort properties, and durability (represented by physical-mechanical performance). The effect of the combination of two production technologies (reflective transfer films and screen printing method) and two reflector covering sizes (25% and 85%) was examined. Technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was used to determine the best solution considering the abovementioned tested categories of properties. Retroreflective performance was in congruence with the used design coverage factor of the tested pattern. It was found that retroreflection of the tested pattern produced using screen printing technology was significantly lower than retroreflection of an identical pattern made by a transfer film. On the contrary, in terms of thermo-physiological comfort and physical-mechanical performance of the tested samples, screen printing technology shows significantly better results in almost all tested properties, especially in water vapor permeability, moisture management, and physical-mechanical performance. The solution for the abovementioned contradictory results can be achieved by using a combination of the advantages associated with each of these technology methods. Screen printing can be applied to specific regions of clothing that are exposed to extreme loading or sweating, and the transfer of film elements ensures high visibility with respect to the standards and biomotion principles that are deployed as prevalent benchmarks in the industry.

The Effect of Softeners Applications on Moisture Management Properties of Polyester/Cotton Blended Sandwich Weft-Knitted Fabric Structure

Prolonged drying times of terry fabrics is a problem as they can not be re-used until completely dry. To resolve this issue, we have designed a sandwich polyester in the mid-layer with low moisture content that could reduce the drying time with excellent wicking properties. These fabrics are widely used as activewear and sportswear. The effect of different softeners on the moisture management properties of weft-knitted terry fabrics’ for various applications has also been studied. Terry knitted fabrics were prepared using a circular knitting machine. Six different softeners were applied with three different concentrations, i.e., 10 g/L, 15 g/L, and 20 g/L, on the fabric using the pad-dry-cure method. Moisture management tests and rubbing fastness tests were performed to analyze the applied softener’s effect on the fabric comfort and moisture management performance. Results revealed that softener type (i.e., cationic, anionic, and non-ionic) and concentration levels considerably affect the moisture management capability of terry knitted fabrics.

Electrospun nanofiber/cotton composite yarn with enhanced moisture management ability

Wet comfort is a critical performance for fabrics, especially when human bodies release sweat in daily life. Despite excellent moisture absorption performance, cotton yarns are still limited in the moisture release/transfer ability. Here, based on a novel electrospinning technology, polyacrylonitrile and polystyrene (PS) electrospun nanofiber/cotton composite yarns were produced, respectively. Under fluorescence microscopic observation, electrospun fibers within the composite yarns showed a uniform distribution. As a result, these composite yarn-based knitted fabrics obtained a good water transport ability and a fast water evaporation rate. According to the moisture management test, PS electrospun nanofiber composite yarn-based fabrics exhibited a relatively high one-way transport index R (400%), claiming an enhanced moisture management performance. Finally, specific surface area tests and finite element analyses were used to analyze the water transport mechanism inside the yarns. The results proved that a small number of electrospun fibers played a predominant role in enhancing the moisture management ability of the composite yarns.

Preparation and moisture management performance of double guide bar warp-knitted fabric based on special covering structure

This article provides a knitting method for warp-knitted fabrics with good moisture management performance. By adjusting of the warp knitting machine (mainly the bar), the design of lay-up method of the yarn, the selection of the yarn, and the warp let-off tension, the yarn covering relationship has been adjusted. By using two kinds of fineness polyester DTY, cotton yarn and spandex, designing two kinds of warp-knitting structures, six different warp-knitted fabrics have been knitted. The moisture management performance of these knitted samples was compared and evaluated. The study found that the greater the difference between the inner yarn and the outer yarn, the better the moisture management ability of the fabric. Polyester DTY with 50D/14F on the inner side and polyester DTY with 75D/288F on the outer side have the best moisture management performance. The polyester DTY with 50D/14F on the inside and 9.83Tex cotton yarn on the outside have higher wetting time and absorption rate.

Electrospun polyacrylonitrile–silica aerogel coating on viscose nonwoven fabric for versatile protection and thermal comfort

A novel protective fabric accomplishing with an acceptable level of protective performance and wear comfort has been designed and developed. The protective fabric was tailored by integrating an electrospun PAN–silica aerogel nanofibre membrane with needle-punched viscose nonwoven fabric for simultaneous barrier performance and thermal comfort. The nanofibrous membrane was characterised and evaluated for chemical and thermal protection after sandwiching it within the nonwoven layers. The analysis of PAN–silica aerogel nanofibre revealed that aerogel particles were randomly distributed in the membrane. The nonwoven substrate embedded with the functionalised nanofibre membrane is a lightweight, soft and flexible fabric having versatile protective performance. The newly developed fabric demonstrated satisfactory resistance against radiant heat and liquid chemical penetration. Besides, the improved thermal and moisture vapour transmittance and high evaporative cooling index suggested acceptable thermal comfort of clothing due to the decreased accumulation of perspirations on the material. Moreover, the adequate breathability and moisture management performance indicated diffusion of sweat vapour through the membrane, providing favourable thermal comfort in the clothing-skin microenvironment.

Moisture management and antimicrobial performance of collagen peptide enriched knitted fabrics

Knitted fabrics made of natural, synthetic and regenerated fibres are presented to the final consumers at different fabric constructions. Reason to select different fibre types, fibre blends, and knitting constructions utilisation is to optimize consumer demands of comfort, functionality, fashion and price. Continuous fibre improving studies are one driving factor behind the fabric and clothing design possibilities. Collagen peptide added fibres are one recent fibre type in the regenerated cellulosic fibre family. Collagen peptide addition to the regenerated cellulosic fibre has been reported to improve fibre properties of moisture management, thermoregulation, anti-static, ultraviolet protection, biodegradable properties which make the fibre preferable material for active wear clothes. This study involves with the influence of new fibre type addition on moisture management, antimicrobial, and air permeability properties of the plated knitted fabric structures. Within this work; one plain knitted fabric is knitted using 100% collagen peptide added regenerated cellulosic yarn and polyamide yarn grounded six different plated knitted fabrics were studied. Moisture management transport (MMT) properties, antimicrobial properties (against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans) and air permeability properties of those knitted samples were evaluated comparatively. Gathered results are statistically evaluated using one-way Anova test; it was determined that there was a significant difference on MMT and air permeability properties of knitted samples at significance level of 0.05. Additionally, presence of collagen peptide added fibre exhibits considerable level of antimicrobial effect against included microorganisms. The results of the experimental work represent an initial phase towards a better understanding of the influence of different fibre blended yarn utilization on plated knitted fabrics which would be appropriate for active wear cloth manufacturing.