Wicking Height Research Articles

The influence of NaOH/urea treatment on the transfer law of water in cotton fabric

The moisture absorption and water conductivity of fabrics determine the thermal and moisture comfort of textiles and clothing. In this study, the water transfer law in cotton fabrics treated with a NaOH/urea system was investigated. The morphological changes and structural properties of the cotton fabrics before and after treatment were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the relationship between the gaseous and liquid water transfer performance and the fiber morphology and structure was studied. The results indicate that after the NaOH/urea treatment, the surface of the cotton fibers gradually became rougher, and the fibers swelled slightly along the cross-sectional direction. With an increase in treatment time, the axial twist of the fibers decreased, and a trend of dissolution was observed. However, after 5 min of treatment, the cotton fabric tended to adhere to the partially dissolved fibers at the junction of the warp and weft yarns. Although the chemical structure of the cotton fibers did not show significant changes after the treatment, their crystallinity gradually decreased. Following treatment, the air permeability and moisture permeability of the fabric increased, while the wicking height and water retention rate initially increased and then decreased, resulting in an interesting pattern of change. The NaOH/urea treatment also increased the dyeability of the cotton fabrics, and the fastness to rubbing and washing of the fabrics reached grades ≥ 3. Prolonged NaOH/urea treatment enhanced the breaking strength of the cotton fabrics. The establishment of the entropy weight-TOPSIS method to evaluate the moisture transfer performance of fabrics treated with the NaOH/urea system has theoretical significance for the comprehensive analysis of cotton fabrics treated with NaOH/urea and related product development. This study provides a new basis for the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the water transfer and moisture comfort performance of the fabrics, further advancing the application of NaOH/urea treatment to cotton fabrics, which has promising prospects for the future.

High-Performance Bioinspired Hierarchical Microgroove Wick for Ceramic Vapor Chambers Achieved by Nanosecond Pulsed Lasers.

Directly integrating ceramic vapor chambers into the insulating substrate of semiconductor power devices is an effective approach to solve the problem of heat dissipation. Microgrooves that could be machined directly on the shell plate without contact thermal resistance and mechanical dislocation offer exciting opportunities to achieve high-performance ceramic vapor chambers. In this study, a bioinspired hierarchical microgroove wick (BHMW) containing low ribs via one-step nanosecond pulsed laser processing was developed, as inspired by the Sarracenia trichome. The superwicking behavior of microgrooves with different structural parameters was investigated using capillary rise tests and droplet-spreading experiments. The BHMW exhibited excellent capillary performance and anisotropic hemiwicking performance. At a laser scanning spacing of 30 μm, the BHMW achieved a capillary wicking height of 114 mm within 20 s. The optimized BHMW demonstrated a capillary parameter (ΔPc·K) and an anisotropic hemiwicking ratio of 4.46 × 10-7 N and 11.93, respectively, which were 1182 and 946% higher than references, as achieved through nanosecond pulsed laser texturing under identical parameters. This work not only develops a high-performance hierarchical alumina microgroove wick structure but also outlines design guidelines for high-performance ceramic vapor chambers for thermal management in semiconductor power devices.

Bioinspired green fabricating design of ultra-breathable and moisture wicking fabric via a sustainable route

Functional textiles with breathability, thermal conductivity and moisture wicking performance are critical to achieving human comfort and reducing energy consumption. However, conventional finishing processes used for fabricating moisture wicking fabrics are usually highly polluting and exhibit poor durability as well as low recyclability, which may be detrimental to environmental sustainability. Inspired by the shorebird's beak with a conical-shaped liquid pathway for transporting liquid drops, a novel biomimetic porous fabric is proposed by using natural cotton fibers through industrial and eco-friendly knitting technology, featuring ultra-breathability, thermal conductivity and moisture wicking properties. Moreover, the effects of the pore size and arrangement on the thermal conductivity and air resistance are investigated. Obvious linearities can be obtained (R2 = 0.99). In addition, the synergistic effects of basic pore and biomimetic pore can create surface energy gradients, which result in the asymmetric pressure and water transport. As a result, when the biomimetic pore distances are 3 mm and 5 mm, respectively, high linearities of 0.99 between biomimetic pore diameter and the wicking height can be found. More importantly, the resultant biomimetic pore fabric exhibits good water absorption rate of 350%, an outstanding water vapor transmission (>10000 g/m2/24 h) and high recyclability. The green fabricating design of biomimetic porous fabric opens up a pathway to develop air, thermal, moisture regulating fabric through a sustainable route for more diverse applications, e.g., athletic apparel, industrial workwear and medical garments.

Surface modification of poly (ethylene terephthalate) using imidazolium-based ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs), with their unique characteristics, are widely known as new alternatives for solvents and catalysts used in various chemical reactions. Due to their extensive range of applications and environmental compatibility, they are suitable options for treating fibrous substrates. In this regard, this paper focuses on investigating the possibility of poly (ethylene terephthalate) surface modification via imidazolium-based ILs. Surface modification was carried out under different process conditions by varying the temperature and the catalyst. The possibility of treating samples in the IL solution for the second time was also examined. Moreover, the effect of the modification on the dyeing of polyester with disperse dye without carrier at 100 °C was studied. The samples’ wettability properties were investigated through several test methods by measuring vertical wicking height, wetting time, drop contact angle, surface resistivity and absorption of methylene blue dye. The chemical and physical changes of the modified samples were also evaluated via scanning electron microscopy images, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra and mechanical tests. Results demonstrate that treatment with [BMIM]Cl and [BMIM]Br induces morphological changes on the fibre surface, creating grooves and voids. FTIR analysis and Methylene blue staining test confirm the formation of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, enhancing the fabric's hydrophilicity and dyeability. Wettability tests reveal that increased water absorption leads to reduced electrical resistivity. Mechanical tests indicate a slight reduction in tensile strength attributed to surface roughness.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF FLOW THROUGH ABSORBING POROUS MEDIA: PART 2. SWELLING POROUS MEDIA

In the first part of this two-paper series, published in the Journal of Porous Media in 2021, a novel framework based on the combination of finite volume method and volume of fluid method was proposed to model the flow through absorbing porous media under rigid conditions. The results from the model showed a promising correlation with the experimental and analytical predictions for the wicking height and radius. However, the framework did not include swelling porous media conditions. The swelling effect influences the porosity and permeability of the porous medium considerably, therefore causing errors in the flow front location predictions if the effects are not taken into account in the numerical models. Here, the framework is extended by including the swelling effects. The empirical relation for changes in permeability is included in the existing methodology to include the swelling effects. The predictions from the proposed model showed excellent agreement with the experimental data. The modeling approach is further extended to model the flow through single and multiple layer diaper geometries. The results showed notable patterns of liquid–air interface, demonstrating the ability of the present method to track the flow fronts in combined wicking and draining flow scenarios.

Fabrication and capillary performance of multi-scale microgroove ceramic wicks via nanosecond laser irradiation for ultrathin ceramic heat pipes

Ultrathin ceramic heat pipes have great potential in solving the heat dissipation problems for power semiconductor devices with ever-increasing power density. Ceramic wick structures with superior capillary performance plays a decisive role in the heat transfer performance of the ceramic heat pipe. In the study, a multi-scale microgroove wick (MSMGW) prepared by laser irradiation is developed. The effects of laser scan pitch, laser fabrication parameters and ceramic material on the surface morphology, wettability and capillary performance of the MSMGW were investigated. The 66 μm thick ceramic wick proposed that consists of micron-sized microgrooves, nanoscale voids and material surface reconsolidation layers demonstrates remarkable capillary performance. The laser scan pitch, laser power, repetition frequency, and scanning speed have significant impacts on the surface morphology and capillary performance of MSMGW. The MSMGW with optimal parameters could reach capillary wicking height of 114 mm within 28 s and yield a capillary parameter (K/reff) of 1.49 μm. Moreover, MSMGW on the material of alumina with advantages of excellent machining property and technology maturity, and working fluid of DI water with high vaporization latent heat and wide operating temperature range, exhibits the maximum capillary performance, indicating its highly promising prospects for high-performance ultrathin ceramic heat pipes.

The effect of mercerization on water conductivity in cotton fabrics and its regulation

AbstractMercerization had been widely used in the textile industry because of its simplicity and ability to improve the luster, strength, and dyeing properties of cotton fabrics. However, the water transfer behavior of mercerized cotton fabrics had not been systematically investigated. In this work, cotton fabrics were treated with different concentrations of alkali (130 and 260 g/L) for structural characterization (scanning electron microscopy [SEM], Fourier transform infrared [FTIR]), water absorption (vertical wicking height), moisture absorption (moisture return rate), water retention, and so forth, and were compared with industrial mercerized cotton. It meant that water absorbency and water holding capacity of mercerized cotton textiles were improved by reducing surface impurity, increasing amorphous region, and increasing the number of free hydroxyl groups. It was easier for water molecules to move through the fabric as the vertical wicking height increased. Research showed that the water absorption and water transfer properties of cotton fabrics were related to the alkali concentration in the mercerized treatment, and a comparison with industrial mercerized cotton also proved this point. It also showed that the amount of tension had an effect on water transfer in the fabric, which provided further precision in regulating the mercerization process, improving the thermal comfort of mercerized fabrics, and achieving the aim of regulating the mercerization process according to market demand and environmental influences.

Experimental study on the influence of surface modification methods of carbon fiber felt on the operation and heat transfer characteristics of loop heat pipes

Under high heat flux, the heat leakage rate of the compensation chamber in a small loop heat pipe is large, which affects the operational stability and heat transfer efficiency of the loop heat pipe. It was proposed for the first time to locally modify the capillary wick thermal conductivity through surface modification, thereby reducing the heat leakage from the compensation chamber. By spraying a high thermal conductivity metal coating on the surface of a low thermal conductivity carbon fiber felt, the contradiction between the heat dissipation rate of the heat source and the heat leakage of the compensation chamber was solved. Static wicking height showed that the metal coating increased the suction force of the carbon fiber felt. Start-up and operation experiments showed that the modified wick significantly improved the start-up stability of the loop heat pipe and reduced the temperature of the heat dissipation surface. The loop heat pipe with a single-sided-coated wick showed the lowest heat dissipation surface temperature, thermal resistance, and heat leakage rate. The loop heat pipe with an aluminum single-sided-coated wick exhibited a heat source temperature of 82.81 ℃, a thermal resistance of 0.26 K/W, and a heat transfer coefficient of 26.44 kW/(m2·K) under a load of 150 W (37.5 W/cm2). This study has significantly contributed to the future application of loop heat pipes in high heat flux electronic cooling.

Application of Atmospheric-Pressure Plasma Treatment in Anti-Hairfalling of Polyester-Cotton Fleece Knitted Fabrics.

In this study, atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) was used to modify the surface of polyester-cotton fleece knitted fabrics to improve their anti-hairfalling properties. A series of treated samples were obtained by changing the power of plasma and treatment time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the surface roughness results reveal that the APP treatment can increase the roughness of fibers. The withdraw force and hairiness length of fibers results indicate that increasing withdraw force and decreasing hairiness length of fabrics can reduce hairfalling of the fibers. The values of weight loss rate confirm APP-treated powers and times can influence anti-hairfalling properties of fabrics. In addition, the best APP-treated time and electric power for the anti-hairfalling properties of the treated fabrics are respectively 15 s and 1.0 kW. Under this condition, the anti-hairfalling properties of the treated fabrics are improved by 48.3%, the contact angle decreased by 39.7%, and the wicking height increased by 18.3% compared with the untreated fabrics. It is notable that APP treatment does not affect the handle and tensile properties of fabrics.

Spreading of water microdroplets simulating human sweating in polyester yarns and fabrics

Thermo-physiological comfort of human body is highly influenced by the moisture transmission behaviour of the fabric. For active sportswear, intimate apparels and inner layer of extreme cold weather clothing, moisture transport is very crucial. The liquid moisture transport of fabrics is analysed using standardised test methods like vertical wicking, absorbency test and moisture management through moisture management tester. These test methods use large reservoir of liquid in contrast to human sweating behaviour. The human skin generates sweats in the form of microdroplets through sweating glands. Hence, the standard test procedures employed to assess the fabric’s liquid moisture transport fail to capture preciously the sweat transport from human skin to the fabrics. Hence, in this work, the spreading behaviour of water microdroplets simulating human sweat through yarns which are the building block of fabrics and knitted fabrics that are widely used as sportswear or inner layer of extreme cold weather clothing are investigated. The purpose of this study is to understand how the microfluid move along the capillary channels in yarns (in the forms of network of yarns crossing over each other and fabric) by keeping yarn count and twist same for all yarns. A single micro drop representing accumulated sweat droplets and multiple drops showing continuous sweating through sweat glands were allowed to wick through the yarns made up of coarser and finer fibres to understand the role of fibre diameter on wicking kinetics. Results from the conventional wicking test were compared with microfluidic wicking. It is found that the initial wicking speed in coarser-fibres yarn is faster in comparison to finer-fibres yarn, but the final wicking height is longer in finer fibre yarn. Overall liquid spreading length found to be similar for both the yarns. Yarn to yarn liquid transfer at crossover junctions is faster with finer-fibre yarn compared to coarser-fibre yarn. Same trends are found in fabrics constructed with these yarns. The effect of yarn tortuosity on liquid spreading behaviour has also been studied. As the yarn path becomes torturous (straight yarn to fabric form) wicking length also decreases.

Analysis of Ring Spun Yarn Wickability Using the Post-Hoc Test

Abstract Yarn wickability achieves high thermo-physiological comfort. Therefore, this paper aimed to investigate yarn wickability and analyze statistically factors affecting yarn wicking performance. Methodology consists of testing wicking height for ring spun yarn produced from three levels of fibre types and twist factors at two levels of doubling. Statistical tools such as ANOVA, T-test and Post-hoc tests analyzed the impacts on wicking heights. Findings showed that the Post-hoc test represented the variation between groups more accurately than ANOVA. Furthermore, a comparison of Bonferroni Alpha with T-test p-values revealed that yarn wicking was significantly affected by interactions of fibre type, doubling, and twist level.

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.

Effect of plasma treatment on polyester knitted fabrics: Part I - Thermal comfort

Plasma-treated thermal comfort properties of four different types of polyester knitted fabrics (spun, continuous filament, micro denier and hollow fibre polyester), have been studied. The oxygen plasma treatment shows an encouraging effect on the air permeability, thermal conductivity, relative water vapour permeability, and wicking of the fabric samples. The findings mostly depend on the oxygen gas, loop length parameter and the thickness of the fabric. The oxygen plasma treatment also affects the thickness of fabric. The plasma-treated micro denier fabric, having courser count with higher loop length, shows higher air permeability. The plasma-treated hollow fibre polyester fabric has higher water vapour permeability, higher thermal conductivity and the highest wicking height.

Tuning In‐Plane Wicking Properties of Hydrophilic Fibrous Membranes Using Hydrophobic Fibrous Cover Layers

AbstractThis study elucidates the effect of thin porous hydrophobic covering layers on the in‐plane wicking properties of a hydrophilic fibrous membrane. Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibrous membrane is used as the hydrophilic membrane model and poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) fibrous membranes as hydrophobic covers, both prepared by electrospinning. The vertical wicking height is measured to express the in‐plane wicking properties. The results show that the PVDF‐HFP fibrous layer profoundly impacted the in‐plane wicking properties. When the PVDF‐HFP layer is 5.00–7.05 µm in thickness, the PVDF‐HFP/PAN composite membranes show a directional water transport property. The wicking height is higher than the other composite membranes with either a thinner PVDF‐HFP layer (<5.00 µm), which causes a two‐way liquid transport, or a thicker PVDF‐HFP layer (>7.05 µm), which stops water permeation from both sides. Such a trend happened no matter whether the PVDF‐HFP layer covered one or both PAN membrane sides. The composite membranes with a PVDF‐HFP layer thicker than 7.05 µm show the smallest wicking height. By changing PVDF‐HFP layer thickness, the wicking height can be adjusted by 50–110%. Such thickness‐dependent wicking capability is novel, having not been reported in the previous literature. It comes from the combined action of hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces on water. The tunable wicking properties combined with the water‐absorbing and transport properties enabled the PVDF‐HFP/PAN fibrous membranes to exhibit different functions. They offer opportunities to develop novel “smart” membranes for various applications.

Enhanced capillary performance of ultrathin nylon mesh wick for flexible thermal management systems

The rapid development of flexible electronic devices brings the demand for flexible thermal management systems. Nylon mesh with excellent flexibility is ideal for flexible thermal management systems, especially acting as wicks in flexible heat pipes (FHPs). In this study, novel superhydrophilic nylon mesh wicks (SNMWs) with enhanced capillary performance are fabricated by the sol-gel method. Silica coating is formed on the surface of nylon mesh and endowed the mesh with superhydrophilicity. Capillary rise tests and cyclic bending reliability tests are conducted to evaluate the capillary performance and bending fatigue resistance of the SNMWs. The results show that the SNMWs yield excellent capillary performance, the maximum equilibrated wicking height of the SNMWs reaches 87.38 mm and the largest wicking coefficient is 5.91 mm/s0.5. The average volumetric flow rate proportional to wicking velocity and wetted volume is taken as a comprehensive index to evaluate the feasibility of applying SNMWs in FHPs and the maximum average volumetric flow rate reaches 1.19 mm3/s. Simultaneously, the SNMWs maintain good capillary performance even after 10,000 bending cycles, which means strong bending fatigue resistance. This study provides a high-performance, high-reliability, and cost-effective flexible wick for enhancing the thermal performance of FHPs.

Using various concentrations of SiO2 aerogel for oil wicking, spreading, and interception tests of 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics

The main objective of this study was to define the influence of silica aerogels (SAs) through the sol-gel method and oil properties on 3 D weft-knitted spacer fabric sorbents for oil wicking, spreading, swelling, and interception properties (used as an interceptor barrier for vegetable and engine oil in static and dynamic water tests). SEM, FTIR-ATR, XRD, and BET tests of fabric sorbents were studied to explain the impact of SAs. The oil spreading rate exposed that the higher pore diameter, specific surface area, surface roughness, silica add-on %, water contact angle, and lower surface energy of sorbents exhibited the higher wicking height of 91.5 mm and 85.6 mm for vegetable oil and engine oil, respectively (TS 5). Similarly, the static intercepting experiment showed the higher oil interception efficiency of 99.01% and 99.89% with the initial leaking time of 24 min and 26 min for vegetable oil and engine oil, respectively. Likewise, the dynamic intercepting test (with water flow rates of 150 mL/s) revealed the higher oil interception efficiency of 98.89% and 99.77% with the initial leaking time of 10 min and 12 min, individually. Moreover, the treated sample showed the lowest oil swelling thickness (0.2 ± 0.1%) whereas the untreated sample showed the highest oil swelling thickness (7.3 ± 0.5%). The experimental results discovered that silica aerogels, fabric properties, and oil features had a substantial impact on oil wicking, spreading, swelling, static, and dynamic tests. Thus, these fabrics could be appropriate for industrial uses as eco-friendly oil clean-up sorbent.

A Study on the Influence of Natural Agents on the Absorption Properties of Cotton Fabrics – Part Two

Abstract Increased worldwide competition in textiles has given opportunities to researchers and industries to work toward new challenges in product development. This research work aims to investigate how the herbal extract-treated cotton fabrics were made with a focus on the absorption properties. The treated fabric samples were analyzed for their static absorption (%), immersion time (s), surface water absorption (mL), and vertical wicking height (cm). The mangosteen dyed cotton fabrics with specifications of 140 g/m2 and the plain weave with 40 % dyed concentration and untreated cotton fabrics had static water absorptions of 320 % and 328 %, immersion times of 1.68 s and 1.65 sec, surface water absorptions of 17 ml and 18.1 ml, and vertical wicking heights of 4 cm and 4.9 cm, respectively. Water repellency properties had slight changes for treated terry fabrics say 220 and 240 GSM with rating ‘50’ in adjacent to the untreated fabric sample with rating ‘0’. Water repellency results indicated that there was no characteristic change in the water response property (i.e., water absorption) of herbal extract-treated samples. Mangosteen and orange extracts-treated cotton fabrics of 140 and 240 g/m2 with a 30 % dye concentration showed better water absorption properties in comparison to the other herbal extract dyed samples.

3D Weft-knitted spacer fabrics (WKSFs) coated with silica aerogels as oil intercepting sorbents for use in static and dynamic water tests

Nowadays, industrial discharges, oil spills, and oily water wastages have constituted a dreadful hazard to the world's ecological environment. Therefore, three types of 3D weft-knitted spacer fabrics (WKSFs) were treated with silica aerogels (SAs) by a sol-gel process. Characteristics like oil absorption, retention, wetting, wicking, and interception were explored. Surface and physical properties were analyzed through SEM. The results revealed that all the samples have greater absorption and retention capacity, most specifically sample 2 (S2). The dynamic oil spreading rate exposed that the higher porosity (87.54%) and the higher silica add-on (38.75%) unveiled the higher wicking height (78.4 and 72.6 mm) for vegetable and engine oils. Further, the static water test exhibited the highest oil interception efficiency (98.80% and 99.79%) with an initial leakage time of 28 and 30 min while the dynamic water test exhibited the higher interception efficiency (98.75% and 99.67%) under the water flow rates of 150 mL/s, and with the initial leakage time of 14 and 17 min for both oils. Moreover, the statistical studies proved a significant verification (***P < 0.05) of treated 3D WKSFs at the 0.05 level. Hence, 3D WKSFs are an inordinate encouraging eco-friendly sorbent substantial for various oil clean-up uses in water treatment.

Hemostasis Evaluation of Antibacterial and Highly Absorbent Composite Wound Dressings in Animal Hemostasis Models.

To reduce the bleeding time and to shorten the surgery time are vital to patients’ prog-nosis, therefore, in this study, high moisture absorption nonwoven composites are proposed to attain hemostasis in time. Polyacrylate fiber and Tencel® fibers at different blending ratios (10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50) are used to form PT composite nonwoven. Next, composed of a 50:50 ratio, PT composite nonwoven exhibits the maximal vertical wicking height of 4.4 cm along the cross direction. Additionally, the UV-Vis absorption spectra analysis shows that at absorption waves of 413–415 nm, the occurring of distinct peaks suggests the presence of nanoparticles. The XRD patterns indicate the presence of silver nanoparticles with corresponding crystal planes of characteristic peaks at (111), (200), and (220). Polyacrylate/Tencel® nonwoven composites exhibit comparable adsorption capacity of blood and water molecules. In particular, 30PT composite nonwoven outperforms the control group, exhibiting 3.8 times and 4.7 times greater the water absorption and blood absorption, respectively. Moreover, a great number of red blood cells with a size of 4–6 μm agglomerate among fibers as observed in SEM images, while 6hr-PT composite dressing demonstrates the optimal antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, proven by the zone of inhibition being 1.9 mm and 0.8 mm separately. When in contact with plasma, hemostasis composites have plasma hemostasis prothrombin time of 97.9%, and activated partial thromboplastin time of 96.7%. As for animal hemostasis model, the arteria over the rats’ thigh bones is cut open perpendicularly, generating mass arteria hemorrhage. To attain hemostasis, it takes 46.5% shorter time when using composite dressings (experimental group) than the control group.

Quantifying the effects of external factors on the behavior of vertical wicking in a warp stretch woven fabric

Wicking ability of textiles is a key indicator in determining the physiological comfort provided by a fabric. The property is shaped by various factors internal and external to the fabric. Herein, the effects of some external factors such as the degree of (fabric) extension, the wetting liquid’s temperature and relative humidity on the vertical wicking behavior of a previously prepared warp stretch woven fabric were investigated. The fabric, which could be reversibly extended up to 60%, was prepared using a nylon/spandex air-covered yarn in the warp and cotton yarn in the weft. The results indicated that these external factors had a great influence on the vertical wicking equilibrium height with the degree of fabric extension having a more pronounced effect compared with the other two factors. Furthermore, extension and relative humidity were negatively related to the height of the vertical wicking, whilst an increase in liquid temperature resulted in an increase in vertical wicking height. The underlying mechanisms associated with these effects were examined using a specially constructed test chamber and tensioning device. The experimental data were also verified using the classical Laughlin-Davies model, and the results demonstrated the proposed wicking model could be used to predict the changes in fabric wicking height. These findings provide a more in-depth understanding of the wicking behavior of stretchable textiles in a comprehensive and objective manner.