Characterizing the transplanar and in-plane Water transport property of fibrous materials under different sweat rate: Forced flow Water transport tester

Water absorption and transport property of textiles is important since it affects efficiency of treatment, product's functionality and comfort. Moisture in clothing may lead to clamminess sensation, fabric which could keep skin dry and maintain thermo-physiological comfort is desired. Thus, a sensitive, accurate and reliable water absorption and transport measurement method is required. A measurement tester based on gravimetric and image analysis technique, with the ability to trace the direction of water spread and measure the amount of water on simulated skin, is to be developed. Throughout the experiment, water supply is continuous and controllable simulating different sweating levels based on end-uses, assuming the sweat rate is dependent on activity level and environment (constant physiological response with the change in garment). For product developer, this is useful when selecting fabric for a particular activity and environment. Correlation with subjective wetness sensation is planned to examine its reality to actual wear condition. Compared with conventional testing methods like wettability, moisture management tester, vertical and horizontal wicking test, the proposed instrument is simple, versatile and closer to wear condition with short testing time and low cost. With this instrument, fabric could be characterized efficiently which would be beneficial to the textile industry.