Characterization of Absorbent Properties of Fibers and Fibrous Assemblies Using Inclined Wicking Test

초록

Inclined wicking test was carried out to characterize surface properties of fibers and dynamic absorption behaviors in fibrous assemblies. As testing samples, PET fabrics glycolized at different concentrations of sodium hydroxide were used. Inclined wicking test extended the wicking period to increase the wicking lengths and the difference between specimens, which facilitated the relative evaluation of absorbent characteristics. To investigate the surface properties of fibers in highly hydrophilic treated specimens, the wetting tension and contact angle were derived by combination of capillary pressure and permeability coefficient which were measured in the steady state. As the concentration of hydroxide increased, the wetting tension increased continually to a critical point and then decreased. From SEM analysis, high concentration of hydroxide caused cracked damage on fiber surface, which resulted in the increase of apparent contact angle due to buoyant effect in cracked surface and thus decrease of wetting tension. The equations were derived to describe inclined wicking behaviors in fibrous assemblies. Predicted wicking rates were higher than experiment ones. The equation was modified with tortuosity factor to fit the experimental data. The results reported in the research could provide useful information in designing comfort textiles.

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