What is textile absorbency?

Absorbency or moisture regain is the ability of a textile to take in moisture (Elsasser, 2010). This is relative to the comfort of textiles next to the skin. Hydrophilic fibers readily absorb moisture without making the wearer feel uncomfortable, whereas hydrophobic is when fibers do not absorb moisture.

What is the absorbency of cotton?

Cotton is able to absorb up to 27 times its weight in liquid water, according to Cotton Inc. Cotton’s absorbency is also useful in what is known as “recreational performance apparel”–clothes used in jogging, exercise and sports.

How is fabric absorbency measured?

TEST FABRIC FOR ABSORBENCY TESTING PROCEDURE ABSORBENCY CAN BE CHECKED BY DROPPING A SINGLE DROPLET OF WATER ON THE FABRIC AND VISUALLY OBSERVING ITS ABSORBENCY. A FABRIC WITH HIGH ABSORBENCY WILL IMMEDIATELY ABSORB THE DROP OF WATER, WHICH SHOULD SPREAD UNIFORMLY IN ALL DIRECTIONS.

How does the absorbency of a fabric affect it?

A fabric may become unattractive sooner than it becomes worn out. In addition to absorbency, other properties, such as texture, appearance, compression, friction, etc., are modern requirements. Repeated washing of the fabric affects the water absorbing and retaining capacity of fabric.

What are the relative standards for absorbency in textiles?

The relative testing standards for absorbency are summarized in Table 13.1. Table 13.1. The relative testing standards for absorbency AATCC Test Method 79–2000, ‘Absorbency of Bleached Textiles’ proposed a standard test method, which can be applied to determine the suitability of a fabric for a particular use, as in the case of gauze or toweling.

How is the absorbency of Terry fabric determined?

ASTM D 4772–97, ‘Standard test method for surface water absorption of terry fabric (water flow)’ presented another method to determine the ability of terry fabric to absorb surface water and retain moisture from surfaces such as human skin, dishes and furniture.

Which is an example of the absorbency of a material?

Absorbency is the key property of materials used in the construction of NHMs.63 A hygiene material should be very soft to the touch, maintaining high integrity while being stretched. For example, in a disposable diaper, it is highly desirable to have soft, strong, nonwoven components, such as topsheets or back sheets (also known as outer covers).