Abstract
To enable the simultaneous determination of both the speed and extent of liquid absorption in cotton fabrics, we have developed a radial, horizontal wicking experiment. The initial part of the absorbed mass versus time profile is linear, which allows us to determine the wicking rate. After a given time, a constant mass is reached, corresponding to the liquid absorption capacity of the fabric. Using the method proposed, we show that a fabric conditioner does not affect the physical characteristics. such as porosity and pore size, and hence the water absorption capacity of cotton terry. On the other hand, there is a pronounced effect on the wicking rate. Based on the experimentally determined values of the contact angle of water on the treated fabrics, the differences in wicking rates as a function of the kind of fabric conditioner can be ascribed to differences in wettability.
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