Transfer Wicking Mechanisms of Knitted Fabrics Used as Undergarments for Outdoor Activities

Abstract

This study investigates liquid transfer from fabric layer to layer and liquid interaction between different fabrics in clothing systems. A higher external pressure leads to an early onset of transfer wicking. There exists an optimum value of external pressure for the maximum water transfer. The greater the water content initially held in wet fabric, the greater the amount of water transferred. For fleece fabrics, no significant transfer wicking occurs if the raised side of the dry layer contacts either side of a wet fleece fabric layer. If the smooth side of the dry layer contacts either side of the wet fleece fabric layer, the amount of water transferred from layer to layer is greater when the fabric setting is face to face rather than face to back. An investigation of liquid interaction within clothing systems shows that the amount of liquid transferred largely depends on the performance of individual fabrics as well as the way in which they contact each other. Integrated double-sided Aquator fabrics, which serve as the first layer in the clothing system, transfer more liquid from the wet layer to the clothing system than other fabrics. Introducing a fleece fabric into the clothing system where the Aquator fabrics serve as the first layer promotes liquid transfer into the clothing system, but if polyester eyelet knit fabric serves as the first layer, introducing a fleece fabric decreases the amount of liquid transfer from the wet layer to the clothing system.