Abstract
The correlation between wetting properties and water absorbency was investigated for cellulosic and polyester fabrics soiled with various oily substances. As a measure of the wettability of oil, the work of adhesion between oil and water was estimated from surface and interfacial tension data. Water contact angles against the oily soiled cellophane and polyester films were measured to examine the wettability of the soiled surface. These wetting data were plotted against the water absorbency of the rayon and polyester fabrics soiled with oil. The results show good correlation between the wettability of oil or of the oily soiled surface and the liquid water uptake of the fabrics. However, the differences between the geometric structures of the fabrics and plain surfaces must be considered in further discussions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.