Determining the Dynamic Efficiency with which wiping Materials Remove Liquids from Surfaces

Abstract

While a number of tests exist to characterize wiping materials for their capacity and rate of sorption, none of these static tests describe how effectively a wiper will remove liquid from a surface under dynamic conditions of use. This paper describes the development and application of a test for dynamic wiping efficiency, or “wipe-dry,” under conditions similar to manual wiping operations. The method was used to characterize 11 commercially available fabrics used as wipers in industrial, food service, and cleanroom applications. As a class, fabrics constructed by hydroentangling generally outperformed those made by other means. Of those, fabrics with bulky character exhibited superior wipe-dry. Also included are comparative data of sorbent capacity, rate of sorption and bursting strength.

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