Introduction to moisture-wicking fabrics

There are three main transmission pathways for water vapor through fabrics: first, water vapor diffuses through the micropores in the fabric; second, the fiber itself absorbs moisture and escapes at a place with low water vapor pressure in the fabric; third, a large number of water molecules will produce condensation, And it diffuses through capillary action, and more evaporation occurs where the water vapor pressure is low. The amount of moisture absorbed, transferred, and escaped through fibers is related to the fibers used in the fabric, the amount of moisture absorbed, the degree of expansion, and the pores and channels in the fibers.

Moisture-wicking functional fabrics require non-absorbent fabrics that are both absorbent and quick-drying. Polyester fiber has a highly crystalline molecular chain structure. This structure makes polyester have the disadvantages of low water absorption and poor moisture permeability in terms of moisture absorption performance, but this also gives it excellent quick-drying ability. Natural fibers such as cotton have a large number of voids in the fiber structure that make them excellent in hygroscopic properties. However, the expansion effect after absorbing water strengthens the holding power of moisture, thus causing defects in quick-drying properties.

Generally speaking, moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking functional fabrics use the capillary phenomenon generated by the micro-grooves on the fiber surface to allow sweat to quickly migrate to the surface of the fabric and evaporate through wicking, diffusion, transmission, etc., thereby achieving moisture conduction and quick drying. Purpose. It can be said that the capillary effect is a commonly used and intuitive method that can express the sweat absorption and diffusion capabilities of fabrics. Some people also call moisture-absorbing and sweat-wicking fibers breathable fibers, which are functional fibers focusing on moisture absorption, sweat-wicking and underwear comfort.