Some Moisture Relations of Wool and Several Synthetic Fibers and Blends

Abstract

A variety of fibers in similar knit structures were studied to determine the effect of inherent fiber properties on speed of drying under ordinary household conditions. The major part of the drying cycle from near-saturation down to within 15% regain above a 100% R.H. equilibrium moisture regain is characterized by a constancy in evaporation rate. This rate, in grams/centimeter squared/hour, is equal, irrespective of fiber content, except that smooth-surfaced, nonhairy fabrics exhibit somewhat higher rates. Total drying time, under household drying conditions, is dependent upon the ratio of moisture uptake to peripheral surface area of fabric. The rate of capillary migration is shown to be high for the smooth-surfaced fibers and low for wool, with the rate increasing with increasing non-wool content in a series of tropical suiting fabrics.