Experimental investigation on the surface humidity of fabric during the process of dynamic moisture liberation

Purpose: In this study, a novel dynamic testing method was established to measure the moisture variation of fabric surface during the process of moisture liberation in simulated windy condition. The paper aims to discuss these issues Design/methodology/approach: In this method, the samples were rotating during the test process so as to simulate the external windy environment. Effects of simulated wind speed, moisture regains and fabric materials on the surface moisture of fabric were investigated. Findings: Experimental results showed that the surface moisture presented a trapezoidal moisture liberation curve, it increased at first, then kept stable for a while, and decreased finally with the increase of time. It took longer time for the fabric to complete the liberation process when the moisture regain of the fabric increased or the simulated wind speed decreased. The fiber materials of the fabric affected the time for the moisture liberation process under a specific windy condition. Practical implications: This study will benefit the designing and development of clothing such as sportswear. Originality/value: A dynamic testing method was proposed to characterize the surface humidity of textiles under simulated windy conditions.