Examining absorbency properties of the pile loop knitted fabrics with moisture management tester

Abstract

Pile loop knitted fabrics including the form-fitting properties of single jersey are much popular and generally used in clothing such as leisurewear, sportswear, sock etc. though they are terry fabric and the using with the aim of drying expectation. In this study, water absorption properties of pile loop knitted fabrics were investigated in a moisture management tester. For this purpose, twelve pile loop knitted fabrics were obtained by using 100% carded cotton ring spun yarns with Ne 30, Ne 24 yarn numbers as pile yarn, and 100% polyester filament yarn with 70 denier and 90 denier as ground yarn at three different sinker heights which are 2.2 mm, 2.5 mm and 2.8 mm. After knitting, pile loop knit fabrics were dyed in the same processes including scouring, dying, and washing processes. Physical properties of the fabrics were measured according to relevant standards. As for absorption properties of the fabrics were determined according to AATCC 195 standard in SDL Atlas Moisture Management Tester. The study revealed that bottom absorption rate and spreading speed is higher than top absorption rate and spreading speed for all pile loop knitted fabrics. The pile loop knitted fabrics having higher pile show slightly better absorption rate in comparison the pile loop knitted fabrics having lower pile. For different pile heights, top absorption rate is less influenced by pile yarn count whereas bottom absorption rate much affected. Liquid transport capability (OWTC) of the pile loop knitted fabrics containing coarse pile yarn in low sinker height is better, whereas it is better in the fabrics containing fine pile yarn in high sinker height. Moisture management performance (OMMC) is higher in the fabrics having low sinker height, fine ground and pile yarn.