Understanding Wicking Fabrics (3/4)

As previously discussed – at its core, wicking involves the transport of liquid, in this case, sweat, through capillary channels within a fabric. Standardized test methods, such as the Vertical Wicking Test (AATCC 197) , evaluate a material’s wicking performance. This “wicking” describes the spread of moisture across the surface of the fabric; It DOES NOT evaluate the capillary action that pulls moisture away from the skin. 

The effectiveness of moisture-wicking fabric can be attributed to its structure, fiber composition, and introduction of chemicals during the finishing process.  These chemicals vary in composition and utility but all play a crucial role in enhancing the moisture management performance of textiles. Here are some common chemical methods used to enhance wicking performance:

Methods for Achieving Moisture Control

1. Hydrophilic Finishes: Hydrophilic chemicals are applied to fabrics to increase their affinity for water. These finishes modify the surface tension of the fibers, allowing them to attract and absorb moisture more readily. As a result, the fabric can efficiently transport perspiration , promoting quicker evaporation, and keeping the wearer dry.
2. Ionic Treatments: Some textiles undergo ionic treatments to modify the surface charge of the fibers. This alteration can influence the interaction between the fabric and water molecules, facilitating quicker moisture absorption and transportation.
3. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Coatings:** While not directly related to wicking, DWR coatings are often applied to individual yarns which make up the entire fabric.  These coatings create a water-resistant barrier on the individual yarn surface, preventing it from becoming saturated with water. The interacted of the coated and non-coated yarns work symbiotically to achieve wicking performance. 

It’s important to note that the choice of chemical treatments depends on the intended application of the fabric and the desired balance between moisture-wicking performance, durability, and other functional properties. Additionally, advancements in textile research continue to introduce new and innovative chemical technologies to further enhance wicking capabilities in fabrics.

Stay tuned for our next post - The TurboDry® Difference - or follow the link to read our full article Understanding Wicking – Is There A New Standard on our blog.