Studies on the Moisture Management Characteristics of Spunlace Nonwoven Fabric

Liquid moisture transfer, sweat absorbency and sweat drying in clothing have a significant influence on the wearer’s perception. Moisture management is one of the key performance criteria in determining the comfort level of fabric. It is thus important to study the moisture management characteristics of spunlace nonwoven fabric to investigate the possibility of its use in apparel. In the present study, spunlace nonwoven fabrics were produced by varying waterjet pressure, delivery speed, web mass and web composition. The effect of different parameters on various properties of the moisture management tester was studied using a response surface methodology with backward elimination. The statistical analysis showed that web composition affected all parameters of the moisture management tester. Waterjet pressure and web mass do not have a significant effect on wetting time (top), absorption rate (bottom) and one-way transport capability. The effect of delivery speed was not found to be significant. The overall moisture management coefficient of all nonwoven fabrics studied was found to be very good. An increase in web mass resulted in a decrease in the overall moisture management coefficient value of nonwoven fabric, which can be halted by using higher waterjet pressure and through the proper selection of web composition. Nonwoven fabric with either 100% viscose or 50% polyester/50% viscose blended composition, with higher waterjet pressure and higher web mass, was found to be suitable for the apparel industry.