Analysis of water absorbency into knitted spacer structures

The absorbency properties of knitted structures are very important in designing garments that both remove liquid sweat from the skin and provide tactile and sensorial comfort to the wearer. Water absorbency by knitted spacer structures was experimentally investigated using a gravimetric absorbency tester to record absorbency rate, total absorbency, and time taken to saturate the structure. The geometry of spacer structures was analyzed and a model created to define the capillary characteristic in the spacer yarn. Absorbency into the spacer structures was modeled using the fabric parameters, the capillary radius, and the properties of water. Experimental and theoretical results were compared to validate the models