A FRAMEWORK FOR THE ANALYSIS OF LIQUID PENETRATION IN HYDROPHOBIC NONWOVEN FABRICS HAVING DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL DESIGNS

摘要

The time needed for a liquid droplet to completely penetrate into a nonwoven fabric is important in the performance of certain protective clothing, sportswear, hygiene and medical fabrics. Liquids are usually absorbed into the fabric by capillary pressure; however, liquids may not readily penetrate nonwoven fabrics when the fibres are hydrophobic. The liquid penetration into nonwoven fabrics is also related to fabric structure as well as fibre properties and liquid properties. The mechanism of liquid penetration is analysed and the requirements for liquid penetration into nonwoven fabrics are given based on a consideration of fabric structure, fibre surface tension and fibre morphology.