New methodology and instrument for determination of the isothermal drying rate of cotton and polypropylene fabrics at constant air velocity

Abstract

The most important parameters characterizing thermal comfort of garments are thermal resistance and water vapour permeability. Contrary to common garments, protective and sport garments (dresses) are often used in wet state (due to the absorbed sweat), which affects their comfort properties. That is why testing of both mentioned parameters in recent became important, along with the determination of the drying rate and drying time of sport dresses and underwear. However, current method of the drying rate mostly does not enable reliable measurement of this parameter, mostly due to non-isothermal conditions during the measurement and unknown velocity of the drying rate. In the article, a new method and instrument determination of the isothermal drying rate and drying time of sport dresses and underwear are presented, which is executed under at constant velocity of the parallel air flow. The reliability of the instrument and related method was verified by determination of the drying rate of selected woven fabrics.