The term "quick-dry" is a direct translation from English words like "QUICK-DRY" or "DRY-EASY." Quick-dry refers to fabrics that, compared to wool or cotton fabrics under the same external conditions, can evaporate moisture and dry more quickly.
Performance of Quick-Dry:
Some people find quick-dry clothing mysterious, assuming it involves a lot of high-tech components. However, most quick-dry clothing is made from synthetic fabrics. The unique benefits come from the different processing techniques used. These fabrics are generally not very absorbent, have good breathability (depending on the material), possess some degree of water resistance, and dry faster than ordinary clothing when exposed to body heat or wind.
Principles of Quick-Dry:
For waterproof and breathable quick-dry garments, the main principles from a technical standpoint include:
Microscopic Difference in Diameter:
The difference in diameter between water droplets and water or air molecules. Even the smallest water droplet is much larger than water or air molecules. By controlling the fabric’s pore size to be between the smallest water droplet and the largest water or air molecule, water droplets cannot penetrate, but water and air molecules can pass through freely.
Fabrics made this way are called superfine high-density or special high-density fabrics. Such fabrics have been around for a long time, previously seen in the market as fabrics that could hold water without it penetrating. These fabrics are lightweight, durable, breathable, and soft but lose their waterproof properties over time and are expensive to manufacture.
Microporous Membrane:
A microporous membrane with pore sizes between the smallest water droplet and the largest water or air molecule is combined with an outer fabric to give the fabric waterproof and breathable properties. These membranes can be made by biaxially stretching the film, adding fillers to create voids, or using laser technology to create pores.
Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Interactions:
Different hydrophilic and hydrophobic components within the fabric interact to achieve waterproof and breathable effects. Water molecules, due to hydrogen bonds and other molecular forces, transfer from a high humidity side to a low humidity side through hydrophilic groups in the polymer chains.
Shape Memory Polymers:
Shape memory polymers have molecular chains that change their permeability with temperature and humidity, providing a "smart" effect that adjusts to different conditions. This type of fabric does not rely on pores, thus avoiding blockage issues, and can change breathability with body temperature.
For quick-dry clothing that is not waterproof but dries quickly, the technology is less complex. These are generally synthetic fabrics with characteristics like not being waterproof but not absorbing water either, and having good breathability. They dry quickly under body heat or wind once they are not continuously exposed to sweat or other moisture.
Water-Repellent, Waterproof, Breathable, Windproof Properties:
Water-Repellent:
Fabrics treated with water-repellent agents form beads of water on the surface without absorbing or spreading moisture, similar to the lotus effect. This is achieved by applying a fine "needle bed" structure to the fabric, reducing surface tension so that water forms droplets and rolls off. If this structure is flattened or covered with oil, the water-repellent property diminishes significantly.
Waterproof:
Prevents water penetration using waterproof membranes. These membranes are often delicate, so they need to be combined with outer and inner fabrics to be effective. Waterproof ability is measured by hydrostatic pressure, with a value over 1000mm indicating basic waterproof capability.
Breathable:
Refers to the indirect breathability of waterproof membranes. Sweat is absorbed by a hydrophilic membrane, moves to the outer layer due to humidity differences, and then evaporates. This process allows moisture to escape while preventing water ingress.
Windproof:
All fabrics have some degree of wind resistance, with tightly woven fabrics providing better protection. High-quality fabrics balance breathability and wind resistance for optimal performance.
By understanding these properties, you can better appreciate the functionality and versatility of quick-dry fabrics in various applications.
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