Moisture Management Properties of Untreated and Scoured Cotton and Bamboo Knitted Fabrics

Abstract

Moisture management properties are an important factor that could decide the comfort level of clothing worn by humans. This is largely dependent on the type of fiber and fabric structure of the fabric. In this study, the moisture management properties of untreated and scoured 100% cotton, 100% bamboo and 50/50% bamboo/cotton knitted fabrics were investigated. It was found that the 100% cotton and 100% bamboo fabrics, either untreated or scoured, gave good to excellent overall moisture management capability (OMMC) indicating water penetration fabric with small spreading area. The 50/50% bamboo/cotton fabrics were graded as having poor OMMC which means that fabrics are slow in liquid absorption, drying and spreading of the liquid. It can be said that the moisture management properties depends on the fiber types and ratio of yarn combination.