Capillary pressure and liquid wicking in three-dimensional nonwoven materials

The capillary pressure and liquid wicking in fibrous nonwoven materials depend on the structural arrangement of fibers in three dimensions, which is influenced by the method and conditions used to manufacture the material. By adapting the hydraulic radius mechanism and drag force theory, a model is established for predicting the directional capillary pressure in three-dimensional nonwoven materials. As a case study, equations to predict the velocity of liquid wicking in a one-dimensional wicking strip test for nonwovens having a three-dimensional fiber orientation distribution are given based on the newly established capillary pressure model. These models and equations are based on measurable structural parameters including the fiber orientation distribution, fiber diameter, and fabric porosity.