Wicking mechanisms in yarns—the key to fabric wicking performance

In view of the interest in wicking as an alleged comfort feature for active and leisure wear an analysis of the wicking and liquid retention properties of nylon 6.6 continuous and textured filament yarns commonly used for lightweight high performance woven fabrics was carried out taking into consideration the effects of yarn structure and static tension. The yarn wicking performance was significantly affected by the tension applied and the twist inserted. The heterogeneity of pore size, shape and orientation affected the penetration of the liquid into the yarn structure and hence its liquid retention properties as exhibited by the textured continuous filament yarns. Microscopic examination of the yarns showed unsaturated, saturated and dry zones.