Purpose of Test
The airflow method evaluates the drying rate of fabric based on its absorbent capacity. The test involves having a fabric absorb a given amount of water, applying a vertical airflow in controlled conditions, then testing the material.
This drying rate test is not recommended for textiles taken from:
- Socks
- Hosiery
Terminology Defined
Drying Rate – This is controlled by the rate at which the heat is applied to the fabric, the rate at which the moisture is released from the surface, and the rate at which the moist air is removed from the fabric.
Absorbent Capacity – The ratio of water absorbed by the fabric in saturated weight over the weight of the dry fabric.
Airflow Method – The usage of vertical airflow to pass through the fabric in a circular opening to determine the drying rate.
AATCC 200 Drying Rate Tester – A professionally designed equipment used for determining the drying rate of fabrics using the airflow method.
Test Method
Materials Used for Test
- Test specimen
- Water
- AATCC 200 Drying Rate Tester
Testing Procedure
A certain amount of water is absorbed by the test specimen which is placed on a drying rate tester and driven by a vertical airflow in controlled conditions. The drying rate is evaluated through the use of standard calculations.
Test Procedure (Summary)
Part 1: Water absorption: The test starts with the delivery of a small volume of water to the test specimen.
Part 2: Calculation of the drying rate tester: The test is performed using the drying rate tester. Upon completion of the test, the test specimen’s drying rate under standard test conditions is measured through specific calculations.