Three-dimensional spiral model of the wicking effect for continuous polyester filaments

Abstract

The wicking effect constitutes a pivotal determinant in facilitating the ingress and transference of liquid water within yarns and fabrics. Its significance looms prominently in the context of subsequent product processing, particularly concerning the immersion and interface bonding of textile matrix composites. The twist exerts profound influence over the fiber disposition and density within yarns, as well as the yarn and the wicking pathways for liquid water. We use a mathematical model grounded in the three-dimensional helical capillary permeation mechanism, inherently linked to the twist factor. This model operates under the assumption that the yarn's fibers exhibit uniform diameters and arrangements. Leveraging the macroscopic force equilibrium method, a function of liquid capillary rise with wicking time was deduced. and the dynamic progression of liquid water ascent within the yarn was simulated using the COMSOL platform. Subsequently, a series of wicking experiments were executed on polyester filament yarns, each characterized by varying twist levels. The results revealed that the experimental data coincided well with the theoretical prediction, thus affirming the model's accuracy.