Water & Fabric Relationship
The relationship between water and fabric is that fabric can absorb and repel water. The increase
in the amount of fiber content in cotton can lead to higher water uptake and take more time to
dry. On the other hand, both acrylic and polyester are hydrophobic and tend to repel water,
creating droplets. Both acrylic and polyester do not absorb as much water as hydrophilic fabrics
like cotton.
Water proof: To treat textile material e.g. with fats, waxes or rubber, to prevent the absorption
of water. Waterproof fabric is any fabric that is treated to resist wetting and the penetration of
water. Manufactured from fibers like acrylic, cotton, polyester, polyurethane (PU), and vinyl
(PVC), Waterproof fabric can be woven, knit, or extruded. Waterproof fabric is available in a
variety of colors and patterns, and can be further treated to be mold resistant, mildew resistant,
and UV resistant. Also, Waterproof fabric is available in vibrant colors, printed patterns,
and designer brands.
Waterproof fabric has a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. Use Waterproof
fabric to create decors like draperies, shower curtains, pillows, picnic blankets, and table covers.
Additionally, Waterproof fabric can be used to upholster and line outdoor furniture and make
structures like tents and coverings. Furthermore, accessories and apparel like raincoats,
sportswear, and bags can be made from Waterproof fabric. The additions may be:
Physical films
Physical coatings
Physically combined.
Shower proof: Showerproof fabric is fabric that resists water. You could pour a glass of water
over it and watch the liquid simply form beads and run off. However for a garment to be
completely waterproof it must have its seams specially sealed on the inside and a protected zip,
so that rain cannot get inside at all. To treat textile materials in a manner to delay the absorption
and penetration of water. The fabrics retain a degree of permeability to air. A fabric can be made
shower proof:
By proper choice of fiber and of yarn
By proper choice of fabric construction
Water repellent: A state characterized by the non-spreading of a globule of water on a textile
material. E.g. Rain coat, breathable water proof fabric. Water-repellent fabrics must be tight
enough to prevent water from penetrating the fabric; however, in order to provide comfort to the
wearer, they must be breathable; that is, they must allow moisture vapour (or air) to pass through
the fabric. These fabrics are made with a special finish that repels water, so that furniture and
accessories stay dry and clean. Water-repellent fabrics are easy to clean and stain-resistant,
making them ideal for everyday use. This type of material makes the entire product more
resistant by preventing stains and facilitating their removal. Water-repellent fabrics resist stains,
limiting the use of the washing machine and chemical detergents for cleaning, saving money and
limiting pollution, making them a convenient and sustainable choice.
Wettability:
Wettability is the character of a given material, e.g., fiber, yarn, filament, fabric or non-woven
mat, that allows liquids to adhere to its surface. The wettability of a liquid is defined as the
contact angle between a droplet of the liquid in thermal equilibrium on a horizontal surface.
Depending on the type of surface and liquid the droplet may take a variety of shapes as
illustrated in figure. The wetting angle θ is given by the angle between the interface of the
droplet and the horizontal surface. The liquid is seemed wetting when 90<θ<180 degrees and
non-wetting when 0<θ<90. θ=0,180 degrees correspond to perfect wetting and the drop spreads
forming a film on the surface.
Some related term to water resistance are:
Shower resistant
Rain resistant
Storm resistant
Shower resistant:
Provide protection from light rain but will be penetrated by a heavy rain after 15 minutes.
Rain resistant:
Provide protection for a few hours of exposure in a moderate rain.
Storm resistant:
Provide resistance to penetrate water for many hours.
