What is Moisture Recovery?
Moisture recovery is an important property of textile fibers as it relates to their ability to absorb and retain moisture. Fibers with high moisture recovery are desirable for garments and textiles as they can help to keep the wearer comfortable by absorbing sweat and moisture, and releasing it back into the air as the humidity decreases.
Moisture recovery is measured by exposing a dry fiber to a controlled environment of 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 65% relative humidity. The fiber is allowed to absorb moisture until it reaches equilibrium with the environment, and the weight of the fiber is measured.
The moisture recovery is expressed as a percentage of the weight of dry fiber. A high moisture recovery value indicates that the fiber is able to absorb and retain a significant amount of moisture, while a low value indicates the opposite.
This property is particularly important for active wear and sports clothing as it helps to regulate body temperature and prevent discomfort caused by excess moisture.
Textiles with high moisture recovery are generally more comfortable to wear, as they are able to maintain their softness and flexibility even after exposure to moisture. They are also less likely to develop unpleasant odors or become damaged by exposure to sweat or other sources of moisture.
Natural fibers like cotton and wool generally have good moisture recovery, while synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon may have lower moisture recovery. However, advances in technology have led to the development of moisture-wicking synthetic fibers that can perform well in this area too.
