Fundamentals of Moisture Transport in Textiles: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies

Magnetic resonance imaging has been used to visualize moisture distribution in cut-pile nylon carpet following the dyeing and finishing process and before it enters the dryer. At moisture levels typical of those following hydro-extraction (i.e., ~70%), water is concentrated within the carpet yarns of the backing. From optical micrographs, it can be seen that this is the same region as the smallest capillaries. Through-flow drying was simulated inside the MRI scanner. Overall drying rate at room temperature and constant air flow (3 L/min) does not depend on whether air is blown on backing or on carpet face. However, local drying rates do depend on whether air hits the backing or the surface first. When air is blown on the backing, pile and backing region reach same low moisture levels at the same time. When air is blown on the carpet surface, tufts dry faster and backing dries slower. Based on these results, a potentially faster drying process is proposed. Introduction Innovative and improved manufacturing processes can only be developed if the interactions between process chemicals and textile products are understood on a fundamental level. For example, current drying processes can be made much more efficient, migration