What are the moisture absorption properties of polyester nonwoven fabrics?

2025-12-03 14:13:06

The moisture absorption properties of polyester nonwoven fabrics mainly depend on the hydrophobic properties of the fibers themselves and the microstructure design of the material. As a synthetic fiber, polyester fiber contains ester groups in its molecular structure, which gives it low moisture absorption. Under standard conditions, the moisture absorption rate of polyester fibers is typically low, allowing polyester nonwoven fabrics to maintain good dimensional stability and mechanical properties even in humid environments. However, this low moisture absorption also limits its performance in applications requiring rapid moisture absorption or permeability.

To improve moisture absorption properties, polyester fibers can be modified using physical or chemical methods. Physical methods include altering the fiber surface morphology, such as increasing the surface roughness through plasma treatment or mechanical abrasion, thereby improving its hydrophilicity. Chemical methods include grafting hydrophilic groups, such as hydroxyl or carboxyl groups, onto the fiber surface, or introducing hydrophilic segments into the polyester molecular chain through copolymerization modification. These modification methods can significantly improve the moisture absorption of polyester nonwoven fabrics while maintaining their original mechanical properties.

The structural design of nonwoven fabrics also affects their moisture absorption properties. By adjusting the fiber arrangement density and porosity, the air permeability and moisture absorption rate of the material can be controlled. High-porosity nonwoven fabrics provide more surface area and channels, facilitating moisture adsorption and diffusion. Composite multilayer structures can also achieve directional moisture absorption or wicking, for example, by combining hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers to achieve a one-way moisture wicking effect. These structural optimization methods offer more possibilities for the moisture absorption performance of polyester nonwoven fabrics in specific applications.