Analysis of comfort and moisture management behavior of single jersey plated knitted fabric from structurally modified airvortex and ring spun yarns

Purpose With modern consumers learning about active lifestyles, the market for moisture management fabrics is growing, pushing apparel manufacturers to innovate and improve textile technologies to meet their need. Enhancing the comfort properties of fabrics, by improving their ability to absorb and dissipate moisture quickly, thereby keeping the wearer dry and comfortable which is essential in high humidity regions like India. This study explores the development of innovative, high-performance fabrics with superior moisture management capabilities by creating structurally modified viscose air vortex and ring spun yarns. Design/methodology/approach Viscose and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers were blended in different proportions to produce air vortex and ring spun yarns and single jersey plated knitted fabrics were developed, using the modified viscose yarn as the face side and micro-denier polyester yarn as the back side. The PVA fiber portions are then dissolved, creating micropores within the yarn structure, which enhances their moisture absorption and release properties. The fabrics have been analyzed for their various comfort and moisture management properties using moisture management tester and are analyzed. Findings PVA blending followed by dissolution successfully created micro-porous viscose yarns, improving moisture transport in all fabrics. Increasing PVA content enhanced wicking, air permeability, thermal conductivity, and overall moisture management, though at the expense of yarn strength, particularly in air-vortex yarns. Compared to ring-spun fabrics, air-vortex fabrics consistently exhibited superior moisture transport, with higher wicking height, absorption rate, spreading speed, one-way transport capacity, and overall moisture management capacity (OMMC), despite slightly slower surface wetting. These improvements are attributed to the more open yarn and fabric structure formed after PVA removal. Originality/value Structurally modified air vortex and ring spun viscose yarns had shown overall improvement in moisture management properties of fabrics. The authors are confident that the development of such fabrics with superior moisture management properties can lead to advancements in textile technology and better performance in activewear ensuring that they meet the requirements of today's discerning consumers.