THE COMPARISON OF QUICK DRYING CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT-WEIGHT WARP KNITTED TOWELS

Towels can be produced in the range of 300 to 900 g/m2 weight and they are generally desired to have high water absorption ability and softness. Although high weighted towels absorb more water, they need too much time for washing and drying processes which cause more energy consumption. Light-weighted towels are washed and dried easily compared to their high weighted counterparts. In this study, light weight warp knitted towels were produced and their quick drying characteristics were investigated and compared to the other medium weighted towels. These fabrics had different fiber blend ratios such as 100% polyester (PES), 90% cotton (CO)-10% polyester (PES), 80% cotton (CO)-20% polyester (PES), 50% cotton (CO)-50% polyester (PES), and 100% cotton. Two different liquid absorbency measurement tests and one drying rate test were carried out to determine the wetting and drying performance properties of warp knitted towel samples. The results exhibit that, all types of towels exhibited good liquid absorption properties except one sided velvet and one sided terry towel types. All warp knitted towels displayed excellent to good drying rates due to their polyester yarn content. 100% polyester fabrics displayed excellent drying rates and excellent liquid absorption properties. Thus, these fabrics can be used as quick drying bathrobes, beach wear and any other applicable product design