Overview
ISO 13029:2012 is an international standard that specifies a precise method for determining the drying rate of textile fabrics in a dynamic state using the modified sweating-guarded hotplate (SGHP). This method targets fabric products designed for sportswear, leisure apparel, underwear, and other textiles in direct contact with the skin during normal use. The drying rate measurement helps evaluate the moisture-management capabilities of fabrics by simulating real-life sweating conditions where heat and moisture continuously interact with the textile’s surface.
This standard is applicable to textiles that are permeable to water vapor and less than 5 mm thick, ensuring relevance for moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics. The testing conditions replicate dynamic states of drying, closely mimicking human body heat and sweat evaporation processes, unlike conventional steady-state drying tests.
Key Topics
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Dynamic Drying Rate Measurement
ISO 13029 defines drying rate as the time required for a specimen saturated with a specific volume of distilled water (5 ml) to return to its initial steady-state water vapor condition under controlled isothermal conditions (35 °C, 40% RH). This simulates the continuous moisture and heat exposure fabrics experience in use.
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Modified Sweating-Guarded Hotplate Apparatus
The testing uses a modified SGHP device compliant with ISO 11092 but enhanced with a water input system delivering water precisely onto the specimen surface. This allows standardized and repeatable wetting followed by measurement of the drying process.
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Water Vapour Resistance (Ret)
The standard incorporates the measurement of water vapour resistance to understand the fabric’s breathability and moisture transfer, which directly impacts drying performance. Conditions prevent vapor condensation, providing accurate drying rate data.
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Test Procedure and Calculation
The procedure includes specimen preparation, conditioning, measurement of vapor resistance, wetting with distilled water, and timing the drying process. Drying time is calculated by identifying starting and ending points of drying using changes in vapor resistance, then expressed in seconds per 5ml of water.
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Reporting and Repeatability
The test report must list sample identification, testing conditions, number of specimens, drying rates (average and variation), and any deviations from the procedure. Annex A presents an example comparing drying rates among four polyester knitted fabrics, showcasing repeatability and capability to quantify drying performance differences.
Applications
ISO 13029:2012 supports professionals in the textile industry, including:
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Sportswear and Activewear Manufacturing
Designing and selecting fabrics with optimal moisture management to improve wearer comfort and performance.
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Underwear and Leisure Apparel Production
Ensuring fabrics maintain dryness and reduce clamminess during wear.
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Textile Research & Development
Evaluating new fabric innovations incorporating sweat-wicking and quick-drying technologies through consistent and reliable drying rate testing.
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Quality Control
Verifying product claims related to moisture management and establishing benchmarks for drying performance in various fabric constructions.
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Comparative Textile Testing
Comparing different fabric samples, fiber compositions, or finishes to guide material selection based on objective drying rate data.
Related Standards
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ISO 11092: Physiological Effects of Textiles
Provides foundational methods for measuring thermal and water-vapour resistance of textiles in steady-state conditions, upon which the modified method in ISO 13029 builds.
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AATCC Test Method 195: Liquid Moisture Management Properties
Offers complementary dynamic measurements of moisture transport in textiles, broadening the understanding of moisture-management beyond drying rate.
Keywords: ISO 13029, textile drying rate, moisture management textiles, sweating-guarded hotplate, fabric drying test, water vapor resistance, sportswear fabric testing, quick-drying textiles, moisture-wicking fabrics, dynamic drying measurement, international textile standards.