Standards Update - Liquid Moisture Management, New AATCC and GB Standards

Release Date 01.10.09

Editor’s note: This article is featured in the Fall 2009 issue of SDL Atlas Update, the company’s quarterly newsletter. To sign-up to receive the newsletter, send us an e-mail at info@sdlatlas.com.

AATCC has completed the lengthy approval process for a new test method titled AATCC Test Method 195-2009 Liquid Moisture Management Properties of Textile Fabrics. The purpose and scope of this new test method state that this procedure is for the measurement, evaluation, and classification of liquid moisture management properties of textile fabrics. The test method produces objective measurements of liquid moisture management properties of knitted, woven, and nonwoven textile fabrics. The results obtained with this test method are based on water resistance, water repellency, and water absorption characteristics of the fabric structure, including the fabric’s geometric and internal structure and the wicking characteristics of its fibers and yarn.

Test method approval within AATCC is a major step for any new technology, since the process requires that all committee members fully agree on the method. Every objection and negative must be carefully considered. Complete agreement is required before a method can advance to publication. Copies of the new AATCC TM195 method may be ordered online from www.aatcc.org.

The SDL Atlas MMT Moisture Management Tester has received wide global approval and use for its ability to simply and objectively measure the important moisture handling characteristics of the newest fabric technologies for technical textiles and traditional textiles used in performance apparel.

Over 40 units are in regular use in laboratories within Asia, the Americas and Europe.

Also, the newly adopted GB/T 21655.2 test method (Textiles – Evaluation of Absorption and Quick-Drying – Part 2: Method for Moisture Management Tests) passed the approval process in June 2009 and will be effective on February 1, 2010.